Happy Birthday America!
July 2, 2026
Good morning neighbors,
In two days, our country will officially turn 250 years old. When you reflect on our origins and where we are today, there is a fabric of history made up of beautiful and ugly patches. But we are here and will continue to work for the American dream that all people are created equal, and that anyone can achieve their dream in these lands.
Right now, many may not feel that those sentiments are our collective truth, but rather that we are witnessing this beautiful fabric being torn apart. I invite you all to join me in saying that we can all be part of this amazing experiment. We can be part of a democratic republic that is by the people, and for the people.
Explicitly reminding those that might be reading this that PEOPLE means everyone. No matter the color of your skin, the faith that you practice and believe in, the person you love, the gender you are, the language you speak, or your ability to exist. You are a person and, in this country, you have inalienable rights to seek life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Celebrating the 4th of July
While I had the chance to celebrate at Joint Base Lewis-McChord during Freedom Fest, we have a variety of events happening this weekend to help celebrate this milestone in our history. I hope to see you at one of these events BUT no matter how you celebrate; please be safe and have a wonderful time with family and friends.
The city of DuPont… has a variety of events for its Hometown Celebration, starting at 8 a.m. on July 4th with a Pancake Breakfast. That will leade into a parade that begins rolling at 10 a.m. After that, you can join the community for the Independence Day Parade (Bike and Buggy Parade), which will end at Clocktower Park with live music, food, games, vendors, and more. Then you can go home to recharge and return for a family movie night at 7:30 p.m., which concludes with the 4th of July Fireworks Show at dusk at City Hall.
The town of Steilacoom.... is hosting a Grand Old Steilacoom on the 4th of July, starting the morning with a fun run at 9 a.m. and a street fair on Lafayette. There will be entertainment all day on the stage near the post office, beginning at 10 a.m., and an ice cream social and tours through the history museum from noon to 4 p.m. The parade starts at 1 p.m. and runs from Rainier to Lafayette St., so get set up early and enjoy the community. Similar to DuPont, you can enjoy a break and then come back for dancing on Lafayette Street from 7 to 10 p.m. and find a place to enjoy the fireworks over the water starting at approximately 10:30 p.m.
For those who have tickets, the famous Anderson Island Salmon Bake is taking place on July 4th as well. Tickets must have been purchased in advance of the event, which is from noon to 3 p.m. There is a silent auction along with all kinds of fun for community members and visitors. Please be aware that this is a very busy day for the ferry, and if you plan to attend, try to catch a morning ferry.
Fireworks Reminders
Fireworks are a tradition for many families and neighborhoods. While my dog is not a fan, I know for many it just isn’t the 4th of July without something shooting into the sky and showering the dark with colorful lights.
As a reminder, in District 6, here are the dates and times when legal fireworks can be used.
Unincorporated Pierce County (Parkland, Anderson, and Ketron Islands, Arrowhead & Partridge Glen): July 4th, from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
DuPont: Not legal at any time
Lakewood: July 4th, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Steilacoom: Not legal at any time
Fireworks Panel Discussion | Public Safety Committee, June 8, 2026
On June 28th at 5 p.m. South Sound 9-1-1 opened its online fireworks reporting portal, which is used by ALL parts of District 6, even the cities and town. I know not everyone can or wants to report things online, but given the sheer number of significant and sometimes violent public safety issues on the 4th of July and the days surrounding it, our law enforcement officers need a way to triage calls. You can report anyone launching or setting off fireworks outside of the 4th of July.
While there may not be an immediate response, this will allow the county and the different police agencies to track hot spots. In addition, our Fire Marshall and his deputies WILL be out to enforce fireworks laws in the county and write citations when needed.
On June 8th of this year, during our Public Safety meeting, we hosted a fireworks panel, where we reviewed data and discussed how we used to respond and what changes are coming. You can watch the recording or view the presentation here. June 8, 2026, Committee Meeting
Community Connections
District 6 Library Events: Pierce County Library events and classes at the Anderson Island, DuPont, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, Steilacoom, Tillicum, and Virtual libraries.
Community Clean Up in Steilacoom: Sunday, July 5, from 8 to 9 a.m. at Pioneer Park and from 9 to 10 a.m. at Sunnyside Beach Park, to help Steilacoom clean up after the 4th of July festivities.
5th of July Walk & Talk: Sunday, July 5th at 1 p.m. You can join community historians to discuss the legend of the “First Independence Day Celebration West of the Mississippi” and see where it happened. The event starts at DuPont City Hall and is open to all who can walk on uneven ground. Children 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Historic Fort Steilacoom Old Fashioned Independence Celebration: Sunday, July 5, from 12 to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Western State Hospital (9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood). This free event provides reenactors, demos and hands-on activities for all ages.
Lakewood Concerts in the Park: Tuesday, July 7th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park, Pavilion. Enjoy the music of Harmonious Fund with Top 40, Funk, and R&B. This event follows the regular Farmers Market, if you want to do some shopping prior to the concert.
DuPont Concerts in the Park: Thursday, July 16th, starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your chairs and blanket to Clocktower Park and enjoy the Irish rock band, Slainte!
Parkland Food Crawl with Blue Zones Parkland-Spanaway: In July, we will celebrate local food venues in Parkland. See a complete list and try to stop by and support local establishments and enjoy community.
I'm wishing you a wonderful, safe, and festive 250th Independence Day celebration. Please be respectful of our laws. Please be respectful of your neighbors. Please celebrate safely. We want everyone to still be with us on the 5th of July.
Jani