Here’s a slideshow of Photos taken by Waterland Blog Contributor Carmen Scott of Saturday’s big 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade:
And here’s a photo by Gene Achziger of our “float” entry, which was basically our Mini Cooper Blogmobile on the back of a flatbed tow truck courtesy Airport Towing (that’s Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer giving his best “parade wave”):
Be sure to check The Waterland Blog Monday (July 20th) for our first-hand account of what it was like actually being in the parade!
In the meantime, feel free to subscribe to our RSS Feed or get the blog via email.
Saturday, July 18th was a picture-perfect day for the myriad of amazing activities celebrating Des Moines’ 50th Birthday, and here are some picture-perfect pictures from Photographer Michael Brunk that captures:
- The strongman/woman competition
- Professor Humbug’s Flea Circus
- Rotary Club’s “Pop & Drop” fundraising contest
- “Elvis” at the Classic Car Show
- Tall ships at the Marina
by Pat Nardo
The month of July has some very special meaning to all Americans and of the most importance is the 4th of July which we celebrate and give thanks for our liberation, independence and freedom.
With us, in this month of July, are the people of South Korea, whose freedom and the continuation of a democratic republic was ensured by the presence of many of us who served with the United States Military during the stressful period between 1950 and 1953. This “Police Action” was miss-labeled from the start, as we remember it. War is what it was and later it became known as “The Forgotten War”. It is a sad truth that the harvest of war is freedom and human rights restored or even realized for the first time by an oppressed people.
We celebrate this unchaining from despotism and authoritarian rule with parties, outdoor barbecues, and parades. This year, after a long absence of leadership and dedication to the community, we will have a parade and we hope it will be even better than the annual Waterland Parade that became extinct around 2003 as your Des Moines Chamber of Commerce presented it. A debt of gratitude goes to the leadership provided by “BJ” and Anna Bjorneby, Fran Woodard and a host of volunteers who are making this event memorable. This parade will begin at 5:30 PM with the youth of our community marching to the admiration of the crowds along the sidewalks of Des Moines’ Marine View Drive. For nearly two hours after the children have gotten well-earned applause, there will be the usual expected entourage of bands, floats, dance and drill teams and individuals in old automobiles (including the staff of your very own Waterland Blog!).
Every Waterland Parade has had a surprise ending, and so it will be this year. We always knew it was coming at the very end and even with that knowledge, it came as a surprise; a jaw dropping surprise. After all of the revelry, beauty and exotic floats, costumes and music, a silence follows and…
A gigantic blue monster, lumbering slowly down Marine View Drive, its gigantic head eagerly pulling its long tail toward an unsuspecting crowd of onlookers is (Gary Petersen) Pete’s Towing Service caravan! Appearing as the description of a juggernaut aptly describes it, “A massive advancing force or object that crushes anything in its path.” Knowing this mild mannered gentleman is knowledge that he would not even think of “Crushing anything” beyond, maybe a pesky fly, so relax as the juggernaut wends its way past you. Gary Petersen is the presenter of this gigantic force on wheels. Begin counting, fifteen tow trucks, all being pulled by the lead truck! As the last truck passes you should know and remember this; Gary Petersen is one of our major sponsors as well as participating in your 50th Birthday Parade! Thank you, Gary.
Here is some information on Pete’s Towing Service:
- Pete’s Towing moved from the Burien area to Des Moines area in 1949.
- The tow trucks you are viewing in the parade represent one of the largest towing companies in the Pacific Northwest.
- Total length of all the tow trucks is 424’ long. Total weight of all tow trucks is 329,000 pounds, or 164 tons.
So you looked up “Juggernaut” and how do you think this matches the definition! How about Hoorah!
EDITOR’S NOTE: To see photos from Des Moines’ 50th Birthday & Waterland Parade (on 7/18/09), click here. To read our firsthand account of being in the parade, then hanging out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
Photo courtesy Carmen Scott
by BJ Bjorneby
Many people have asked “What is the Kids Parade like?” “Is there a theme?”
