Special Sections - Issaquah MyCity Resident's Guide

myC City ity ISSAQUAH

REPORTER ISSAQUAH

2019

PARKS & RECREATION SUMMER EVENTS KIDSFIRST!

Performances for Children at 1:00 PM on Tuesdays

July 9 - Rick Huddle, Musician and Storyteller - Commons Plaza July 16 - Jugglemania with Rhys Thomas - East Sammamish Park July 23 - Seattle’s Bubbleman, Gary GoLightly - Klahanie Park July 30 - Justin Roberts, Music for Hip Kids - Commons Plaza August 6 - Xakary, the Comedic Magician - Klahanie Park August 13 - Mikey Mike, the Rad Scientist - East Sammamish Park

SAMMAMISH P.O.P

Party on the Plat! August 16 - August 18

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Music at Pine Lake Park from 6:30 - 8:00 PM on Thursdays

July 11 - Cherry Cherry Band, Neil Diamond Tribute July 18 - The Lowdown Drifters, Country Rock/Folk July 25 - The ABBAgraphs, ABBA tribute August 1 - 3 Trick Pony, Variety rock hits from 60s to today August 8 - The Beatniks, 60s and 70s rock and roll August 15 - Sammamish Symphony

FOURTH ON THE PLATEAU

Family Fun event from 6:00 - 10:30 PM

This new multi-day festival offers musical performances from local talent during the day and popular live bands in the evening; a kids zone with bouncy houses, face painting, balloon artist, and much more; a beer and wine garden provided by Chamber of Commerce; a food rodeo; and variety of activities throughout the weekend!

Upper Commons attractions include live music, backyard games, skate park, basketball court, and small playground.

Lower Commons attractions have a Kids Bounce Zone, playground and spray park. Food vendors, activity booths and sponsor booths are also located throughout the event site.

Live Music Lineup: August 16 - Infinity Project , Journey Tribute Band August 17 - Free Rain, Top 40 August 17 - Heart by Heart , Original Heart Tribute band

Live Music Lineup: 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Tim Turner Band, Classic rock 8:00-10:00 pm - Sway, Classic to current dance 10:00 pm - Fireworks

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES

Performed at Klahanie Park from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Movie on the Plaza from 7:00 - 11:00 PM

July 20 - Romeo and Juliet l July 27 - Twelfth Night

July 12- Voted on by the Public l July 19 - Voted on by the Public

More Info at www.sammamish.us/parks-recreation/special-events/

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MyCity • Issaquah | 2019

WELCOME TO

Issaquah

myCity I S S AQ UA H

A vibrant community nestled in the Cascade Mountains foothills.

In this 24-page 2019/20 Issaquah Residents Guide, we hope to give both new and established residents a guide to places and activities that abound in the city, characterized by vibrant natural features and first-rate recreational, cultural and educational opportunities.

GENERAL MANAGER William Shaw

DESIGN Analise Hannah

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Evan Pappas Andy Nystrom Stephanie Quiroz Kailan Manandic Ashley Hiruko Madison Miller (425) 453-2710 • www.issaquahreporter.com 11630 Slater Ave. NE, Ste. 9 Kirkland, WA 98034

Issaquah — a Native American name meaning “the sounds of birds” — was established in 1892, according to the Downtown Issaquah Association and city of Issaquah.

The city yearly celebrates its flagship Salmon Days event every October

The city has experienced major growth since 1990, following annexations, construction in the Issaquah Highlands and Talus urban villages and a subsequent housing boom. Issaquah now encompasses about 12.49 square miles and is home to 33,330 people.

Lake Sammamish State Park also calls Issaquah home. The 531-acre, day-use park features more than 6,800 feet of waterfront. The park features 1.5 miles of trails for walking and biking, and two baseball/softball fields, while the waterfront provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and water activities.

Above: The Friends of Lake

Cover: Holi colors are thrown up into the

Sammamish State Park have

air to celebrate the beginning of the Holi

worked to protect and improve

Festival at Lake Sammamish State Park.

the park for local and tourist

Top: Bo Stallman and Steven Bogolub

recreation. PHOTO COURTESY

throw their color at the camera during the

OF THE FRIENDS OF LAKE

Holi Festival at Lake Sammamish State Park.

SAMMAMISH STATE PARK

EVAN PAPPAS / STAFF PHOTO

Special Thanks & Photo Contributions: City of Issaquah, Issaquah School District, Issaquah Chamber, Lake Washington School District.

A PUBLICATION OF

www.issaquahreporter.com | Issaquah Reporter

3

Downtown Issaquah Association

WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Story by

KAILAN MANANDIC As Issaquah’s Front Street passes under the first stop light into the city’s historical downtown shops, one building — nearly as old as the city itself — stands out among the flower baskets.

