County Fairs, Water Taxi, Beach Fires, Star Gazing, Outdoor Movies, Sand Castles.
Get to the County Fair If there’s only one chance for a family outing before summer is over, make it a trip to a county fair. No other venue can offer the sheer variety of experiences that a fair can. Originally started as showcases of the agricultural world, county fairs mix pleasures of a strictly rural nature with diversions from the modern world, offering up animal competitions, home economics displays (think food preservation and quilts), zany contests, 4-H exhibitions, all-ages entertainment, midway rides and fabulous fair food.
“Celebrating 100 Years of Fun…that’s What It’s All About!” The Evergreen State Fair was known as the Snohomish County Fair until 1949. This year the old-fashioned fair runs August 21 through September 1, and includes a carnival ($22 - $30), concerts and a rodeo (August 29 through September 1, $3 - $7). Fair hours are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays through Saturdays and August 31; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. September 1.) $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 kids ages 6-15, free 5 and younger. Parking is $7. August 21 is Kid’s Day – children ages 15 and younger receive free gate admission. August 27 is Family Day, featuring a $25 family pass (two adults, up to four youths or seniors). All admissions are heavily discounted September 1. Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. S.E., Monroe. 360-805-6700; http://www.evergreenfair.org."target="_blank">www.evergreenfair.org
“You Gotta Go to Graham.”The annual Pierce County Fair is a celebration of rural life, agriculture and family values. One of the goals of the fair is to support the projects of Pierce County’s 4-H, one of the largest 4-H groups in the state. In addition to entertainment, food, carnival rides and games, the Pierce County Fair offers glimpses into the rural life, including forestry activities, needlework, large and small animal shows, horticulture, bread baking and more. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. August 7 to 9; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 10. $5 adults, $3 kids ages 6 to 15 and seniors, $3 parking. Kids are admitted free August 7 with a paying adult. Frontier Park, 21606 Meridian Ave. E., Graham. 253-847-4754. http://www.piercecountyfair.com." target="_blank">www.piercecountyfair.com
More Fairs…
“Have a Turtle-ific Time at The Thurston County Fair.”This family-oriented fair has been running since 1871, and includes animals, a carnival, free concerts, exhibits, vendors and food. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. July 30 through August 2, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. August 3. $6 adults, $4 seniors and kids 6 to 14, free 5 and younger. Thurston County Fair Grounds, 3054 Carpenter Road S.E., Lacey. 360-786-5453; http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair" target="_blank">www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair
“Swing Open the Gates in 2008.” Skagit County Fair. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. August 6 through 9. $5, kids ages 5 and younger free when accompanied by an adult, $20 family passes (two adults and up to three children). Parking is $3. Carnival passes are $25 per day (11 a.m. to midnight). Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-9453; Aa href="http://www.skagitcounty.net/fairgrounds" target="_blank">www.skagitcounty.net/fairgrounds
“Barn to be Wild!” Jefferson County Fair. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. August 8 and 9, 10 a.m. - 6 pm. August 10. $6 adults, $5 seniors and kids 13 to 17, $2 children 6 to 12, free 5 and younger. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend. 360-385-1013; http://www.jeffcofairgrounds.com/fair" target="_blank">www.jeffcofairgrounds.com/fair
“It’s a Sooey-eet Deal”at the Southwest Washington Fair. Gates open at 10 a.m. August 14 through 19. $8 adults, $5 seniors and kids ages 6 to 12, free 5 and younger. $5 parking. August 12 is Kids’ Day, offering half-price admission to children 6 to 12. Family Day, August 17, features half-price admission for all. 2555 N. National Ave., Chehalis. 360-736-6072; https://fortress.wa.gov/lewisco/home/fair" target="_blank">https://fortress.wa.gov/lewisco/home/fair
“Meet Us at the Gate.” Island County Fair. 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. August 14 through August 16, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. August 17. $7 adults, $5 kids 6 to 15, seniors and military with I.D., free 4 and younger. 819 Camano Ave., Langley, Whidbey Island. 360-221-4677; http://www.islandcountyfair.com " target="_blank">www.islandcountyfair.com