We tell them it’s anything the kid wants it to be. It can be a kid walking his dog or riding her bike. Remember the playing card in the spokes trick? Or the crepe paper in the spokes? It can be the Cub Scout Troop marching or the T-Ball team showing off. And that’s just the stuff we older people remember from our early parade memories.
No, there is no theme, other than maybe Happy Birthday which is the theme of the Grand Parade but not necessarily for the Kids.
We Hardcore Paradies think of Kids Parades as the “Minor Leagues” where kids get the chance to experience the thrill of having hundreds of people see their ingenuity and skills displayed. It’s a chance for bragging rites of having been “in a parade”!
Kids parades are what keeps big parades happening year after year.
They grow up and become “Paradies” like us and keep millions of people happy to be able to go see a parade.
Des Moines, as pretty much everybody “in the know” knows, is about to turn 50!
And to help celebrate this Golden Anniversary, the Des Moines Cinema will be offering a mini Film Festival featuring classics originally released in (or darn near) 1959, the year Des Moines officially came into being as a city.
Waterland Blog friend Carmen Scott, who also serves on the Des Moines City Council, tipped us to this fun Fifties film flashback.
Run times are 5pm, Monday July 13 through Friday July 17.
Admission is free for this special presentation only, but donations will be happily accepted at the door.
Here’s the rundown:
Monday July 13:
“North by Northwest”
A Hitchcock classic!
Tuesday July 14:
“Attack of the 50 Foot Woman”
A titanic beauty spreads a macabre wave of horror! A terrifying masterpiece of shock and chills!
Wednesday July 15:
“Sleeping Beauty”
Oscar nominated!
Thursday July 16:
“Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” with Burt Lancaster as Marshal Wyatt Earp!
Friday July 17:
“It Happened at the World’s Fair” Starring Elvis and Joan O’Brien!
Des Moines Cinema is located at 22333 Marina View Drive in Des Moines; Phone: 206-878-1540
By the way, here’s what’s playing right now at the Des Moines Cinema:
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (PG-13) through July 9.
Regular admission charge applies.
Showtimes for “Transformers”:
Friday: 5:30 & 8:30
Saturday: 3:00, 5:30 & 8:30
Sunday: 3:00 & 7:00
Monday through Thursday: 7:00
[EDITOR'S NOTE: To see Photos from the 2009 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, click here. To read our firsthand account and see photos of what it was like for us to be in the parade (then hang out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
by Pat Nardo
Somewhere there is someone that does not love a parade or flock to enjoy the magnificent array of people, floats and band music.
Well, thank goodness that person does not live in Des Moines!
As we are in the last lap of your parade preparations, there is an almost surprising number of applicants, thanks to our “Dear Leader” Anna Bjorneby and her Advisor Fran Woodard, we have now recruited an army of pleasure for an unforgettable 5oth anniversary parade.
The latest estimate from Anna is about 1,000 people will be in our parade and we are half way there already.
Now, we all know the difference between a cake and a parade, right? They do have in common a need for an array of necessary ingredients. So it is with our parade and just to begin with, there will be two antique autos, four marching bands, three commercial entries, two local businesses, five community groups, mostly non-profit, and more. Look for a yesteryear’s horse drawn wagon to appear from out of a page of history, along with a “spare.” From our latest information, there will be three or more floats along with a couple of new ones not seen before. Our friends from Highline Water District will play a part in your parade this year with a mascot who is a teacher of sorts. Getting away from the serious side, look for our favorites, the Seafair Clowns, Seafair Pirates, and of course, The Keystone Cops with their theme, “Cops are good guys too!”
The usual “deadline” for a parade application and acceptance is waived and you may still join us right up to the last day, so see if you can overwhelm us with your overpowering desire to be seen, heard and loved by Des Moines. It is also true that we could use a few more volunteers.