Plucked straight from a history book, the Hailstone Feed Store building was built in the late 1890s as a residence before locals used it as a warehouse, grocery store, feed store and a 1944 Shell gas station which is how it appears now. Despite its age, the building looks brand new thanks to a 2003 restoration courtesy of the Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA), a local nonprofit headquartered in the historic gas station.

The DIA is responsible for numerous historic downtown programs, art, decorations and economic improvements. The organization is solely dedicated to promote the historic and cultural business districts by improving its general appearance and economic vitality.

Recently, the DIA welcomed its newest executive director, Julie Martin, who has been getting

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MyCity • Issaquah | 2019

to know local businesses and working with staff to improve promotion of downtown businesses and the historic downtown as a whole.

the president and CEO of the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce and served on various nonprofit boards, including the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival,

The Downtown Issaquah Association is housed in a historic building built in the late 1890’s.

The non-profit teamed up with the city and restored the building with local support.

KAILAN MANANDIC / STAFF PHOTO

“It’s been a month of learning and getting to know new people,” Martin said. “I’ve always loved Issaquah, there’s a lot happening here, and there is a rich history and culture. In the interview process, I met a lot of key stakeholders and they all were very welcoming.”

Martin has about 10 years of experience in various roles at numerous nonprofits. Prior to joining the DIA, she was

Mukilteo Police Foundation, Mukilteo Kiwanis and Zonta of Everett. She now works as the primary liaison between the DIA and the city of Issaquah, locals, small business owners and DIA volunteers.

“People have been very engaged, bringing up a lot of great ideas to move the DIA forward while maintaining that small-town feel of historical downtown,” Martin said. “I

hope to help bring a lot of organizations together and provide that collaborative center for them.”

Currently, historic downtown is decorated with the DIA’s flagship summer program, Flowers on Front Street. About 40 flower baskets hang from the downtown lamp posts, maintained by the DIA with community funding gathered during a Mother’s Day drive earlier in the year.

“What people typically don’t know is that these baskets are 100-percent community funded,” said Gaila Gutierrez, former director of events and administration for the DIA. “The baskets are delivered and hung in mid-May. It’s always a fun and welcoming activity because it means summer is just around the corner, and that’s when they get really big and burst in color.”

The flowers are grown at the local Squak Mt. Nursery and will beautify Issaquah’s historic downtown along Front Street until about October.

Aside from that annual program, Martin has also been able to meet community

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members through the numerous Wine Walk events and the 14th annual Fenders on Front Street Car Show that takes place on Father’s Day each year.

Volunteer Opportunities Available Community Led, Volunteer Based 501 c (3) nonprofit; donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

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Martin added that she’s also looking forward to the annual Downtown Issaquah Zombie Walk on Halloween as she continues to better get to know the community and find ways to improve the community.

“Even before I got here DIA was working on these events and collaborative projects,” Martin said. “I’m excited to learn and become a part of this… They have a plan in mind and are organized — they’ve been doing great things in downtown and are now looking to move from projects to a focus on economic vitality.”

Annual Events Wine+Art Issaquah Pub Crawl Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day Front Street Flower Baskets Fenders on Front Street Gas Station Blues Confluence Music in the Park Issaquah Goes Apples Farm Fresh Zombie Walk And more....

Top Left: The Downtown Issaquah Association supports the city’s historic downtown strip, both aesthetically and economically. The new executive director, Julie Martin, has spent time getting to know many of the merchants along Front Street. Above: DIA’s Flowers on Front Street program decorates the historic strip with colorful flower pots from mid-May to October, all through community donations and DIA volunteer work.

KAILAN MANANDIC / STAFF PHOTOS

The Mission of the Downtown Issaquah Association is to promote and enhance the vitality of historic Downtown Issaquah through programs and events that celebrate our unique culture.

For more information visit us: www.downtownissaquah.com

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5

ISSAQUAH GOVERNMENT The city of Issaquah operates under a mayor-council form of government. In this form, the elected mayor serves as the city’s chief administrative officer and an elected seven-member council serves as the city’s legislative body.

MAYOR MARY LOU PAULY Mary Lou Pauly was elected in November 2017 to serve as mayor of Issaquah. She previously served on the Issaquah City Council, to which she was elected in 2013. The former engineer has a bachelor of applied science degree in civil engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Pauly’s term expires Dec. 31, 2021.

Mayor Pauly welcomes citizens to meet with her. Contact her at (425) 837-3020 or email mayor@issaquahwa.gov.

CHRIS REH

STACY GOODMAN

CHRIS REH HOLDS POSITION 1

STACY GOODMAN HOLDS POSITION 5

on the City Council and was elected Nov. 7, 2017. He serves on the Committee of the Whole Council and Council Services & Safety Committee.

on the City Council. She was elected Nov. 7, 2017 and serves on the Infrastructure, Land and Shore, Lodging Tax Advisory, and Whole Council committees.

