With flags waving, music soaring, and community spirit on full display, Burien celebrated Independence Day on the 4th of July with a full day of festivities that brought thousands together to honor the nation’s founding — and one another.
The city’s 102nd Annual Independence Day Parade began at 11 a.m., winding through downtown with a colorful lineup of marching bands, classic cars, local businesses, scout troops, civic leaders and more.
The celebration didn’t stop there. Later in the day, neighborhoods across Burien gathered for barbecues, fireworks and flag-raising ceremonies, including beloved annual block party events at Three Tree Point.
Burien’s Fourth of July events honored both history and hometown pride — a fitting tribute to 249 years of American independence.
102nd Independence Day Parade
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of downtown Burien on the 4th for the city’s 102nd Annual Independence Day Parade, one of the longest-running and most beloved traditions in South King County.
The parade began at 11 a.m. and showcased a wide range of community groups, marching bands, floats, vintage vehicles, and local dignitaries.
As Burien’s largest parade, the event drew crowds from across the region, celebrating the 4th of July with pride, music, and festive spirit.
Below are photos from the parade, courtesy Jen Ritzinger (click arrows or swipe images to view slideshow):
Three Tree Point Events
Residents of Three Tree Point gathered Friday afternoon at a home on the tip of the point for the neighborhood’s annual Flag Raising ceremony.
Hosted by Candy and Mick Rice at what can only be described as “an incredibly spectacular setting” at the tip of Three Tree Point, the annual gathering offers more than scenic views — it’s a moment to reflect on the enduring importance of community, tradition, and the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.
Musical performances and sharp-witted neighborhood commentary was delivered by Ashley Fosberg and Jeff Kerns, along with other “neighborhood misfits.”
The flag was raised, veterans were honored, and a lot of smiles were had.
Attendees also got to witness the crowning of Rich and Joyce Simmons as this year’s King and Queen of Three Tree Point.
Below is raw video of the event as filmed by Scott Schaefer (running time 33:44):
As the flags waved and neighbors gathered in celebration, the message was clear: our country’s strength lies in community, not cults of personality. On this day marking independence from monarchy, it’s worth remembering — the Constitution and “We, the People” is what holds this nation together.
“Neighborhoods from Burien gathered for fireworks”……
FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN BURIEN! This is what I keep hearing, and have heard for several years. Nobody enforces this LAW, so what good is it?!? Can anyone explain to me why some laws are never enforced in Burien? I’m not trying to be a Karen about this, but, I would LOVE an explanation…..
Because its impossible when there’s hundreds being lit off all at once all on 1 single day, not to mention there is a large majority of residents in Burien that will look the other way and absolutely do not care. Including myself
Couldn’t imagine being a police officer getting a call from Karen, driving to the scene 20-30 minutes later to tell someone to not light fireworks off lol…. the tiny police force inside Burien probably (and should be) focused on higher priority calls like DUI’s, theft, reckless driving, domestic violence etc etc ( these also have a higher probability of happening during holidays like the 4rth)
Fireworks arnt going anywhere, prepare better. Every year is the same and there will be no shortage in supply. Hope that helps