Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 8, August 2003

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Lake City Summer Fest, Aug. 2

By JAMES BUSH

Mixing established traditions and a new focus on creating a day of fun for the entire family, the 61st Annual Lake City Summer Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 2.

Known for many years simply as Pioneer Days, the name change signifies the ongoing expansion of Lake City's summer celebration, says festival consultant and publicist Ezra Basom. "The past couple of years we have successfully increased sponsorship and increased community involvement, while building on the historic things about the festival," he says.

Among the most historic are the Grand Parade (which starts at 7 p.m.) and the Kiddies Parade (6 p.m.), which fill Lake City Way Northeast from NE 135th to NE 123rd with marching bands, floats, and various performing acts from the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team to the SeaFair Pirates. In keeping with tradition, the Grand Parade is organized by the Lake City Western Vigilantes and the Kiddies Parade by the Lake City Rotary Club. This year's parade grand marshall is Ciscoe Morris, Seattle's favorite gardener, best known through his regular appearances on KING-TV and KIRO radio 710.

More tradition? Try the Lake City Salmon Bake, founded by Albert and Ethel Davis in 1950, and still going strong (courtesy of the Lake City Lion's Club) at the Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. NE (serving noon to 7 p.m on both Friday, August 1 and festival Saturday).

Add the ongoing tradition of the Jim Harris Vintage Car Show: Basom says this event, held annually at the Lake City Professional Center, 2611 NE 125th, has been so successful over the years "it's almost a stand-alone event." The car show features a beer garden and a barbecue.

A newer event is Family Fun in the Park, a daylong mix of clowns, magicians, pony rides, face painting, inflatable games, and art activities. "We have a strong focus on family activities," notes Basom. Also featured is an entertainment stage with all-day live music.

This SeaFair-sanctioned event is organized by the Lake City Chamber of Commerce and chaired by Imogene Inglet. Volunteer opportunities are still available.

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For more information on the Lake City Summer Festival, call 363-3287.