MARIAH BETTISE

PAUL WINTERSTEIN

MARIAH BETTISE HOLDS POSITION 2

PAUL WINTERSTEIN HOLDS POSITION 6

on the City Council and serves as Deputy Council President. She was elected Nov. 7, 2017. She serves on the Whole Council and Council Services & Safety committees.

on the City Council. He was elected Nov. 3, 2015. He serves on the Committee of the Whole Council, and Council Infrastructure committees.

VICTORIA HUNT

TOLA MARTS

VICTORIA HUNT HOLDS POSITION 3

on the City Council. She was appointed Feb. 5, 2018 and serves on the Whole Council, and Land and Shore committees.

LINDSEY WALSH

TOLA MARTS HOLDS POSITION 7

on the City Council and serves as council president for 2018. He was elected Nov. 7, 2017 and serves on the Committee of the Whole Council and the Council Land & Shore Committee.

LINDSEY WALSH HOLDS POSITION 4

on the City Council. She was appointed on Feb. 5, 2019 to replace Bill Ramos who was elected to the state Legislature.

King County Councilmember

Kathy Lambert

Please contact my office if you have any King County issues you would like to discuss.

Metropolitan King County Council, 516 Third Avenue, Suite 1200, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 477-1003 kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov www.kingcounty.gov/lambert www.facebook.com/lambert.kathy 6

MyCity • Issaquah | 2019

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ISSAQUAH PARKS BERNTSEN PARK 810 FOURTH AVE. NW This 2-acre open space park in Olde Town Issaquah offers creek and lake view, natural open space and an open grassy area.

BLACK NUGGET PARK 1953 24TH AVE. NE Located within the Issaquah Highlands Development, it offers a basketball court, benches, open grassy area, picnic tables, play equipment, tennis courts and a trail.

CENTENNIAL PARK FRONT STREET N & RAINIER BLVD. A small park that includes public art and landscaping along Front Street in Olde Town Issaquah. It has benches, public art and a trail.

CENTRAL PARK 1907 PARK DRIVE NE Located within the Issaquah Highlands Development, it includes three park fields and facilities such as a number of athletic fields, natural open space, picnic shelter, play equipment and a scenic viewpoint. Construction to improve Central Park Pad #1 (Field #1) began in June 2017. The project will see the creation of two multipurpose sports fields with LED lighting, as well as the widening of the Central Park Lane parking area, an additional picnic shelter and landscaping, a walking path around the field and gathering spaces, and field amenities, including goals, mounds and a scoreboard.

CONFLUENCE PARK 655 RAINIER BLVD. N Completed in 2013, Confluence Park is actually a merger of three parks — Tolle

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Anderson, Cybil-Madeline and Issaquah Creek. The resulting 15.5-acre park includes a large picnic shelter, restrooms, a series of trails and a fenced community garden. In late summer 2015, the park was the site of a million-dollar renovation of Issaquah Creek’s east fork, undertaken in order to create a better passageway for salmon returning to spawn at the Issaquah State Salmon Hatchery in the fall. In May 2017, the city opened a new playground and footbridge over Issaquah Creek at the park.

benches, parking, picnic tables and a trail.

CORNICK PARK 335 FRONT STREET S A scenic green space consisting of flowers and landscaping with benches and public art.

GIBSON PARK 105 NEWPORT WAY SW A 3-acre park with benches, an open grassy area, picnic shelter, picnic tables and play equipment.

DEPOT PARK 2 E SUNSET WAY (RAINIER & ALDER) Features a restored 1888 train depot, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park includes

DUTHIE HILL This popular mountain biking trail is located on the Issaquah Plateau and features a variety of biking trails for riders of all ages and skill levels.

EMILY DARST PARK Located along Pickering Trail, the 12-acre restored and enhanced park provides natural open space and wetlands. There are benches, creek/lake view, natural open space and a trail.

GRAND VIEW PARK 2306 NE NATALIE WAY Located in the northern section of Issaquah Highlands and offers magnificent views of Mt. Baker and the Cascade

Mountain Range. It includes include a play area, picnic area, manicured green space, on-site parking and a restroom.

HARVEY MANNING PARK AT TALUS 919 BEAR RIDGE COURT On the southern edge of the Talus neighborhood development, the approximately 10-acre park site includes a basketball court, natural open space, play equipment, restrooms and a trailhead.

HILLSIDE PARK 300 MT. MCKINLEY DR. SW This Squak Mountain park includes a nonscheduled sports field for “pick-up” games, natural open space and a trail. There is no onsite parking available.

