The city of Lynnwood is listening to its residents.

As a result of the recession, the city was forced to cut back on community events, such as the July 4th fireworks show and the Easter egg hunt, in order to focus on core services. Throughout the years, residents have told the city that they miss having a community event to attend with their neighbors, according to Lynnwood Community Outreach Special Julie Moore.

Community members have repeatedly told the city that they want to have a signature event that celebrates the city, fosters community pride and is entertaining and uplifting.

The city council responded by allocated $8,000 of seed money for a new event that tentatively has been called “Celebrate!”

On Wednesday afternoon, the first Celebrate!/community event planning kick-off meeting was held in the city council chambers with about 20 individuals in attendance.

Moore stressed the event was still in the very initial planning stages. The tentative date of the event is Sept. 20, 2014 and the site is the Lynnwood Convention Center. Lynnwood has four city-use days at the Lynnwood Convention Center.The city will have access to the entire convention center.

Much of Wednesday afternoon discussion revolved around potential event/program elements. Activities specifically aimed at youth was suggested by a number of individuals. Though it could change, the idea is that Celebrate! would be a music and dance festival with kid and family activities that highlight the heritage and cultural diversity of the Lynnwood and South Snohomish County community.

Moore noted that the date was specifically chosen so as to not conflict with other events in the area. The goal is to create a unique event, she said. The next step will be to establish steering and planning committees.

Though the city has provided the initial funding, the event is going to need additional support in the form of grants and/or business sponsorships.

The final topic was on ways to garner community support for an event that is scheduled more than a year away.

For more information on Celebrate!, contact Moore at jmoore@ci.lynnwood.wa.us or call 425-670-5023.