Small businesses in Des Moines are rarely able to supply any presence away from their business so a hearty welcome is earned by “The Waterland Blog”. “Best in Show Pet Salon”, and “Des Moines Dog House”. You can say “thank you” to these business people by spreading the word on www.waterlandblog.com, take Pierre or Fido to the Pet Salon, and then stop for a gourmet hot dog at the Dog House. Okay, you may share the dog with your dog! They have outside seating.
As we have all been told, “All good things must end”. Your parade is not an exception to this ancient advisory. Your parade, Des Moines, will have a spectacular ending!
Stay tuned. Oh, and while you are waiting, look up the word juggernaut.
EDITOR’S NOTE: To see photos from Des Moines’ 50th Birthday & Waterland Parade (on 7/18/09), click here. To read our firsthand account of being in the parade, then hanging out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
HELP WANTED: Pooper Scoopers.
Yes…Pooper Scoopers.
For the big July 18th Waterland 50th Birthday Parade.
This job doesn’t pay, but man, talk about a glamorous gig, huh?
Besides volunteers and more participants, BJ and Anna Bjorneby announced at this week’s parade meeting that someone has entered a horse and buggy into the parade and they need two volunteers to follow the horse, and well scoop the poop.
Interested parties should scoop up the phone and call Anna at 206-575-5568.
That being said, let it be known that your intrepid parade committee needs other volunteers for less messy jobs, like check-in, cars and signage, VIP reception and others.
Still thinking of entering, but haven’t gotten around to it? Well, you have a few more weeks, as the deadline for entry has been extended. Although the earlier you enter the better your placement, they’ll accept applications until a few days before the parade.
Call Anna or Fran Woodward at 253-303-1098 to volunteer or enter.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: To see Photos from the 2009 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, click here. To read our firsthand account and see photos of what it was like for us to be in the parade (then hang out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
by Pat Nardo
The best laid plans of mice and…Murphy’s Law.
Your parade, Des Moines, has progressed to a level of substance with a flow of applications, invitations and additional support and help from in and out of the community. No matter how well intentioned or how good the scheduling of events may be, things can and ultimately will go wrong. We are working to avoid “glitches” along the way and anticipate changes to content and timing for this enormous task.
We don’t have a movie-like ability to predict “coming attractions” but it would be nice to be able to share our excitement with our friends and spectators as to what to expect on July 18th. The 50th anniversary of the Des Moines Parade will have many elements. At the beginning and to open this event, we will have the Junior Parade, followed immediately by the now famous, Rainier High School Band. They have always been a treasured part of our parades back in Waterland days and this year will be no exception. Our parade directors, Anna and BJ Bjorneby, will follow behind The Rainier Band in a shiny white Mercedes and should draw a well-earned applause from those of you who know these valued members of our Des Moines. They have and continue to give both of their time and, yes, money to this event.
The Junior Parade element will be “on the march” at 5:30pm under the watchful eyes of Dave and Jeanie Markwell, who also have invested much of their time to cultivating these young community leaders to develop into the solid citizens that they will become. Our route begins at 227th and Marine View Drive and, as in the past, will end at 216th. You can expect to see our Mayor, Bob Sheckler, some council members and other honorees. Watch for the Seafair Pirates, a hydro escorted by Seafair Commodores along with the Seafair Clowns to lighten your spirits. Many of our VIPs will be appearing in vintage or classic cars and there will also be a few cars interspersed within the parade as well.
Early on in our parade, you will see the food bank volunteers and you are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item; little to ask for such a grand parade and worthy cause.
Alan Secord, in charge of the Seafair Marshals, will see to it that all runs smoothly from beginning to end and we thank him for his time and value his efforts as a selfless volunteer. This applies to all of our Seafair personnel, for whom we are profoundly grateful.
At this writing, it is planned to have our reviewing stand near the Bill’s Barber Shop and it will be decorated by the Emerald City Balloon Company. In addition, an archway of balloons is planned as an entry way for the parade participants. Much has been said about the parade here, its beginning and passage, but what about the ending?
Now I sit back and think…”If anything can go wrong?”
Not if we can help it!
