Planning for Kingston’s Fourth of July celebrations is underway. Calls are out for donations, volunteers, parade entries, artists, entertainment and sponsors. Kingston’s Fourth of July festivities will take place Sunday through Tuesday, July 2-4. Already, the Committees of the Kingston Fourth of July are meeting to organize the biggest event of the year. The committees include the Fourth of July Parade, Tiny Town, Fireworks and Entertainment, which provides bands, performers, a stage and sound system for concerts in Mike Wallace Park during the weekend.

The Committees of the Kingston Fourth of July incorporated as a non-profit organization last year to streamline fund-raising efforts and make it easier for residents to donate to the event. Collection jars are around town to drop off Fourth of July donations, or use the form on page 5 of this issue to mail it in. Last year, about $35,000 was needed to cover the expenses of the parade, fireworks, Tiny Town, talent for the concerts, building a stage and bringing in a sound system.

The Kingston Kiwanis held its annual contest at Kingston Junior High to select a design for the 2006 Fourth of July buttons that are sold to raise funds for events and show Kingston Fourth of July pride. Cera Rodriguez was the winner and for her efforts, won a $100 gift certificate to Kitsap Mall and a $50 savings bond.

Community groups who want to participate in the Fourth of July Parade are encouraged to get in their applications, available at Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce inside the Kingston Community Center, Sacks Feed & Garden and American Marine Bank; or call Bev at (360) 638-1067 to have one mailed.

Tiny Town organizer Debbie Anderson is looking for local talent to perform on the Tiny Town stage July 2-4.

Tiny Town will be constructed a week earlier this year, on Saturday, June 24, to have time to spruce it up before festivities begin July 2. Anderson said her husband will spray the whole town white then she hopes to get some “local, creative people (or groups) to paint the town red, white and blue.”

Anderson is also working with local non-profit groups to staff the little town, with games and demonstrations for kids. If you’re interested in helping with the Tiny Town paint job, staffing Tiny Town, or performing on stage, contact Anderson at (360) 297-7702.

Kevin Sutherland will return to handle the Tiny Town stage and sound system, a job he’s taken on for over 20 years as a way to give back to the community, Anderson said. Janet Syre is again in charge of ordering, organizing and selling items at the souvenir booth.

Mi-Mi Smith Danielson is organizing Tiny Town vendors. Vendor applications are available on the Tiny Town Web site at www.tiny-town.org.

Businesses and individuals interested in becoming major sponsors of Kingston’s Fourth of July should contact Pete DeBoer at (360) 649-1806 for details.

To make a contribution to the Kingston Fourth of July, send a check payable to Kingston Fourth of July Celebration, P.O. Box 1505, Kingston, WA 98346.