By Brenda Sexton, The Courier-Herald

A family-fun Fourth of July with entertainment, parade, food, activities and fireworks is scheduled for downtown Enumclaw and everyone's invited to attend.

"It should prove to be a great time for the entire family," said Stars and Stripes Committee chair Tami Dunn. "As a committee, we're excited. We've worked hard to make sure there is something for everyone. We want this Fourth of July celebration to be special for all those who choose to stay in town."

Plateau residents can get into the spirit early by picking up buttons at local businesses or from Jim McClean and other volunteers in front of QFC and Safeway. Each $2 button earns a chance to win a random prize donated by a local business. The buttons, along with T-shirts, help cover the costs for entertainment and fireworks, which are free. T-shirts are available for $10.

The day's activities kick off at noon in the parking area near the Enumclaw Area Chamber of Commerce office with patriotic songs by Enumclaw High graduates Laurel Kittleson and Sara Rackley, invocation by the Rev. Mike Johnson, opening remarks from Mayor John Wise and other dignitaries and birthday cake for the nation.

Afternoon activities for the kids start around 12:30 p.m. The fun includes arts and crafts, inflatable toys and more. There is a nominal charge for kids activities. Kids are also encouraged to bring their bikes and decorate them to ride in the parade.

Due to downtown construction, the parade heads down Railroad Street this year at 4 p.m. Participants include bands, floats, politicians, car clubs and horses, just to name a few.

At dusk, it's time spread a blanket or flip open a lawn chair at the King County Fairgrounds for the fireworks.

Entertainment is scheduled on the main stage all day. Each of this year's performing bands has local ties.

After Kittleson and Rackley finish their session, Some By Sea is scheduled to take the stage from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Some By Sea is an Indie Rock group made up of EHS graduates Chris DuBray (1998), Eino Holm (1999) and Auburn High graduate Rachel Bowman.

Savoy Swing with EHS graduate Gretchen Spindler takes over the stage from 2 to 4 p.m. Savoy Swing, led by Enumclaw's Jon Belcher, draws its inspiration from Benny Goodman's quartets and sextets. They perform music from artists like George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael and Duke Ellington. Savoy Swing has appeared at numerous West Coast jazz festivals including the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, the San Juan Island Jazz Festival and the Earshot World Jazz Festival in Seattle. Savoy Swing plays many spots around the Pacific Northwest and was among the featured performers at the Safeco Field opening.

Boomerang closes out the downtown activities, starting right after the parade and playing to around 7:30 p.m. Boomerang plays a variety of popular dance standards from the 1950s to today's hits. The foursome features Charlie Martin, Victor Dru, Steve Teasley and Jim Fuller. Locals may have caught them over the years at the Buckley Eagles, Fourseasons lounge and Phoenix Saloon.

Thanks to the support of the city of Enumclaw and several donors, the entertainment, fireworks and parade are free.

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@courierherald.com