Free Fun Saturday

Singing, dancing, stories waiting to be told, games to be played and an audience to be involved.

"Lora Chiorah-Dye is the Artistic Director for LORA & Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble that interprets Zimbabwean culture. According to Ms. Chiorah-Dye, “There is no distinction between audience and performers in my culture. If you can walk you can dance. If you can talk you can sing!” Come and be a part of the fun as... she engages families in storytelling, children's games, singing, and dances from Zimbabwe."

Renton History Museum
Saturday, 11 am, April 10th
235 Mill Ave. S., Renton WA

Audience: children through adult. 425.255.2330

Make Art in Renton at the Uptown Glassworks - for free

Uptown Glassworks in the DTR is hosting a free class to teach you how to blow glass - it's called Make Art in Renton. Iif you ever wondered if you would rock at this, now is your chance to work with the molten lavalike stuff that comes out of the glory hole - glass. As I write this - there were only 4 spots left in this rare opportunity on this Sunday, Oct. 18th. The times were 12 noon, 2:30, 4:00 and 4:30 - and there is a maximum of two people per time slot.

This is certainly a way to wet your glass blowing whistle, as a half an hour will surely not give you more than a glimpse in to this wonderful art. But what a great way to spend a portion of your weekend, while the winds cool us down and the temperatures continue to drop. Let me tell you, the glasswork's studio is always warm.

Renton is unique for having such a place to shop, let alone learn this ageless craft. Drop by regardless - they always have something new to show.
Uptown Glassworks
230 Main Ave. South
Renton WA 98057
(425) 228 - 1849

Poor you - you missed out on Amy Bleu!

Barritone Ukulele and guitar playing Amy Bleu was belting out some great tunes Sunday afternoon at the Tyrannosaurus Records on South Third. The second day of free live music in the store to help kick off the grand opening of Renton's only independent music store, Bleu played original tunes off of her three CD's (two of which are on sale at T-Rex) and sang what was her third performance in a 23 hour period. Amy liked her visit to Renton the best - as we hung on her every lyric and showed her the Renton love she so richly deserved.

Amy and her band are located in Oregon, but sometimes Amy hits the road and does some solo work, like the Shelton Farmers Market, a cafe in Tacoma and then here to Renton. Her CD's feature her bassist husband, Matt and also the accordion/xylophonist. Check out her website hear toe see what you so sadly missed.

Nich Sullivan, owner of T-Rex, has a great ear for music, and the weekend with Laura Jorgensen, Jonathan Kimball and Amy Bleu was a great line-up of talent. Nich hopes to have live music at the shop twice a month, so stay tuned. His wife Samantha, owner of Spotlight Dance, and he will be collaborating on a huge live music and dance event on November 14th at the Renton Civic Theatre. 4 live bands will play, there will be a dance program and art featured in the lobby. Fun stuff so check in at the blog for the shop here and stop by and shop for some tunes.


Tyrannosaurus Records
914 S. Third St. in the DTR
tyrannosaurusrecords@yahoo.com
tryannosaurusrecords.blogspot.com

Free Summer Fun - Movies for the Young (and, okay, young at heart!)

The Regal Cinemas at The Landing are hosting a series of movies that are FREE for the whole family. Trying to figure out a way to keep the younguns' occupied? For the next two Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 10:00 in the morning, head over to the movie theater and watch a film for free. The weather will be warming up these next couple of days, so you could just go in, relax with a tub of popcorn, and bask in the chill of aircon and beat the heat.

8/18 Tuesday - 8/19 Wednesday, the following TWO films will be playing at 10 am:





Next week, 8/25 Tuesday and 8/26 Wednesday are the following films for free at 10 am:

The Landing Stadium 14 900 N 10th Place Renton ,WA 98055 425-203-9264
08/18/2009-08/19/2009	Everyone's Hero (G)
	Surf's Up (PG)
08/25/2009-08/26/2009	Igor (PG)
	Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)
Check for regular Movies and Showtimes

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.

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

Renton River Fun

Ummmm - BIG Rubber Ducky, who will squish you into submission and make you buy a $5 Rubber Ducky Derby Ticket and have a chance to win a prize - or just have the pleasure of watching thousands of yellow ducks race down the Cedar River at 4:30 pm this Sunday.

This part of Renton River Days, sponsored by McLendon's, is by far my favorite each and every year - The Petting Zoo.This is what fairs of old were all about - farm animals, 4-H like stuff and free entertainment for the kiddies (opps, and a few of us adults as well...)

This would then come in second place right after the Petting Zoo above in the list of "must dos" at the Renton River Days over in the Art Market/Arts and Crafts area. Bang away on any number of hanging items and make a joyful noise. It's a "free for all"

Oh, let go of my Lego! Lego on the grass, Lego on the table - lego, lego everywhere! This booth let's your inner architect roam free and have fun. Hop, skip and jump your way over there today!


