It comes 'round but once a year.
And when it does- forget Fremont-Magnolia Village feels like the center of the universe.
The Village rocks, even.
This year's Magnolia Summer Festival & Art Show happens Friday, Aug.4 and Saturday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The Village merchants roll out their Sidewalk Sale on Thursday, Aug. 3.
After all the months of planning somehow it all comes together: the Kid's and Seafair parade, baby races, crafts fair and art show, street dance and talent contest, food booths, cinema under the stars and a variety of musical acts ranging from the blues-driven Mark Whitman Band to the alt-country sounds of The Robber Barons.
For many, the heart of the festival is the Kid's Parade and Summer Festival Seafair Parade, which starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. The young ones go first, setting out from West Raye and 34th Avenue West followed by the grownups about a half-hour later. It all winds up at Pop Mounger Pool. There's good news for humans and pets with tender ears: The Seafair Pirates will observe a "No-Blast Zone" from West Smith Street and 34th Avenue West down to 33rd Avenue West and West McGraw.
Kids sign ups for the parade take place Saturday from 9-10:15 a.m. Pets are invited to march with the kids. Humans and pets have until 6 p.m. Friday to sign up at PJ's Paws and Claws.
The Art Show runs Friday, noon-7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Children's Entertainment Tent opens with Alleyoop's Musical Games at 11 a.m. on Friday and "A Musical Medley" by Welcome Marionetes on Saturday at 1:30 p.m..
It won't be difficult to figure out what's happening on the Mainstage-just head for the music. Linda Allen kicks things off on Friday at 3 p.m. and the Quintessence Brass Ensemble opens the day's proceedings on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
The Baby Races are big. The rules are simple: crawlers, no walkers, and four babies at a time. The short, grassy course will be set up in the Magnolia Garden Center's parking lot. Parents just need to bring their cherubim to the site after the parade. There are prizes.
"Harry and the Hendersons" is this year's outdoor movie, which will be shown Saturday, 9 p.m. n the west wall of the Magnolia Community Center. It's free.
For more information, visit www.magnoliachamber.com or pickup a Summer Festival program at the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce booth on the Playfield.[[In-content Ad]]
