Porch Parade
The City of Bothell Fourth of July Parade has always been a celebration of people, events, and traditions, bridging communities in Bothell and beyond. Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements and budget impacts from COVID-19, the City of Bothell will not be holding its traditional July 4th parade. Instead, we are inviting members of the community to join us for our first-ever Porch Parade!  Choose one of our themes as inspiration, or go wild with your own ideas and decorate your porches, patios and storefronts – whatever is visible from the road! The Porch Parade is an opportunity to unleash your creativity, create new memories and bring a smile to your friends, family and neighbors.   

Register Your Display 
We will produce a virtual map with the locations of all registered porches, patios, windows, and storefronts in Bothell, so you can plan a walk, or drive around the city to see and share in the celebration. Displays must be fully decorated by 12 noon on Saturday, June 27, and stay up through Saturday, July 4, and must be appropriate for a family audience. If you’re unable to decorate your porch by the 27th, simply register once it’s ready! Check out www.bothellwa.gov/2020porchparade for more details, and to register your display. 

Explore, Celebrate, Share
Take pictures of the Porches you find, and tag us on social (@bothellparksandrecreation #BothellPorchParade) to help share the joy! Want us to feature your house on city channels and in the 2020 parade video? Submit photos and videos before, during, and after the Porch Parade at bit.ly/2020porchparade.  

Dust Off Those Chairs
Think we forgot about those camping chairs? Think again! This year, we’re asking the community to place chairs on their own lawns, porches, or patios with a sign thanking their “Hometown Hero.” A “Hometown Hero” is anyone who has helped make a difference during the pandemic, such as a nurse, mail carrier, firefighter, grocery clerk, or teacher. Keep the signs general, or call out those who deserve a round of applause!

Gatherings on July 4th 

Some of you may be wondering what your usual July 4th block party might look like this year.  Please remember to follow current public health requirements.  As of June 5th,  Snohomish County is in Phase 2 and King County is in modified Phase 1. King County has just applied to move to Phase 2. Right now, only meetings of up to 5 people outside of your household are allowed. We are not permitting special events at this time.  

Fireworks Safety  
With July 4th on a Saturday, and with the cancellation of many professional shows, we anticipate many of you may plan to use fireworks at home. If you choose to use fireworks, please do so safely with tips from Bothell Fire. https://bit.ly/2Y9pKhw.  

Fireworks may only be discharged in City of Bothell limits on July 4th between 9am-11pm, and are prohibited on public property such as schools, streets and sidewalks.  

Legal Versus Illegal Fireworks  
Legal fireworks will be available for purchase in Bothell July 1 at noon through July 4 at 9pm. Know the difference between legal and illegal fireworks. Legal fireworks are specifically designed for consumer use and can be purchased from any of the fireworks stands you see here in Bothell. For a list of legal versus illegal fireworks visit: https://bit.ly/2XJHhhb.  

How do I Report Fireworks Related Issues?  
To report the use of illegal fireworks please call 911. For other non-emergency fireworks complaints, please call our non-emergency line 425-486-1254. Please keep in mind officers will do their best to respond in a timely manner to these types of calls, however there may be a delay as all calls for service will prioritized.   

 
Let’s all have a safe and fun July 4th!