Beat the Heat - take in a movie

Okay, this is yet another suggestion on how to get out of your basement and yet still remain cool.
How about a cheap movie date? The tickets are a mere three bucks, they have food and drinks (maybe invest in one of those refillable tubs of popcorn and soda - you know the "Supersize Me" type) and hang out in air conditioning that you don't have to pay for watching films that you missed the first time around.

You will see some other Rentonites there, to be sure, as I got this idea from one hardworking Stefeny Anderson (of Farmers Market fame).


Today's Movie Menu:

Year One, Imagine That, Land of the Lost, My Life in Ruins, Angels and Demons, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Soloist, 17 Again, State of Play, Monsters vs. Aliens

Go as early as Noon today and as late as 10:15 tonight. Click on the link below to see exact times of movie showings.

Tickets - $3

Regal East Valley 13 Cinema
3751 E. Valley Hwy Renton, WA 98055
(425) 873-2077

How to "Beat the Heat" Farmer's Market Style

It started with a cooling thought, earlier this morning. Linda Middlebrooks, Volunteer Manager at the Renton Farmer's Market was on the horn to McLendon's, our favorite local hardware store, to see if they would be interested in letting a pair of "misters" be out on loan to the Kid's Patch at the market. Kiddies need to be nice and cool if they want to play. So do adults.

Needless to say, the misters were a Big Hit - with everyone at any and every age. With about a third of the usual crowd today, but still a rather full complement of vendors, it was essential to find ways for the farmers market faithful to keep as comfortable as possible.

Who doesn't love a little water? People just naturally gravitated to the moist and cool spout.

It was like mini-bath time at the mister for these two.

"It tickles!"


Vendor from Tiny's Organic Fruits drenched himself before heading back to the trenches, I mean, work.


When not in water, people drinking the water was the next best way to cool down. Hawaiian Shave Ice - great suggestion for really any kind of day. Just really good for today.


She was very proud of her own snow cone.


Dean at Sound Bites & Spread Co. was taking advantage of a plastic top and turning it into her own handheld ventilation system - a fan.


Joe and Pat both agree that Ice Cold Lemonade is the best "beat the heat" technique in town.


By far, the best drink of the day was a Mojito inspired green tea beverage that Huyen Martin at Pacific Mist Tea concocted up just for the day. She made each one to order, like a cocktail, with fresh mint and lime to top off this incredibly refreshing libation. At $2.50 it was heaven in a glass.


When asked, this sporty gentleman said that they way he intended to "beat the heat" today was to head off to the swimming pool. Which is just what I intend to do - as soon as I post this to all of you.

Ice in July - where?

So many people with one thought in mind - how in the hell do I beat this heat? Well, the Ice Skating Rink is a great place to start. Free admission from 12- 3 for today and tomorrow folks and the rental for the ice skates is a very nominal $3 and it is right here in Renton! You could just go and take a chill in the lobby, and be comfortable cool at around 60 degrees. With the weatherman predicting that this heat spell will last for 5 days, getting even hotter tomorrow and possibly putting us into the triple digits, we all need to find a very cool spot to hang out at, if only for a moment.

Hats off to Renton Reporter's newest addition, Celeste Gracey, for reporting about this great idea here, and for being in the company of news teams from KOMO and KING while at it.
Castle Ice Arena
12620 164th Ave. S.E.
Renton, WA 98059
(425) 254-8750
Get directions

Come to the Picnic, people

It's time to meet your neighbor - and share some of your favorites summer eats. The North Renton Neighborhood Association will be holding their annual Picnic - you all are invited, this Wednesday from 5- 7:30pm at Jones Park. That location is right on the Cedar River and just off Wells Ave., so you have no excuse not to come.

Too hot you say!! Why, the river area has got to be cooler than at home. And why not share in some hot dogs and drinks in the abundant shade in that park. If you are feeling in the mood, it's also a potluck - so bring a dish to pass around and a copy of the recipe in case you get fans. My latest email from the North Renton peeps reports that there seems to be no legal reason why you can't even get naked in our lovely local waters. Now, I don't want you to think that is the best of all reasons to come (and not a legal loophole that I will personally be taking advantage of anytime soon), but isn't it nice to know that you won't have any restrictions if the day proves hotter than your sensitive skin can just bear.