Love to draw? Think you have a good sense of fashion? Try the Renton Historical Museum booth where you can decorate a Native American Indian vest to wear home or a lovely flower and shell necklace. Get stylish with your crayons right here.

Oh, this is such a no brainer! Line-up and go!

Renton River Days
Liberty Park/Gianini Stadium
The Art Market
10 am - 8 pm

Renton shapes up

They meet every Saturday morning on the jungle gym where the Cedar River Trail meets the southeast corner of the Renton Memorial Stadium parking lot. Carolyn is the defacto leader - though she demurely denied the title when asked. There seems to be a circuit of workout exercises, but someone in the know pairs up with a newbie, and you are good to go. There is great camaraderie here, lots of wisecracks and general bonhomie - and all are welcome. Hey, they even invited me to join!

I apologize in advance if I caught anyone there on Saturday in a compromising position. They were all tremendous good sports and I could see that there were many levels of exercise abilities at play within the group. I think it would be safe to go and give it a try - regardless your gym class proficiency ( or let's cut to the chase - lack thereof!)

After a good sweat, and a lot of groaning ( or so it seemed to me) the newly tuckered out retire to the Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee Shop on South Third Street to have a cup of coffee and kvetch. It ain't called Pain in the Grass for nothin'!

Pancakes and potting soil

Every one has a holy grail - for some it is the best set of car rims, maybe a first edition comic book unearthed at a garage sale, or in our family's case - a good sale and a "free" something or other. I am certain you know just how I spent my Saturday morning....
The lines were long but moved apace - and there is always someone to talk to at McLendon's.
I overheard that they were prepared to serve 1,600 deserving customers with a pair of link sausage, two flapjacks, a cup of orange juice and some hot coffee. Impressive.
Three long, hot griddles going constantly, churning out some mighty tasty pancakes, complete with butter and maple syrup - your plate was fresh and piping hot when it was handed to you.
Long tables, decorated with flowers and a white paper table cloth awaited you. Standing room only. No one cared - they just happily munched.
This is McLendon's biggest sale of the year - the full parking lot attested to that. Hanging Baskets of Fuchsias for $17.99, and tons of other garden goodies. We stocked up. Hey - and the Puget Energy "Spin the Wheel" offered prizes, and with one spin, Mom landed a $20 coupon to McLendon's! It was promptly spent.

Get your free comics right here!

The Comic Den on Wells Street, right in our DTR between South Second and Third Streets, is giving away comics - for free - this Saturday - no obligations to buy, just stop by. The owner, told me to tell all of you, so it must be true.

This establishment has been serving up a healthy dose of graphic novels, a very large collection of comics and other such collectible paraphernalia since it opened in 1991. Every Wednesday, all the cool guys I know get ready to go check out the new goods, 'cuz that is delivery day and there is a pile of boxes usually outside to prove it. The store is small but from what I have heard, has a great staff and the right goods which is why they have that such a loyal clientele. I even saw a new graphic novel with our new prez on the cover in the window. Maybe he really is a super hero after all.

Okay - I know I already posted this photo earlier in the week as the coolest pic, but I don't care! I have a thing for the Wolverine, and I am not afraid to share that - again.

The Comic Den 234 Wells Ave. South (425) 235 - 1663
Noon till they close at 6 pm - they will have enough comics for everyone!

Ummm - free pancakes

http://www.flickr.com/photos/exlibris/2286985826/
This is the big weekend where you get to fuel up on a free pancake breakfast, compliments of McLendon's Hardware Renton Store and then hit the sales that are waiting there in store for you. The best deals are on the lovely Fuchsias - just in time for our newly burgeoning garden plans and the near advent of Mother's Day. Shopping local was never so good!

McLendon's Hardware 440 Rainier Ave.S. Breakfast served 7:30 am - 10 am
PS - Puget Sound Energy will also be there and having a drawing - so check it out

Cast away your worries and just "float"

It may still be the first of April, but this boat deal is no hoax. My buddy Fred is downsizing. So here is your chance to make a break for the high seas (not too high, anyways, let's not get carried away now, shall we?) and live the dream. Got spare time cuz ya lost a job or two? Put some elbow grease and a motor into this baby and you are set to take that vacation you always wanted - and now miraculously have all the time in the world to plan. Happy Boating Days are here again! Call us when you get out of the harbor!

(At least Fred didn't just let his craft go adrift in the Puget Sound - Check out this article in the NY Times - amazing!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/business/01boats.html

Still a chance to see some art

Dan Wend 's art is hanging in the atrium of the Carco Theater until March 28 and you are welcome to visit, Mon - Fr 9 -5 pm