“Homeland Pride.” The Kitsap County Stampede. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. August 20 through 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 24. $8 adults, $6 seniors and kids 6 to 12, free 5 and younger, free fair admission daily before noon. Also available are Fair and Stampede combination tickets for August 20 through 23, and Fair and Xtreme Bulls combination tickets for August 24. Parking is $5. Kitsap County Fairgrounds, 1200 N.W. Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton. 360-337-5376; http://www.kitsaprodeo.com. " target="_blank">www.kitsaprodeo.com
“The Best L’il Fair in the West.” Stanwood Camano Community Fair is Washington State's largest community fair, offering entertainment, animals, exhibits, kids' games, a carnival and food. 9 a.m. to midnight August 1 and 2, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. August 3. $7 adults, $5 seniors and kids 5-12, free 4 and younger. Parking is $5. Bring a canned food item Wednesday and receive admission for $1. Kids’ Day is July 31; children ages 14 and younger are admitted for half price. Stillaguamish Fairgrounds, 6521 Pioneer Highway, Stanwood. 360-629-4121; http://www.stanwoodcamanofair.com " target="_blank">www.stanwoodcamanofair.com
Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend, is hosting a free Astronomy Night starting at dusk August 1st. Bring flashlights, binoculars and telescopes for a chance to explore the night sky and learn some of the summer constellations. Hot chocolate will be served in the Interpretive Center afterwards. In case of rain or cloud cover, the event will be cancelled. For information, call 425-831-1900 or visit www.meadowbrookfarmpreserve.org.
Every month, the Seattle Astronomical Society has free star parties on the north shore of Green Lake on a grassy area west of the Bathhouse Theatre and at Paramount Park, N.E. 155th Street and 8th Avenue N.E. in Shoreline. Everyone is welcome to look through any of the instruments at whatever is in the sky that night. This month’s events take place Aug. 9 at dusk (don’t come if it’s raining or completely overcast). For more information, call the society at 206-523-2787 or visit www.seattleastro.org/events.
The Theodor Jacobsen Observatory is open to the public the first and third Wednesdays, March 1 - Nov. 30, on the University of Washington campus, 17th Avenue N.E. and N.E. 45th Street. Upcoming open viewing nights are Aug. 6 and 20, 9 - 11 p.m. For information on speakers and programs, call 206-685-7856 or visit www.astro.washington.edu/observatory.
– Chris Stay
Ride the Water Taxi
Gorgeous scenery is not exactly hard to find in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s not every day you get to see it while relaxing in the sun on your way between the bustling city and the beach.
Actually, at this price, every day doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
The Elliott Bay Water Taxi sails seven days a week from Pier 55, at Seneca Street and Alaskan Way on the downtown Seattle waterfront, to West Seattle’s Seacrest Park. The 12-minute crossing provides all the fun of getting out on the water without exhausting little ones’ attention spans.
The service is operated by King County Metro through a subcontract with Argosy Cruises. Like the bus, exact change is required for the $3 fare, but the cost is only $1 with a Metro transfer. Children under 5 and people with a bus pass ride at no cost. Metro also operates a free shuttle, Route 773, that travels from Seacrest Park to West Seattle Junction, the Admiral District and Alki Beach.
Although it runs like a bus, it really does feel more like a cruise. The aptly-named Sightseer offers indoor and outdoor seating, from which passengers enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, Mount Rainier and the occasional sea lion. The atmosphere is friendlier than your average public transportation, welcoming pets and bikes (space permitting). Restrooms and a snack bar are also available.
The Water Taxi leaves Pier 55 approximately every hour 7:10 a.m. - 6: 50 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7:10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Evening hours are extended for weekday Mariners games with the last water taxi leaving Pier 55 at 10:45 p.m. (land shuttle hours are not extended).
Since 1998, the Water Taxi has run summer by summer as a “demonstration project.” This year, it will operate through October 31.
At the Seattle waterfront, park at a meter on the street or under the viaduct for $1.50 per hour with a two-hour limit, or in one of the pay lots on Alaskan Way. Parking is extremely limited at Seacrest Park, with no designated Water Taxi parking. Metro Transit suggests catching a bus, walking or riding a bike to the dock.
For detailed schedule information, visit http://transit.metrokc.gov or call 206-553-3000. The Water Taxi may not operate during adverse weather; call 206-205-3866 to find out the current operating status.
– Colleen Reed
Build a Sand Castle
You’re at the beach. You’ve been in and out of the water five times. What else have you got to do?
