With grass skirts, flower shirts, Tiki lights — and even sunshine — Mercer Island felt like a tropical island as the community came together for its annual Summer Celebration.
Many community groups embraced this year’s theme of “Island Vibes” with their floats in the Summer Celebration parade on July 14. Festivities continued throughout the weekend, with fireworks, food, boat rides, a car show and more.
Summer Celebration was sponsored by Kitchen Plus, Mercer Island FC, Mercer Island Community Fund, New Seasons Market, Windermere Real Estate, Republic Services, Smith Brothers Farms, John L Scott, Roanoke Inn and Mercer Island Center for the Arts.
Mercer Island veterans lead off the Summer Celebration parade. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Members of the Mercer Island Chinese Association dance at the parade on July 14. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Island Books owner Laurie Raisys hands out books and other treats at the Summer Celebration parade in downtown Mercer Island. Katie Metzger/staff photo
The Elegance Drill Team performs in the Mercer Island Summer Celebration parade. Katie Metzger/staff photo
A dog in the Havanese of Mercer Island group walks in the Summer Celebration parade on July 14. Katie Metzger/staff photo
The St. Monica community fits its float to the “Island Vibes” theme of the Mercer Island Summer Celebration parade. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Moana waves from her float in the Mercer Island Summer Celebration parade on July 14. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Students from Mercer Island Martial Arts show off their skills in the Summer Celebration parade. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Early World Montessori students walk in the Summer Celebration parade. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Summer Celebration parade participants encourage Islanders to try solar energy. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Representing the “Island Vibes” theme and Pixie Hill Preschool, a young Islander rides in the Summer Celebration parade. Katie Metzger/staff photo
Mermaids wave to the crowd at the Mercer Island Summer Celebration parade on July 14. Katie Metzger/staff photo
