Seattle Press on Line - Lake City Summer Festival: Lots of Fun and a Proud History

Lake City

Lake City Summer Festival: Lots of Fun and a Proud History

By Abby Freedman

Aug 01, 2002 -- In a city that just about started the frenzy for dot-coms and fancy coffee drinks, it's sometimes hard to remember that this land was once full of pioneers. Embracing that heritage for the past 60 years has been the Pioneer Days, which has, lately, been encompassed under the umbrella of the Lake City Summer Festival. Now what was once a meager parade and salmon bake by the community center is a two-day gala with myriad events and performers.

Despite the celebration of the area's heritage, tradition has sometimes given way to more modern displays. The traditional sidewalk sale has morphed into a street fair. A vintage car show was added, and now sports over 100 autos. The local merchants no longer don pioneer clothes, but instead show their civic support in a more contemporary fashion--ads in the festival program.

"We have double the number of sponsors this year," said Ezra Basom, festival publicist. "That's where the neighborhood merchants get involved. It's typical of a modern festival."

Still, he said, the events maintain a sense of historical pride.

"The events continue to operate, even as we move away from having the merchants running them," Basom said. "There's a nice blend of traditional activities and community focus. The festival creates a lot of community pride. It was one of the first, if not the first, of its kind around here. That is a strong attraction to people in the area."

At the same time, there's something for people outside Lake City, as well. "It's really a community festival for North Seattle," he said. "You'd have to go to the University District to see a festival this size that focuses on the community."

Of course, apart from civic pride, the festival is just plain fun.

"What's nice about the festival is that lots of events appeal to different people. Different people go to the car show than the entertainment stages. And there are inflatable rides for the kids, a block away from the activities in the park: face painting, the Bubbleman and more."

This year, both the performers and the stage have gotten better. Instead of the usual Battle of the Bands, the group lineup is more professional, with names like Dusty 45's, who play at Bumbershoot. The stage itself is larger and has a better sound system.

While listening the music, people can sample food from the many booths, with everything from apple dumplings and Krispy Kreme donuts to Fujian and Tibetan cuisine. The street fair booths are equally eclectic, with booths selling bird feeders, pottery, painted glass, henna body art and various kinds of jewelry. And if the kids get sick of grownup stuff, let them go to Family Fun in the Park, where there is storytelling, art activities, lazer tag and Japanese Taiko Drumming.

But, getting back to the origins of Pioneer Days, no one should forget the parades. The Kiddies Parade starts at 6 p.m. Kids up to age 15 are welcome to participate and should assemble at 5 p.m. at 130th and Lake City Way. After the kids have had they time in the spotlight, the Grand Parade starts at 7 p.m. and brings marching bands, floats, vintage cars and lots of groups.

Whether people want to look at classic cars, listen to music, eat their fill, entertain their kids or just watch a parade, the Lake City Summer Festival is a great bet for a good time.

The Lake City Summer Festival takes place August 2 - 3. For more information, go to www.lakecityfestival.org.

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