Maple Valley’s annual Independence Day celebration and picnic at Lake Wilderness Park is taking shape, organizers say – and ditto for a separate celebration at Lake Meridian near Covington.

They said the day is being designed to appeal to families with a wide variety of fun and entertainment. The festivities will be capped by a fireworks show above the lake at 10 p.m. The Maple Valley Youth Symphony will play while the fireworks light up the sky.

Just after 4 p.m., families with children will be able to take part in free arts and crafts sponsored by Millennium Video and Security.

A community softball game is scheduled for 2 p.m. and will be for anyone over 13 years old. Slowpitch games on Patrick’s Field will be coordinated by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department staff.

Maple Valley Library Guild will raffle a quilt.

Also on tap will be traditional picnic games, including a three-legged race, a gunny sack race and a water balloon toss.

More information on the Maple Valley festivities is available at www.ci.maple-valley.wa.us.

At Lake Meridian, the city of Kent’s annual Fourth of July Splash will be highlighted by a fireworks show at about 10 p.m. Other free activities also are planned. Additional information is available at www.ci.kent.wa.us.