Federal Way celebrated its 25th Anniversary in grand style, showcasing acts from the Federal Way Symphony, the Michele Taylor Band and Kalimba, featuring music from Earth Wind and Fire.
Mayor Jim Ferrell kicked off the special event themed “Celebrating Our Past, Building Our Future,” paying tribute to city founders and highlighting the projects currently underway in Federal Way. Those projects, from the phase II redevelopment of Town Square Park, the Performing Arts and Event Center, to the Town Center III project, represent nearly $100 million in investment in Federal Way’s downtown.
“Federal Way is on the rise and over the next 25 years, I believe we will experience unprecedented growth in our city, bringing in family wage jobs, educational opportunities and will create a destination for people in our city and from around our region to enjoy,” Ferrell said.
There was also a special dedication of Pete von Reichbauer Way South (formerly 20th Avenue South).
“When I think back to the successful Seahawks rally we held in January, I was reminded that we would not have a team to cheer for if it wasn’t for Councilmember von Reichbauer’s involvement in negotiating a deal for Paul Allen to purchase the team, keeping our Seahawks in the Pacific North West,” Ferrell said.
Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge welcomed the many former mayors in attendance (Mike Park, Linda Kochmar, Jeanne Burbidge, Dean McColgan, Jack Dovey, Mary Gates and Bob Stead) and spoke of the early days of cityhood.
The main event featured free bounce houses, pony rides, food trucks and a booth from Jerseys Pub (who donated their extra food to area homeless) and more than 20 vendors, including Seattle Seahawks legend Norn Johnson. Adjacent to Town Square Park, the city hosted a four-day-long anniversary carnival with 15 rides, including a giant Ferris wheel.
“This was a great event, and I was honored to share in the festivities with so many folks from our community and all around South King County,” Ferrell said. “Hey, let’s do this every Saturday.”
Photos by Terrence Hill, the Mirror, and courtesy of Bruce Honda and the city of Federal Way.
