2007 Symetra Bellevue Family 4th
The Eastside’s Largest Independence Day Celebration Features Fireworks, “The Phil,” Flyover, Family Fun
Bellevue, Wash. — (June 21, 2007) — The lush expanse of Bellevue Downtown Park will make its yearly red, white and blue transformation this Independence Day as more than 60,000 people gather from throughout the region to celebrate the 2007 Symetra Bellevue Family 4th, presented by Washington Square. The 60-piece Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra returns to accompany the Eastside’s largest fireworks display, with a booming finale three times the size of the 2006 show.
A 16-year tradition, the Symetra Bellevue Family 4th will feature an expanded fireworks show, live music on the Overlake Hospital Main Stage, and a full line-up of kids’ activities and entertainment in the Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone. For the first time, the celebration will also feature a flyover of a C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base. Delicious food and refreshments will be available for purchase on site in the southwest parking lot near the playground.
Complimentary event parking is offered after 6 p.m. at Bellevue Square. The 20-acre Bellevue Downtown Park is located immediately south of Bellevue Square at 10201 NE 4th Street. The City of Bellevue and the non-profit Bellevue Downtown Association co-produce the Symetra Bellevue Family 4th, presented by Washington Square.
Symetra Fireworks Display and the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra
The Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Fusao Kajima, will treat guests to a special live Independence Day performance beginning at 9:30 p.m., including favorites themes from “William Tell Overture,” “Superman,” “1812 Overture Finale,” and “Stars & Stripes Forever.” The 22-minute Symetra Fireworks Display, accompanied live by the Philharmonic, will light the sky promptly at 10:05 p.m.
Overlake Hospital Main Stage
Giant video screens will flank each side of the Overlake Hospital Main Stage and enhance the viewing experience from throughout Downtown Park. Main stage concerts begin at 6 p.m. with vintage rock and country band Latigo Lace, followed by a headlining performance by the local titans of 70’s disco, The Afros. The Bellevue Chamber Chorus will perform “The Star Spangled Banner” following the Bellevue Fire and Police Department Honor Guard’s traditional presentation and placement of colors.
Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone
The Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone will open at 5 p.m. and entertain youngsters throughout the evening with a variety of children's activities, including free entertainment on the kids’ stage, inflatable games, jugglers, stilt walkers, roaming puppets, mascot characters, balloon artists, face painting, Thunderbirds Hockey Puck Shoot Out, and a mountain climbing wall.
Symetra Community Spotlight Pavilion
The Symetra Community Spotlight Pavilion will again connect event attendees to non-profit organizations and volunteer opportunities. Representatives from several non-profit organizations, including Youth Eastside Services, Pacific Science Center, Overlake Service League, YMCA, the Northwest African American Museum and PATH, will showcase their programs and provide more information on ways to get involved.
| Schedule of Events |
| Time |
Event |
Where |
| 4:30 p.m. |
C-17 Fly-Over from McChord AFB |
Bellevue Downtown Park Airspace |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Stripped |
Pop Rock Hits of the 90s and Today on the Overlake Hospital Main Stage |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Magic Show with Aaron Wheeler |
Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Interpretive Tales from Giggleworks |
Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Latigo Lace |
Country and Vintage Rock Hits on the Overlake Hospital Main Stage |
| 6:45 p.m. |
Jump Rope with Renee |
Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone |
| 7:30 p.m. |
The Afros |
The Titans of 70’s Disco on the Overlake Hospital Main Stage |
| 7:30 p.m. |
Juggling with Giggleworks |
Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone |
| 8:15 p.m. |
Clay Martin Puppet Show |
Puget Sound Energy Family Fun Zone |
| 8:40 p.m. |
Honor Guard presentation; Placement of the Colors; National Anthem |
Bellevue Fire and Police Departments, and Bellevue Chamber Chorus on the Overlake Hospital Main Stage |
| 9:30 p.m. |
Bellevue Philharmonic |
Special Independence Day performance on the Overlake Hospital Main Stage |
| 10:05 p.m. |
Fireworks display presented by Symetra Financial |
Bellevue Downtown Park |
The success of the Symetra Bellevue Family 4th relies upon the sponsor support and volunteers from: Symetra Financial, Washington Square, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Puget Sound Energy, Q13 FOX, The Seattle Times, KISS 106.1, 94.1 KMPS, and The Bellevue Collection. Event information is also available online at
www.bellevuedowntown.com/events or by calling 425-453-1223.
About Symetra Financial
Symetra Financial has more than a half-century of experience providing retirement plans, employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through independent advisors and agents nationwide. A multi-billion dollar company, Symetra Financial is owned by an investor group led by White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. For more information, visit
www.symetra.com.
About Washington Square
Washington Square is a vibrant urban space in the heart of downtown Bellevue surrounded by elegant, modern condo towers, striking brick town homes and a collection of shops, all situated in a close-knit, pedestrian-oriented community. This fall, Washington Square will unveil their town home showroom. Each town home comes standard with a personal elevator, garage and interiors. Washington Square is located at 833 108th Ave N.E., a five-minute walk from Bellevue Square.
About the Bellevue Downtown Association
Established in 1974, the Bellevue Downtown Association is a nonprofit, membership organization charged with leading the continuing evolution of Downtown Bellevue as the economic and cultural heart of the Eastside. The BDA advocates for a shared vision of Downtown Bellevue, cultivates economic vitality, fosters a dynamic civic and cultural community and creates an open forum for Downtown constituents.
High resolution photos are available through BDA Communications Manager Patrick Bannon, patrick@bellevuedowntown.org, 425-453-3113.
Symetra® and the Symetra Financial logo are registered service marks of Symetra Life Insurance Company, 777 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1200, Bellevue, WA 98004.