[EDITOR'S NOTE: To see Photos from the 2009 50th Birthday/Waterland Parade, click here. To read our firsthand account and see photos of what it was like for us to be in the parade (then hang out with the Seafair Pirates, click here.]
by Pat Nardo
With less than 30 days until our 50th Anniversary celebration and Grand Parade, volunteers are scurrying about, not unlike the “Three Blind Mice” trying to pull together all the loose ends that have a tendency to reveal themselves at the least opportune moment.
We are having our parade meetings every Wednesday evening at 6pm at the Bjorneby’s CARSTAR office on 220th and Pacific Highway. Applications are still being accepted although a good number of units for the parade have signed on. This is a Seafair Sanctioned event and the Seafair Commodores will play a large role in our success. Part of our excitement, hardly contained, is the honor of having the Seafair Pirates presenting their playful, threatening antics to an always pleased crowd. The booming cannon and swords slashing the air amid loud “har hars” always gets the kids in the crowd animated.
There will be three marching bands and a few floats, at least three children’s units will begin the march through town on Marine View Drive. Our budget, though small, we are able to come up with appropriate trophies, provided by our own EC Computer owner and Des Moines supporter, Patricio Mendoza. Engraving may cost us but that too is in negotiations. There will be badges for all who are working on the parade, including staff and honored guests. At Landmark on the Sound there is a reception planned with mostly “finger food” and from The Reuben New York Eatery a generous sampling of their famous, delicious brownies! Remember the slogan, “Betcha can’t eat just one”? Enough said!
Our friends at Butler’s Bar & Grill plan a beer garden and a “blues band” to be in the front of their business to invite spectators, residents, and anyone else to join the festivity provided after our parade. Mike Collello is hosting this part of our celebration. Our parade poster is being distributed all over town and the excitement is beginning to build up as we proceed with, what we hope, will be a very memorable event.
Applications are still accepting for participation in our parade, but time is limited now, so if you need assistance with this, you may call Anna Bjorneby at (206) 244-8080 or BJ Bjorneby at the same number. Remember, we are at the time when applications need to be in around July 1st, so don’t hesitate, vacillate or procrastinate. I am not sure what these words really mean but I found them in my thesaurus.
The Junior Parade will start at 5:30pm, and the Main parade at 6pm.
We are now at 30 days and counting for a magnificent parade so plan to be here as part of your “staycation”!
On Wednesday, June 17th, life-sized free-standing photo cutouts depicting some of Des Moines’ most important and influential citizens will be peppered around town to help celebrate the city’s official 50th birthday (Des Moines officially incorporated on June 17, 1959).
The photo project is part of an Open House & Historical display which will also include artifacts, vignettes of life in the area in the 1950s, and videos commemorating local history.
Photo cutouts will feature local citizens, from Herman “Daddy” Draper and his wife Annie “Mother” Draper who adopted scores of orphaned children and started one of the only self-supporting children’s homes in history, to Rilda Martin Moses, who became the city’s first kindergarten teacher in 1918, to Jobby Neal, who operated the Des Moines-Seattle Stage Company – a bus line that ran between Des Moines and Seattle at a time when roads were primitive at best.
These and more stories will be shared at the event, which is part of a summer-long series of 50th birthday events. The Open House and Historical Display will take place on June 17th at the Odd Fellows Hall in Des Moines from 3-8 p.m. Mayor Bob Sheckler and other noted guests will be present and the museum, located above the open house, will also be open to visitors.
Some of Des Moines most famous citizens include:
HERMAN “DADDY” DRAPER
Herman “Daddy” Draper and his wife, Annie “Mother” Draper are two of Des Moines’ most inspiring and heartening examples of dedicated service to children, society and humanity. They established the Des Moines Children’s Industrial Home and Training School in 1908, and for nearly twenty years, took in and taught music and trades to hundreds of orphaned, homeless or abandoned children. They founded and operated the Children’s Home with the purpose to give love and a sense of belonging to their adopted children, and to give them the tools and skills that would help sustain them as adults and productive members of the community.
