The annual Federal Way Red, White and Blues Fourth of July Festival treated the hot crowd with cool tunes.

Misting tents were a hit as temperatures soared over 90 degrees, where fine water sprays cooled off 20,000 hot attendees. The line-up of political candidates was in full swing as potential voters picked up balloons, buttons, candies, pencils and informational flyers.

The patriotic celebration featured Latin Salsa from “La Grande NW,” a magic show, Taekwondo demonstration from Master Na’s USA team, a kid’s parade and a rock show “Spike and the Impalers.” Mayor Ferrell even joined in, playing the cowbell on stage “I gotta have more cowbell,” [sic] Ferrell said as he joined Spike on stage.

“Red, White, and Blues gets better each year,” Ferrell said in a news release. “I am proud of the hard work that went in to hosting this year’s festival. As I walked around and spoke with our residents, I was once again reminded that our freedom isn’t free; it is earned through the shared sacrifice of men and women serving our nation’s interest in places far from Federal Way. It is because of that continued sacrifice we are able to celebrate this, and other great community events.”

Crowds enjoyed bounce houses, craft shows, and games for kids as the heat of the day cooled to night, and the main event.

The kids parade was also a patriotic hit during the event, which concluded with a fireworks display.

Photos courtesy of Bruce Honda and the city of Federal Way.