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    August 29

    David's Picks for the weekend of Aug 30 - Sept 1, 2008

    Bumbershoot
    SAT-MON  Music, dance, theater, film, arts and children's performances at Seattle Center. directions

    Bremerton Blackberry Festival
    SUN-MON  Entertainment, food, fun run, bike ride and fly-in on the Bremerton Boardwalk. Take a scenic ferry ride from downtown Seattle ferry schedule

    Evergreen State Fair
    THURS-Sept 1  Final weekend. Not as large as the Puyallup fair coming up next week but still lots of fun. In Monroe directions

    Italian Concours d'Elegance
    SUN  Exhibit of cars and motorcycles from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and more at Des Moines Marina. directions

    For my friends in the south sound:

    LeMay Museum Car Show & Auction
    SAT  Display of more than 1,000 vintage, classic and specialty automobiles in Tacoma. directions

    Olympia Harbor Days
    FRI-SUN  Tour of tugboats, tall-ships, entertainment, food, art and children's activities at Percival Landing Park. directions

    August 21

    David's Picks for the weekend of Aug 23-24, 2008

    Washington State International Kite Festival
    THRU SUN  One of the world's largest kite festivals in Long Beach. directions (www.kitefestival.com).

    Seattle Sandfest
    SAT  Professional sand sculpture exhibition with giant sandboxes for kids, live music and competitions at Westlake Park. directions (www.downtownsummer.com).

    Kumbhamela2008
    SAT-SUN  Festival of India with vegetarian cuisine, children's activities, displays of Indian village life depicting Krishna's childhood plus concerts at Vedic Cultural Center in Sammamish. directions (www.kumbhamela.org).

    Evergreen State Fair
    THURS-Sept 1  Celebrating 100 years of fun with carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, food booths, live entertainment and the Guinness Record Largest Hokey Pokey! directions (www.evergreenfair.org).

    City of Bothell RiverFest
    SUN  City and local resource fair, children's activities, entertainment, crafts and more. directions (www.ci.bothell.wa.us).

    Connel’s Dahlia’s Open House
    THRU Sept 1 Five acres of dahlias in full bloom. Bring your camera! directions (http://www.connells-dahlias.com/)

    Puget Sound Dahlia Association Flower Show
    SAT-SUN  Local hobbyists share beautiful blooms from their private gardens. At Kent Commons. directions (http://www.pugetsounddahlias.org/)

    August 15

    David's Picks for the weekend of Aug 16-17, 2008

    Northwest Fuchsia Society Flower Show and Sale
    SAT-SUN   The Pacific Northwest climate is perfect for these beautiful and delicate flowers. See award winning examples from local hobbyists and take home a start for your own garden. At the Bellevue Botanical Garden. directions (http://www.nwfuchsiasociety.com/ ).

    Northwest Classic Chevy Club Show
    SUN  Chevrolets from 1955-1957 at the nostalgic XXX Root Beer in Issaquah. directions (www.nwccc.net).

    Tukwila Days Community Festival
    SAT  Pancake breakfast, parade, petting zoo, arts & crafts, car show and more at the Tukwila Community Center. directions (www.tukwila100.com).

    Art at Marymoor Park
    FRI-SUN  Over 120 fine artists and craftspeople representing all mediums. directions (www.nwartalliance.com).

    BrasilFest
    SUN  Samba rhythms of Brazil, as well as food, martial arts, children's activities and entertainment at Seattle Center. directions (www.seattlecenter.com).

    August 06

    David's Picks for the weekend of Aug 9-10, 2008

    South Lake Union Block Party
    FRI  Food, beer & wine gardens, music, Muttmazing Race for dogs and kids' activities at Westlake and Denny in downtown Seattle. directions

    Bubblefest
    WED-SUN  Bubble-artist performances, crafts, giant kid-friendly foam pit at Pacific Science Center in downtown Seattle. My kids loved this when they were < 10yrs. directions

    NW Fuchsia Society Show & Plant Sale
    FRI-SUN Judged flower show with plants also on sale Country Village in Bothell. If you are looking for an easy to grow yet beautiful flowering plant, the fuchsia may be for you. directions

