Cirque du Soleil's 'Varekai' starts May 4 at King County's Marymoor Park

Marymoor Park season parking pass holders enjoy free parking for performance

Cirque du Soleil's acclaimed "Varekai" live theatrical show begins its month-long run at King County's Marymoor Park in Redmond on Thursday, May 4.

A celebrated theatrical show that mixes the arts of the circus and the street, and features original music, light effects and costumes, Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai" is the first event scheduled for a recently completed recreation event and activity area that has been built in the 640-acre park.

Kevin Brown, King County Parks Division Director, said the Cirque du Soleil show will mean much-needed revenue for King County Parks and for area businesses.

"Generating revenue by increasing park amenities is one of the creative solutions King County is pursuing to keep parks open and well maintained," Brown said. "We are honored to have such an outstanding partner with Cirque du Soleil, and we're looking forward to forging more relationships in the future."

Designated parking for the Cirque du Soleil show is $10 per vehicle; Marymoor Park season parking pass holders do not have to pay for show parking. Season parking passes can be purchased at the Marymoor Park office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and range in price from $20 for a two-month pass to $100 for a 12-month pass. Parking fees help provide funds for King County parks, trails and natural areas.

More information on Cirque du Soleil is available at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/default.htm on the Internet.

Cirque du Soleil ticket holders can take advantage of special offers at nearby Redmond Town Center. Participating restaurants are offering complimentary appetizers or food discounts, special seating and a voucher that provides guests access to the Redmond Town Center preferred parking area located near the Grand Chapiteau – the Cirque du Soleil's unique Big Top tent. Parking in the Redmond Town Center preferred parking area is also $10.

King County Parks is the region's "Big Backyard," featuring more than 25,000 acres of parks, pools, open space, natural land and trails. This includes 68 baseball fields, 61 soccer fields, four pools, 88 picnic areas, 34 playgrounds, 27 tennis courts, 13 boat launch sites, more than 175 miles of trails, six fishing piers, four community gardens, a climbing rock, the area's best off-leash dog park and the world-class Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.