With the coming of spring the days get longer, the air gets warmer, the birds begin to sing. As you look around, you see many changes taking place but the most stunning transformation has to be in the plants. Almost magically, barren branches start to bud, brown grass turns green, and tiny little shoots push up through the soil; and with the changing of the season, we close another chapter of events that have come to define winters in the Pacific Northwest.

Nonetheless, when one door closes, another opens and with that, we are given an opportunity to enjoy the vast array of springtime activities that are also unique to our region.

If you are looking for things to do in Renton, Newcastle, Bellevue and the surrounding area, I have updated my Local Community Events Calendar found online at:
http://www.davidjedwards.com/events-calendar.asp

There are literally hundreds of pacific northwest events on the calendar. Some of the most recent additions have been added to the pre-school programs page and are listed below.

Performances (Stage):
Once Upon a Mattress - July 25th - August 10th - Carco Theatre
In this hilarious tweaking of the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” Queen Aggravain has ruled that “Throughout the land no one may wed until Dauntless marries.” However, she has managed to sabotage every princess that comes along using a series of impassable tests. When Sir harry and Lady Larken learn that they are going to be parents, he goes off to the swamps and brings back Princess Winnifred the Woebegone. The queen is horrified by Winnifred herself, as well as the obvious attraction between the prince and the new soggy princess. She immediately begins to think of new ways to undermine the budding relationship. Tempers flare and tales twist, but with some help from the King, the Minstrel, and the Jester, Winnifred isn’t going to be quite so easy to get rid of. friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 PM. Sunday performances at 2:00 PM. Call 425-430-6751 for tickets.

Performances (Music):
Renton City Concert Band - June 25th
Duwamish Dixieland Jazz - July 2nd
Handful of Luvin - July 9th
Amber Tide - July 16th
Craicmore - July 23rd
Panduo Steeldrum - July 30th
Creme Tangerine - August 6th
Darren Motamedy - August 13th
The music starts at 7:00 PM at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park next to Ivar’s/Idd Valley.

Youth Programs:
Picnic Pizzazz
Bring your picnic lunch and join us for fun-filled entertainment at Kiwanis Park (815 Union Ave NE) on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
July 10th - Roberto the Magnificent
July 17th - WOOFD2
July 31st - Jeff Evans
August 7th - The Noise Guy
August 14th - Eric Herman

Nightlife:
Moonlight Movies at Liberty Park
If you remember the old Fey’s Roxy Theater in downtown then you are sure to enjoy Renton’s outdoor cinema on Saturdays in Liberty Park. Start making new movie memories with your friends and family. Seating opens at 7:00 PM. Only low-back chairs and blankets are allowed in the front viewing section.
Harispray - July 12th
The Bucket List - July 19th
Some Like It Hot - August 2nd
The Spiderwick Chronicles - August 9th
Meatballs - August 16th
Surf’s Up (at Henry Moses Aquatic Center) Gates open at 8:00 PM. Admission $5. August 23rd

Seasonal Events:
Renton’s Fabulous 4th of July - Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park - 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Our annual event features free children’s inflatables and face-painting from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, and wonderful stage entertainment from 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Renton River Days 2008 souvenirs will be on sale at the Information Booth. The fireworks display, at approximately 10:00 PM, will cater to spectators along the shoreline and be visible from the hills surrounding south Lake Washington. Food will be available at the beach concession stand, IVar’s and Kidd Valley. Parking will be available in Boeing lots located at North 6th St. and Park Ave. North, and North 6th St. and Garden Ave. North. Free Shuttle Express service will be provided to the park from these lots from 9:00 AM to approximately midnight. Additional parking will be available for a fee at The Bristol Apartments at Southport, located between Coulon Park and Boeing. Please note that personal fireworks, alcohol, pets, pop-up canopies and enclosed tents are prohibited. Only small-size barbecues permitted.

Return to Renton Cruise-In - Downtown Renton @ South 3rd St - July 6th - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cruise back in time and check out classic vehicles at the Annual Return to Renton Benefit Car Show. Free admission for spectators with fun entertainment for the entire family. Call 425-430-7589 or visit www.GoRenton.com.

Seasonal Events:
IKEA Renton River Days July 23rd & 25th - 27th
“Explore the Heart of Renton” - Liberty Park - Join us for festival fun during Renton’s largest community celebration! Enjoy festival favorites such as Kids’ Day, the parade, Rubber Ducky Derby, stage entertainment, food, and arts and crafts. For the complete schedule of events with dates, times and locations, call 425-430-6528 or visit www.rentonriverdays.org.

Galleries:
Downtown Renton Art/Antique Walk - August 23rd - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Annual Downtown Renton Art & Antique Walk will liven up downtown streets with paintings, pottery, sculpture, and photography displays from over 75 artists. Meet artists, explore the antiques and re-discover downtown. For more information, call 425-430-6589 or visit www.artsunlimited.org.

Farmers Markets:
Renton Farmers Market - June 3rd through September 16th - 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Renton Farmers Market is located at the Piazza at S. 3rd Street and Burnett Ave. S. The Renton Farmers Market is filled with juicy berries, leafy lettuce, vine ripened tomatoes, and a cornucopia of other farm fresh produce, cut flowers, baked goods and more. Enjoy the weekly chef series, entertainment and activities for kids. For a complete schedule visit www.rentonfarmersrmarket.com or call 425-430-7214.
If you have something you would like to see added to the calendar, please submit your request by responding to this post with a comment. Please limit your event postings to those taking place in Washington State’s King, Pierce, Thurston, Snohomish, Skagit, Lewis, Mason, Island, Grays Harbor and/or Kitsap counties.

Event information is subject to cancellation or change. Please phone ahead to confirm event dates, times and costs.

Have a great weekend!

David Edwards
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.