    A Taste of Edmonds
    FRI-SUN  Food from 40 vendors, arts & crafts, entertainment, children's activities, beer & wine gardens along 5th and Main St. in Edmonds directions

    August 01

    David's Picks for the weekend of Aug 2-3, 2008

    Seafair Hydroplane Races & Air Show
    FRI-SUN  The Chevrolet Cup hydroplane races on Lake Washington and Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Genesee Park.  Shuttles every 15 min from the Eastgate Park N Ride. Tip: get there early and take a blanket or cushion, the best seating is on a steep grassy hillside. There are also a couple of beaches on Mercer Island that have a good view of the airshow, such as Calkins Landing directions.

    Seafair Fleet Week
    WED-SUN  Free public tours of U.S. Navy & Coast Guard and Canadian Navy ships arrive at Pier 90. 

    Lake City Pioneer Days
    FRI-SAT  Salmon bake and model railroad display along with steet fair, parade and vintage car show. 

    Thurston County Fair
    WED-SUN  Farm animals, entertainment, carnival and food at the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Olympia.

    Snoqualmie Railroad Days
    FRI-SUN  Parade, food, arts & crafts, helicopter rides, train rides, kids' activities and more.

    July 25

    David's Picks for the weekend of July 26-27, 2008

    SandSations Sand Sculpture Competition
    FRI-SAT  Teams from around the country compete to build the most creative and intricate sand sculpture.  At Long Beach, WA. directions

    NASCAR Camping World Washington 500
    SAT  Watch 800HP stock cars battle for 500 laps on a 5/8 mile oval. This is the once per year national level NASCAR race in our area. At Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. directions

    NW Fuchsia Society Flower Show
    SAT-SUN  Judged display of fuchsias at the beautiful Hiram Chittenden Locks in Ballard. directions

    Ballard SeafoodFest
    SAT-SUN  Food, entertainment, beer & wine, kids' activities, arts & crafts and more in Ballard. directions

    Model Family Kite Fest
    SAT  Family funFly, stunt kite demonstrations, kids kite building, music, prizes.  At Magnuson Park in Seattle. directions

    Seafair Torchlight Parade
    SAT  "Amazing Adventures" is the theme this year with marching bands, floats, drill teams, the Seafair Clowns & Pirates and more starting at 7:30PM from the Seattle Center.  (www.seafair.com).

    Capitol Hill Block Party
    FRI-SAT  Music from local and national bands with food and vendors along 10th Ave & East Pike. directions

    6th Street Art Fair
    FRI-SUN  Artwork by more than 120 artists, music, food and more in downtown Bellevue. (www.bellevuedowntown.com).

    Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair
    FRI-SUN  More than 300 arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, art demos and more at Bellevue Arts Museum. directions (www.bellevuearts.org).

    Alki Beach Art Fair
    SAT-SUN  Juried art fair, music, food, children's art and more at Alki Beach Promenade. directions

    SOUTH

    Pacific Northwest Nationals Auto Show
    FRI-SUN  Display of more than 2000 hot rods, customs, classics at Puyallup Fair and Events Center and drag races at Pacific Raceways in Kent.  directions

    Lake Stevens Aquafest
    THURS-SUN  Arts & crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, parade & Bite of Lake Stevens. directions

    Westfield Southcenter Grand Opening
    FRI-SUN  Grand opening of newly remodeled shopping center.

    Renton River Days
    WED-SUN  Crafts, games, entertainment, pony rides, parade and more at Liberty Park and other downtown Renton locations. 

    Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering
    SAT-SUN  Bagpipes, drums, Celtic arts, folk music, food, beer, parade and games at Enumclaw Expo Center.

    Enumclaw Street Fair
    FRI-SAT  Entertainment, food, farmers market, arts & crafts and more.

    July 17

    David's Picks for the weekend of July 19-20, 2008

    Bite of Seattle
    FRI-SUN  This is one of the biggest festivals of the year. Food from more than 50 restaurants as well as cooking demos and entertainment on 5 stages at Seattle Center. directions (www.biteofseattle.com).