A 28-room Hiatt Hotel at South 220th and 6th Avenue South was purchased and transformed into the original Children’s Home. The Des Moines Children’s Industrial Home was one of the only self-supporting children’s homes in history. The Draper “family” supported itself with a variety of enterprises, including the “Jolly Entertainers” made up of children from the home who played instruments and sang, touring as many as 38 states and parts of Canada, as well as holding concerts in a barn next to the home, which had been adapted into an “Opera House.” They also ran a printing press, published a monthly newsletter, and operated a campground on the site of Des Moines Beach Park.
ANNIE “MOTHER” DRAPER
Annie “Mother” Draper and her husband Herman “Daddy” are two of Des Moines’ most inspiring and heartening examples of dedicated service to children, society and humanity. They established the Des Moines Children’s Industrial Home and Training School in 1908, and for nearly twenty years, took in and taught music and trades to hundreds of homeless, orphaned or abandoned children. They founded and operated the Children’s Home with the purpose to give love and a sense of belonging to their adopted children, and to give them the tools and skills that would help sustain them as adults and productive members of the community. The children attended local public schools, in addition to the education they received at the Children’s Home.
A 28-room Hiatt Hotel at South 220th and 6th Avenue South was purchased and transformed into the original Children’s Home. The Des Moines Children’s Industrial Home was one of the only self-supporting children’s homes in history. The Draper “family” supported itself with a variety of enterprises, including the “Jolly Entertainers” made up of children from the home who played instruments and sang, touring as many as 38 states and parts of Canada, as well as holding concerts in a barn next to the home, which had been converted into an “Opera House.” They also ran a printing press, published a monthly newsletter, and operated a campground on the site of Des Moines Beach Park.
NATHAN E. MUNGER
Civil War veteran, Nathan E. Munger was an early resident of the Zenith neighborhood in Des Moines. The Munger family grew flowers to sell on the 5 acre property they owned. Captain Commons, another civil war veteran, lived across the street from Nathan and it was said that the two men continued to fight the war for as long as they lived, by moving the boundary road marker continuously. Each man insisted the other had his fence too far out in the road. Nathan and his wife Clara were members of the Des Moines Grange No. 471.
MYRTLE JONES ELSEY
Myrtle Jones Elsey was an enterprising resident of early Des Moines who operated the town’s first beauty shop. Her original business was in her father-in-laws’ house, on 6th Avenue between South 222nd and South 223rd streets. Myrtle and her husband, Everett Elsey later built a new house with a shop in front at 11th Avenue South and South 220th Street. As a young woman in 1909, Myrtle was on the Des Moines Woman’s Basketball Team with her sister, Margaret Elsey and friend, Rilda Martin Moses. Mrytle Jones Elsey’s husband, Everett was the grandson of one of Des Moines’ early settlers, David S. Elsey who homesteaded and farmed 40 acres in Sunnydale. Everett’s father, John C. Elsey operated a sawmill in Des Moines, and platted and sold the remaining parts of the town site of Des Moines in 1896. Everett was the half-brother of Rilda Martin Moses.
GAHAIL CASE
Gahail Case was one of four children in the family of Rollin A. Case Sr., a former representative of the territorial legislature from Asotin, who moved to Des Moines in 1896 and became a popular real estate agent who helped popularize the area. Gahail and his family lived on the property, which is now occupied by the Des Moines Yacht Club, where his father also had his real estate business. Gahail and his brother Rollin Jr. were members of the Des Moines Baseball Team in the early 1900’s playing many successful seasons, competing throughout the region.
“JOBBY” NEAL
“Jobby” Neal was one of the entrepreneurial Neal brothers, from Nova Scotia, Canada who moved to the Des Moines area around 1913. He and his brothers helped start the Des Moines Rural Telephone Company, and also operated The Des Moines-Seattle Stage Company – a bus line that ran between Des Moines and Seattle at a time when roads were primitive at best. In 1915, the Neal brothers bought an unfinished sawmill on the beach in front of Des Moines Creek and finished it as a Dance Hall, called Neal’s Pavilion. They operated it until the Swedish Covenant Church bought it in 1932. Jobby’s brother Melward was the first local resident to serve in the Sate of Washington Legislature. Mel was instrumental in helping get the Des Moines Field House built between 1939-1940.
