White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Today’s the day!

The White Center Pride Street Festival is happening on 16th SW in the heart of downtown WC:

-Vendor fair noon-6 pm

-Entertainment until 11 pm – see the schedule here.

-Food and drink specials at participating WC establishments with a wristband – $15 in advance here, $20 at the festival

(WCN photo, 2021)

The street festival noted here earlier this week isn’t all that will comprise this year’s White Center Pride celebration. Here’s the full announcement received today from organizers:

Coming in June, White Center Pride organization proudly announces a series of events in the White Center neighborhood that celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and all sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) people. This first in-person Pride following the arson fires and vandalisms from 2021 intends to bring people together to heal in solidarity over the triumphs and sacrifices made by the LGBTQIA+ and ally community.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 1st, at 6:30 pm, White Center will kickoff this year’s Pride events with an opening celebration at Triangle Park. Special guest speakers, performances, and music will lead up to the raising of the Progressive Flag above the heart of White Center. Immediately following the Flag Raising Ceremony, the Southgate Roller Rink will host Pride Skate at 8:30 pm, where skaters can glide and dance to the theme “GLOW UP: Light up for Pride” with DJ Redline. This popular event is an opportunity for members of the queer community to express their diverse and unique selves in an inclusive and groovy space.

On the following day, Thursday, June 2nd, in collaboration with the White Center Pride organization, Future Primitive Brewery will release their limited edition “Queer Beer” for the second year, with part of the proceeds supporting the White Center Pride Organization. Jason Loughridge, President of the White Center Pride organization, invites attendees to “Come raise a glass with us, as we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in the White Center neighborhood. Additionally, if you are interested in learning about the beer making process, join us at 5:30 pm for a brewery tour before the official Queer Beer release later in the evening.”

It all leads up to the main event on Saturday, June 11th starting at noon: a day of fun and celebration at the White Center Pride Street Festival in Downtown White Center. Closing down the main “drag” on SW 16th Ave and south of SW Roxbury St for pedestrian traffic only, you can stroll the streets safely and enjoy queer vendors, drag performances, live music, beer gardens, and more!

Nathan Adams, owner of the Lumberyard, sums up the spirit of this year’s White Center Pride: “Pride in knowing one’s self should be celebrated every day. The journey is a long one and only each individual can know when it has started or is complete. Our strength comes from ourcommunity and our family, and together we can all be proud of who we are, where we come from, and where we call home!! This community is more like family to myself and everyone at the Lumberyard, and we cannot wait to celebrate and open our doors for our family.”

For a list of White Center Pride events, see the organization’s website at whitecenterpride.org/2022-schedule.

“On behalf of the White Center Pride organization and the White Center neighborhood, we invite you to our pride events. Celebrate the spirit of personal discovery and authenticity together!”, said Matt Maring, Fundraiser Chair of the White Center Pride organization.

Is your calendar set for this?

4:42 PM: You have to laugh, or else you’ll cry. We were reminded of that old saying outside still-shuttered Bizzarro Italian Café in White Center this afternoon, where one of the people handing out candy wore a hat of fake flames. White Center’s annual businsss trick-or-treating event, which started at 3 pm, is bigger than ever, despite the fire closures. We walked down the block in the heart of the fire zone, where we also found the Full Tilt Ice Cream team offering treats outside their closed shop. Some businesses have found new homes, like La Tipica Oaxaqueña on the southwest corner of 16th/Roxbury, where a very lively trick-or-treat tent was swarmed. The fun continued southward – outside the 16th entrance to Southgate Roller Rink, and beyond – as well as the other side of 16th; good turnout.

8:12 PM: A few more photos – here are Full Tilt proprietors Ann and Justin’s kids Ruby and Moss helping out:

Christine was in charge of the candy outside Southgate:

And here’s the corner crowd outside La Tipica Oaxaqueña:

Trick-or-treating is over but Halloween revelry continues into the night at venues including Boombox, which has a karaoke costume party going on its patio until 2 am.

(WCN photos)

Happening now in the 9800 block of 17th SW in White Center – the Punk Rock Flea Market! It’s a browser’s dream.

As befits the name, you’ll find music too – both for sale:

And for entertainment – DJ Porta-Party was on duty:

$1 admission, and wear your mask:

The Punk Rock Flea Market is on until 7 tonight, and again noon-5 pm Sunday. (Rain or shine, they vow.)

Though the new statewide reopening plan still prohibits some things in Phase 1 – like indoor dining – it opens the door starting Monday for some indoor fitness and entertainment. Southgate Roller Rink has a plan under what’s allowed with the latter – here’s what they plan to do:

Reserve your space today! Under the new phase 1 guidelines for Entertainment Establishments, you can rent the rink privately for $78 per hour for up to 6 people beginning January 13th, 2021. Masks are required.