    NHRA Nationals
    FRI-SUN Our one chance this year to experience ground pounding 6000hp dragsters. You won’t need to be a gearhead to be awed by the raw power of these beasts. At Pacific Raceways in Kent. directions

    Chinatown Seafair Parade
    SUN  Dragons & lions and marching bands along South Jackson & South King starting at 7pm. directions (www.chinesechamber.net).

    Kirkland Uncorked
    FRI-SAT  Wine tasting, food, grilling competition, wine and food pairing and more at Marina Park. directions (www.kirklanduncorked.com).

    Sequim Lavender Festival
    FRI-SUN  Street fair in Sequim with arts & crafts, music, food and farms open for lavender picking. directions (www.lavenderfestival.com).

    Darrington Bluegrass Festival
    FRI-SUN  Annual bluegrass music festival at Darrington Music Park. directions (www.glacierview/bluegrass).

    Art by the Bay: Camano Island Arts Festival
    SAT-SUN  Fine arts and crafts festival with more than 140 artists as well as music and food at Utsalady Elementary School.  directions (www.artbythebay.com).

    July 11

    David's Picks for the weekend of July 12-13, 2008

    Vashon Island Strawberry Festival
    SAT-SUN  Grand Parade, the Classic Car parade, music throughout the day, both Saturday and Sunday, Saturday night street dances, food & vendor booths. A short ferry ride from West Seattle to this picturesque island community. One of my family’s favorites.  (http://vashonchamber.com/strawberry_fest.htm ).

    Seattle's Chinatown-International District Summer Festival
    SAT-SUN  Pan-Asian street festival with lion and dragon dances, taiko drumming, drill teams, karaoke, arts & crafts and food at Hing Hay Park.  (www.cidbia.org).

    Pioneer Square Fire Festival
    FRI-SAT  Firefighters from across the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia show off their skills and compete for personal glory in what is called “the toughest 2 minutes in sports.”.  (http://www.pioneersquare.org/fire.html ).

    Mercer Island Summer Celebration
    SAT-SUN  Pirates, arts & crafts, live music & theater, parade, fireworks, classic car show and more at Luther Burbank Park & Mercerdale Park.  (www.misummercelebration.com).

    Wallingford seafair Kiddies Parade & Street Fair
    SAT  Street fair with food, vendors and entertainment plus parade at 11am along Wallingford Avenue North.  (www.wallingford.org).

    West Seattle Summer Fest
    FRI-SUN  Street fair with music, arts, food, beer garden and street dance at West Seattle Junction.  (www.westseattlefestival.com).

    Kent Cornucopia Days
    THURS-SUN  Festival, street fair, food, carnival, parade and more in Kent.  (www.kcdays.com).

    Redmond Derby Days
    SAT  Bike race, kids' parade, music, food and more at Redmond City Hall campus.  (www.redmond.gov).

    Bastille Day
    SAT-SUN  French food, wine, music, art and more at Seattle Center.  (www.seattle-bastille.org).

    Tivoli/Viking Days
    FRI-SUN  Scandinavian food, crafts, music, dancing and more at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard.  (www.nordicmuseum.org).

    Model Airplane Show
    SUN  Marymoor R/C Club open house with flying demos and displays at the Model Airplane Field at Marymoor Park.  (425.747.2039).

    Arlington Fly-in
    WED-SUN  Airshow, flight demonstrations, bands, military vehicles, hot air balloons, fireworks and music at Arlington Airport.  (www.arlingtonflyin.org).

    July 03

    David's Picks for the weekend of July 4-6, 2008

    There will be many 4th of July fireworks displays on Friday the 4th of July. Take your pick:

    · Demolition Derby and Fireworks Evergreen Speedway in Monroe <– my kids favorite!

    · 4th of Jul-Ivars Seattle waterfront – Elliot Bay

    · Wamu Family 4th Gas Works Park – Lake Union

    · Bellevue Family 4th

    · Kirkland 4th of July Festivities

    · Fourth on the Plateau

    · 4th of July Fireworks on Lake Sammamish

    · More community Fourth of July events

    Other events this weekend:

    Milk Carton Derby
    SAT  Nearly 100 hand built milk-carton crafts along with shore activities and food at Green Lake Park.  (www.seafair.com).

