Kingston Port still $8K shy of paying off July 4 celebration bill
Jul 02 2008
KINGSTON — Looking forward to the weekend’s scheduled Independence Day celebrations, it’s hard to focus on anything but promises of picnics, fireworks and flags boasting red, white and blue.
However, for Pete DeBoer, 62, Port of Kingston Commissioner and the lead fundraiser for Kingston’s Fourth of July, there is one thing weighing heavily on his mind: money.
There is still not enough to foot the bill for Kingston’s Fourth of July bash, he said.
In fact, they are still $8,000 short.
“The goal was $35,000. We’ve received $27,000,” he said.
This includes a check from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe written for $11,500 and presented Monday morning.
“We really do appreciate that but that covers just the fireworks, everything else isn’t covered,” he said. “The big surprise is that the people who have given in the past aren’t giving this year. We are happy to have what we have but I’m still on the hunt.”
When he’s not thinking about the financial shortfall, DeBoer said he is looking forward to taking a breather while watching the live bands scheduled for the day.
Headlining is Freddie Pink.
“We thought we would try something new this year,” DeBoer said. “They are a large and talented Northwest band. They have quite a following and play at a lot of big festivals.”
Opening that day at 4:30 p.m. is local band, The Blues Counselors, made up of six teachers and counselors from Wolfle Elementary, Breidablik Elementary and Olympic College.
House of Cards is set to take the stage after.
That morning, the Fourth kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
From there, for the first year ever, North Enders can run off those morning pancakes in the Kingston Community 5K Fun Run. The race begins at 8:45 a.m. behind the Chamber of Commerce at the corner of West Kingston Road. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. It is $10 to enter.
Parade goers will step into the streets of Kingston, starting at the Kingston Thriftway at noon, which gives runners time to drink plenty of water and even take a nap in the sun.
Downtown Kingston Association (DKA) will once again host the famed Ball Race on Central Avenue following the parade at about 1:30 p.m.
“The Ball Race is one of our major fundraisers for the (downtown) flower baskets,” said Karen Ross, of DKA.
Cost is $1 per ball, which can still be purchased at the Kingston Chamber or American Marine Bank. Prizes are awarded to winners.
The much anticipated half-hour long firework show, put on by Western Display Fireworks will light off at dusk.
Also this weekend, Tiny Town at Kola Kole Park is set once again to run starting Thursday morning through Friday evening. Because no town is complete without slug races, the slimy little guys will compete both days. Dance performances and live bands will entertain crowds on the main stage.
“We have the music and have plenty of sunshine scheduled hopefully this year,” DeBoer said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Donations to the committees of the Fourth of July can be sent to PO Box 1505, Kingston, WA 98346.
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