Reservations available 7 days a week from 12 pm-10 pm. Please give us a call at (206) 707-6949 or email us at info@southgaterollerrink.com!

As mentioned at last week’s North Highline Town Hall, a special Halloween event is coming up at Steve Cox Memorial Park – this weekend:

Join the White Center Teen Program for some Halloween fun!

Saturday, Oct 24
2 – 5 pm
Steve Cox Memorial Park

Families are welcome to drive or walk through the park to pick up goodie bags packed with face masks, DIY arts and crafts projects, official Spooky Town slime, candy, prizes and even pumpkins (while supplies last). Don’t miss the “Pumpkin Patch Maze” on the outdoor basketball court, a Dragon Eye hunt on the multipurpose field, the I Spy Spooky Town Adventure in the windows of the Log Cabin, and a step and repeat photo opportunity on the Log Cabin steps.

Please enjoy this event responsibly by:

Keeping it moving
Wearing a face covering
Staying six feet apart
See you on Saturday!

Parks also announced the installation of “a second set of two Portland Loo-style restrooms near the play area at the park. We’re almost done with construction – one part of the new sidewalk will remain closed until we install a handrail (currently on order). The whole area should be open by late October.”

Though major Pride festivities were called off for coronavirus this year, two White Center and West Seattle establishments are offering you the chance to celebrate this weekend. Their announcement:

The Lumber Yard Bar and Admiral Pub have teamed up this weekend, June 27th-28th. Space is limited so please reserve a table for any of the events you plan to attend. We are also taking social distancing seriously, so masks are required for all events and please keep reservations to 5 or less people.

June 27th – The Lumber Yard

3 pm-6 pm
White Center Pride Fundraiser.
Grill party on the patio with raffle tickets and jello shots

8 pm – 12 am
Join us for a special one-night event to celebrate Pride with Dolly and the DJ. Limited seating available for this event in the Loading Dock. Reserve a table for you and three friends (due to social distancing). Full bar and menu available. Champagne toast to celebrate pride included.

June 28th – Admiral Pub

11 am
Pride Brunch and the movie The Birdcage
Reserve a Table for Brunch

1:30 pm
Pride Brunch and the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
Reserve a Table for Brunch

4 pm
Pride Bingo
Free to play with some fun prizes

6 pm to 11 pm
DJ Andy will be spinning all your favorite music videos

The Lumber Yard Bar is at 9619 16th SW; Admiral Pub is at 2306 California SW.

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! That means this event is almost here:

The White Center Teen Program is hosting the a FREE Bingo Event for Senior Citizens on Friday, February 14th from 1-3p m at the Historic White Center Fieldhouse (also known as the White Center Community Center), in Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd).

On Friday, February 14th, the staff and participants of the White Center Teen Program are once again hosting a special Bingo Event for Senior Citizens. Doors open at 1 pm and games (two cards at a time) are FREE. Coffee, snacks and prizes are also provided at no charge. Teen volunteers will be on hand to assist with calling the Bingo Games. All White Center Senior Citizens are invited to attend.

The White Center Teen Program is hosting the a FREE Bingo Event for Senior Citizens on Friday, November 22nd from 1-3 pm at the Historic White Center Fieldhouse (also known as the White Center Community Center), in Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd).

On Friday, November 22nd, the staff and participants of the White Center Teen Program are once again hosting a special Bingo Event for Senior Citizens. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games (two cards at a time) are FREE. Coffee, snacks and prizes are also provided at no charge. Teen volunteers will be on hand to assist with calling the Bingo Games. Special Guest Agency King County Community and Human Services will be in attendance. All White Center Senior Citizens are invited to attend.

For additional Information, please contact Jody Addicks, King County Parks at 206.477.2095

Next Saturday! Here’s the announcement:

The annual King County Parks Family Halloween Carnival is coming up on Saturday, October 26th from 2-5 pm at the White Center Community Center, in Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd 98146.)

Doors open at 2 pm and general admission is FREE.

Local teens have planned nearly 30 different spooky town-themed crafts and games for local children ages 10 and under. Brave the tunnels of the Underground Obstacle Course, mail yourself a letter from the Spooky Town Post Office, get a little messy at the Slime Factory, show off your artistic skills at a craft table, march thru town in the costume parade at 3:30pm, catch the Magic show at 3:45pm, and win some not so valuable prizes at some of the Spooky Town game booths.

Tickets for each activity are sold for .25 each or 4/$1.00.

In addition to the games, the carnival will also feature a free juggling performance at 3:45 p.m.

