Family Fun Zone Registration

Registration closes Friday, May 22

The Family Fun Zone at Waterfront Park is one of the most vibrant and family-focused areas of Bainbridge Island’s Grand Old 4th celebration. This space is designed to give kids and families a place to play, create, explore, and engage with local organizations throughout the day.

Activities typically include games, crafts, hands-on demonstrations, community engagement booths, and interactive experiences for children and families.

The Family Fun Zone is located at Waterfront Park adjacent to the Stan Pocock Rowing Center, which provides indoor activity space, restrooms, shade, and seating areas for families.

In 2026, Grand Old 4th is expected to see increased attendance and visibility as communities across the country celebrate America’s 250th birthday, alongside the excitement of the FIFA World Cup taking place in the Seattle region. We anticipate strong visitor traffic throughout the day and expanded interest in the Waterfront Park area.

All participating activities will be included on the official Grand Old 4th digital event map, with participating organizations clearly listed.

We are looking for a diverse mix of creative, engaging activities that add to the spirit of the celebration and create a memorable experience for families. Priority will be given to nonprofit organizations and groups that serve or directly benefit the community.

What kind of family-friendly activity or experience can your organization bring to the park this year?

Registration closes Friday, May 22

Registrations submitted after May 22 will be subject to a $50 late fee and are dependent on space and placement availability.

Have questions, comments, or anything we should know? Reach out anytime at grandold4th@bainbridgechamber.com.

 

The Family Fun Zone is a curated activity area rather than a standard vendor marketplace.

Activities vary widely in footprint, infrastructure, and staffing needs. Because of this, space assignments, placement, and participation fees are determined after reviewing each submission.

Our goal is to create a balanced and diverse mix of activities while ensuring safe spacing, good flow for families, and fair visibility for all participants.

After reviewing submissions, event organizers will follow up with selected participants regarding:

• Activity approval
• Space placement within the Family Fun Zone
• Infrastructure considerations (tents, tables, power, etc.)
• Applicable participation fees
• Submitting this form does not guarantee placement, but it allows us to review how your activity may fit into the overall Family Fun Zone layout.
  
  

The Family Fun Zone is a curated activity area designed specifically for kids and families. Submissions are reviewed by event organizers to create a balanced mix of activities and experiences.

To help you plan for event day, please review the general logistics below. Final instructions, maps, and placement details will be provided closer to the event.

Arrival & Load-In

• Participants must arrive during the designated load-in window prior to road closures (morning of July 4th)
• All vehicles must be unloaded and out of the event area before road closures (approximately 9:00 AM)
• Once roads are closed, vehicle access to the Family Fun Zone will be restricted to event operations only
• Participants must unload promptly and move vehicles to designated parking to keep traffic flowing
• No early or overnight setup is permitted without prior approval
• All setups must remain within assigned spaces and footprints

 Parking

• Each participant will receive one parking pass at check-in and must display it on their dashboard
• Designated parking will be in approved vendor parking areas nearby (final details provided in advance)
• Vehicles will not be permitted back into the event area until roads reopen (approximately 5:00 PM)

Event Timing (General)

• Road closures will begin in the morning and remain in place throughout the event
• The Family Fun Zone will operate during peak daytime festival hours
• All participants should plan for limited vehicle movement throughout the day

Important Notes

• Please plan ahead for load-in timing, parking, and limited vehicle access
• Staff and volunteers will be on-site to assist with check-in and general questions
• The Bainbridge Chamber office will serve as event headquarters and can assist throughout the day

 

Have fun and be a good neighbor! Grand Old 4th is a large community event with many moving pieces and a diverse crowd that includes a lot of kids. Family Fun Zone participants are expected to help create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for families.

Alcohol, vaping, and smoking are prohibited in the Family Fun Zone. Participants who appear intoxicated will be removed from the event.

Political campaigning or advocacy is not permitted in the Family Fun Zone.

Event producers reserve the right to remove or decline participation from anyone not conforming to event guidelines or community standards. Participants must follow instructions from event staff, BIPD, and BIFD.

I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce and City of Bainbridge Island and their employees, agents, and contractors harmless from and against any and all claims (including those for illness and bodily injury), damages, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney fees) arising out of or relating in any way whatsoever to my participation or the participation of my employees, agents, and invitees in the Grand Old 4th on Bainbridge Island.