MEERWOOD PARK 4703 192ND AVE. SE This 1.75-acre neighborhood park is located within the Sammamish Cove area and features a basketball court,

benches, picnic tables, play equipment and tennis courts.

MINE HILL PARK 200 WILDWOOD BLVD. SW Located at the base of Squak Mountain, it has five acres of natural area that parallels Wildwood Boulevard Southeast and includes a creek/lake view, trail and trailhead.

SKATE PARK 965 12TH AVE. NW, ISSAQUAH The Skate Park offers a variety of challenges for skateboarders and inline skaters. The Park is unsupervised and is open at all times. Rules are posted for the safety of participants.

SQUAK VALLEY PARK 10319 ISSAQUAH-HOBART RD. SE Located at the very southern edge of the city on the Issaquah - Hobart Road, the approximately 12.5-acre site includes three midsized soccer fields, children’s play structure, restroom and parking area.

TIBBETTS VALLEY PARK 965 12TH AVE. NW A 30-acre active recreational community park with athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball court and a children’s playground. Construction for the new Skate Park was recently completed.

TIMBERLAKE PARK 4500 W LAKE SAMMAMISH PKWY. SE This 24-acre acre park site is predominantly forested and provides a 1/2 mile trail down to the Lake Sammamish shoreline and beach area. It includes a beach, benches, open grassy area, picnic tables, parking, restrooms and a scenic view.

Sweetlines rider Molly Pop smoothly leaps from a large jump on the Voodoo Child trail. Mountain bikers throughout the region gathered at Duthie Hill Park in Issaquah in October 2018.

EVAN PAPPAS / STAFF PHOTO

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PROTECTING THE PARK The Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park nonprofit protects and advocates for the state park in Issaquah.

BY EVAN PAPPAS

Protecting and promoting recreation space and parks can be a difficult process, but the Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park have been doing just that for years.

The 501c3 nonprofit organization was formed in 2013 by citizens who want to help raise funds for park improvements and protect the open space and wildlife.

Debbie Berto, president of the FLSSP Board of Directors, said in 2004 the state presented a revenue generating plan which included development on the park’s land. Citizens were not happy, so state park planners put together a task force for the community.

The work conducted by the state and the task force resulted in a park master plan adopted in 2007 with the intention to have all of the planned projects completed by 2013. Unfortunately, the economic downturn of 2008 got in the way. Parks were cutting back on mainte-

History of Lake Sammamish State Park

By Evan Pappas With more than 60 years serving as a community recreation hub, Lake Sammamish State Park’s history dates back much farther.

Thanks to work by local historians and the Issaquah History Museum, much of the history behind

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MyCity • Issaquah | 2019

nance and new projects were not happening at all, Berto said.

In 2013, Berto, Chris Kovac, Dave Kappler, Connie Marsh and Jim Barry began work on creating the nonprofit. Attorney Stacey Goodman, currently an Issaquah city councilmember, assisted the group doing pro bono work drafting bylaws for the nonprofit.

Their first goal as a nonprofit was to fund the development of an all new playground spaces for families. Jennfier Adut, executive director of FLSSP, said the group began working with other community organizations and began talking to politicians such as Sen. Mark Mullet, who helped secure $750,000 of capital money for the project.

About $1.1 million was raised for the park project to become a reality.

“Our park turned around with the opening,” Berto said. “At the same time they advocated for the park has been recorded, and old photos have been preserved.

According to the museum, Lake Sammamish State Park began operation in 1953. The 512-acre waterfront park sits on the former property of two farms from the turn of the century. The Anderson farm was started by Norwegian immigrant John Anderson and his wife Addie. John, Addie and their three daughters lived on the farm in a home known as “the big house,” which was built in 1890.

money for the boardwalk and (boat) launch.”

The playground was a big turning point for the park as it sparked further reinvestment for clean up of the beach, improvement of park facilities, and brought in local businesses like the Kayak Academy.

“Gate receipts have doubled since the installation of the playground in October 2016,” Adut said.

The FLSSP also host several events at the park throughout the year, like the family focused Parkadilly Kids Concert Fair which sees about 5,000 visitors each year, Adut said. They also host volunteer events to help clean up invasive weeds from the property.

The park remains a tourist destination with a multitude of recreation options, but the FLSSP isn’t done yet. Their next project is all about the trails. Berto The Anderson farm also featured a fruit shed, log cabin, horse barn, milk house, two garages and another house for the farm foreman’s family.

The farm was inherited by the Anderson daughters in 1934. They rented it to Ole Englebritsen who paid $10 a month, according to the museum’s record.

said improvements to the trails are needed, especially to the wayfinding and signage available.

They are currently working on a trails plan that will need to be approved by the state before fundraising can begin.

