Kirkland history trivia
Did you know that...
... in the 1920s, Kirkland had the only woolen mill in the state?
... in 1930, one of the nation's first miniature golf courses opened here?
... famous "little person" Billy Barty once performed at the Gateway Theatre at the age of 13?
... a Navy bomber from Sand Point crashed on Rose Hill in 1944?
... Kirkland stores close for two days in celebration of the end of World War II?
... When King County ceased running Lake Washington ferries in 1950, the City of Kirkland took over operations for a year?
... the original plans for Route 2-A (later I-405) did not include an off-ramp into Kirkland?
... the South Kirkland Park & Ride used to be a drive-in theater?
Kirkland Heritage Society hosts Peter Kirk family reunion
As part of the centennial, the Kirkland Heritage Society is hosting a reunion of the relatives of Peter Kirk from August 12-14. Of the 41 families invited, 21 plan to attend, totalling between 50 and 60 people.
The goal is to tell and show them about the influence of Peter Kirk in the development of the community, to allow them time to get together to share stories and to hopefully obtain copies of additional photographs and documents for the record of KHS to preserve.
Family members will be coming from Alaska, Canada, Oregon and Washington state. There are representatives from five of the eight sons and daughters of Peter and Mary Kirk. Most of the activities will be centered in Heritage Hall. In addition, there will be a reception Saturday in the Peter Kirk Building and the family will have dinner together Saturday evening.
KAC's Reflections and Refractions
Kirkland Arts Center presents Reflections and Refractions in watercolor, an exhibition of contemporary watercolor paintings by four Kirkland artists August 12 - September 1. (Please see page 17 for full details.)
Kirkland ... No. 1 for Volkswalkers
By Stan Wolf
Kirkland? Why should Kirkland do a volkswalk? It could be because Kirkland is located along Lake Washington just minutes from Seattle, or that the Kirkland Volkswalk was judged the seventh best in the United States in 2001, or that Kirkland is known for its sculptures and art galleries?
This year, it could be that Kirkland is celebrating its centennial year, including a volkswalk on April 3 that brought out 224 walkers in rain gear.
Or possibly it is because the Kirkland walks were recently voted by the Northwest region clubs as one of the "best city traditional events" and one of the "best city year-round walks."
But we think that all of these add up and make Kirkland a nice place to visit, shop, stay, play and of course WALK! Information: Margaret Cole at 644-5621 or jocole2004@yahoo.com.
Summer is sizzling
Check out what's new and what's going on in and around town.
Parasail over Lake Washington
Departing from Marina Beach dock. Prices are $60 for single, $90 for double. Information: 253-272-7979 or visit www.boatandwatersportsrental.com.
Kayak rentals at Juanita Beach
Outdoor Adventures in conjunction with Kirkland Parks and Community Services offer kayak rentals on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Juanita Beach. Two on-site guides are available for outfitting and instruction. Rentals available through September 4. Information: 587-3331.
Peter Kirk pool concessions open
Hungry after the swim? Peter Kirk Pool now offers on-site concessions (weather dependent) full of snacks, ice cream, coffee and more.
Swim on over for a movie
On August 19, Peter Kirk Pool features its end of summer "movie in the pool" from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Two 20-minute cartoons are scheduled for the feature presentation. Families and children are encouraged to attend.
Junior Softball World Series
August 14-21 at Everest Park. See www.jrsoftballworldseries.com. (Please see page 14 for full details.)
Third annual Concours d'Elegance
September 9-10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Carillon Point
The Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, in association with SOVREN Guild and many of the world's most respected authorities in automotive collecting and restoration, present the Concours d'Elegance featuring the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra.
Seventy-five rare and beautiful classics, Rolls-Royces, Woodies and antique automobiles will be displayed and judged. A special showcase will include a Fabulous Fifties class and a selection of cars from the Blackhawk collection.
In addition, a variety of vintage motorcycle and elegant wooden boats will be on display. This event benefits Evergreen Hospital Women's and Children's Services and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center.
Information: visit www. kirklandconcours.com or call the Kirkland Chamber at 822-7066.
Kirkland Triathlon
September 18. Race starts 7 a.m. Carillon Point and downtown Kirkland.
The fourth annual triathlon brings more than 1,500 triathletes to Kirkland in a competitive race that starts along Lake Washington and runs through local neighborhoods, the Yarrow Bay wetlands and finishes at Carillon Point.
Novice and veteran triathletes are encouraged to participate. A portion of the proceeds support local area volunteer and philanthropic organizations. See www.racecenter.com/kirklandtri or call 503-644-6822.
Fallen Leaf 5K Run/Walk
September 25. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., downtown Kirkland.
This 5K course has one gradual uphill on State Street before returning downhill on Lake View Drive, and flat along Lake Washington Boulevard and the waterfront. Proceeds benefit the SIDS Foundation of Washington. Information: www.promotionevents.com or 206-729-9972.[[In-content Ad]]
