Kirkland has selected a familiar face to lead the 26th Annual Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July Parade, as longtime volunteer and Little League champion John Chadwick steps into the role of Grand Marshal, the city's deputy mayor announced yesterday. The decision honors a man who has fundamentally shaped the city's youth sports for half a century, providing countless kids with a sense of belonging and purpose through baseball and softball.
"John has given so much of himself to this community and to generations of kids who found belonging and purpose through Little League," said Kirkland Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold, in a statement obtained by the City of Kirkland. Chadwick's influence extends from establishing Senior Baseball and Little League Softball programs, to his decades-spanning role at the helm of the Junior League Softball World Series - a tournament he helped bring to Kirkland in 1998, transforming it into a global event.
Considered a pillar of the Little League community, Chadwick's involvement extends beyond the ballparks of Washington District 9, where he served as District Administrator for 32 years. His impact is also felt through the mentoring of volunteers and the growth of local leagues, which cemented Kirkland's reputation for supporting youth, equity, and community spirit.
"As adults, we need to remember it's all about the kids. That’s what makes even a small role in Little League feel so rewarding," Chadwick told the City of Kirkland. His work alongside his late wife Ann has served, as a dynamic force encouraging community involvement through volunteerism.
The Junior League Softball World Series is set to commence on July 25 with a Celebrity Game and a Movie in the Park featuring "A League of Their Own." Kirkland residents are invited to take part in the 4th of July celebrations and honor Chadwick as he leads the parade through downtown, reflecting the community’s appreciation for his lifelong commitment to supporting young athletes, as reported by the City of Kirkland.
