June 23, 2025

Juneteenth Flag Raised at City Hall

The City of Federal Way hosted its sixth annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony in front of City Hall on June 18. The event featured remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell, State Senator Claire Wilson, Federal Way Diversity Commission Member Shante Lane, and community member Harold Booker.

Community members read the Emancipation Proclamation and Mayor Ferrell read the City of Federal Way Juneteenth Proclamation in full before the Juneteenth flag was raised. The event also featured an invocation by Pastor Joseph Bowman and the singing of the United States National Anthem and the Black National Anthem by Pam Bowman.

"As we've done the last five years together, we as a community celebrate our diversity, and we need to take every opportunity to assure each other that we will honor and respect one another," Mayor Ferrell said. "Juneteenth captures the essence of the celebration, symbolizing the long-awaited arrival of freedom, and serves as a testament to the strength and spirit of those who fought for liberation."

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery in the United States. It is observed annually on June 19, marking the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people were freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Conna Park Sign Unveiling and Groundbreaking Held

The City of Federal Way hosted a sign unveiling and groundbreaking for Conna Park on June 18. Formerly known as Alderbrook Park, Conna Park was renamed in honor of John and Mary Conna, two early African American settlers of Federal Way.

The Connas made their journey west in the early 1880s, eventually settling on 157 acres of land that includes the park and a portion of Federal Way. John Conna was a trailblazer. A Civil War veteran, he made history in 1889 when he was appointed Sergeant at Arms for Washington’s first State Legislature, becoming the first African American political appointee in our state’s history.

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined members of the City Council and Conna family to celebrate the occasion. The City also broke ground on new playground equipment that will be installed at the park this summer.

Four FWPD Officers Receive Promotions at City Council Meeting

Four members of the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) received promotions during the June 17 City Council Meeting. They each received the oath of office from Mayor Jim Ferrell.

The promotions were as follows:

• Lieutenant Jed Tan was promoted to the rank of Commander. Tan began his career with FWPD in February of 2009 and has served with distinction for more than 16 years. 
• Corporal Hilary Mariani was promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Mariani has been a dedicated police officer for the past six years, beginning her career with the FWPD in 2017.
• Officer Charlie Hinckle was promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Hinckle has been a dedicated police officer for more than 11 years, beginning his law enforcement career with the FWPD in 2013.
• Officer Joseph Rodriguez was appointed to the rank of Corporal. Rodriguez began his career with FWPD in February of 2017.

"It is both an honor and a privilege to promote these exceptional members of our team, each of whom has demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our community over many years," said FWPD Chief Andy Hwang.

Municipal Court Art Contest Winners Selected

At the June 17 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Council recognized the winners of the 2025 Municipal Court Art Contest. This annual competition has been held since 2009 and asks students in Federal Way to submit artwork to hang on the walls of the Federal Way Municipal Court.

Winners this year included two third graders, Miriam and Sehaj, and one eighth grader, Maya. Winning pieces are selected by the Federal Way Arts Commission and help make the courts a more friendly place for kids when they have to visit. This year's theme was "What Liberty Means to Me."

Congratulations to the winners!

Mayor and Council Present Proclamations at June 17 City Council Meeting

At the June 17 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Council presented two proclamations: one recognizing June as Pride Month in Federal Way and another recognizing June 19 at Juneteenth.

The Pride Month proclamation was presented by Mayor Ferrell to Federal Way Senior Commission Vice-Chair Catherine North. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, to raise awareness of the issues they face, and to stand in solidarity with efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

The Juneteenth proclamation was presented by Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson to Federal Way Diversity Commission Chair Ron Walker. Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery in the United States.

You can view the full Pride Month and Juneteenth proclamations on our website.

Featured Upcoming Event

Repair Café at South King Tool Library

June 28

The City of Federal Way Environmental Services is hosting a FREE fix-it event at the South King Tool Library on Saturday, June 28.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing. Expert fixers will do their best to make your items usable again!

