One of the most scenic locales in Renton will once again be the backdrop for a celebration of our nation’s birthday.

An expected 20,000 people will flock to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park this year for Renton’s Fourth of July event.

“We’re ready,” said Sonja Mejlaender of the City of Renton’s community relations and events department.

She only hopes that Mother Nature is their friend next week, with showers in the forecast for next Wednesday.

Come rain or shine, a day of activities is planned, starting with the park opening at 7 a.m.

“We feel lucky to sustain our force,” said Mejlaender of the range of activities offered by the city for visitors to the park every year for the occasion.

The event will offer free children’s activities and face-painting from noon to 8 p.m.

The live entertainment stage is back from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with familiar favorites, the Renton City Concert Band, Renton Civic Theatre Teen Summer Musical performers, Erwilian folk band, Oncore dance band and the newest addition, the Stacy Jones Band playing blues.

This event will be R&B band, Oncore’s third time performing for Renton’s Fourth of July celebration.

The eight-member band has singers and players from New York, Chicago, Detroit, Alabama, California and Washington state.

Oncore performs hits from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s with an emphasis on dancing and high energy.

The members are James Cowan, Amy Ferguson, Lidia Ramos, Al Tunson, Kevin Gardner, Mark Adams, Rebecca Griswold, Dino Moore and Laurence Hightower.

Oncore features vocals, keyboards, drums and guitar.

Vocalist Ferguson calls Renton’s Fourth of July event a family affair.

“We love the opportunity to get out with a mixture of people from all different backgrounds, ages and ethnicities to celebrate our country’s independence together,” she said via email. “I think that is what this holiday is about: coming together as one. We feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful celebration.”

Oncore has been together since 2006 and its members have performed at venues worldwide, including Japan, France, Italy, Mexico and Canada, as well as across the United States.

“Our hope is that you won’t be able to contain yourself when we play,” said Ferguson. “We want to see you dance, bop your head, clap your hands, and smile.”

Oncore will perform right up until a half hour before the fireworks are set to go off at 10 p.m.

The fireworks show should last about 20 minutes, said Mejlaender, and there will be music timed to the show.

Mejlaender has heard mention of a possible Olympics theme for the music, but she wasn’t certain on the final details this week.

Those seated in the galleria area, next to Kid Valley restaurant, should be able to hear the music coming from the entertainment stage.

Many people will also view the fireworks from boats, canoes, kayaks and surrounding neighborhoods.

About 15 to 20 volunteers will assist the dozens of City of Renton staff, police and fire and emergency services crews during the course of the day.

More than five City of Renton departments will be represented in event staff for the Fourth of July celebration at the park.

Some of the same staff, including the Lindbergh High School Key Club, will be at the park early the next morning to make sure that it is “pristine” by 10 a.m., said Mejlaender.

Attendees to the festivities should be aware parking is limited at the park and is not permitted along Lake Washington Boulevard.

However, parking is available on Houser Way North, on the top two floors of the parking garage at The Landing and the parking lot located at North Eighth Street, Park Avenue North and Garden Avenue North.

There is no event shuttle service.