AGNES MARSHALL
From 1947 to 1963, Agnes Marshall served as the Head Librarian for the City of Des Moines. She was the Head Librarian when the city was incorporated. The library got its start at Grist’s General Store, when citizens would borrow books discarded from the Seattle Public Library. They were told if they returned the books, more would be obtained. Eventually the library made its home at the Des Moines School, until it burned down in 1925. By the time Agnes became Head Librarian, it had been moved into a small room at the Des Moines Field House that held 9,594 books! Agnes and her husband made their home and raised their family on Marine View Drive. Their original home still stands and is occupied by an assortment of small businesses.
CHILDREN FROM THE DES MOINES CHILDREN’S INDUSTRIAL HOME & TRANING SCHOOL
The children who spent their youth at the Des Moines Children’s Home, were adopted by Herman “Daddy” Draper and his wife Annie “Mother” Draper. The Drapers began taking in abandoned, orphaned or homeless children in the late 1800’s in Michigan, and brought their “original” children with them when they decided to start their Children’s Home in Washington State. They taught the children instrumental and vocal music, as well as a variety of trades, such as running a printing press, publishing a monthly newsletter and learning to sew and knit. The Children’s Home was said to be the first and only self-supporting children’s home in history. By performing both band and orchestral music with the “Jolly Entertainers” the children helped pay for the expenses of the Home, and put rural Des Moines on the map. In a barn that had been converted into an “opera house”, they gave musical and dramatic performances. They also toured in a large bus and became regional entertainment favorites. In their last tour, the Jolly Entertainers toured 38 states and parts of Canada. The children also attended the local public school, and with the dedication of the Drapers, went on to become contributing members of the community and society. The Children’s Home was located in what was originally a 28-room Hiatt Hotel at South 220th and 6th Avenue South.
PASTOR FRITZ HJELM
Reverend Hjelm (pronounced “yelm”) served as pastor of the Covenant Church Camp from about 1931 to 1939. The Covenant Beach Church Camp, was located at what is now known as Des Moines Beach Park. Reverend Hjelm was in charge of the Young People’s evening fireside services in front of the fireplace in the Auxiliary Hall in 1934 and was one of the speakers at the new Covenant Bible Camp’s first Annual Conference in 1932 – giving both lectures and sermons. In 1937, he was President of the North Pacific Missionary Conference, and presided as the platform chairman at the annual conference. Pastor Hjelm was also an editor for the Tabernacel Klockan, a noteworthy and widely read church newspaper, initially published in Swedish.
RILAD MARTIN MOSES
Rilda Martin came to Washington State from Wisconsin with her parents in 1904. She was a popular resident who served as president of her 1911 graduating class in Des Moines. After attending and graduating from Bellingham Normal School (now Western Washington University), she taught school in Neah Bay. In 1918, she married Otto Moses and soon after, moved back to Des Moines where she became Des Moines’ first kindergarten teacher. She taught classes in the basement of the Des Moines United Methodist Church until 1966, instructing over 1,200 children in her years as teacher. Rilda was a very active citizen who made her home, raised her family, worked, socialized and prayed in Des Moines, until her death in 1988, at the age of 95. She was one of our true pioneers.
After 50 years, Des Moines is celebrating its past and present as a local escape and travel destination for the Puget Sound region. In 1904, when Redondo Beach was the Northwest’s premier resort destination, thousands of local visitors would journey to its beaches to swim, fish and promenade. A mosquito fleet of ferries brought passengers to the area daily from Seattle, Tacoma and beyond.
