All day long, performers have been taking the stage on SW 98th between 15th and 16th SW to entertain festivalgoers celebrating Cambodian New Year, and even outside the festival setup, you can see performers in and out of traditional costume:

If you haven’t been yet, you have a few more hours! Community organizations and businesses are tabling too, and there’s food as well as entertainment.

The Cambodian Cultural Alliance of Washington is the sponsor for today’s 10th annual festival, which continues till 5 pm.

The White Center Eagles presents “Mardi Gras Mask and Costume Ball” this Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 6pm-12:30am. The community is invited to join us for the tastes and sounds of New Orleans! $15.00 cover to “Bourbon St”, $3.00 bowls of creole food, raffles and traditional King Cake. At 8pm, enjoy the Mardi Gras music of Two Scoops. LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER! (LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!). Feather masks and beads will be available for purchase.

Last night, the pumpkins … tonight, the little punkins! Or, dinosaurs. This guy in green was moving along 16th SW with his adult chaperones during White Center merchants’ trick-or-treat event tonight – we caught up with him at Full Tilt Ice Cream, where proprietor Justin Cline, costumed as, well, an indie ice-cream mogul, had candy waiting:

Across the street, it was a trick-or-treating lull, but we caught two businesses with cool jack-o-lanterns – first, you’ll recognize the “power to the people” Proletariat Pizza fist:

And over at the T-shirt place, we couldn’t get the entirety of the carved “RAT CITY” in a single shot, but here’s the first half – and the obligatory rat:

Happy Halloween!

Southgate Roller Rink(9646 17th Ave SW): UNVEILING OF THE NEW SCULPTURES de ROLLER SKATES. Come on by for the unveiling of Southgate Roller Rinks newest edition of sculptures- MADE ENTIRELY FROM OLD ROLLER SKATES. We have high hopes for this folks. Local artists have taken their smattering of old roller skates and turned them into works of art. Come on down to be a part of the newest installation in White Center. Fun would be an understatement.

3.14 (9602 16th Ave SW): TBA. Surprises everywhere! Pop in and see what 3.14 is rockin this month. You can always put some yummy pastries in your tummy at the same time.

Big Al Brewing (9832 14th Avenue SW): Brandon Baker- www.narboo.blogspot.com. Acrylic on Canvas and Wood. NARBOO! This is some of the funnest work around. Bright colored creatures with a distinct sense of humor. You may have seen some of his pieces around town. Fun, bandaged creatures that are pasted in random places for your viewing pleasure-this man knows how to bring it! Come take a peek at his creations and grab a delicious pint of Big Al Fresh Hop Harvest Ale; it will make you warm and fuzzy, just like Narboo Art.

Café Rozella (9434 Delridge Way SW): TBA- Stop in for some rockin coffee and see what’s on their walls.

Company (9608 16th SW): Rafael Carraballo- http://www.rafaelcaraballoart.com/ -Oil on Canvas. If I could pick keywords pertaining to his work I would go with women and pomegranates. Hereto forth referred to as W&P. The colors in his work reflect the heavy influence of Spanish culture and art that he spoke of when I met up with him. While he is of Puerto Rican descent he’s found a strong connection to Spain that he continues to delve into and explore. Some of the ‘P’ has taken on an almost heart-like depiction in some of his paintings that creates a sincere juxtaposition from female to object. While the ‘W’ have an almost claymation feel to them. Some of his work is very reminiscent of Frida Kahlos work. You should definitely stop by and visit his pieces. If you can’t make it during art walk come on a Sunday and experience their awesome Sunday night dinners. Worlds-will-be-rocked.

Dubsea (9910 8th Ave SW): Deanna Sonza- www.theafranco.blogspot.com – Photography. Solid composition with tight color choices. Deanna started her photography career in the Philippines when she was in high school. After a long stint of art stagnation, she’s back and she’s bold. Her ability to tell a story through her photographs is unwavering and keeps your eye coming back. Stop by Dubsea and soak up the awesome art display!

Dzul Tattoo (9622-B 16th Ave SW): Katie & Alex- Black & White Photography. Drop in for funky grooves and an eye-full of new body ink. Updated B&W photos of the newest generation of ink, dripping with permanence. This shop has spirit and enough eye-candy to chew on for days.

Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th Ave SW): TBA. Eat Ice Cream and Drink Beer While Playing Pinball and Skeeball. It will make you happy and then you can also peruse the shop to find out who this months artist is, cuz we dunno…

Herbal Legends-Medical Marijuana Dispensary- (9619 16th Ave SW): Carlos Aguilar- http://carlosgaguilar.com/works/-Urban Paintings. Love.His.Art. Carlos does detailed, whimsical paintings; fun characters in random settings. His work is amusing and playful but not slapped together. This guy has a tight reign on the quality of application. Multiple layers of texture for a 3-d feeling full of funhouses. Pop in for some music, a snack and some raw, unadulterated talent; this kids got gusto.

Proletariat Pizza – (9622-A 16th Ave SW)- T.S. Pew- http://www.helloseattle.com/commons/pages/artist/tspew/33847/- Oil on Canvas: Ahhhhhh, Tim Pew, how I love thee. You can see his work smattered all over the city but his reigns normally stay close to West Seattle. He moves paint like a master magician. Tim’s compositions are usually overflowing with energy; Abstracted-Awesome-All-Over-You.

Salvadorean Bakery (1719 SW Roxbury): Devrim Ozkan- www.devrimozkan.com- Oil on Canvas: “Her oil paintings are bold and complex, equally engaging to the eye whether she chooses bright colors or works with muted tones. Fluid lines and intricate patterns draw you in closer and closer until you have to step back to reassess just what it is you’re looking at. Even then, you’ll likely be drawn right back in.”-(written by Sarah Fox- it felt a little cheap to plug my own work)

PLEASE WELCOME TILTON, BACADAN & MCCALLISTER TO THE WHITE CENTER ART WALK!! A new forgery to white center- these fantastic blacksmiths are opening their studio doors for foot traffic and a smattering of good times. Stop by and welcome them to White Center. Don’t forget to tell them that you think they’re very pretty. Because they are.TILTON, BACADAN & MCCALLISTER (9052 Delridge Way)- Forging the White Center Way.

Story, photos, and video by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

When the decades-old Gay Skate night at Skate King in Bellevue ended last year, it was the only organized skate night in the Seattle metro area for the GLBTQ community and friends. Partners Tim Kelly and Patrick Savedra (above), old friends of Southgate Roller Rink owners Erin and Josh Venables, began making the 15-minute drive from their Capitol Hill home when the newly renovated rink in White Center opened earlier this year. After months of conversations. deliberations and planning, they have all teamed up to begin a new era with “Pride Skate” on the first Wednesday of every month at Southgate.

The kick-off was last Wednesday and the crowd was good, according to Erin Venables, who told WCN that her “boutique roller rink” is proud to be part of the close-knit White Center neighborhood that she says she has learned is much different than what she used to think before going into business here. And she is proud of providing the venue for the GLBTQ community too. She’s confident the Pride Skate guests are going to discover all of the great things about White Center that she has.

As a tribute to the spirit of Pride Skate, Erin redesigned the Southgate logo incorporating the rainbow colors. Joining the team to welcome the Pride Skaters to White Center, The Company Bar on 16th, one block east, has begun holding a brand new karaoke night on the first Wednesdays for after-Pride Skate gatherings.

“It was one of these things where we saw that a lot of people wanted to still be skating once a month, especially as fall and winter approaches when there are fewer things to do outside. I think, for the community, it is along the lines of Gay Bingo or Gay Bowling. These things have always been there for everyone,” Patrick said.

“The unique thing about skating is you don’t have to be a champion level to skate; you can be at the beginner level and still have a really good time,” Michael adds.

Beyond the fun exercise, there is the oh-so-important music, which the team has been putting a lot of energy into selecting. “We want to make it for us,” Michael says. “So, it’s a mix of current stuff you will hear at the clubs and the more nostalgic disco – like Donna Summers and the Bee Gees,” Michael said. They are targeting music that will appeal to the 18-and-older crowd, as well as to the much-older skaters who will jam to the music of the ’70s. “We want songs which are fun to skate to and have everybody find something they will like.”

They’ve tried to get on every public calendar they could think of because they don’t have a lot of money for advertising yet, but posters that Patrick made (he’s a fashion photographer with his own studio at Pioneer Square 614) have been distributed around a few areas of town. The plan is for future posters with real skater models chosen on skate night as the event moves forward. They have also been networking the idea around town and received such great feedback about bringing back skating to a vibrant new venue that they were encouraged to forge ahead with the project.

The relocated skate night is the continuation of a legacy event within the LGBTQ community that offers socializing, exercise and a whole lot of fun at an affordable price. The $7 cost for the night includes two and half hours of skating, customized music, rental of brand new skates, as well as the snack bar with slushees and munchies.