There’s always the family project of building a sand castle.
Bert Adams, master sculptor at this month’s Sand in the City event in Olympia, travels around the Northwest and the world building sand castles – as well as trolls, animals and buildings. He has some tips for beginners:
* Use lots of water and keep pressing it down. Sand + water + compaction = hard pack (like concrete). It won’t crumble as you work.
* Piles often fall when you press them together using a “patty-cake” technique. Try using a form – made from plywood, lightweight plastic material used for above-ground swimming pools, roofing felt sealed with duct tape, trash cans or buckets.
* To make a basic shape, use a 5-gallon bucket with the bottom cut out. Invert the bucket and fill it with sand and water in alternating layers. Mix the sand and water every 3 inches. Pound it down every 6 inches. When the bucket is full, let the excess water drain off and carefully pry the bucket off, taking care not to shake or bump the hard-packed sand.
* Carve the sand from the top down. Carve larger details first, using bigger tools such as spades, shovels and trowels. Use smaller tools, such as spoons, palette knives or cake decorators to carve the details. You can make delicate finishing touches with straws or brushes.
Household items and simple bucket-and-spade sets work fine, but if you want to get more elaborate try the multi-award-winning Can You Dig It Sand Tool Set. Find it at local toy stories or online at www.canyoudigit.com ($12.99 to $34.99 plus shipping).
Need inspiration or practice?
Visit Olympia’s Sand in the City, the largest sand sculpting festival in the state, August 22-24, at Port Plaza. You can watch professional and commercial teams and competitors mold 240 tons of sand into fantastical shapes August 22. Kids can try their hands in giant sandboxes, as well as touch sea creatures, make fish prints and enjoy more than 40 other hands-on activities. The event is sponsored by the Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia. A $5 donation per family is suggested. Hours are Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Waterfront Port Plaza, near Anthony’s Restaurant, 704 Columbia St. N.W., Olympia. 360-956-0818; www.hocm.org/sitc/html/index.html.
Check out the 2008 Seattle Sandfest in downtown Seattle Aug. 23, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Westlake Park and Plaza, 4th Avenue and Pine Street. The sandy beach party will include professional sand-sculpting, live music, children’s sandboxes, family activities and special offers from surrounding retailers. The event is free. There is a small requested donation for some of the kids’ activities. Proceeds benefit the Moyer Foundation, which helps children in physical, emotional or financial distress. 206-623-0340; www.downtownsummer.com.
– Wenda Reed
Have a Beach Fire
One evening last summer, friends called at the last minute asking our family to join theirs at Golden Gardens for a beach fire and picnic. Firm in our belief that spontaneity is the key to a successful summer, we were out the door in 25 minutes. We packed swim suits, Frisbees, matches, newspaper for fire starting, napkins, plates, forks, cups, mustard, ketchup and campfire forks (essential for marshmallows and hot dogs) and a few pieces of firewood. Since we did not have the other supplies on hand, we ran by the grocery store to grab a deli salad, fried chicken, hot dogs and buns, S’mores supplies (marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers), drinks and a bundle of kindling (found at the front of most grocery stores). In less than half an hour we were greeting our friends, who had gone ahead to find us a campfire spot. Several satisfying hours later, as the pink rays of the sunset faded, we loaded back in the car, feeling like we’d experienced a mini-vacation in just an evening.
Where to Go Fires are legal at the following beaches.
Alki Beach Park 1702 Alki Ave. S.W., Seattle. Fire pits. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. 206-684-4075; www.cityofseattle.net/parks.
Golden Gardens Park 8498 Seaview Pl. N.W., Seattle. Fire pits. 6 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Firewood for sale, while supplies last, at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse. 206-684-4075; www.cityofseattle.net/parks.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park 2021 N.W. 190th St., Shoreline. Beach fires are allowed in the lower picnic shelter between 8 a.m. and dusk, but only with a reservation. 206-801-2600; www.cityofshoreline.com/parks.
Camano Island State Park, on Lowell Point Road, fourteen miles southwest of Stanwood on Camano Island. One fire circle. 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 360-902-8844; www.parks.wa.gov.
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park 609 Front Street, Mukilteo. Six fire pits. 4 a.m. - 10 p.m. 425-355-4141, ext. 251; www.ci.mukilteo.wa.us/ Page.asp?NavID=37.
