Next Saturday will be July 4, and the cities of Sammamish and Issaquah will stage a number of events for area residents.

Issaquah

In Issaquah, the Down Home Fourth of July celebration and Heritage Festival will offer something for everyone, from the Kids, Pets ‘n Pride Parade, to a pie-eating contest. Festivities will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in historic downtown Issaquah.

The parade will start at 11 a.m. at Rainier Avenue and Northwest Dogwood Street.

An afternoon of free activities will follow, including hands-on activities, games, pony rides and live entertainment.

The celebration is presented by the City of Issaquah and the Issaquah Arts Commission.

The following roads will be closed from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for the parade:

• Front Street North from Northwest Gilman Boulevard to East Sunset Way

• Rainier Boulevard North from Northwest Dogwood to Northwest Juniper

• East Sunset Way from Front Street to Second Avenue Southeast

• Front Street South from East Sunset Way to Newport Way Southwest

More info: 425-392-0661.

Sammamish

In Sammamish, the annual Fourth on the Plateau celebration on the Sammamish Commons will again be one of the most popular events on the Eastside.

Featuring live music, old-fashioned treats, a fun kid’s playground and, of course, the spectacular fireworks display, Fourth on the Plateau will see thousands of people flock to the commons to enjoy the festive spirit.

In previous years, about 10,000 people have celebrated the Fourth of July at the commons.

Fourth on the Plateau will kick off at 6 p.m. with music, food, and entertainment for the whole family, scattered throughout the 30 acres of the commons.

Due to construction of the new library on the south side of City Hall Plaza, the event’s center of gravity will shift a bit toward the “Lower Commons” this year. Planners are encouraging families to put their blankets down at the northwest end of the commons, where there will be an expanded kids zone play area.

Residents are encouraged to enter the commons from the north, off Southeast Fourth Street.

That will also be the best exit since the trail up to City Hall Plaza will be closed after the fire-works for safety reasons.

Fireworks ban

The cities of Issaquah and Sammamish are reminding citizens that the city bans the use and possession of all fireworks without a permit.

The ban includes all fireworks, including sparklers, cones, fountains and roman candles.