Celebrate Summer in Edmonds, Part One
With a school year that seemed endless due to winter snow early this year, it’s a welcome relief for everyone to know that summer is here.
And summer in Edmonds means a calendar FULL of activities and things to do! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite annual events and share what’s new, what traditions are still here, and what kind of fun you can have in the coming weeks in downtown Edmonds.
Where’s Waldo Contest
A beloved Edmonds summer tradition for the young and young-at-heart is the annual Where’s Waldo contest sponsored by the Edmonds Bookshop.
Through the entire month of July, you are invited to pick up a passport and visit at least 25 of the 57 participating businesses in downtown Edmonds to find Waldo. This year there are four special places marked by an asterisk in the passport to earn extra points and at the bookshop you are asked to also find Odlaw (Waldo’s nemesis).
The contest concludes the morning of July 31st and wraps up with a celebration at 1pm at the bookshop for cake and the announcement of the grand prize winner of a six-volume set of Where’s Waldo books. You don’t need to be present to win but attendees of the party will receive extra fun goodies (plus cake!).
Summer Wine Walks
A favorite Edmonds summer event are the two Wine Walks benefiting Art Walk Edmonds. There are two events this summer, July 6th and August 3rd.
The Wine Walk allows you to visit various Edmonds merchants, sample a variety of local wine, and meet the winemakers! Your ticket includes 10 tokens each good for a one-ounce pour. You also have the chance to purchase bottles of your favorites at the Sip Stops on the map or at the pop-up shop located at Coldwell Banker Bain.
Merchants taking part this year include ARTSpot, Cline Jewelers, Ombu Salon, Cole Gallery, Edmonds Realty, Gallery North, Interiors of Edmonds, The Wooden Spoon, ZINC Art + Interiors, and more!
Tickets go fast and you can count on it selling out, so don’t delay in securing yours! For all the details and to buy tickets, visit https://www.artwalkedmonds.com/wine-walks.
Edmonds in Bloom
Sunday July 21st marks the 24th year for the popular Edmonds in Bloom event. This year features tours of six private gardens drawing from a diverse spectrum of styles, time periods, and inspirations.
The tours promise to provide both experienced and casual gardeners a wealth of ideas. Tickets can be purchased online or at local merchants including Bountiful Home and Garden Gear.
Summer Concert Series
Each year the Edmonds Art Commission puts on two free concert series at two locations – Edmonds City Park on Sundays and at Hazel Miller Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We spoke with Erin Arguelles who coordinates the concerts and she shared who’s new as well as returning favorites.
“I’m excited about the diversity in the line-up for this year’s summer concert series. We’re welcoming back some local favorites, including Tingstad & Rumbel (contemporary instrumental), Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band (marches), and Roberto the Magnificent (comedy/juggling/stunts)”, she shared.
“We’re also going to be enjoying a variety of international sounds, with groups such as Miho & Diego (sounds of Japan & Latin America), Katrina Ji & Culture Shakti (Rajasthai folk dance), Gasango (West African music & dance), and Jovino Santo Neto Trio (Brazilian).”
The concerts at Hazel Miller Plaza offer the opportunity to grab a bite at Las Brisas or The Cheesemonger’s Table, or even treat yourself to some delicious gelato at Canarino Gelato while you enjoy live music.
The entire concert series is family friendly and free to attend. To see the full 2019 lineup, visit http://www.edmondswa.gov/summer-concerts.html.
Look for our second installment about summer in Edmonds in a few weeks – there are just so many things to do we can’t fit it into one!
For information on all of our great downtown Edmonds businesses, please visit http://edmondsdowntown.org/.
By Kelsey Foster, photos by Matt Hulbert