Their goal is to connect to the city of Issaquah’s “green necklace” trail network and act as a trailhead for the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

For more information on the group, including upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and recreation info, go online to: www.lakesammamishfriends.org

Photo: The Lake Sammamish State Park boat launch now in the evening.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARK RANGER HEATHER HANSEN

the Jensen farm is described as a popular recreation spot long before it was acquired by the state. As Tibbetts and Issaquah creeks run through the property, it was a popular place to fish and swim. Jensen himself opened the waterfront section of the property to locals.

The State of Washington Parks Commission bought the land from the Andersons in 1951.

According to the 2003 museum post, Jensen’s will said to donate the land to the state so it can be used by the local youth.

In addition to the Anderson farm, Lake Sammamish State Park also encompasses land that was once the Hans Jensen farm.

The museum’s historic archive also details that parcel. In 1898, land owner Albert F. Giese built a house on the property and in 1905 a barn was built.

In the years since its acquisition, the Lake Sammamish State Park has carried on the spirit of recreation in the area promoted

by Han Jensen. The current park featured trails through the forest and wetlands as well as beaches with water sport opportunities like kayaking.

Giese’s land was purchased by Hans Jensen in 1942 who then donated it to the Parks Commission in 1958. In a Issaquah History Museum article posted in 2003,

For more information on the history of Lake Sammamish State Park and the region around it, go online to www.issaquahhistory.org

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11

EVENTS SUMMER BURGERS, BIKERS AND BABES Thundering Angels MC take over Triple XXX Root Beer in the summer to show off and compare their rides. The event includes a bikini bike wash and bikini contest with live music in Issaquah.

FENDERS ON FRONT STREET Held on Father’s Day, Fenders on Front Street is Issaquah’s largest car show. Collectors come out from all over the state to show off their they’re new, classic and unique rides.

Previous events have included an entire collection of DeLoreans, including a loving recreation of the time machine in “Back to the Future.” Triple XXX Root Beer is a popular

refreshment stop during and after the show, so bring cash.

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN Every summer following the Fourth of July, the Issaquah Community Center hosts weekly free concerts on its lawn each Tuesday through the end of August. Each week is different, featuring either a local performer or a cover band for popular music. These concerts are packed and it’s not unusual for people to set up their lawn chairs more than a block away.

FALL ZOMBIE WALK Since 2009, Issaquahns have celebrated the coming of Halloween by slathering themselves in pallid makeup, adopting a bad case of rigor mortis and shambling down Front Street. The parade of undead ends with a recreation of the Thriller music video in downtown. Some costumes in the past have included

Zombie Waldo, Rick Grimes and his son Carl, and female Ash Williams, complete with chainsaw hand.

SALMON DAYS The internationally recognized event is one of the largest festivals in the Northwest featuring food, arts and crafts festivities and floats that celebrate the return of the salmon to spawning grounds.

WINTER WINE AND ART WALK The Downtown Issaquah Wine and Art Walk is held on Saturdays from March to June and in September. Live music, performances, art happenings, snacks and local boutique wine tastings are located up and down Front Street.

SPRING ISSAQUAH FARMERS MARKET On Saturdays from May to September, the city of Issaquah features farm fresh food, music

and other entertainment in the Pickering Barn. The market was recently in the running for recognition by the American Farmland Trust.

POURS IN STORES In May, join the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce & Grand Ridge Plaza for Pours in Stores! Sample more than 25 varieties of wines and beers at your own pace while strolling in the beautiful Plaza Park and Grand Ridge Plaza’s relaxing, modern environment. Stop in at over a dozen shops & businesses and enjoy the melodies of roaming musicians.

HOLI: FESTIVAL OF COLOR Holi is a celebration of love, fertility, color, as well as the triumph of good versus evil.

Holi marks the end of winter and welcomes the spring season.

The celebration is hosted at Lake Sammamish State Park and hosts food, music, dancing and of course: colors!

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HOW THE SALMON DAYS FESTIVAL CAME TO BE For 50 years the community has gathered to celebrate

By Ashley Hiruko

T

he birth of the Salmon Days festival began with the death of another. An aging Labor Day celebration died out in the late 1960s. There simply weren’t enough volunteers to sustain the once-popular event. A replacement was needed.

“Culturally it’s really important for a community to have a gathering,” said Robin Kelley, executive director of the Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH). Kelley grew up in Issaquah.

During the Depression, she explained, when money was tight, people would even give their food stamps to get food to hold block parties.That’s how important celebrating together is, Kelley said.

Realizing the importance of having these kinds of community gatherings, Earl Robertson, president of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce in 1970, proposed a salmon festival. City leaders decided to plan the celebration to take place when people were already coming to town to see the salmon make their annual return to spawn.