    Seafair Pirates Landing
    SAT  Annual landing of the Pirates with kids' activities, entertainment and more at Alki Beach Park.  (www.seafair.com).

    Vintage Races
    FRI-SUN  Miss the unmistakable sound of the big block V8? Get your horsepower fix watching vintage stock cars racing on the road course at Pacific Raceways.  (www.sovren.org).

    Bluesfest
    FRI  Crafts, games, food vendors, music at Wilmot Gateway Park, Woodinville.  (www.ci.woodinville.wa.us).

    Carnation Celebration
    FRI  Pancake breakfast, 5K run, kiddie parade, grand parade, car show, fireworks at Tolt-MacDonald Park.  (www.carnation4th.org).

    Seattle International Beerfest
    FRI-SUN  More than 130 beers from 15 countries plus live music at Mural Amphitheater at Seattle Center.  (www.seattlebeerfest.com).

    Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
    FRI-SUN  Celebration of local maritime heritage with boat display, toy-boat building, sailing model boats, boat rides & races, food and live music at Lake Union Park and Center for Wooden Boats.  (www.cwb.org/BoatFest2008.htm).

    Tall Ships Tacoma
    THURS-MON  Tours and adventures on 32 sailing vessels as well as entertainment along Foss Waterway.  (www.tallshipstacoma.com).

    June 27

    David's Picks for the weekend of June 28-29, 2008

    Bellevue Strawberry Festival
    SAT-SUN  Fresh strawberry shortcake, games, entertainment and more at Crossroads International Park.  (www.bellevuestrawberryfestival.org).

    Burien Strawberry Festival & Arts Festival
    SAT-SUN  Entertainment, gallery exhibits, kids and community performers, food and more at Burien Community Center.  (www.burienstrawberryfestival.org).

    Taste of Tacoma
    FRI-SUN  Food from 30 restaurants, 20 food product companies as well as four stages of music, beer garden, carnival rides and kids' activities at Point Defiance Park.  (www.tasteoftacoma.com).

    Midsommarfest
    SUN  Music and dance, kids' activities, crafts, food and more at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore.  (www.skandia-folkdance.org).

    Greenway Days
    SAT-SUN  Exploring the Mountains to Sound Greenway to learn about cultural, historic and recreational treasures. Several events in Issaquah  (www.mtsgreenway.org).

    June 20

    David's Picks for the weekend of June 21-22, 2008

    Fremont Fair
    SAT-SUN Seattle’s most colorful street fair located in funky and friendly Fremont neighborhood—Seattle, Washington's own "Center of the Universe." (www.fremontfair.com).

    Inspiring Impressionism – exhibit opening at Seattle Art Museum
    Exhibition pairing Impressionism painters with the old masters who inspired them. (http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/ ).

    Sorticulture-Everett's Garden Arts Festival
    FRI-SUN  A celebration of creative outdoor living, featuring handcrafted, locally-made garden embellishments, unusual plants, gardening and culinary presentations, live acoustic music, food, noon-8 p.m. June 20; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 21-22 at Legion Memorial Park.  (www.everettwa.org/arts).

    Marysville Strawberry Festival
    Thru SUN  Food, entertainment, arts & crafts, carnival, car show, parade, fireworks and strawberries! (www.maryfest.com).

    Ezra Meeker Days
    FRI-SUN  Entertainment stages with free live music, food courts, inflatable rides for the Kids In Puyallup (David’s home town!).  (http://www.puyallupmainstreet.com/meekerdays.html ).

    Northwest Trek Slugfest
    SAT-SUN  Learn about the Pacific Northwest's most valuable and misunderstood mollusk - the yellow-greenish banana slug through a fun filled day of sluggy activities for the whole family to enjoy.  (http://www.nwtrek.org/).

    June 13

    David's Picks for the weekend of June 14-15, 2008

    Edmonds Arts Festival
    FRI-SUN  Arts & crafts, live entertainment and children's activities at the Frances Anderson Center.  (www.edmondsartsfestival.com).

