Rainier Chamber Presents 23rd Annual Rainier Valley Heritage Parade & Festival August 15th
Kick it old school at the 23rd Annual Rainier Valley Heritage Parade & Festival on August 15th, an inclusive cultural extravaganza celebrating one of the most diverse communities in the country, presented by the Rainier (Valley) Chamber of Commerce. A judged parade with "Heritage" theme kicks off at noon with nearly 60 local entertainment representing over a dozen cultures that call Southeast Seattle home, recognizing that "Seattle Starts Here" as the first stop on the journey for many cultural groups that have helped to build the city.
The festivities that follow, themed "Backyard Games," featuring the best in down-home entertainment: a pie eating contest, games and outdoor fun for all ages, DJ and local live music stages, bicycling and B!kecitement Street sponsored by Bike Works, Art in the Alley, giant chess with Detective Cookie's Chess Club, street sports, gymnastics, World Dance Party, the South Precinct Police Picnic, and a beer garden, as well as small plates offered by local restaurants, and more, until 4:30pm. The featured country is Ethiopia with food, crafts, injera making and coffee ceremony booths.
Honored as marshals in this year's Rainier Valley Heritage Parade are Rainier Chamber 2015 Award winners:
Dr. Doug Young, owner Rainier Beach Veterinary Hospital, John L. O'Brien Lifetime Achievement Award, "In recognition of a person's enduring vision, leadership, and achievement in the Rainier Valley." Jerri Plumridge, recently retired Director of SEEDArts, John Merrill Memorial Service Award, "In recognition of a person's generous and selfless contribution to the Rainier Valley." Norman F. Chamberlain Community Service Award was presented to Bike Works, "In recognition of a group's Dedication and Service to the Rainier Valley Community." Maia Segura and of Penniless Projects, Business of the Year Award, "In recognition of excellence in business and community practices." Adriana Meraz-Gonzalez, former Rainier Chamber Foundation Merit Scholarship winner and Miss Hispanic Seafair 2015, will join the other dignitaries as an additional parade Grand Marshal this year.
This Seafair Sanctioned Community Event will take place from noon until 4:30pm, and close down Rainier Avenue South from South Alaska Street to South Orcas Street.
The Rainier Valley Culture Fest Weekend continues on Sunday with the Othello Park Music & Dance Festival August 16th at Othello Park from noon to 6pm, which also features global and local activities and a visiting Camel!
Major sponsors for the 23rd Annual Rainier Valley Heritage Parade & Festival, presented by Rainier Chamber of Commerce, include Alaska Airlines, Seattle Office of Economic Development, SDOT, Angeline Apartments, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, and City Line.
For more information visit: http://www.rainierchamber.com/