Auburn celebrates the Fourth at Les Gove Park
Published 10:30 am Friday, June 30, 2017
Auburn’s old-fashioned, hometown Fourth of July celebration comes to Les Gove Park on Tuesday.
The festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the park, 910 Ninth St. SE, offers a Kids’ Bike Parade, a variety of handcrafted artisan vendors, food concessions and activities for all ages. The main stage will feature a variety of top-level bands offering exciting performances.
Children of all ages may line up on their decorated bicycles, tricycles, strollers, wagons or unicycles for the parade beginning at 11:30 a.m. The parade begins at noon, led by festively-decorated golf carts carrying Mayor Nancy Backus, City Council members and dignitaries.
Free festival activities include bocce ball, White River Valley Museum entry, face painting, and the Museum of Curious Things.
An event wristband can be purchased for $5 and is good for unlimited games of miniature golf and R.C. Truck Racing, rides on the trackless train, pony carousel and Tubs O’ Fun, play on 17 inflatable rides, participation on the rock climbing wall and bungy trampolines and balloon art.
More than 40 craft vendors will offer hand-crafted items, from jewelry and kids’ items to fine art and candles. The Auburn Golf Course will offer mini golf, and festival-goers can admire unique cars in the car show.
The White River Valley Museum will offer free admission during the festival and the Auburn Bocce Club will provide free instruction and demos. This year’s event also features a book sale in the Les Gove Building, hosted by the Friends of the Auburn Library, bingo and a food court.
Returning is the Aerial Assault Extreme Entertainment (AAEE) team, which will provide five, 30-minute, high-energy, gravity-defying stunt shows at the festival. AAEE is a touring group of world-class entertainers and acrobats providing trampoline shows.
The energetic ’50s and ’60s rock and roll band, Wally & The Beavs, performs 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Flashback Nation rocks the stage from 1 to 2:30 p.m., performing favorites from the ’70s to today. North of 50 Band, playing Classic Rock, Oldies, Blues and Country, ends the afternoon.
For more information, visit auburnwa.gov/events or call 253-931-3043.
Also
Emerald Downs celebrates the holiday with a full racing card followed by fireworks on Monday, July 3. Gates open at 5 p.m. with first post at 6 p.m. The Fireworks Spectacular presented by Carl’s Jr. starts at about 10 p.m.
Trackside tables can be reserved for $20. Tables are sold first come-first served basis. See the attendant in the park to reserve a table.
