Organizers are in the home stretch, putting finishing touches on this year’s Fourth of July Stars and Stripes celebration.

The event has become a holiday tradition in Enumclaw, stretching from downtown to the grounds of the Enumclaw Expo Center.

Activities will kick off on the Fourth with a 10 a.m. memorial ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, sponsored by the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At 11 a.m., kids can begin sprucing up their bicycles downtown, with decorations provided free. As usual, they will be invited to join the parade that begins at noon and rolls along Cole Street through the heart of town.

Opening ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. with remarks by Mayor John Wise, free cake and patriotic songs performed by Anya Holte and Tori Whitten.

Carnival activities, most of them free, will keep children entertained from 1 to 4 p.m. On the list of games are a baseball toss, duck pond and dunk tank. There will be face painting, a candy scramble and “inflatables” for kids to bounce around in.

While kids are playing, all can enjoy live music. The Veazie Valley Boys will provide bluegrass sounds from 2 to 3, while Heart for a Tin Man will play rock from 3:15 to 4:15.

Food will be available and other vendors have been invited.

The holiday is concluded on a traditional note, as a fireworks show will take place at dusk at the Expo Center.

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