There will be face painting for the kids and other fun activities to keep one and all occupied. Please come and join us - for the best little Neighborhood Picnic in the Park!


Wednesday, July 29 Jones Park 5 - 7:30

Okay, okay - there are some of you out there kidding us North Rentonites that our little ole picnic is being held in South Renton. But, according to the North Renton Neighborhood Association, Jones Park is in North Renton. Don't shoot the messenger - see for yourself here.

Lucky Ducks

One of the final acts of Renton River Days is to send hundreds of bright yellow rubber duckies floating down the Cedar River in the Rubber Ducky Derby. A $5 donation gives you the number to your own special duck, which you then root for from the banks of the river. A precious moment was one a young girl was trying to convince her skeptical mother that their ducky had a good chance of winning, and her careful examination of the rubber toys from her perch onto of Wells Street bridge as the victors floated on by below. Alas, not everyone could be a winner today, but the crowd was excited just witnessing the yellow migration downstream just the same.

The river is pretty low these days - but there was plenty enough water to get the duckies afloat.

Some ducks had a little heat stroke and were unable to keep up with the others. They received yells of encouragement to finish the course, and no one tried to pluck them out or help move them along. Patience and polite observance won out.

From the west side of Wells Street bridge, the net was cast to round up the duckies and give them a rest until this time next year.

Family members joined together to help catch the bright colored critters. Some are slippery little buggers!

The last duck frontier - bearing large fishing nets, diligent ducky snatchers were ever ready to pick up any strays that tried to make a break for freedom.

I don't know who the winners were - but the lucky ducks were immediately whisked away in the direction of Houser St. Bridge where the derby all began today. With cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 bucks, plus gift cards to Ikea for $500, King and Bunny's Appliances for $500 and Renton Westernwear for $400 - those were some very lucky ducks.

Update 7/28:2009 Rubber Ducky Derby Results

1st Place: $1,000 Cash donated by Renton Coil Spring Company - Bob Mjleda
2nd Place: $550 Cash donated by Rotary Club of Renton - Steve Olson
3rd Place: $500 Gift Card donated by IKEA - King Parker
4th Place: $500 Gift Certificate donated by King & Bunny's Appliance - Bill Moss
5th Place: $400.00 Gift Certificate donated by Renton Western Wear - Jerri Yeoman

Last Day to go play at Renton River Days

These are some highlights from yesterday's parade down the streets of Renton and just a reminder of some outings to consider today, the last day of the IKEA Renton River Days.

11th Annual Cedar River Quilters Exhibition - Free at the Renton Library - go take a look at both the workmanship on those quilts and of course, check out a book!
10am - 3pm Renton Public Library

Renton Annual Art Show - Noon - 5pm at the Renton Community Center. Free to look, many pieces are available for purchase - just fun to look at our local talent.

Don't forget your Rubber DuckY!! Rubber Ducky Derby at 4:30 pm Houser Street Bridge. Purchase your chance (only $5 ) to win valuable prizes at the Festival information booth in Liberty Park.

Car Show 11am -3pm at Cedar River Park - 8 decades of cars and motorcycles.
Art Market 12pm - 6pm at the Gianini Stadium/Liberty Park
Nibble of Renton 12pm- 6pm Gianini Stadium/Liberty Park
4th Annual Cascade Canoe& Kayak Regatta 8am -1pm at Gene Coulon Park
Renton Historical Museum Open Free Noon - 4pm
Explore the Downtown Rubber Ducky Windows - Ginger's Closet on Wells Ave. won the Grand Prize this year - check them all out!!

www.RentonRiverDays.org

Art Market Favs

Spooky Mama Creations by Alicia Sigala - fun, a little dark (I like it!), whimsy that was affordable and cool.

Kettle Corn - absolutely necessary.

Lilie de Vallee lovely organic bath and body products. www.liliedevallee.com

Eric Newman Porcelain Stoneware and Earthenware - gorgeous
cynosure_arts@hotmail.com

Alexandria Sandlin - Artist and creator of lovely "big eye" art. Cards, jewelery, and other lovelies all with her fab figures on them.
cherrybones.etsy.com

Noxenlux Chapeaux - Unique Hats for ANY Style
www.noxenlux.com

The Art Market at the Renton River Days
12pm - 8pm Saturday and Sunday still
Gianini Stadium/Liberty Park