King County Parks heat up with mid-summer fun

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - is pulling out all the stops to bring must-see entertainment and must-do activities this summer.

Cheer on the competitors in the first-annual Gaelic Games at Marymoor Park on July 21, or take it to the extreme at the second-annual demolition derby and rollover contest – the grand finale of the 145th-annual King County Fair in Enumclaw on July 22.

Want to get moving? Take part in the Federal Escape Triathlon, July 29 in Federal Way. Need to relax, instead? Head on over to Marymoor Park and check out an outdoor concert or twilight movie.

Here are details on some King County Parks events occurring through Aug. 1:

Enumclaw Expo Center (Formerly the King County Fairgrounds)

July 20 and 21 - 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
July 22 - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

King County Fair
With cute critters, country music stars, demolition derbies and $1 root beer floats, the 145th annual King County Fair is a summer tradition not to be missed. For more information, including full entertainment and event schedules, visit www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/ or call the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888.

King County's Marymoor Park

July 20 and 27 – 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 21 – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Seattle Gaels – Seattle Gaelic Games
McNair Activity Field
The first-annual Seattle Gaelic Games is geared up and ready to go. Teams from all over the West Coast will be competing in some of the best Gaelic football and hurling Seattle has ever seen. Check out http://games.seattlegaels.com/ for more details.

July 23, 25, 30 and Aug. 1
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 25 – Open seating at 7 p.m. Movie begins at 9:30
First Tech Movies presents "The Princess Bride"
Bundle up under the stars with a loved one to watch this quintessential date movie. A romantic comedy with kooky characters and unforgettable one-liners, this classic keeps audiences laughing. Seating is on the grass, so bring low-backed chairs or blankets. Admission is free and donations are accepted.

July 27-28 – 7 p.m.
U.S. Bank Concerts at Marymoor presents The Fray
Marymoor Amphitheater
With two top10 hits from the platinum selling recording "How to Save a Life" under their belt, this four-piece rock group has a bright future. They are bringing their arena style rock to Marymoor's intimate setting for two nights of unforgettable music.
Tickets are $40 and are available at Marymoor Park weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $7 per ticket fee supports King County Parks maintenance and operations. Tickets are also available at ticketmaster.com.

Aug. 1 – Open seating at 7 p.m. Movie begins at 9:20
First Tech Movies presents "The Devil Wears Prada"
This Academy Award-nominated 2006 comedy-drama stars Meryl Streep as a powerful and demanding fashion magazine editor in New York City. The humor and tension that plays out between she and her assistant provides constant laughter throughout this delightful movie. Seating is on the grass, so bring low-backed chairs or blankets. Admission is free and donations are accepted.

White Center

July 21-22 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
White Center Jubilee Days
An official Seafair event, this fun-filled weekend offers activities for everyone. Come enjoy great music, food, a carnival, children's entertainment, a car show, parade, golf tournament, street fair and a street dance. The fun is located on 17th Avenue Southwest, between Southwest Roxbury and Southwest 100th streets in White Center. For more information, call 206-243-0290.

Weyerhaeuser-King County Aquatic Center – Federal Way

July 21
Midlakes Swimming "A" Championships

July 26-29
PNS Long Course Swimming Champs

Five Mile Lake Park – Federal Way

July 29 – 7:30 a.m.
Federal Escape Triathlon
Thanks to the success of the 2005 competition, the Federal Escape Triathlon is now the Northwest qualifier for the 2007 Triathlon National Age Group Championship. Featuring courses for seasoned athletes, beginners and children, this running, swimming and biking event is hosted by TriFREAK.com. For more information, including registration instructions, visit www.trifreak.com/federal_escape.htm.

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King County Parks – Your Big Backyard – offers 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. Visit our Web site at www.metrokc.gov/parks/.