    Maple Valley Days
    FRI-SUN  Parade, classic car show, food, arts & crafts, radio-controlled hydros and more at Lake Wilderness Park.  (www.maplevalleydays.com).

    Father's Day Barbecue at Woodland Park Zoo
    SUN  Barbecue beef sandwiches, hot dogs, baked beans, salads, watermelon eating contest, animal encounters, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  (www.zoo.org).

    Washington Brewers Festival
    FRI-SUN  All-ages festival with music, kids' activities and tastes from a selection of more than 150 Washington state craft beers at Saint Edwards State Park in Kenmore.  (www.washingtonbeer.com).

    Olympic Air Show
    SAT-SUN   Featuring seven decades of military aircraft, from nostalgic bi-planes to high performance jets. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Olympic Flight Museum.  (www.olympicflightmuseum.com). ~1.5 hr driving directions.

    Ocean Shores Kite Challenge
    SAT-SUN  Kite fliers from around the world gather on the beach for a weekend of fun and competitions, including sport-kite fliers and kite displays at Ocean Shores Convention Center. ~3 hrs driving directions

    Seattle International Film Festival
    THRU June 15
      Last weekend. The largest film festival in the United States features predominantly independent and foreign films.  (www.siff.net).

    May 30

    David's Picks for the weekend of May 31- June 1, 2008

    Pike Place Market Street Festival
    SAT-SUN  Wine-tasting, cook-offs, children's activities, crafts, live music and more at Pike Place Market.  (www.pikeplacemarketstreetfestival.com).

    Edmonds Waterfront Festival
    FRI-SUN  Family festival with a nautical theme with crafts, food, belt-sander races, exhibits, music, children's activities and more at Edmonds Marina.  (www.edmondswaterfrontfestival.com).

    Seattle International Film Festival
    THRU June 15  The largest film festival in the United States and among the top film festivals in the world. SIFF runs for three weeks (24 days) and features a diverse assortment of predominantly independent and foreign films and, in recent years, a strong contingent of documentaries.  (www.siff.net).

    May 22

    David's Picks for the weekend of May 23-26, 2008

    Memorial Day weekend is here! If you are looking for some things to do here are my suggestions:

    Northwest Folklife Festival
    FRI-MON  Ethnic music and dance, visual arts, folklore, children's activities, food, crafts and funky fun at Seattle Center. Free Admission. (www.folklife.org).

    Seattle International Children's Festival
    THRU MON  Performing arts event for all ages with live international circus, theatre, music, dance, puppetry, multi-media performance, hands-on activities and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday plus evening performances at Seattle Center.  (www.seattleinternational.org).

    World War II B17 Bombers & Warbirds
    WED-SUN  Tour the B17 through Sunday and catch the Warbirds fly-in on Saturday at the Museum of Flight.  (www.museumofflight.org).

    Monster Trucks
    SUN  Monster Trucks, Demolition Derby, Fireworks, and more at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe.  directions (http://www.evergreenspeedway.net/artman/publish/article_12.shtml ).

    May 16

    David's Picks for the weekend of May 17-18, 2008

    University District Street Fair
    SAT-SUN More than 300 local arts & crafts vendors, food, street performers, live music, kids' play area and more. (http://www.udistrictchamber.org/StreetFair/index.html).

    Seattle Cheese Festival
    FRI-SUN
    Taste and learn more about artisan cheese through various activities at Pike Place Market.  (www.seattlecheesefestival.com).

    Global Import and Domestic Car Show
    SAT
    Hundreds of show quality sport compacts (tuners) from all over the nation, car competition, live music at the Tacoma Dome.  (www.globalimportcarshow.com).

    Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
    SAT Celebrating the birthday of Queen Victoria with cannons, muskets, birthday toasts and re-enactors. Take I-5 south to Tacoma and follow signs to Point Defiance Park, about 1 hr. driving directions (www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=825).

    Port Townsend Rhody Festival
    SAT Parade, craft fair, flower show and carnival in picturesque Port Townsend. Take the Kingston Ferry at Edmonds and head north on hwy 104, about 2 hrs. driving directions.  (http://www.ptguide.com/rhodyfest/index.html).