Jetty Island Accessible by the free Jetty ferry departing from the 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park, 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive, Everett. Campfires in designated areas only. 10 a.m. - 5:50 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8:50 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 6:50 p.m. Sundays. 425-257-8300; www.everettwa.org/default.aspx?ID=503.
Fay Bainbridge State Park Located on the northeast corner of Bainbridge Island. Five fire circles. 8 a.m. - dusk. 360-902-8844; www.parks.wa.gov.
Saltwater State Park On Marine View Drive, two miles south of Des Moines. Two fire circles. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 360-902-8844; www.parks.wa.gov.
Kopachuck State Park Located five miles west of Gig Harbor. Two fire circles. 8 a.m. - dusk. 360-902-8844; www.parks.wa.gov.
Good to Know
Fire pits, circles or designated areas are available on a first come, first served basis (except for Richmond Beach Saltwater Park). Adults should be present at all times. Burn clean, dry firewood or charcoal without the use of accelerants, and don’t build a fire higher than two feet. Douse the fire completely with water before leaving. If containers are provided, use them to dispose of ashes. Call the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to find out if burn bans are in effect: 206-343-8800 or 800-552-3565. Information can also be found on the Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources Web site, www2.wadnr.gov/burn-risk. Tide charts can be found at www.fintalk.com/saltwater-tides.
– Ann Bergman
See a Movie Outside
Ah, the open sky, the trails of dwindling sunset over your head, the flicker of the projector, and the feel of the grass under your lawn chair. Summer outdoor movies turn a whole park into your living room. Less formal than a theater, outdoor movies are great for kids. While a ringing cell phone won’t be appreciated, giggling, quiet talking and a little rambunctiousness will fit right in.
Outdoor theaters often have a hot dog vendor, popcorn seller or some other purveyor of snacky goodness, but you can bring your own food. You also have to bring your own seating. Most outdoor venues encourage low-backed chairs or blankets, though many have reserved areas for high-backed seating. However, all venues operate on a first come, first served basis, and many fill up fast. If you have special needs, it’s best to arrive early. Films start at dusk, and seating is usually open an hour or more before.
It’s a good idea to pack sweatshirts or extra blankets as it can get chilly when the sun goes down. Some venues have restrictions on pets or coolers, so check ahead before your final head count. Most venues don’t allow alcohol or have designated beer gardens.
Unless otherwise noted, screenings are free and begin within 30 minutes of dusk. All films listed are rated G or PG.
Seattle Area
Movies at the Mural: Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater, 305 Harrison St., Seattle; 206-684-7200. www.seattlecenter.com. Aug. 1: The Princess Bride. Aug. 8: The Goonies. No pets, coolers or cameras.
Fremont Outdoor Movies: N. 35th Street and Phinney Avenue N., Seattle; 206-781-4230. www.fremontoutdoormovies.com. Aug. 2: The Omega Man, with family-friendly improv troop commentary. Aug. 16: The Iron Giant. Aug. 23: Hairspray. Pre-show entertainment includes silly contests for prizes. Pets welcome. Suggested $5 donation.
West Seattle Movies on the Wall: Hotwire Coffeehouse parking lot, 4410 California Ave. S., Seattle; www.sidewalkcinema.com. Aug. 2: Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Aug. 9: Finding Nemo. Aug. 16: Ghostbusters. Aug. 23: Galaxy Quest.
Friday Night Movie: Lake Burien School Memorial Park, 14640 18th Ave. S.W., Burien; 206-988-3700. www.burienparks.net. Aug. 15: The Princess Bride. Aug. 22: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. In case of rain, call for venue.
Moonlight Movies: Liberty Park, 1100 Bronson Way N., Renton; 425-430-6700. rentonwa.gov/living. Aug. 2: Some Like it Hot. Aug. 9: The Spiderwick Chronicles. Aug. 16: Meatballs. There will be a special showing at Henry Moses Aquatic Center (1719 Maple Valley Highway, Renton) on Aug. 23 of Surf’s Up. This showing only: $5, gates open at 8 p.m.
East
Outdoor Movies: Mercerdale Park, 77th Ave. S.E. and S.E. 32nd Street, Mercer Island; 206-236-3545. www.ci.mercer-island.wa.us. Aug. 16: Ratatouille. Aug. 23: Meet the Robinsons.
