Sun to Washington: “Didja miss me?”
The summer solstice occurred June 21, and it seems like the rainclouds finally got the hint. The Pacific Northwest has been toasted with warm sunny weather over the past week, and the forecast calls for more sun in the coming weeks.
None can deny it any longer: Summer is here, and that means it’s time to take advantage of some of the biggest and best events the Plateau has to offer.
SINGLE EVENTS
July 1
Freedom Fest: Grace Point NW church hosts their annual Independence Day celebration on July 1 at the Enumclaw Expo Center. Gates open at 5 p.m., and there will be food trucks, family activities, a petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course, live worship music, comedy and freestyle motor cross. Learn more at gracepointnw.org/freedomfest.
July 2
Red, White & BOOM!: Celebrate Independence Day two days early at Ten Trails in Black Diamond. This all day event July 2 starts 11 a.m. and features activities for families. It wraps up 10 p.m. with a fireworks show. Visit tentrails.com for more information.
Summer Blast at Maris Farms: Maris Farms in Buckley opens up the farm for a farmer’s market, classic car show, beer and wine garden, cornhole tournament and light show on July 2 and 3. Attendance is limited, so purchase a ticket early if you’d like to attend by visiting marisfarms.com/summer-blast.
Lake Sawyer Fun Run and Walk: The Lake Sawyer Community Club hosts their annual 5k for free at Lake Sawyer Park, starting at 10 a.m. There’s a half-mile Kid’s Dash this year too starting just before the 5k. The starting lines are a short walk away from the park entrance. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult to race in the 5k, and medals will be given out by age groups.
July 4
Enumclaw Independence Day Parade: Cole Street shuts down Monday for the annual parade on July 4, organized by the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce. The festivities start at noon, but you’ll want to show up earlier to snag a good spot.
Fishing Derby: The Lake Sawyer Community Club hosts an Independence Day Fishing Derby at Dock #187 at Lake Sawyer. From 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., compete to see who can catch the biggest fish for a prize and bragging rights.
Fireworks at Lake Sawyer: Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. will light off fireworks at 10:15 p.m. at Lake Sawyer. The show will be visible best from the Boat Launch Park. If you want to see it by boat, stay at least 400 feet away from the fireworks raft and make sure you’re following boating laws and regulations. The Black Diamond Marine Patrol will be on-site to keep things safe. Donations for the show can be made online at lakesawyer.org.
July 14
King County Fair: Tens of thousands flocked to the Enumclaw Expo Center for last year’s King County Fair, and you can bet it’ll be busy this year too. Open from July 14 – 17 this year, the fair features live music, rodeo competitions, rollercoasters, stunt shows, mechanical bulls and much more. There will also be a Junior Livestock Show at noon on July 12 in the covered arena. Buy tickets online at enumclawexpo.com/p/tickets.
July 16
Black Diamond’s Miners Day: Celebrate the historic coal town’s history on July 16 in downtown Black Diamond. There will be a street fair with arts and crafts, food trucks, face painting and live music. There’s a 5K race starting at 9 a.m., and a donut-eating contest three hours later. The events ends around 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/blackdiamondminersday for more information.
July 22
Maris Farms’ Sunflower Days: Opening July 22 and closing August 7, Maris Farms opens up the sunflower-filled farm for summertime fun, including wagon rides, human Foos Ball and a farmer’s market full of vendors. Visit marisfarms.com/sunflower-home for more information.
Enumclaw Rotary Street Fair: Head down to Cole Street from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. on July 22 and 23 for live music, family activities, food and dozens of vendors, from jewelry to soaps and fresh roasted coffee. There’s also a 5K run Saturday at 9 a.m. To learn more, visit enumclaw streetfair.com.
Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games: The clans come to Enumclaw from July 22 – 24, celebrating the storied history of the Scottish people and competing in sporting events from caber tossing to sheaf slinging. The festival opens 5 p.m. on Friday and events will run into the night. The events run from morning to 8 p.m. Saturday and from morning to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Even kids can sign up to compete with their age group. Amid the hauling and throwing, you can also check out the Parade of The Clans and performances from live music groups, sword-fighting and stage combat. Tickets and more information are available at sshga.org/2022-ticket-sales.
July 30
Wilkeson Handcar Races: An iconic tradition on the Plateau and a reminder of the region’s coal mining history, the handcar races pit teams of competitors against each other to see who can pump a handcar down a 410-foot track the fastest. The event starts July 30 with a parade through town at 11 a.m., and the races start at 1 p.m. at Coke Oven Park. Teams must have at least two people and the cost to race is $5 per person. The Wilkeson Eagles host a beer garden and post-race party at the Eagles hall.
MUSIC AND MOVIES
Cinema on Sheets: The city of Buckley is hosting five free movie events at Sheets Field at Glacier Middle School. Next is July 8 with Encanto; July 22 with Shrek; Aug. 5 with The Goonies; and Harry Potter on Aug. 19.
Tunes by the Trail: The City of Buckley is hosting 10 music events over five days in July and August — the events start with a kids concert at 11 a.m., followed by a family evening concert at 6 p.m., all held at the Youth Center lawn near 251 S River Ave. Featured on July 14 is Alex Zerbe and Beat Frequency; Kupono and BroHamM on July 21; Eric Nuss and Hot Rodster on July 28; Reptile Isle (a reptile show) and Abbagraphs on Aug. 4; and the Brian Waite Band and Good Co Bank on Aug. 11.
RECURRING EVENTS
Enumclaw Plateau Farmer’s Market: The local farmer’s market opens from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday throughout the summer, ending Sept. 29. You can get fresh flowers, produce and more from the market on First Street between the Enumclaw Library and Tractor Supply.
Sundays on Cole: Now that the weather is nicer, Cole Street will be turning into a bazaar every Sunday through August with local vendors, live music, fresh flowers, and food.
Coffee with the Mayor: Coffee with the mayor of Enumclaw is held at City Hall on every first Monday of the month (Tuesday if it is on a holiday) from 9 to 10 a.m. This is a casual session for citizens to meet with Mayor Jan Molinaro to discuss issues, concerns, and projects.
Brewskis with a Newsie: Come meet your local journalists on every first Wednesday of each month at Cole Street Brewery (1627 Cole Street, Enumclaw) from 5 to 6 p.m. This is an informal event where residents can pitch stories, fact-check articles, and talk shop. For more information, email rstill@courierherald.com or call 360-802-8220.
WIBIT Night: The Enumclaw Aquatic Center hosts WIBIT Night every first Saturday of the month, and features large, inflatable pool obstacle courses. Call 360-815-1188 to reserve your spot. Tickets for reservations are $7.75 an hour; drop-ins are $9 an hour.