    May 09

    David's Picks for the weekend of May 10-11, 2008

    Seattle Maritime Festival
    SAT  Tugboat parade and races, chowder cook-off, Coast Guard sea-air rescue demonstrations, survival suit races and kids' activities at Piers 62/62 & 66.  (www.seattlepropellerclub.org).

    Mom & Me at the Zoo
    SAT  18th Annual celebration at both Woodland Park Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium with kids' activities & entertainment.  (www.zoo.org).

    Mother's Day at the Arboretum
    SUN  Enjoy the blooms at the arboretum as well as kids' activities and free photos.  (www.arboretumfoundation.org).

    Mother's Day Social
    SUN  Celebration of the opening day of the rhododendron glen and fern grotto with music and refreshments at Bellevue Botanical Garden.  (www.bellevuebotanical.org).

    Burien Spring Stroll Art Walk
    SAT  Visual arts, food from local businesses and arts-related events, all at marked with balloons, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Art walk maps at info booth at Ninth Avenue Southwest and Southwest 152nd Street in downtown Burien.  (www.discoverburien.com).

    May 02

    David's Picks for the weekend of May 3-4, 2008

     

    Opening Day of Boating Season
    SAT
      Celebrate boating with the US Navy Band, dragon boat races, crew races and a boat parade along the Montlake Cut.  (www.seattleyachtclub.org).

    Keta Salmon Cookoff & Wild Seafood BBQ
    SAT
      Local chefs prepare wild keta salmon and sharing their recipes and secrets; local fishermen, restaurateurs, and barbecue aficionados match skills in a competition featuring wild keta salmon, albacore tuna and other seafood delicacies at Fisherman's Terminal in Seattle.  (www.portseattle.org/seaport/marinas/fishermensterminal/index.shtml).

    Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
    EXTENDED THRU SUN
      The tulips are still blooming due to the late spring in Skagit Valley so the festival continues on through this weekend.  (www.tulipfestival.org).

    Master Gardener Foundation Plant Sale
    SAT-SUN
      Plants propagated from Master Gardeners' gardens, plus vendors from specialty nurseries, garden art, new and used gardening books, garden gloves and thousands of tomato starts. Master Gardener Personal Shoppers available to help you choose plants that will thrive in your landscape at the Center for Urban Horticulture.  (www.mgfkc.org).

    Port Townsend Victorian Festival
    FRI-SUN
      Celebration of Port Townsend's Victorian heritage with walking tours, Grand Ball, fashion show and more.  (www.victorianfestival.org).

    April 25

    David's Picks for the weekend of April 26-27, 2008

    Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
    Final weekend of the Skagit Tulip Festival in Mt.Vernon. Tulip fields are in full bloom and some daffodils still remain as well! (check the bloom map on the web site at http://www.tulipfestival.org). If there is a chance of rain be sure to take your umbrella and outdoor shoes as there can be puddles in the fields.

    Planning your Tulip Festival trip: Before leaving, print the tulip field map. Take I-5 north towards Bellingham. Just past Mt. Vernon take exit 230 or exit 231 and turn left. Follow the field map to drive by the tulip fields. Some fields allow self guided walking tours. Be careful to park legally. There are also several farms that charge a few dollars admission. These places have demonstration fields with many colors as well as amenities like restrooms, food vendors and gift shops. The two biggest are Tulip Town and Roozengaarde. See the tulip field map for their location.

    Pike Place Market Kids & Family Day
    SUN  Live music and entertainment, cooking demos, face painting and more at the Market.  (www.pikeplacemarket.org).

    FlorAbundance Plant Sale
    SAT-SUN  Perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, rhododendrons, native plants, vegetable starts and more from more than 45 specialty nurseries; proceeds benefit Washington Park Arboretum, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at Magnuson Park.  (www.arboretumfoundation.org).

    Remodeled Kitchen and Bath Tour
    SAT-SUN  Open house tour of 15 homes in Seattle, Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kenmore and Redmond, "passport" maps available at Dunn Lumber stores and tour homes.  (www.remodeltour.com).

