King County Parks events: July 1 through 15

2006 Archived News

King County Parks – "Your Big Backyard" - has jam-packed the first half of July with a plethora of entertainment and volunteer opportunities.

For starters, celebrate the Fourth of July at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, with its classic "Stars and Stripes Forever" fireworks show. Next, check out Marymoor Parks’ outdoor entertainment with the First Tech Movies presentation of "March of the Penguins," or maybe the U.S. Bank Concert performances by Rob Thomas and Jason Mraz.

Here are details on some of the events for the first two weeks of July in King County Parks:

King County’s Marymoor Park

July 3, 5, 10 and 12
Monday and Wednesday Night Racing
Group Health Velodrome

The Monday and Wednesday Night Racing series develops bike racers for the Friday Night Racing series, presented by Group Health. The Monday series is designed for juniors and new bike racers, while the Wednesday series offers masters-only races. Spectator admission is free. Racing starts at 7 p.m. on Mondays, and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, visit www.velodrome.org on the Internet.

July 7-14 – 7:30 p.m.
Group Health Friday Night Track Racing
Group Health Velodrome

The Group Health Friday Night Track Racing series, "The Show," is thrilling action for racers and spectators alike. World-class cyclists compete under the lights, while family and friends picnic on the lawn or enjoy the view from the stands. The traditional "Kiddie Kilo" happens the first and third Fridays of each month. Spectator admission is $4 for adults and free for kids 16 and under. For more information, visit www.velodrome.org on the Internet.

July 9 – 10 a.m.
Marymoor R/C Club Open House
Flying Field

Hosted by the Marymoor Radio Control Club this event allows the public to witness the wonderful world of radio controlled model airplane flying with demonstrations and static displays of all types of R/C models. For more information, contact Norah Gaynor at 206-205-3661, or visit www.mar-c.org.

July 11 – Open seating at 7 p.m. Movie begins at dusk
First Tech Movies presents "March of the Penguins"

Stretch out on the cool grass under the stars to watch the Academy Award-winning documentary "March of the Penguins." Narrated by Morgan Freeman this film beautifully captures the Emperor penguin’s annual quest to find a mate and raise young in the harsh Antarctic environment. Risking starvation and attack by predators, the flightless birds’ journey takes them hundreds of miles across Antarctica, through freezing cold temperatures and hurricane-force winds. Seating is on the grass, so bring low-backed chairs or blankets. Admission is free and donations are accepted.

July 12 – 6:30 p.m.
U.S. Bank Concerts at Marymoor presents Rob Thomas with special guest Jason Mraz
Marymoor Amphitheater

For nearly a decade, Rob Thomas has had a strong presence on the modern musical landscape. The former Matchbox Twenty lead singer with be joined by Jason Mraz, who has been garnering comparisons to the likes of Dave Matthews, Nick Drake, James Taylor and David Gray. Mraz’s sophomore studio effort Mr. A-Z was released last year. Ticket prices are $49.50 for general admission and $79.50 for reserved seating. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

July 14,15 – 6 p.m.
U.S. Bank Concerts at Marymoor presents An Evening with Widespread Panic
Marymoor Amphitheater

Reveling in improvisation that leads them to never playing the same show twice, Georgian rock band Widespread Panic will take the stage at Marymoor for a night of jamming. Ticket prices are $37.50 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

King County Fairgrounds – Enumclaw

July 4 – 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Stars and Stripes Fireworks Celebration

Celebrate our nation’s independence at the King County Fairgrounds with this awe-inspiring fireworks display. For more information, contact the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888.

Five Mile Lake Park – Auburn/Federal Way

July 1 – 8 a.m.
Five Mile Lake Triathlon/Duathlon

Hosted by Budu Racing this annual race provides rigorous courses tailored to different levels of experience. The triathlon includes swimming, biking and running courses while the duathlon option involves running and biking only. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.buduracing.com/ or contact Rory Muller at 253-334-4433 or at rory@buduracing.com.

Tolt-MacDonald Park – Carnation

July 4 – 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
City of Carnation Fourth of July Celebration

Join the City of Carnation in celebrating America's 230th birthday at Tolt-MacDonald Park. Events will include a parade, a hot rod and Harley show, a five kilometer run/walk, live music, raffles, a vendor village featuring food, arts and crafts, a kids fun park, Snoqualmie Valley Senior Center's famous Strawberry Shortcake and of course the perfect fireworks display at dusk. For more information, visit www.carnation4th.org.

Dockton Park – Vashon Island

July 9 – 9 a.m.
Vashon Island Off-Road Triathlon

Hosted by Budu Racing, the Vashon Island Off-Road Triathlon is a part of the Nissan Xterra USA Championship Series. Be prepared for a challenging day of swimming, biking and trail running as this course involves an 800 meter out and back swim in Quartermaster Harbor, a 12 mile mountain bike ride and a six kilometer trail run. For more information or to register for the event, visit http://www.buduracing.com/ or contact Rory Muller at 253-334-4433 or at rory@buduracing.com.

Weyerhaeuser-King County Aquatic Center

July 7 through 9
Water Polo Tournament

Hosted by the Washington Water Polo Club, this tournament is comprised of northwest teams competing in elimination matches starting the afternoon of Friday, July 7 and ending with the championship match Sunday evening, July 9. Spectator admission may be charged at the doors during the event. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.waspclub.com.

Volunteer Events

July 5 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Invasive Weed Removal
Various locations

"Weed Warriors" are needed to remove invasive weeds restricting the growth of young native trees and plants in restoration project areas. Work sites include Bear and Issaquah Creeks and the Green and Cedar Rivers. This fun and rewarding opportunity is a great way to get school community service hours. For more information or to sign up for the event, contact Tina Miller, volunteer coordinator, at 206-296-2990 or at tina.miller@kingcounty.gov. Private work parties preferring to meet at a different time can be arranged for businesses or school groups.

King County Parks looks after "Your Big Backyard" – more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs.