There were thousands of people and just as many smiles during the Meet Me In Mill Creek Festival last Saturday and Sunday.
While the bands, entertainment, fire department vehicles and Corvette show had something to do with it, there were other, more subtle things that made people smile.
One thing that made people smile on the warm, sunny days were the water wagons belonging to Northlake Christian Church. Church members walked around the festival, towing wagons with coolers filled with bottle water, free to anyone who wanted one.
“The water is going so fast,” said church member Kim Bond, who was among those handing out water to the warm and thirsty. One man even reached for his wallet to make an offering, but Bond politely said they’re doing it just as a goodwill gesture.
Another free giveaway that made people smile – and laugh – were the fortune cookies that were free at the city of Mill Creek’s booth. Each fortune was a message from the city’s public works department, and each had messages urging people to clean up after their pets, like “Behind every cold wet nose there is a warm heart and dog poop that needs to be scooped.” The cookies were the idea of Marci Chew, the city’s surface water specialist.
This year’s event was the first time the festival has taken place over two days, and the entire event took place in Mill Creek Town Center. Main Street was blocked off for the fair, which in addition to attractions included artists booths and booths for local organizations and businesses.
The only complaints about the festival were some confusion as to parking, not enough trash cans, and some of the artists said they weren’t selling enough wares to cover the costs of their booths.
Attendance was greater on Saturday, when a Corvette show took place on Main Street from 153rd Street SE south toward Central Market. Todd Pistorese and his 17-year-old daughter, arah, were among the enthusiasts showing off their classic ‘Vettes.
“We do it together, once or twice a year,” said Todd Pistorese, of Sammamish.
The Pistoreses were showing a 1965 silver Corvette Stingray and a 1966 Nassau blue Stingray. The 1965 silver model is all original, while the 1966 model was modified with aftermarket engine parts, Todd Pistorese said.
Todd and Sarah Pistorese sat in lounge chairs in front of Boston – The Gourmet Pizza soaking the scene and talking with passers by about their cars.
“People talk about different things,” Todd said. “The ladies like the colors, the men ask about installing parts, the fuel injection systems.”
Sarah, meanwhile, added, “A lot of people are surprised to hear that the ‘65 is an automatic and has (air conditioning).”
Todd Pistorese was impressed by the festival and Town Center.
“This is a nice venue,” he said. “I haven’t been to Mill Creek in 15 years. It’s grown up so much.”
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