Arlington painting the town purple in Relay for Life fundraiser

ARLINGTON — The people at City Hall were not to be outdone.

City employees pooled their money last week to hire local window painters Kylie Goss and Blayne Parris. The goal was to give Arlington City Hall a festive touch and a chance to participate in the third annual Paint the Town Purple decoration contest.

It’s just one of the events Saturday sponsored by the Arlington Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The purple decorations around town also set the stage for the Relay’s lighted parade down Olympic Avenue at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Special guests in the parade are Mickey and Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters.

Also scheduled are Paint the Town Purple entertainment and fundraising activities from 1 to 5 p.m. at Olympic and Third streets.

Arlington’s Amazing Race is from 2 to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Olympic Avenue near City Hall. Participating teams get clues and race around the city performing tasks, finding items and taking photos. Teams are required to have a car, camera and cell phone. An entry fee is charged.

Registration for the Purple Pooch Parade begins at 2:30 p.m. at Magnolia Hall, 225 E. Third St. Registration is $5, and the first 50 dogs get a purple bandana. Prizes are to be awarded in several categories.

Prizes for the best purple paint display and the best dressed purple people also are planned. Participants can have their pictures taken with characters from “Beauty and the Beast,” courtesy of the Arlington High School Drama Department.

Several Arlington restaurants plan to offer Purple Plate Specials and donate a portion of the proceeds to the Arlington Relay for Life.

“It should be a really fun day,” said Debbie Strotz, who works in the city finance department. “And I hope City Hall wins the Paint the Town Purple decoration contest!”

The Arlington Relay for Life is set for June 23 at Larsen Stadium at Arlington High School.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.