Michael and Patrick say they have bumped into friends who remember skating at Southgate when they were younger and are thrilled that Pride Skate has landed in their old hood. “But we have noticed that there are assumptions from some people who haven’t skated at Southgate that all skate rinks are unkempt or smelly or haven’t been updated; but that isn’t the case here. These owners are young with very fresh eyes on an industry that is full of people who have been running their businesses for a long time. I think Erin and Josh are innovative. They are doing a lot which is appealing to younger people and that is what is bringing them here. They have a fresh perspective on music and how a place like this should run and look, “ Patrick said. “And they have brand new skates here! That’s really important,” Michael said with a laugh.

A Facebook “Pride Skate” page is set up so you can find updates on schedules, hours, costs, and special theme nights. Michael and Patrick say that next month’s Pride Skate will be a few days after Halloween but everyone is welcome to come in costume or get that second costume that you didn’t wear for the actual holiday, but nobody is pressured to do so. They are looking forward to meeting you and your friends, gay or straight, on Wednesday, November 2, 9-11 PM. As owner Erin told WCN, “It’ll be when we can all be fabulous together.”

(Photos by Deanie Schwarz for WCN)
Yes, you can have a prom on rollerskates – check out Blair and Dina Lydia Johnson from neighboring Highland Park, at tonight’s Rat City Roller Prom, raising money for the White Center Food Bank at Southgate Roller Rink.

MORE PHOTOS ADDED EARLY THURSDAY:
Some of the scenes, also photographed and reported by Deanie:

Davin Kim, raised in White Center and now living in West Seattle, and Maricris Mende of Beacon Hill were getting ready to meet the beat on the floor – with some punchy punch.

That’s Steven Hensyel, Rat City Roller Prom organizer, with his prom date, getting their picture taken by RJB Photo. Steve conjured up this roller prom featuring three hours of skating, free skates, PBR on tap, spiked punch and prom photos. This was the first time Steve has organized an event like this and he told WCN that next year will be even better. So, if you couldn’t make it this time, you’ve got a chance next year to support a great cause.

Lots of tuxedos (pale blue and peach were faves) were rented for the night, but few were donning top hat and tails like this guy – spinning with his baton in his mouth.

Above and below, it wasn’t all tuxedos – name the fashion trend of decades gone by and chances are someone at the prom was representing it …

Promgoers also were invited to a pre-func at Company and an afterparty at Mac’s Triangle Pub.

White Center is putting the “fun” back in fundraiser with a second chance at prom the way it could have been, and this time it’s on roller skates. Who says prom is just for high school teenagers? We’re taking it back and adding a few grown-up enhancements. Formal attire is highly encouraged but that doesn’t mean you can’t get that baby blue ruffled tux you always wanted to have the nerve (and occasion) to wear. What else are you going to do with that hideously overpriced bridesmaid’s dress your sister/bff made you buy for her wedding? RJB Photo will be on-site to photograph you and all your friends as many times as you like and as silly as you want to be.

Tickets: $20 includes skate rental, 3 hours of skating/dancing, “formal” photo booth by RJB Photo and some adult beverages. 21+

Photos by RJB Photo
Proceeds to benefit White Center Food Bank

Wednesday 9/21/2011 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Southgate Roller Rink
9646 17th Avenue Southwest
Seattle, WA 98106

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com/event/190246
Facebook: facebook.com/RatCityRollerProm

(Photos by Patrick Sand for WCN)
Lots of great people to see (and meet, if you don’t know them already) at the White Center Jubilee Days Street Fair along 17th SW – like the Evergreen Cheer team members, there with a fundraiser, and big smiles! Despite the sun-clouds-sun-clouds weather, we saw lots of smiles – North Highline Unincorporated Area Council members Jessica Stoneback and president Barb Dobkin were at the NHUAC booth when we stopped:

Just a few booths to the north, you’ll find White Center Community Development Association team members, making sure you know all about the big White Center Promise celebration, 4-6:30 pm next Friday:

At the White Center Food Bank booth, you can get your photo taken with a classic motorcycle, for a donation:

At the 34th District Democrats’ booth, they’ll sign you up to vote:

Businesses are on hand too – including Alaska USA Credit Union, visiting from nearby Westwood Village:

And vehicles to admire, like the North Highline Fire District’s ladder truck:

Plus the cars at the Jubilee Days Show ‘n’ Shine:

And that barely scratches the surface.

Live music, food, oh – and vendors – need to keep your head and neck warm in this crazy weather?

Then there’s the White Center Art Walk tonight, the carnival over at Steve Cox Memorial Park … All the Jubilee Days info you could possibly want is on the official website.