SOAP LAKE — A bunch of residents and visitors gathered in Soap Lake over the Fourth of July weekend for the annual Suds N' Sun celebration, enjoying a packed schedule of community activities that included a parade, car show, basketball tournament, vendors and family activities. 

While high winds and a heavy emergency call volume ultimately forced the cancellation of the city's fireworks display, organizers said the event was a success and highlighted the community spirit that has long defined Soap Lake's Independence Day celebration. 

"It's a small community in that respect, and to feel that honor bestowed upon us was really satisfying," said Kayleen Bryson, who served as grand marshal alongside longtime community volunteer Nels Borg. "I'm just proud of our little community. We come together when we need to.” 

The celebration began in Smokiam Park, where roughly 20 vendors set up booths alongside family activities, including a popular water slide where riders were sprayed by a fire truck on their way down. Chamber of Commerce President Karen Woodhouse said children especially enjoyed cooling off in the summer heat. 

"I think my favorite part was watching all the kids," Woodhouse said. "They really enjoyed it." 

The annual parade remained one of the day's highlights. Bryson said serving as grand marshal gave her a chance to experience the event from a new perspective. 

"We got to see the parade for the first time in a long time because we're always in the parade," she said. "People are making an effort to be part of the community. It was great." 

Borg said he enjoyed greeting participants and spectators before and during the parade. 

"It was a great celebration," Borg said. "I was honored to be chosen." 

Another major attraction was the annual car show, which saw participation increase significantly from previous years. Co-organizer Eli Olson said 61 vehicles were entered this year, up from about 40 in 2025. 

The show featured a wide variety of vehicles, including classic cars, vintage automobiles, lowriders, motorcycles and commercial trucks. Co-organizer Susan Carson said they expanded the number of award categories to better reflect the diversity of entries. 

"They were very excited with the fact that we added so many more categories," Carson said. 

Carson said interest from participants continues to grow, with members of the Moses Lake Car Club expressing interest in helping expand the event next year. 

Community leaders also are discussing possible changes to revive the Soapbox Derby, which has struggled to attract participants in recent years. Organizers are exploring ideas that could increase involvement from adults and families. 

The one disappointment of the day came after fire officials and event organizers announced the cancellation of the professional fireworks show. High winds persisted throughout the evening, while Grant County Fire District 7 was handling a large number of emergency calls, including wildfire responses. 

Woodhouse said attendees were understanding when the decision was announced. 

"That evening everyone was really understanding," she said. "I didn't hear any grumbling." 

According to city officials, organizers delayed making the decision because winds have historically decreased later in the evening. Those conditions never materialized. 

The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce has since announced that the fireworks display will be rescheduled for Dec. 5, following Winterfest. 

Woodhouse said the celebration would not have been possible without the efforts of numerous volunteers and organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Public Works Department, Soap Lake Police Department and Grant County Fire District 7. 

"It was a long day," she said. "A lot of people put in a lot of work behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly and keep everybody safe." 

For Bryson, that community effort was the true meaning of the holiday. 

"It's all about different people coming together and having the experience together," she said. "That's kind of what the country was made from, people coming together and uniting." 

    The Soap Lake Senior Center Sail Class participated in the annual Suds N’ Sun parade and one the first prize trophy for their float.
  

    The Soap Lake Senior Center Sail Class participated in the annual Suds N’ Sun parade and one the first prize trophy for their float.