Today, that beach town feeling still exists—visitors can smell the sea air, dip their toes in the water, stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the area’s charming shops and restaurants. To celebrate its 50 year heritage (Des Moines officially became a city on June 17, 1959), the city is hosting a series of events throughout the spring and summer meant to capture the feeling of the nostalgic getaway.
With many people vacationing closer to home and seeking new Northwest beach experiences, local and regional travelers will find numerous family and budget-friendly activities and outdoor attractions in Des Moines. From Redondo Beach, to Salt Water State Park and the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market, the first in Washington state dedicated to environmental stewardship farmers.
“Des Moines has such a rich history as a regional destination,” said Mayor Bob Sheckler. “We’re excited to highlight our beautiful waterfront and attractions offering visitors a unique charm.”
Des Moines offers a wide range of opportunities for outdoor living and recreation such as hiking, biking, boating, parks, shopping, dining, entertainment and an expansive waterfront. In addition to the downtown marina and beach park, Covenant Beach National Historic District features charming 1930s era buildings and was once itself a popular summer destination. Highline Community College’s Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST) is open to the public and offers kids and families a chance to see and touch local aquatic life in their many “touch pools.” Additionally, the downtown marina offers a “boat in, boat out” experience, allowing enthusiasts to easily visit for a day or overnight trip.
“This area has long been a waterfront destination for people in the Northwest,” said Katherine Kertzman of Seattle Southside, the tourism organization overseeing Des Moines, Kent, Tukwila and SeaTac. “We want to show everyone that it’s retained the charm that initially made it so popular.”
Adding to the quaint feeling of the area are the numerous stories of people and places that helped make Des Moines a tourist destination, many of which will be shared at the official Des Moines Birthday Party & Historic Display on June 17. Places like the memorable Big Tree Inn, a restaurant which was constructed entirely from hollowed-out sections of a 2000 year-old redwood tree. The building was created for an exposition in San Francisco and brought to Des Moines in the 1920s. The Big Tree Inn was later destroyed by fire in the 1950s. The Alder Beach Manor, built in 1916, also drew crowds to its restaurant and beachfront for picnics. During and after World War I, soldiers from Fort Lewis visited the Manor to such an extent that a dancehall was eventually added in the early 1920s. The Manor also succumbed to fire when a low tide prevented fire boats from saving the building.
Today, numerous local shops, hotels and restaurants welcome visitors. Many area businesses are owned by locals and have been passed down generation-to-generation since the city’s inception more than 50 years ago. Local historic sites like the art-deco Des Moines Cinema and the Landmark on the Sound hearken back to a time where sock hops and street fairs dominated social calendars. Luckily for Puget Sounders, in Des Moines, they still do.
The 50th birthday events, taking place from May through August, offer families budget-friendly activities, like the Seafair Parade, boat show and Waterland 5K Fun Run, taking place on Saturday July 18th. Many more community events are scheduled throughout spring and summer such as a Jazz & Blues Series (7/22-8/19), and the Jobies Community Carnival (8/15).
For more information regarding visiting Des Moines and upcoming community events, visit www.desmoines50th.com or call (206) 870-6527.
A kick-off dinner for the annual Des Moines Classic Car and Boat Show will be Friday, July 17th starting at 7pm at the Marina, with the car and boat show continuing all day Saturday during the big 50th Birthday Celebration.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Des Moines Classic Car and Boat Show
WHEN: Kick-off dinner is Friday, July 17th, starting at 7pm; car & boat show is all-day Saturday, July 18th
WHERE: Des Moines Marina, located at 22307 Dock Avenue
COST: $20 per person for Friday night’s dinner, includes Tall Ship tour; Saturday’s car show will be all day.
INFO: This year’s dinner will be catered by “Caveman Kitchen,” and there will be live music, tours aboard tall ships, wooden boats, cool vintage cars and a vintage hydroplane exhibit.
There will also be refreshments, including wine and beer for the grownups.
If you’d like to enter your vintage car in Saturday’s show, security will be on the premises for those who want to bring their cars to the dinner and leave them overnight. You can actually pick your spot for Saturday’s show and leave your car right there.