This year’s carnival is once again sponsored by the Teens and Staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational and social enrichment programming to over 1400 culturally diverse participants ages 12-19 each year. The program operates five days a week, forty-eight weeks a year and provides structured recreational classes and programs, homework assistance, educational and computer resources, leadership training, volunteer opportunities, special events, field trips, and drop-in activities.

The Annual Halloween Carnival is traditionally one of the teens’ favorite volunteer events. Program staff estimate at least 50 teens will volunteer at the event.

For additional Information, please contact Vana Danh at 206.477.2105.

It’s the final day of the first-ever White Center Pride celebration, and while the full schedule for today/tonight is here, we wanted to remind you of one big all-ages event: The Sunday Funday Fair at Future Primitive Brewing (9832 14th SW), noon-4 pm. Here’s who you’ll find there.

(WCN photos by Patrick Sand)

If you haven’t already been, don’t miss the chance – before 6 pm – to go have fun in the street with HONK! Fest West in downtown White Center. Four informal stages, all along 16th SW between Roxbury and 98th, including one in the Drunky Two Shoes parking lot.

The bands change every 20 minutes, so you can see and hear a lot even if you only have a little time to hang out.

See the schedule here.

It’s all free, run by volunteers, with funding from donations and sponsors, so buy some merch if you can, and bring some cash to toss in the bands’ hats (boxes, etc.).

If you miss it today, the third and final session of this year’s HONK! Fest West is tomorrow in Columbia City.

Get your Pride on without leaving White Center! The first-ever WC Pride celebration is set for June 5-9. Here’s the announcement just out of the WCN inbox:

What began as an idea between 2 friends having a drink at The Lumber Yard Bar, has turned into a full-blown Pride celebration in White Center. Recently, White Center has become a popular destination for the Seattle-area LGBT+ community.

“There has been a lot of talk that White Center is becoming the new Capitol Hill. But we’re not looking to be the new Capitol Hill. We want White Center to be White Center. We just want more people to be able to experience it.” a spokesperson said.

The 5-day event incorporates long time established businesses with newer bars and restaurants.

Official Kickoff

The festivities will kick-off on June 5 at 7 pm with a Pride Flag raising at Triangle Park in the heart of White Center. Christine Spencer, from Mac’s Triangle Pub, will raise the flag. Spencer, a well-known and respected figure in White Center, was the obvious choice to lead the ceremony. The Triangle Pub has long been known as a place that is welcoming to LGBTQ+ community. Following the flag raising, Southgate Roller Rink will host Pride Skate Night. Southgate has offered a monthly Pride Skate Night for several years. What started as a small event has created a cult following that draws a higher number of skaters each month.

Continued Celebrations

The remainder of the celebrations will occur at various bars and restaurants.

There will be a BBQ & Drag event at Drunky Two Shows BBQ on Thursday, June 6. The show will feature the Rat City Queens.

Friday night will include The Swallow Bar, the newest gay bar in the neighborhood, and a swimwear-themed party at the Lumber Yard Bar. The Lumber Yard opened in January of 2018 and has been extremely popular, known for its friendly staff and creative event nights.

The weekend will round out with karaoke at Mac’s Triangle Pub and a main event party at The Lumber Yard on Saturday night; and a Sunday Funday Gay Pride Fair at Future Primitive Brewery which will feature local vendors. The celebration will wrap up with a Sunday afternoon tea dance at The Lumber Yard.

The goal is to grow Pride over the next few years to offer a street fair and include more of the local businesses. There has been a large amount of positive feedback from the neighborhood and interest in future involvement. Volunteers and businesses can still get involved by emailing info@whitecenterpride.org.

See the newest schedule by going here.

(WCN photos, added early afternoon)

ORIGINAL EARLY AM POST: First street festival of the season, 10:30 am-5 pm at 15th/98th, the annual Cambodian New Year Street Festival in White Center, presented by the Cambodian Cultural Alliance of Washington! Here’s the published schedule:

10:30 AM
Monk’s Blessings – The Beacon Hill temple, Kent temple,South Park temple and Tacoma Old Temple will lead blessings

11:00 AM
MCs: Samphy C. and Srey R., DJ Jenny C., Poem written by Robert M., Guest Speakers: Dagmar C., S. Park Senior, Sili S.