Members of the chamber and Kiwanis began their plan for the replacement festival. They looked up weather statistics and picked out the best weather-recorded weekend in October. It happened to be the first weekend of the month.

“It is very important to be aware of why we do this – one of the reasons we didn’t move to a summertime event is because we had the hatchery and we wanted to be able to not just promote that but to educate the attendees about the importance of salmon,” said Kathy McCorry, executive director for the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.

On Oct. 3, 1970, the first Salmon Festival (renamed Salmon Days the next year) took place. It was small at first and happened almost entirely on the hatchery grounds. There was salmon barbecue, puppet shows and a children’s parade, according to the chamber.

It started small and grew over the years. It’s had its fair share of change. As Issaquah grew and infrastructure changes were made, the festival was adjusted to accommodate the growth.

“People think (the festival) is really similar and feels familiar, but Issaquah has changed so much … every year or two we’d have to go through major changes and shift the number of vendors, all the things behind the scenes,” Kelley said. “So it was rarely the same thing.”

On top of that change, those in charge of planning the event would always seek something new. The Issaquah Chamber of Commerce owns, runs and manages the Salmon Days Festival.

Three to five new attractions would be added each year to keep the interest of those who returned for the yearly event.

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It wasn’t until 1980 that out-of-town visitors began to attend, when Salmon Days became a Seafair-sanctioned event. Then came the Seafair clowns, pirates and floats.

And attendee numbers continued to climb. An estimated 65,000 attended the 1980 festival and by 1988, the number soared to 150,000. People came to eat food, enjoy music and peruse the hand- and U.S.-made goods for sale.

In 1985 the festival joined the Northwest Festivals Association, after being completely volunteer staffed for the first 15 years. In 1987, the first paid festival director was hired. But it’s a healthy cohort of volunteers that make the community collaboration possible.

More than 600 volunteers donate more than 12,000 hours to put the celebration on. Many volunteers have participated for over 30 years.

Today the gathering draws about 150,000 to 200,000 visitors and brings an estimated $7.5 million dollars to Issaquah each year.

Although the event was founded as a community celebration, over the years it has transitioned as a means to raise awareness on the dwindling number of salmon returning each year to Issaquah Creek to spawn.

“At the time there wasn’t a shortage of salmon, so it wasn’t an awareness of the environment because it wasn’t an issue yet,” Kelley said.

As it became an issue, more activities have been created on the hatchery grounds that speak to the environment and habitat and more messaging has been disseminated to the public.

Despite the growth and change, one thing has stayed constant throughout the 50 years the event has been put on.

“The city puts out their welcome mat and opens their arms and invites everyone to come... that hasn’t been lost with the growth of Issaquah,” Kelley said.

NEED MORE INFO ON SALMON DAYS? Contact Brenda DeVore: programs@issaquahchamber.com • (425) 392-7024 Or visit: www.issaquahchamber.com/salmondays

The Salmon Days mascot, Sammy, waves to a boy during the 49th annual celebration in 2018. AARON KUNKLER/STAFF PHOTO

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15

ISSAQUAH FARMERS MARKET

“Supporting our farmers is the most important thing,” Gilmore said.

“Support [our] locals.”

Returning for her third year is local vendor Diane Harris. Harris sells leather goods at markets, festivals and online. Harris said the Issaquah Farmers Market was the first market she set up a booth.

“It has a great community feel,” Harris said of people that stroll through of the market.

“My customers the market. become friends and other ven“We are trying to bring new dors become family. Plus, it is vendors so that we have new a beautiful setting. It feels like options to offer our shoppers home.” and keep Harris When you patronize things started her a local business, competileather tive with you support your neighbors goods good and help build a stronger business variety,” local economy many Gilmyears ago ore said. when a “But we also like to continue friend asked her to repurpose to give our space to our loyal a full length leather coat with vendors that our shoppers lining shredded beyond repair. really love and look forward to From that coat, Harris created specific booths.” her very first bag with inspiraThroughout the season there tion and the few tools she had will be live music and enteraround her home. Since then, tainment, activities for children Harris said she found her calling and has all the right tools and families like the Touch a Truck event, cooking demon- for the job. strations, farm-fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, food vendors, fresh-cut flowers, freshly-baked goods, handmade arts and crafts, informational, nonprofit and hobby booths and on-site Master Gardener educators and experts.

Returning to the market once again is Kids Day.Young entrepreneurs will sell their hand crafted goods on June 22, July 20 and Aug. 17.

is best kept secret

By Stephanie Quiroz

The Issaquah Farmers Market is officially up and running for its 2019 season, bringing together locals and visitors for the 29th year.

The main market season will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 28.

The market is located at the Pickering Barn at 1730 10th Ave. NW (across from Costco).

