North Bend block party extends celebration
July 21, 2010
By Elizabeth DeVos
Jolene Kelly had always wanted a ladybug balloon bracelet, but didn’t know where to find one, so she decided to throw a party in order to get one. At the second annual North Bend block party, Kelly received her ladybug bracelet thanks to a balloon vendor.
“We wanted to create a community event to promote local business in the downtown area,” said Kelly, co-director of the event. “It was such a great success last year, we knew it was something that the community wanted.”
During the eight-hour event July 17 about 3,300 people graced two city blocks of downtown North Bend.
Ben Doy (left) and Alex Lawrence, both of North Bend, wait in anticipation for the race between their handmade cars on the Banana Boogie race track at the North Bend Block Party July 17 in downtown North Bend. By Clay Eals
Planning for the event started in May.
Unlike last year, this year there was an artist gallery for local artists to showcase their talents.
Among the paintings on display, artists were weaving, making pottery, sketching, embroidering and painting for locals to see them in action.
Other new features to the block party included a rock-climbing wall, five-hole putt-putt golf course and a skateboard demonstration.
“The event was started last year to celebrate the centennial of North Bend,” said Gina Estep, city community and economic development director and co-director of the event.
According to Kelly, it was to get people thinking about downtown, because of all of the activities and stores located there.
Locals were not the only ones to attend the block party — dogs were also present. Eight dogs showed off their doggie fashions in a dog fashion show sponsored by Pet Place Market.
This year’s winner was 2 1/2-year-old Issie, complete with Converse shoes. Her owners are Twilight, age 9, and Journey, age 6.
“My daughters saw a sign for the fashion show in the Pet Place Market,” said Echo Schertz, of North Bend.
Twilight and Journey saw the doggie shoes for sale in the pet store about two weeks ago and wanted Issie to wear them, Schertz said.
“It’s funny when she walks in her shoes,” Twilight said. “It’s cute.”
The girls plan dress Issie up as either a fish or in a dress for next year’s event.
Throughout the day, other competitions took place, including a strongman competition, doughnut-eating competition for children and a cheeseburger-eating competition.
Team Big boys won the cheeseburger-eating contest.
Live music also kept partygoers entertained — the main band this year was Shelley and the Curves.
“Our daughter was performing with Cascade Dance Academy,” said John Conlon, of Snoqualmie Ridge. “This was our first time coming to the block party. As long as it’s not raining, we’ll come again.”
The event keeps getting bigger and better, according to Cindy Walker, of Northwest Theater, Emerald City Smoothies and co-chair of the event. Organizers also hope that next year’s event is even better than this year’s, she said.
Elizabeth DeVos: 392-6434 or isspress@isspress.com.
Comments
Got something to say?
Before you comment, please note:
- These comments are moderated.
- Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand and contribute to its discussion.
- Personal attacks and/or excessive profanity will not be tolerated and such comments will not be approved.
- This is not your personal chat room or forum, so please stay on topic.
