PULLMAN Every year, WSU’s Student Involvement and Leadership Programs and Student Entertainment Board are instrumental in providing support for the entertainment at the annual Fourth of July celebration at Sunnyside Park, said Mayor Glenn Johnson, chair of the community’s Independence Day event.
“We are pleased to partner with the Pullman Chamber of Commerce on the annual Fourth of July event,” said Brian Shuffield, assistant director of Campus Events and Organizations. “Each year I am amazed at the level of participation and community support that goes into making this event a success year after year.”
The community event brings university students into the park, too.
“The Student Entertainment Board is excited about being part of the Fourth of July,” said Jessica Dolan, ASWSU SEB. “It is a great opportunity to bridge the gap of WSU students and the Pullman community as well as provide a high caliber of entertainment.”
At 5:30 p.m. the Pullman Community Band is set to take the stage followed by folksinger Dan Maher who will perform from 6:30 until 7:30. After Maher, the Kingpins will entertain the crowd for hours with their renditions of classic rock n’ roll hits.
The Pullman Chamber of Commerce and many volunteers work hard to create an event the whole family can enjoy. The Fourth of July celebration will also include food and beverages, a children’s area and, of course, a fireworks display, said Johnson.
Pullman Transit provides free rides to and from Sunnyside Park on the A, C and H routes. Park & Ride lots include Beasley Coliseum, Dissmore’s IGA, Living Faith Fellowship, Wheatland Shopping Center and Safeway. Everyone may park in the lots provided and catch the bus at the nearest Pullman Transit bus stop, which are either adjacent to the lot or less than a block away, Johnson said.
“Pullman Transit has really stepped up each year and each year the ridership increases,” Johnson said. “Transit manager Rod Thornton said transit has busses every half hour starting at 4:30 p.m. ready to move people to and from the event.”
“Transit has been a big part in the success of the celebration,” the mayor said. “People who ride will not have the hassle of finding a spot to park.”
The chamber’s Web site: www.pullmanchamber.com includes a map of the transit routes for July 4.
Volunteers are always needed to help before, during and after the event. Positions are available for children’s activities, food and beverage sales and many other areas. To become a volunteer, contact the chamber at 509-334-3565 or visit their office at 415 N. Grand in Pullman.
