Community Corner

New Nesting Bald Eagle Pair Prompts Enumclaw's July 4th Fireworks Display to Move

The fireworks show was previously set to occur at the Expo Center but will now take place near the soccer fields by Sunrise and Southwood elementary schools.

Chosen as a national symbol of the United States because of its long life, great strength, and majestic looks (see the Smithsonian), the bald eagle continues to command respect and deference so much so that the city of Enumclaw is moving its from the Expo Center to a new location because a new nest has been found near the original site.

Well, it's not just the birds. Due to strict guidelines set by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, city personnel were contacted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this month and told that the nest would be vulnerable to the noise and other disturbances caused by the fireworks.

According to Fish and Wildlife biologists, two eaglets have been spotted with the nesting pair and it is believed this is their first nest.

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Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds credits city leaders as well as Enumclaw Fire Capt. Randy Fehr and School District Superintendent Mike Nelson with ensuring that the fireworks will go on having worked feverishly to find a new site after news of the nest spread.

"Thank you to Sup. Mike Nelson and The Enumclaw School Dist and …… with your generous offering of the Sunrise Elem. Area your organization has saved the Stars and Stripes Fireworks display," she wrote in an email to Patch. "Please bring your blankets and sit on the soccer fields and enjoy the light show. ABSOLUTELY NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS WILL BE ALLOWED”

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Following the Fourth of July parade that starts at 12 p.m. on Cole Street on Wednesday, July 4, the fireworks is set to begin at 9:45 p.m. and all spectators will have access to the soccer fields near Sunrise and Southwood elementary schools for viewing.

As the mayor said, no personal fireworks will be allowed on the premises.

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