Seattle will mark its 24th Annual Neighbor Day on Feb. 10, and residents are encouraged to mark the occasion by reconnecting with their surrounding community through small acts of kindness.
Observed on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day each year, the day was the brainchild of Phinney Ridge activist Judith Wood in the mid-90s, as a way, “to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other."
Among the festivities planned, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. fire stations across the city will open their doors for tours and a chance to meet the firefighters that serve each neighborhood. Both Fire Station 8 (110 Lee St.) and Fire Station 41 (2416 34th Ave. W.) are among the participating locations.
Meanwhile, starting at 9:30 a.m., Queen Anne's Way to Happiness Chapter and the Scientology Environmental Task Force will lead a community clean-up, starting at Counterbalance Park. Snacks, gloves, and tools will be provided. For more information, contact Rev. Ann Pearce at 206-284-0604.
The Uptown Alliance will host "office hours" at the Uptown Parklet in front of SIFF Cinema Uptown (511 Queen Anne Ave. N.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. People are invited to stop by for coffee and to learn more about the work the group is doing regarding neighborhood design guidelines, the KeyArena redevelopment, the mobility action plan, and more. Coloring sheets will be available for kids as well.
Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum (314 Marion St.) is also taking part in the celebration, opening its free bookshelves Feb. 5 through 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., encouraging people to take a book and give it to a neighbor.
Meanwhile, the city’s Department of Neighborhoods has a long list of ideas on how to spend the Saturday, from hosting a book exchange to organizing a block party.
This post has been updated. For more information on Neighbor Day, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborday.