It’s almost the Fourth of July and local residents are getting ready for this burgeoning community event. It was reported last week more than $1,800 has been raised for the fireworks display, while other events such as kids games and a lawnmower parade are being planned as well. Auditions are also going on for young people to sing the National Anthem, and those interested in giving it their best can call event organizer Judy Costello at (360) 295-3036.
Regrettably, this year’s Gravity Races, which had been scheduled to coincide with the Fourth of July celebration, has been cancelled due to a lack of available racers, and organizers are planning to give it another try next year. However, a new event has risen to take its place as Mayor Ken Smith has announced there will be a Watermelon Bust, which is scheduled for after the parade and featurs a seed-spitting contest.
Werden Park may be in for an expansion in the near future as city officials are taking steps to acquire property just south of the facility currently owned by the Vader Assembly of God. The city has announced the submission of a grant application to BNSF for $12,000 to both acquire the property and add playground equipment, and the city says they plan to contribute $5,000 in matching funds from their 2013 surplus funding.
Vader has a new Planning Commission approved by the council Thursday night, as part of efforts to overhaul the city’s nuisance and land use policies. Residents Dianne Mylan, Scott Stephens, Peter Smith, Jim Black and Ross McDowell were appointed by Mayor Smith and confirmed by the council, and will be responsible for making land use recommendations including zoning changes and certain license approvals.
On June 28, City Hall will be hosting a yard waste recycling and document shredding event at the entrance to the sewer plant where area residents can drop off their yard debris and sensitive documents to be disposed of for free.