On a busy summer Saturday, the market hosts more than 4,000 shoppers. The market offers a variety of products for its customers. According to market manager Jera Gilmore, the market hosts an average of 100 vendors per week.

“A lot of people are used to small community markets,” Gilmore said of the size of the Issaquah market. “A bigger [market] offers a bigger variety of vendors and products. It takes longer for people to get through the market. People stay longer and meet with friends. It’s a gathering place that has become a weekly routine for families.”

The market is not only a place to shop, but also it’s a place to hang out, according to Gilmore. The large space the Pickering Barn offers accommodates the thousands

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“I am constantly thinking about my designs and how I can improve them,” she said.

“When it comes to starting a piece, I let the leather speak for itself. I seek out unique leather that allows for many one of a kind items. A bag may take a day to actually construct. Smaller items like card cases, key chains and wristlets may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or two.”

When you patronize a local business, you support your neighbors and help build a stronger local economy, Harris says.

“The market is one of the best kept secrets in the area and it shouldn’t be,” she said. “I encourage everyone to stop by at least once. I guarantee you will find something you love and meet some really creative makers and farmers.”

For a full list of the Issaquah Farmers Market events, business sponsors, and community partners, see: www.issaquahwa.gov/market

Top: The Issaquah Farmers Market offers shoppers a fresh experience every Saturday through Sept. 28. Below: Farmers market shoppers look for cherries at the Amador Farms stand.

STEPHANIE QUIROZ / STAFF PHOTOS

ArtEast Creates Community With Art

Ar tEast suppor ts visual ar ts on the Eastside through its collective gallery, education programs, and community events.

By Madison Miller Monica Phillips made the decision to move to Issaquah after Europe and New Zealand and are available through Columbia City seeing ArtEast’s sign while driving down Front Street.

Gallery and ArtEast Gallery.

“As soon as I saw that this town had a glass blowing studio and an “A friend of mine talked me into donating one of my paintings to art gallery, I knew it was worth moving here,” she said.

ArtEast, and I’ve been here ever since,” Beck said. “I started showing my paintings which That was 10 years ago. led to me teaching Since then, Phillips has painting classes there.” volunteered with ArtEast as a contributing artist, For Phillips and Beck, a collective works they said they enjoy coordinator, a jewelry being a part of ArtEast. teacher and now as a “It’s just such an amazing member on the board group of people,” Beck of directors. said. “I love the variety ArtEast is a nonprofit of the art and I love organization that this gorgeous gallery supports visual arts on space… I love that we the Eastside through get to connect and make its collective gallery, relationships with artists education programs and the community.” and community events.

Phillips shared a similar ArtEast was founded in sentiment.

January 2005.

“I really like the Salyna Gracie was hired camaraderie and in June as executive relationships we have director of ArtEast. with other artists and Gracie has more than the community,” she 25 years of experience said. “I love being able in the field and is the to learn about their former executive direcAbove: Jacqui Beck in ArtEast’s studio. tor of the Confluence work and find ways to Below: Jacqui Beck recently led a Creative Gallery and Art Center collaborate.”

Journaling workshop at ArtEast.

COURTESY PHOTOS in Twisp and was also While ArtEast is a the director of BRIO gallery, it offers the Art Center in Bellevue. community more than The ArtEast Art Center is located in the just art. Through classes and community heart of historic downtown Issaquah. The events, the gallery is open and accessible central location is walking distance from to anyone. downtown parks, the Issaquah branch of “It’s really a community art group,” King County Library, community center Beck said. “You don’t have to have and swimming pool, civic and governexperience to take classes and enjoy. I ment offices, five public schools and disknow an art gallery can feel intimidattrict headquarters, and the Issaquah Alps. ing, but ArtEast is a community and Jacqui Beck has been partnering with there’s something for everyone.”

ArtEast for years. She has been teaching “ArtEast welcomes everyone,” Phillips students of all ages for more than 15 years said. “It’s really become a destination for and is an adjunct professor of art at Seattle people from all over.”

Pacific University. Her award-winning exTo learn more about ArtEast, pressive acrylic paintings are collected and visit: arteast.org exhibited in the United States, Canada, www.issaquahreporter.com | Issaquah Reporter

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ISSAQUAH SCHOOL DISTRICT The Issaquah School District is educating the innovators, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders of tomorrow. Students in our district repeatedly score within the top five percent on state standardized tests, but our teachers aim for more.

They create passionate lifelong learners who want to achieve

The district serves a community that is becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. Residents

lead and work at local corporations such as Microsoft, Costco, Starbucks, Google, and Boeing. We enjoy incredible levels of parental involvement and most of our schools 100 percent PTSA membership or close to it. The community is highly engaged with us as business members help shape career curriculum and voters consistently pass school finance ballot measures.

