Seattle Press on Line - Something for Everyone

Central Area

Something for Everyone

By Abby Freedman

Central Area Boys and Girls Club majorettes. Photo courtesy of Seafair.

Jul 18, 2002 -- During Seafair, there are a lot of community festivals going on, but the Central Area Community Festival sets itself apart with a motif of community togetherness. In fact, this sentiment is even reflected in 2002 theme, "Helping One Another."

"People come partially because of the flavor of the event," said Vick Minor, executive director of the Central Area Community Association. "It's something of a backyard party. It's almost like a family reunion, but on a larger scale. People know and recognize each other because they live and work in the same area."

If the festival is akin to a backyard barbecue, then Minor has certainly been to some extensive ones. The three-day festival is presented as having something for everyone, ages eight to 80.

"We like to think that the entire family--the extended family, grandma and everyone--can spend the whole day here," Minor said.

Kids and senior citizens can enjoy the games area, with both board games and bingo being played all three days. Bingo winners will be awarded prizes. In addition, there a chance for athleticism, with kids and adults alike practicing at the batting cage or tossing a football. From noon to close each day, there will be musical entertainers, with Seattle City Councilmembers coming to introduce each act. There are 12 food vendors, with everything from BBQ to all types of Asian fare, and more than 30 merchandise and arts and crafts booths.

But this festival's purpose is more than just fun. There are 30 - 40 informational booths, as well.

Safeco is sponsoring a bicycle rodeo, where kids can get their bikes checked by specialists. After the vehicles are tuned, it's time to take them for a test drive--a course set up by Safeco to test the young cyclists' knowledge of street rules. They have to go through traffic control and the rules of the roads, including those about riding on sidewalks and in the street. Upon completion of the course, the kids get prizes.

Also promoting safety, Harborview Medical Center will have kids' helmets for $5.
"These are high-end helmets," Minor said. "The kids can come out and get helmets fitted for them. It's nice for the kids to have when they're biking or skateboarding or whatever."

In addition, Harborview will have a health fair, where doctors and staff will be on-site to test for high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia and other problems. All services will be free of charge for fairgoers.

Seattle City Light will be handing out energy-saving light bulbs and educating people about lowering their utility bills. There will be information on special energy grants for low-income Seattle citizens who want to weather-proof their homes or otherwise lower their bills.

"There will be businesses that have low-cost or no-cost services to people," Minor said.

The Catholic Community Services will be there to let people know about support services in the area. The Odessa Brown Children's Clinic will be onhand to give out pamphlets about its services--and some free toothbrushes. Planned Parenthood will educate people about its services.

The wide variety of events and booths means that people will come for different reasons, Minor said. "Some come for the information," he said. "Some come for the entertainment. Others come for the ethnic diversity in the food."

The important thing, though, is that they come, making it, in Minor's words, "a community family reunion."

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kelly	Apr 22, 2004	anglesey	student
i do it in north wales 2004