Sammamish celebrates first Independence Day since pandemic

On a sunny Monday evening, Sammamish held its first “Fourth on the Plateau” event in two years. The Independence Day celebration took place in the Sammamish upper and lower commons, adjacent to the YMCA. 

At 6:00 p.m., the event kicked off with a performance of the national anthem by Master Chorus Eastside, followed by Mayor Kali Clark’s opening speech thanking volunteers and sponsors, including World Taekwondo Center, YogaSix Sammamish, and PORTH – Personalized Orthodontics. 

The festivities included live music performances by 3 Trick Pony and SWAY Band, as well as booths, activities, and food trucks. There was an extensive variety of food options, including crepes by Blichiki, Indian food by the Vedic Cultural Center, and classics like an ice cream cart run by Kiwanis volunteers. The lower commons was filled with booths hosted by various organizations such as Eastside Fire and Rescue and Timberlake Church. Bouncy houses were on site for the enjoyment of younger children. 

Many residents were excited about this event after it was canceled for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I have missed large public gatherings and being able to meet as a community and be out and about,” said Patricia Christensen, 51.

Most people came to enjoy the event with their families.

Nicole Brion, 45, said that she most enjoyed watching her kids “have fun and hang out with all their friends.”

Srini Reddy, 49, came to the celebration with his children as well.  

“It feels so good to be here around so many people,” Reddy said. 

As the sunny sky finally grew dark close to 10:00 p.m., guests watched the traditional fireworks display. The large, bright balls of fire and color were visible from quite a distance. 

Residents are starting to feel a sense of normalcy and community again. The city has planned many summer events to preserve this feeling and attempt to move the community forward after an extremely challenging two years.