The schools offer a well-rounded curriculum. Students excel in highly capable, International Baccalaureate

and Advanced Placement programs, explore interest-based and real world learning at our new innovative high school, and have opportunities to take career and technical classes.

The district has also been recognized for its fiscal management by earning Moody’s Aaa highest bond rating. Less than five percent of school districts nationwide share this distinction that helps keep tax rates as low as possible for residents. To learn more, explore the district website at: www.issaquah.wednet.edu

On a Monday early evening in late spring, it was time for kids in grades K-5 to get active with the introduction to track and field program. The city offers track and field in the spring and summer, cross country in the fall and fitness workouts for middle schoolaged runners in the winter.

Programs are geared toward athletes from ages 5-18.

Joanne Hartman founded Gliders in the summer of 2000, and along with Brian Berntsen — now the parks and recreation deputy director — they saw a need for the program in the community, according to Jared Behl, recreation supervisor.

The main pillars of the Gliders program are staying active and

healthy and developing a passion for running and the other events, such as the long jump, hammer throw and more.

On the introductory level program, Behl said, “It’s fun, working on fundamentals, really giving kids a taste of what track and field is. Getting them energized about the sport so they continue to stay with it, continue to run and then hopefully run for their high schools or maybe their colleges in a few years.”

Former Glider runner Drew Matthews developed into a standout sprinter at Skyline High School and then at the University of Kansas. He returned to the Gliders to coach because he felt a connection to the program, Behl said.

A trio of Gliders turn one of the corners on the Issaquah High track.

ANDY NYSTROM/ STAFF PHOTO

their personal and professional potential in a rapidly changing world. The district has grown with our region as it has transformed over the past 100 years from sleepy mining towns to the heart of a vibrant economic and cultural region.

Nearly 21,000 students are now enrolled in the district’s 24 schools, which cover a span of 110 square miles and seven municipalities.

GLIDING ALONG TO A SOLID WORKOUT IN ISSAQUAH Youngsters get active in track and field program

By Andy Nystrom

Before the workout began, Carl and Alexander Staring were already amped about getting onto the track at Issaquah High School.

It was training day with the Issaquah Parks and Recreation Gliders track and field program — the sun beamed down on the track and the brothers and other participants would soon be running, jumping and throwing their way to fun and fitness.

“I get better at running and better at Gliders every time I go,” said Carl, 7, whose favorite event is the hammer throw (a modified hammer consisting of a rubber ball on a cord handle).

Added Alexander, 10: “My favorite part about this is that I get to learn better techniques for running.” He especially enjoys the 100-meter sprint, because “it allows you to go your fastest.”

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MyCity • Issaquah | 2019

Other athletes who cut their running teeth with the Gliders have come back to coach as well, said recreation specialist Cameron Roth, who enjoys the community feel of the program.

“I think one of the biggest things is just the passion that our coaches have, especially working with kids of all ages,” Roth said. “It’s really cool to see kids come out and get excited about seeing coaches from season to season that they’re used to and familiar with.”

For information, go online to www.issaquahwa.gov/gliders

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ISSAQUAH SENIOR CENTER The Issaquah Senior Center offers activities ranging from fitness classes, movies, ping pong and bingo to trips and monthly socials. Lunch is served every day at noon.

The Issaquah Senior Center is free; all are welcome to visit and use the facility.

Senior center membership is free for those 55 and older, though classes and programs will include fees.

For more information about upcoming senior center activities and services, go online to www.issaquahwa.gov/seniors or call (425) 392-2381.

The center is located at 75 NE Creek Way, Issaquah.

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UTILITIES WATER

A major portion of Issaquah’s water system comes from groundwater served by four wells — two in the northeast section of Issaquah and two in the northwest section. The wells are deep: two are 100 feet deep, one is 200 feet deep and one is 400 feet deep.

But those wells don’t serve every Issaquah citizen.

The Cascade Water Alliance provides water to the Issaquah Highlands and Talus urban villages, as well as the Montreux and Lakemont areas.

Cascade is a municipal corporation comprised of eight municipalities and water districts that joined together in 1999 to provide water supply for current and future needs. It

includes the cities of Issaquah, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Tukwila, as well as the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District, Covington Water District and Skyway Water and Sewer District.

In 2017, the city of Issaquah provided 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water to about 29,900 customers through more than 14,800 water connections, according to the 2017 report.

Cascade gets its water from the Seattle system, which is of the highest quality and is tested frequently.

With the exception of Issaquah Highlands, the city’s well water and Cascade Water Alliance water are not mixed, as the distribution systems are separated.Water purchased from the Alliance is fluoridated, while Issaquah Well water is not.

The city of Issaquah mails an annual water quality report to its customers, with a breakdown of all substances monitored by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

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