There’s only room for 250 cars, so you’re encouraged to enter ASAP.
CONTACT: For more info, contact Marina Service Manager Joe Jewell at (206) 870-6724
There still is time to get your tickets for Des Moines’ black-tie birthday gala – but you’d better hurry – the Black Tie Dinner Gala and Auction that kicks off a year of celebrating 50 years as a city is this Saturday, March 21st.
The evening gala – with a silent basket auction, no-host bar, dinner and dancing, and some ring-a-ding-ding entertainment featuring Frank Sinatra vocal stylings by Joey Jewell – will be in the dining room of the Highline Community College Student Union Building, located at 2400 S. 240th Street.
The basket auction and cocktail hour begin at 6pm with dinner at 7pm.
Tickets are $75 per person and a table for eight is $560, and can be purchased at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S. 220th St.
For information, call 206-870-6527.
The gala is sponsored by the city and Puget Sound Energy – the 50th Anniversary celebration’s major corporate sponsor.
Major 50th anniversary events during the year will also include:
- The official birthday celebration on June 17
- Fireworks Over Des Moines on July 4, preceded by a concert by Junior Cadillac
- An Anniversary Summer Festival on July 18 with a Seafair-sanctioned Grand Parade, car and boat shows, cultural activities, a sock hop and barbecue, children’s activities, a teen dance, and the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market.
The 12th largest city in King County, Des Moines incorporated on June 17, 1959. This community of almost 30,000 residents is inviting residents of neighboring South King County cities and beyond to discover Des Moines and experience the historic downtown Marina District during the 50th anniversary celebration.
More information is available at the 50th Anniversary Website: www.desmoines50th.com
Des Moines launches its celebration of 50 years as an incorporated city with a black-tie gala on Saturday, March 21st in the Student Union Building dining room at Highline Community College, 2400 S. 240th Street.
The black-tie gala – sponsored by the City of Des Moines and Puget Sound Energy – includes a silent basket auction, no-host bar, dinner and dancing, with entertainment featuring Frank Sinatra vocal stylings by Joey Jewell.
Tickets are $75 per person, and a table of eight is $560. Seating is limited to 280.
Tickets are on sale at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S. 220th Street. Proceeds will help fund additional 50th anniversary events.
The second major event is the city’s official birthday party on June 17 – the actual date of incorporation in 1959 – at Des Moines’ historic Odd Fellows Hall, 728 S. 225th Street. This event, free to the public, will include an open house, historic displays and talks, and a community birthday cake, as well as a time capsule and a hot-air balloon.
Fireworks Over Des Moines, the city’s traditional Fourth of July celebration at the Marina and Beach Park, will feature a spectacular pyrotechnic display that also commemorates 50 years as a city – preceded as the sun sets behind the rugged Olympic Mountains with a concert by Junior Cadillac, food and patriotic fun for all ages.
Prior to these holiday activities will be the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market. A “Waterland City” 50th Birthday Festival on July 18 will energize the Des Moines Marina with a grand parade downtown with Moby Duck and the Seafair Pirates, and the Marina entertainment stages, sidewalk cafes, and an evening sock hop in addition to the Farmers Market, plus activities just for kids.
A number of additional local events that take place annually will include the city’s birthday theme – making 2009 a great year for those who live nearby to discover this undiscovered jewel in their own backyard – and will be announced soon.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Des Moines’ 50th Birthday Black Tie Gala featuring Dinner, Entertainment, Dancing and Silent Auction
WHEN: Saturday, March 21st
WHERE: Highline Community College Student Union Building dining room
COST: $75 per person, or a table of 8 for just $560 (that equals just $70 per ticket). All proceeds fund the 50th Birthday Celebration.
TICKETS: Available at the Parks & Recreation Office, Corky Cellars, downtown WaMu branch or from Birthday Steering Committee Members.
More info at http://www.desmoines50th.com/
VIDEO: Here’s a sneak peek, ring-a-ding-ding video of Joey Jewell
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