But wait, there’s still more …

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, September 1, 2005

This is closing weekend for most summertime activities in Snohomish and King counties. Before heading back to school, head to the Evergreen State Fair, Jetty Island or Wild Waves for some last-chance summer fun.

Jetty Island, the 2-mile-long, manmade jewel located a stone’s throw from Everett’s 10th Street boat launch, offers beachgoers a retreat from the city.

Through Sunday, visitors walking along trails and sandy beaches can view nine species of ground-nesting birds and a natural foraging area for eagles, osprey and peregrine falcons.

The birdwatcher’s paradise houses more than 20 species of birds that use the tideland for feeding grounds. A trail takes explorers to the north tip (approximately 1 1/2 miles from the ferry).

From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jetty Island closing activities include an annual Trash Bash, where participants can win prizes. Smokey Bear will be on hand to check progress and a local Scout troop’s color guard will lower the flags for the closing celebration.

Park ranger and chief naturalist Kraig Hansen suggests visitors bring plenty of beverages and food. Some bottled water is available for sale, but there isn’t a concession stand. Hansen also suggests coming prepared for all types of weather. The island doesn’t have any shelter, other than trees.

Jetty Island’s free ferry service runs nearly every half-hour, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more information about Jetty Island, its ferry service or its programs and activities, call the Jetty kiosk at 425-257-8304.

Evergreen State Fair: Fairgoers can still flock to the 97th annual Evergreen State Fair through Monday at the Fairgrounds in Monroe.

The 12-day event wraps up with a Pro West Rodeo. For four days, visitors can see bull riding, bronco bustin’, barrel racing, calf roping and a variety of half-time equestrian events.

Many activities continue daily at the fair, including contests and competitions, a juried art show, an antique tractor display from Sky Valley Stock and Antique Tractor Club and live music and performances on the Family Fun Stage.

For fun hands-on activities, visit the Oregon Museum of Science &Industry’s booth. Museum staff members give demonstrations featuring chemical reactions and answer questions. Themes for the hands-on science projects include problem solving, mathematics, logical reasoning and light and perception.

Admission on Monday is half-price.

Wild Waves/Enchanted Village: If it’s water slides and thrill rides you’re looking for, Wild Waves and Enchanted Village is the place for you.

The Northwest’s largest waterpark, a Six Flags Theme Park, offers visitors slides, pools, lagoons and roller coasters. It’s open through Monday.

Visitors can try Zooma Falls, the park’s newest water adventure, which twists and tuns through rushing rapids.

Other attractions at the park include tube slides, a raging river ride, warming tubs, an activity pool and sun deck. The park has raft rentals, locker rentals, a video arcade, food concessions and a gift shop.

Wild Waves and Enchanted Village encompasses more than 70 acres and is the region’s largest theme and water park.

Dan Bates / The Herald

Expressive youngsters enjoy a magic show at the 2002 Evergreen State Fair. There are only a few days left to enjoy this year’s fair.

Justin Best / The Herald

Jetty Island, too, only has a short time left for this season.