Outdoor Movie at the Beach: Juanita Beach, 9703 N.E. Juanita Drive, Kirkland); 425-587-3330. www.ci.kirkland.wa.us. Aug. 22: Bee Movie. Sept. 5: The Water Horse. Suggested donation of $5 per family.
Outdoor Movie Night: The Plaza at Carillon Point, Kirkland; 425-822-1700. www.carillon-point.com/home/movie.html. Aug. 9: Flushed Away. Aug. 16: Goonies. Aug. 23: Back to the Future. $5 donation per person benefits Hopelink.
Movies @ Marymoor: Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E., Redmond; 206-296-4999. www.metrokc.gov/parks/movies. Aug. 6: Singin’ in the Rain. Aug. 13: Hairspray. Aug. 20: The Muppet Movie. Aug. 27: viewer’s choice.
Duvall Movies in the Park: McCormick Park, 26200 N.E. Stephens St., Duvall; www.sidewalkcinema.com. Aug. 15: Enchanted. Aug. 22: Alvin and the Chipmunks. Aug. 29: National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets.
North
Outdoor Movie Nite: Frances Anderson Center Playfield, 700 Main St., Edmonds; 425-771-0230. www.ci.edmonds.wa.us/calendar.stm. Aug. 1: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Sand Lot Cinema: Lynndale Park, 18927 72nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; 425-771-4030. www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/parks. Aug. 8: The Goonies.
Movies in the Park: Willis Tucker Park, 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish; 425-388-3411. www.co.snohomish.wa.us. Aug. 14: We Are Marshall. Aug. 21: Evan Almighty.
Cinema under the Stars: Thornton A. Sullivan Park, 11405 Silver Lake Road, Everett; 425-257-8300. www.everettwa.org. Aug. 1: Hairspray. Aug. 8: Shrek the Third. Aug. 15: Surf’s Up. Pre-show family entertainment is offered.
South
Outdoor Cinema: Steel Lake Park, 2410 S. 312th St., Federal Way; 253-835-6900. www.cityoffederalway.com. Aug. 1: Alvin and the Chipmunks. Aug. 15: Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. Aug. 29: National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. Call for location in case of inclement weather.
Summer Sounds & Cinema: Different locations as listed. 253-931-3043. www.auburn.wa.gov. Live music at 7pm precedes the film. Aug. 1, Hairspray; Les Gove Park, 910 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn; Aug. 15: Bee Movie; Sunset Park, 1306 69th St. S.E., Auburn; Aug. 22: The Sandlot; Les Gove Park.
Outdoor Zoo Cinema: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; 253-404-3657. www.thezoosociety.org. Zookeeper presentations and animal encounters are available before the movie (gates open at 7 p.m.). Aug. 1: Shrek the Third. Aug. 8: Evan Almighty. Aug. 15: Surf’s Up. Aug. 22: Hairspray.
Summer Sounds Outdoor Cinema: Different locations as listed. 253-305-1062. www.metroparkstacoma.org. The band plays at 6:30, and the movies are at dusk. Aug. 2: Casablanca; The Centre at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave. N.E., Tacoma; Aug. 9: The Water Horse; Thea’s Park, 405 Dock St., Tacoma – watch from the park or tie your boat to the log boom; Aug. 23: Bee Movie; South End Recreation Area, 6002 S. Adams, Tacoma.
Cinemagig Outdoors: Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor; 253-857-4842. www.gigharborguide.com. Aug. 10: The Water Horse. Aug. 23: Enchanted.
Outdoor Cinema Series: Bradley Lake Park, 531 31st Ave. S.E., Puyallup; 253-841-5457. www.cityofpuyallup.org. Aug. 2: Surf’s Up. Aug. 16: The Spiderwick Chronicles. Aug. 23: High School Musical 2. Aug. 30: Hannah Montana Concert Show.
End of Summer Concert and Movie: Des Moines Field House Park, 1000 S. 220th St., Des Moines; 206-870-6527. www.desmoineswa.gov/waterland5k. Music (7:30pm) is followed by the movie. Aug. 22: National Treasure.
Movie in the Park: Lake Wilderness Park Amphitheatre, 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley; 425-413-8800. www.ci.maple-valley.wa.us/special/special.asp. Music plays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by the film. Aug. 28: Ratatouille.
