Red, white and blue balloons swayed in the breeze as a brass band played and performers showed off traditional cultural attire, music and dance. Around 1,000 people were gathered to celebrate the city’s newest U.S. citizens the same day the country celebrated its 250th birthday.
Seattle Center hosted 252 people from 55 countries as they were sworn in as U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony in the early afternoon at the Fisher Pavilion under the Space Needle. The ceremony was among the events planned in the region to celebrate Independence Day and the country’s 250th anniversary, including Seafair Fourth of July fireworks at Gas Works Park and family-friendly events, beer gardens, food vendors, live music and firework displays from Arlington to Tacoma.
The around two-hour event started with Chinese and Croatian dances and included a performance by Native American storyteller Gene Tagaban…