Kenmore residents throw a party at Kenmore Village

While the idea of a community summer party didn’t make it to the winner’s circle during the first ever For the Love of Kenmore event, held in early April, it did make it to the list of ideas coming to fruition.

By Deanna Isaacs • July 1, 2015 2:36 pm
Local Kenmore kids play badminton in the street during Kenmore’s summer party at Kenmore Village.
Local Kenmore kids play badminton in the street during Kenmore’s summer party at Kenmore Village.

While the idea of a community summer party didn’t make it to the winner’s circle during the first ever For the Love of Kenmore event, held in early April, it did make it to the list of ideas coming to fruition.

Started by Alene Fisher and Debra Shrebnick, the #ILoveKenmoreSummerParty was a work of citizen action and not by the city.

“Rob [Karlinsey] approached me at the Kenmore Waterfront Fair, and asked if I’d be willing to put together a summer party around the end of June,” Fisher said.

The #ILoveKenmoreSummerParty was free and offered a full day of fun for Kenmore and local area residents.

Paddling races were held at Log Boom park, with $5 entries for anyone who wanted to attempt the stand-up paddleboard or kayak competitions. There were even extra prizes for speed and creative attire.

“It’s very awesome. I used to live in Tacoma and there’s not many things going on, but when I moved here there’s all these things to do,” said Glenda De La Paza, resident of Kenmore. “We’ve been here all day, they like to paddle, so we’ve been doing this all day all morning.”

Kenmore City Hall hosted a “drive-in” in the council meeting chambers. The movie ‘Cars’ was played for kids, many of whom had built and decorated their own cardboard car in advance.

The finale of the day’s summer party festivities was a street fair at Northeast 181st Street and at Kenmore Village.

“It’s nice, it’s just a time with family. Thank you very much and keep on doing it!” De La Paza said.

Bands, such as BottleRockit and The Brian Bohman Band, played music for audiences perusing the beer gardens, food vendors or just relaxing with friends and neighbors. The street hosted a bouncy house, chalk art section and more family fun.

While this was the first Summer Party, according to Karlinsey, it’s most likely not going to be the last.

“This tells me a lot about Kenmore, it tells me that we have an energetic community who loves to gather and get together, and enjoy this kind of event. So, I’m just thrilled,” said Rob Karlinsey, Kenmore City Manager. “We’re going to do it again, I hope.”

Karlinsey said that the challenge to next year will be finding a location, as the Kenmore Village will be under construction.

The winning idea from the For the Love of Kenmore workshop is a mural on the cement plant which is currently being created.