As Mayor, I would like to personally invite you to join me in celebrating all the wonderful activities that happen in Arlington during our annual Fourth of July Frontier Days.

It always amazes me how many volunteers and community groups spend our nation’s birthday hosting all the events.

Our grand celebration of the Fourth of July is the kickoff to many more great summer events that provide a variety of entertainment for all ages. The list of activities during the Fourth is immense.

Start the Fourth off with the Youth Dynamics Pancake Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. The Pedal Paddle Puff triathlon begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by the Foam 5K run at 10 a.m. The fun continues with the Kiwanis Auction, the Old Fashioned Kids’ Carnival, the Kiddies Parade, the Grand Parade, the 30th Annual Duck Dash, and ends with the fireworks display. There will be food and drink available at Haller Park throughout the festivities at the Stilly Beer, Wine and Food Garden.

This is one of my favorite days in Arlington; it is a great day to visit with friends old and new, discovering what makes Arlington a special place.

The party doesn’t stop after the Fourth of July, as the high-flying fun and entertainment of the 50th Annual Arlington Fly-In July 6-8. The world’s finest aerobatic performers and warbirds will be on hand, along with daily airshows.

New in 2018 is the Night Drone Swarm Light Show. The Runway Theater will open on Friday night to show “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” The ever-popular Hot Air Balloon Glow returns Saturday evening.

The annual Downtown Arlington Street Fair is always a guaranteed winner with more than 200 vendors from July 13-15. The Street Fair will also feature daily entertainment on the newly constructed stage at Legion Park.

The summer events continue with Movies in the Park in July, Music on the Terraces in August and the Stillaguamish Tribe’s Festival of the River Aug. 11-12 at River Meadows County Park.

Be sure to check the city’s website at www.arlingtonwa.gov for many more community events.

You can also sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to get all the information right in your inbox. Just email info@arlingtonwa.gov.

We hope you join us at these fantastic events that truly showcase our beautiful community and all it has to offer.

Mayor Barbara Tolbert