 "The Fourth of July should be celebrated with big hearts."
- Camila Alves -
 I do not know where time goes, but next week is America's birthday and that of course means the return of the 4th of July Festival at Les Gove Park in Auburn! The event includes entertainment on two stages, a variety of craft artists, a car show, inflatable rides, euro-bungee trampolines, train rides and other fun activities for children. The event also offers a rock climbing wall, mini golf, bocce, food concessions, and so much more! I know I’ll be there, and I hope you’ll come enjoy the day with us! There’s some shade as well as a spray park that will keep you cool during the afternoon.
 If weather patterns hold (fingers crossed), this 4th of July will be sunny and hot, with temperatures around 80, so make sure to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and spend as much time as possible in the shade. Our team looks forward to seeing you on Thursday!
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Thursday, July 4
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Les Gove Park, 910 9th Street SE
Free
Please be safe, legal and courteous with fireworks this year
 Independence Day is certainly a time for celebration -- we just ask that you do so responsibly! While some fireworks are legal in the City of Auburn on July 4 only, most are not, and for good reason. Illegal fireworks can cause fires, are a nuisance to neighbors, our beloved pets, and can generally be unsafe. Many veterans struggle to deal with the sound of fireworks, and I want to ensure that we are honoring them by not causing additional trauma. That's why the Auburn Police Department will cite those using fireworks unlawfully with a possible fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. Those discharging fireworks recklessly face up to a $5,000 fine and a year in jail. Anyone caught in possession of a device containing more than 2 grains of pyrotechnic charge (such as an M80) may be charged with a felony, punishable up to 20 years in prison.
So what's illegal? All aerial devices, sky rockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, roman candles, mines, shells, firecrackers and salutes, chasers and jumping jacks.
You can read more about our fireworks laws, including some safety tips, on our website.
 Another KidsDay, another day of buzzing energy, joyful chaos, excited laughter, and a symphony of happy noise!
Thank you to the thousands of Auburn-area kids and their parents for spending the day with us at Les Gove Park to celebrate another year of school in the rearview mirror. It was a blast, and I always love celebrating with the Kids Awards for grade school and middle school students. Maybe we'll see you at summer camps!
 It filled my heart with so much joy to see hundreds (if not thousands!) of you celebrating Juneteenth on Sunday at Les Gove Park! This was the City of Auburn's third citywide celebration, and it's safe to say that each year it has just gotten bigger and better.
There were over 100 vendors lining the park alongside the Auburn Farmer's Market, selling amazing art, crafts, food, jewelry, and more. There was a DJ cranking the tunes and calling us all out to dance. Yes, I was definitely out there cuz I’m not going to pass up a great opportunity to dance and have fun!
 None of this would have been possible if not for the tireless work of Brenda Goodson-Moore, our Chief Equity Officer, and her staff, especially Maddie Ralstin. I also want to thank Senator John Lovick (44th LD) of Mill Creek, who sponsored the state's Juneteenth bill, Author Evan Cook, performer Daris Burton, and the Ghanan drumming team Anokye Agofomma, for making this year's Juneteenth memorable.
And of course, to all of you! Your attendance and support means the world.
 Dance, food, taiko drums, and remembering those who have passed makes Bon Odori a beloved celebration in Japan and across the U.S. Learn more about the traditions of Bon Odori right here in Auburn at our newest exhibit.
 Open now until October 13, visit the museum from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday to experience the rich cultural history of Bon Odori in Japan and right here in Auburn.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Chances are someone in your life is suffering from the most recent wave of COVID-19, which according to the Seattle Times, is seeing a small but notable rise in at least 39 states, Washington included. The virus has hit some of our staff in the City of Auburn.
The symptoms from the latest variant are familiar and include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, headaches, body aches, fever, fatigue, and, in more severe cases, shortness of breath.
The Centers for Disease Control and Washington State Department of Health recommend everyone ages 5-64 should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine, and people 65 years or older to receive an additional dose at least 4 months after their last one.
And if you are sick, should you still isolate? While the CDC no longer recommends isolating for five days, it now suggests that you can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
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