11:20 AM
Chhay-Yum Performed by the Kent Temple

11:30 AM
Robam Choun Por (Blessing Dance) by Khmer King County

11:40 AM
Teavy Propey (Flower of the Universe) by Khmer Language Arts Culture and Academy (KLACA)

11:45 AM
Robam Bopha Lokei (Flower of the World Dance) by Khmer King County

11:50 AM
Khmer Classical Musical Instruments by Rasmey Propey Niey Khmer from Tacoma

12:05 PM
Robam Neary Chea Chour (Girls in a Line Dance) by Khmer King County

12:10 PM
Robam Kous Angrae by Khmer Language Arts Culture and Academy (KLACA)

12:15 PM
Robam Kuos Trolok (Coconut Dance) by Khmer King County

12:25 PM
Cambodian Dessert Demonstration- Nom Plae Ai

12:45 PM
Robam Apsara by Cambodian Classical and Folk Dance of Tacoma

12:55 PM
Robam Oiy Sat Mohouri by Cambodian Classical and Folk Dance of Tacoma

1:00 PM
Chhay-Yum by Kent Temple

1:10 PM
Traditional Game: Banana Eating Contest

1:40 PM
Local Talent Show: Community talent and Special Guest: Davey Tsunami

2:10 PM
Children’s Game: Passing Ping-Pong Balls w/Spoons

2:30 PM
Traditional Game: Tresey (Hacky-sack)

3:00 PM
Live Band by Brother Band & OPEN DANCE FLOOR!!

4:55 PM
Closing Remarks by CCAW Member

(Photo courtesy King County Parks)

Early reminder so you can be sure this is on your calendar!

The Annual King County Parks Family Halloween Carnival is coming up on Saturday, October 27th from 2-5 pm at the White Center Community Center, in Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd).

Doors open at 2 p.m. and admission is FREE.

Local teens have planned nearly 30 different spooky town-themed crafts and games for local children ages 10 and under.

Tickets for each activity are sold for .25 each or 4/$1.

In addition to the games, the carnival will also feature a free juggling performance at 3:30 p.m.

This year’s carnival is once again sponsored by the Teens and Staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational and social enrichment programming to over 1200 culturally diverse participants ages 12-19 each year. The program operates five days a week, forty-eight weeks a year and provides structured recreational classes and programs, homework assistance, educational and computer resources, leadership training, volunteer opportunities, special events, field trips, and drop-in activities.

The Annual Halloween Carnival is traditionally one of the teens favorite volunteer events. Program staff estimate at least 50 teens will volunteer at the event. For additional Information, please contact Darlene Sellers, Recreation Coordinator at 206.477.2104

Tonight’s the night! “Coco” is the movie for this year’s Cine en el Parque, 6:30 pm at Dick Thurnau Memorial Park (11050 10th SW):

There will be games, music, prizes, food trucks and much more. Come down early, stake your ground, and have some fun. This event is sponsored by King County and the White Center Community Development Association. See you at the movies!

This is the fourth year for Cine en el Parque.

12:58 PM: Today’s the day! HONK! Fest West is spending its second day of this year’s three-day festival in White Center – 1 to 6 pm. Go to the official site for the band list and locations. Free and fun. Coverage to come!

2:19 PM: Just spent the past hour wandering and enjoying:

The “stages” are at 16th/Roxbury, 16th north of 98th, and 98th east of 16th. You can wander between the areas because the streets are closed to traffic!

Each stage area has a board listing who’s up and who’s coming up. No admission charge – just wander and enjoy!

ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT: More video!

ADDED SUNDAY: More video and photos:

You can read some of the festival backstory/context here.

12:21 PM: The celebration is on, rain or shine! Until 5 pm, the Cambodian New Year Festival is happening on SW 98th in downtown White Center.

As announced by the Cambodian Cultural Alliance of Washington, it’s “a day full of entertainment, food, and fun! … tons of activities for children and parents: Banana-eating contest, Cambodian hacky sack (saiee) 8 vs 8 … Robam dances, guest speakers, poetry, live Cambodian band, live performances with Cambodian Classical instruments, local talents, open mic …. and many more. There will also be booths for community sponsors, and vendors selling delicious food! Free photo booth with a photo to take home for memories. Admission is FREE and all are welcome.”

ADDED 6:25 PM: Photos from a re-created traditional wedding procession during the festival:

A little over two weeks until this year’s White Center 5K!

Signed up yet? If not – go here. It’s big fun on the morning of Saturday, March 24th, with racers starting at 9 am, walkers 10 minutes later. Three WC nonprofits (White Center CDA, YES Foundation of WC, White Center Food Bank) benefit from the proceeds, and you benefit from a morning of superhero-themed fun. Note that:

Registration includes a free T-SHIRT!

The course is pet-friendly, stroller-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible.

Race packet can be picked up at White Center Heights Park on race day at 7:45 AM.

Questions? Email us at whitecenter5k@gmail.com

WC Heights Park is where it all begins – 7th SW and SW 102nd.