2011 Symetra Bellevue Family 4th of July

The 2011 Symetra Bellevue Family 4th at Bellevue Downtown Park will feature live music, kids' activities, a C-17 flyover and a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to a live performance by the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra in its farewell concert.

The 20th year of the Eastside's largest Independence Day celebration, co-produced by the Bellevue Downtown Association and the City of Bellevue, will also stage a packed afternoon line-up of live entertainment on the Bellevue Club Main Stage and kids' activities in the Bellevue Parks Family Fun Zone. Festival food and refreshments will be on sale in the southwest parking lot near the playground.

Event highlights will include:

• Bellevue Parks Family Fun Zone, 2 p.m. An array of kids' activities, including carnival bouncers, slides, a mountain climbing wall, jugglers, stilt walkers, mascot characters, and face painting for ages 3 and up.
• Fantastic Food Court, 2 p.m. 20+ vendors selling a variety of food, including: kettle corn, elephant ears,  pizza, tacos, pies and shaved ice.

(Main Stage)

• Live music, 3:30 p.m. Featuring top regional bands, including Larry Murante, Aces Up and Idol Eyez. 
• C-17 Globemaster III Flyover, approximately 4:40 p.m. A C-17 from Joint Base Lewis-McChord will make a precise flyover over the park.
• Presentation of Colors and National Anthem, 8:40 p.m. Bellevue's Overlake Squadron Civil Air Patrol Cadet Color Guard will conduct the presentation and placement of colors, followed by the national anthem performed by the Sammamish High School Select Ensemble.
• Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra Concert in the Park, 9:30 p.m. Under the direction of Michael Miropolsky, the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra will play a farewell concert.
• Fireworks Display, 10:05 p.m. Q13 Fox News anchor and Bellevue resident Maria Arcega-Dunn will provide the countdown and the Philharmonic will provide a live performance synchronized with the fireworks.

(Symetra Community Spotlight Pavilion)

• Nonprofit Volunteer Showcase, 3 p.m. Representatives from the American Red Cross of King and Kitsap Counties, Bellevue Schools Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of East King County, Imagine Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Seahawks, Senior Services and YMCA will showcase local programs and connect guests to volunteer opportunities.

Directions and Parking

• The 20-acre Bellevue Downtown Park is located immediately south of Bellevue Square at 10201 NE Fourth St.
• Complimentary event parking is offered after 6 p.m. at Bellevue Square (Garage entrances on Bellevue Way Northeast, Northeast Fourth Street, 100th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Eighth Street). Free parking also is available in the visitors lot at City Hall (450 110th Ave. NE).
• Access downtown Bellevue by car from SR-520, I-405 or I-90. Carpools can make use of the HOV access ramps on I-405 at Northeast Sixth Street. Frequent evening transit service to the Bellevue Transit Center (Northeast Sixth Street and 108th Avenue Northeast) from Seattle and many surrounding areas is available. King County Metro Trip Planner
• The following streets near the park will be closed from approximately 9:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. -- 100th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast First and Northeast Fifth streets; and Northeast Fourth Street between 100th Avenue Northeast and Bellevue Way.
• Eastbound traffic will be allowed on Northeast Fourth Street, from Bellevue Square to Bellevue Way, immediately after the fireworks display ends to facilitate drivers leaving the parking garages. However, travelers attending the festivities should be prepared for delays on local streets after the fireworks display.

The success of the Symetra Bellevue Family 4th relies upon sponsor support and volunteers from: Symetra Financial, Q13 FOX, Bellevue Club, The Seattle Times, 106.1 KISS FM, 94.1 KMPS FM, Illium Associates and The Bellevue Collection.

The Bellevue Downtown Association (425-453-1223) has more details about the event.