Heatherwood hosts recreation fair

One-stop shopping for sports and recreation activities is the goal at the second annual Recreation, Sports and Fitness Fair.

The event, sponsored by the City of Mill Creek, the Mill Creek Rotary and Heatherwood Middle School, is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Heatherwood, 1419 Trillium Blvd. in Mill Creek.

Admission is free and participants from all ages are encouraged to attend.

The event has increased from last year, when it debuted with 42 organizations. This year, 55 participants are signed up to attend.

“I think last year people didn’t understand what we were trying to do,” said Ed Lundberg of the Mill Creek Rotary.

This year, many of the organizations are being invited for a second time, and are familiar with the event’s purpose, which is to give recreation organizations a venue to show what they have to offer, and give the community a chance to find activities they would like to try.

For example, a parent may want to join a gym, and also want to find an activity for their kids.

At the sports fair, a parent can “get the information you need and you don’t have to spend a lot of time on the phone,” said Shannon O’Kelley of Mill Creek Rotary and Murphy’s Corner Physical Therapy.

Organizations from all over Snohomish County will be available at the fair. Activities represented at the fair include gymnastics, rowing, golf, swimming, jazzercise, martial arts, soccer, fastpitch baseball, basketball, horseback riding, running and even scrapbooking.

The new Everett Silvertips hockey club will also attend, as will the Seattle Junior Hockey Association.

“This is really an opportunity for the community to come together and see what recreation is available for their families,” O’Kelley said.

Organizers say there is something for everyone, including youth, young adults and senior citizens.

Entertainment includes a visit from Fire District 7 for the kids and demonstrations in gymnastics and karate.

“Last year, I think we came out of the shoot with sports,’” O’Kelley said.

This year, the event has representation in sports and recreation, including dance and voice lessons.

Another difference from last year’s inaugural fair is the timing. The summertime date last year conflicted with graduation. This year’s springtime date is free and clear for many families who may want to show up.

Lynn Devoir, City of Mill Creek recreation supervisor, said she thinks it’s great to have all of the recreation activities in one location. For some activities, the timing of the fair, right before summer, becomes even more attractive as parents struggle to find something to occupy the kids’ time when they’re out of school.

Parents can choose from day camps or sports camps, and if their child has an injury, there will be sports injury clinics available as well.

“It’s one-stop shopping” for recreation, said Devoir.