Details:

• Plan to stay during the repair

• Bring any manuals/parts that may help

• Limit 3 items for sharpening

Free Back to School Haircuts Aug. 22

The City of Federal Way is partnering with local community hairstylists to provide free back-to-school haircuts to local residents on Friday, Aug. 22, from 12-7 p.m. at Town Square Park. The haircuts are available to kids ages five to 18.

The event will also feature a DJ and other entertainment, and coffee and ice cream will be available for purchase. Consider bringing a food donation to support the Multi-Service Center.

June 17 City Council Meeting

Other Recent Meetings:

• June 10 Parks/Recreation/Human Services & Public Safety Committee

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the City's YouTube channel, or FW Channel 21.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Red, White, & Blues at Celebration

Park on July 4

Join us at Celebration Park on Friday, July 4, for the Red, White & Blues Festival. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family fun all day.

The main stage lights up at 4 p.m. with diverse performers. Don’t miss the fireworks at 10:15 p.m.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Admission and parking are free for all. Let’s celebrate America together!

Miles for Meso 5K Run/Walk on July 4

The Miles for Meso WA Memorial 5K Run/Walk will return for its 11th year on July 4. Registration is still available.

This event is held in memory of Dick Dyhrman, a geologist with Weyerhaeuser Company; Bud Hatley, Federal Way School District Athletic Director; Bob Stewart, Federal Way High School teacher and coach; and other Washington residents who have lost their lives to mesothelioma.

Federal Way Farmers Market Open

through Oct. 25

The Federal Way Farmers Market will be held at The Commons each Saturday through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come and enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade crafts, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment every Saturday!

Plenty of parking is available. WIC, SFMNP, and SNAP are all accepted.

National Ham Radio Field Day with Federal Way Amateur Radio Club June 28

Join the Federal Way Amateur Radio Club on Saturday, June 28, at the east side of Lakota Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for National Ham Radio Field Day. 

It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event.

Learn about amateur radio, what the club does to support our community and have a chance to get on the air. Bring your family and friends and become part of this exciting event.

Summer Chalk Art Festival at the PAEC on July 12

Join the Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) for a vibrant day of creativity and community at the Summer Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, July 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the PAEC patio.

Presented by Arts Foundation Federal Way, this colorful celebration will feature a professional chalk artist bringing a large-scale mural to life while attendees of all ages are invited to add their own artistic touch in designated chalk art zones.

The festival will also include live music, local food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family, including face painting and interactive art stations.

Mat Pilates at the PAEC Every Monday

Start your week with strength and movement at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center’s PAEClates class — a weekly mat Pilates session led by certified instructor Heather Hoffacker.

Held every Monday at 10 a.m., this all-levels class focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall wellness through mindful movement. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration, check-in and waiver signing. Participants must be 18 or older to attend.

This is a mat-based Pilates class — no machines or reformers — so attendees are encouraged to bring their own mat, water bottle, towel, and comfortable workout attire.

PAEC Upcoming Events

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:

• July 12: PAEC Summer Chalk Art Festival
• July 13: Potion the Company Presents "Kaleidoscope"
• Aug. 15: 60s Flashback Show

Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.





Puget Sound Energy Hosting

Assessment Blitz on June 24

Puget Sound Energy will be in your community offering small businesses free energy-efficiency assessments and easy upgrades to help lower your energy bill.

What you get:

• A no-cost comprehensive assessment and energy-savings report
• Installation of no-cost LED lighting and water-saving measures
• Proposal including additional energy upgrade opportunities, if eligible
• Reduced energy use and savings on your bill
• Improved environment for employees and customers

PSE business customers in Federal Way are eligible to participate.

Kiwanis Salmon Bake July 25

The Federal Way Kiwanis Salmon Bake returns

for its 69th year at beautiful Steel Lake Park. This event raises funds to support youth and

community programs throughout Federal Way.

The event will include: a delicious salmon dinner, a beer and wine garden (over 21 only), classic rock with the Max Rensha Band, ice cream from SubZero, a silent auction and a “gift card wall," booths featuring local nonprofits, and more!

Tickets are available for advanced purchase for $30, which includes the salmon dinner. At the door, entry will be $35 (or $10 for a kids hot dog meal).