The annual Festival at Mount Si returns for another year of contests, competitions, games, live music and performances. The festival will be held Aug. 9-11 at Si View Park (400 SE Orchard Dr.) North Bend.
Since 1947, the Valley has had a community festival. Long-time community members have seen the festival change from Snow Valley Jamboree Days, to The River Festival, to Alpine Days, to what is now the Festival at Mount Si.
“It’s had several names [throughout the years], but it’s the same community festival,” said Jill Massengill, president of North Bend Educational and Cultural Association (NBECA). Massengill, who has been organizing the event for 19 years, said the festival is a way to bring the community together when times are good so people know each other when people need help.
“This is an opportunity for people to go play in the park, enjoy the community center we have, and listen to music with Mount Si in the background,” she said.
On Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., community members can attend the beer garden, food booths, arts and crafts booths, the Si View Pickleball tournament, laser tag, and live music on the main stage.
Saturday’s activities begin with the Kiddie Parade at 10:15 a.m. followed by the Grand Parade at 10:30 a.m. Games and activities include the cherry pie eating contest and Si View co-ed volleyball tournament. The Kids Zone will include inflatables and lawn games. This year, the festival will have a Peaksy Scavenger Hunt.
Live music on the main stage includes Eastside Jam, Cosmic Serenity, Folsom Prism, Petty Differences and Chance McKinney. Community stage performances include the Snoqualmie Valley Strings Youth Orchestra and Cascade Dance Academy. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. at Targeson Park.
On Sunday, activities begin at 10 a.m. Community members can expect to see all their favorite events this year, including the 18th annual chili cook off, the Amazing Pets contest, the blueberry dessert contest, the wife-carrying and the sibling carrying contest. Live music will include Heels to the Hardwood, Amber Lanterns, Joe Blue and the Roofshakers.
Massengill said she loves the Snoqualmie Valley community and contributing to things that bring people together.
“If this event is fun and important to you, and if you think it has value to this community — we need your help,” she said.
The festival is sponsored by NBECA, a nonprofit corporation established to support community events that support and promote local businesses, award educational scholarships, and bring people together in service and celebration.
To see the full weekend schedule, go online to www.festivalatmtsi.org.