    Spring Garden Fair
    SAT  Exhibits, information, workshops and seminars on natural yard card, perennial and native plant sale, sale or rain barrels and compost bins, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Redmond City Hall.  (www.springgardenfair.com).

    April 18

    David's Picks for the weekend of April 19-20, 2008

    Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
    Third weekend of the Skagit Tulip Festival in Mt.Vernon. The daffodils are still in full bloom, and a few tulip fields are showing color (check the bloom map on the web site at http://www.tulipfestival.org).

    Planning your Tulip Festival trip: Before leaving, print the tulip field map. Take I-5 north towards Bellingham. Just past Mt. Vernon take exit 230 or exit 231 and turn left. Follow the field map to drive by the tulip fields. Some fields allow self guided walking tours. Be careful to park legally. There are also several farms that charge a few dollars admission. These places have demonstration fields with many colors as well as amenities like restrooms, food vendors and gift shops. 

    The Spring Fair In Puyallup
    It’s spring baby! Carnival rides, entertainment, animal exhibits and garden show. KIDZONE includes a Reptile Show, FREE Face Painting and a catch and release fishing pond. Most activities are in indoor barns. http://www.thefair.com/

    Seattle Center Cherry Blossom Festival
    Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival. From the booms of taiko drums to the silence of ikebana flowers, the event is a feast for the senses. Delicious Japanese food, tea ceremony demonstrations and artwork present both a modern and ancient view of this complex culture. Indoors at the Center House. http://www.seattlecenter.com/

    NWFS Fuchsia & Dahlia Tuber Sale (Bothell Country Village)
    Northwest Fuchsia Society members offer plant material from their own collections at bargain prices. My favorite plant sale of the year.

    Healthy Living Expo
    Health and fitness information for the whole family in one convenient location. Free admission. http://qwestfield.com/home.aspx

    Everett Home and Garden Show
    Home improvement, gardening, new building and remodeling exhibits, vendors and seminars, noon-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center.  (www.westlakepromo.com
    ).

    April 10

    David's Picks for the weekend of April 12-13, 2008

    Spring weather is finally arriving in Seattle this weekend, and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful springtime blooms! Here are my picks for this weekend:

     

    Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
    This is the second weekend of the Skagit Tulip Festival in Mt.Vernon. The daffodils are now in full bloom, but few tulips yet (check the current bloom map on the web site at http://www.tulipfestival.org).

     

    Daffodil Festival

    The Daffodil Festival started in 1933 in my hometown of Puyallup as a tribute to the Puyallup Valley Flower industry and has grown to be one of the largest festivals and parades in the nation.  This weekend is the Grand Floral Street Parade, a parade of fabulous floral floats travelling through the cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting, all in one day. (http://www.daffodilfestival.net/).

     

    Cherry Blossom Viewing

    The tradition of cherry blossom gazing is called “hanami,” and is deeply steeped in Japanese culture. As Japanese people began immigrating to the United States during the latter part of the 1800’s, they would plant cherry trees wherever they lived. in 1976 the Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Miki gifted Seattle with 1,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. These trees were planted along Lake Washington Boulevard and Seward Park, but the Seattle area is rife with additional Japanese cherry trees in numerous public and private spaces.

    Location for great hanami: Lake Washington Boulevard, The Seattle Center, the Arboretum, the Japanese Garden, the University of Washington, Seward Park, Woodland Park, and the Seattle Buddhist Church Wysteria Plaza.

     

    AF Early Bloomers Plant Sale

    The annual Arboretum Foundation plant sale in the Washington Park Arboretum (located at Plant Donations and the Pat Calvert Greenhouse).

     

    Once you have enjoyed the blooms here are a couple of other ideas for the rest of the weekend:

     

    Seattle Condo Tour
    SAT-SUN  Tour new condominiums on the Eastside this weekend with shuttle at Bellevue High.  (www.seattlecondotour.com).

     

    Whirligig 2008

    SAT-SUN Last weekend for this annual kid’s carnival! Inflatable slides, face painting, balloon art, entertainment and a Toddler Zone indoors at Seattle Center House.  (www.seattlecenter.com).

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