White Center Now: The blog about White Center

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.

Coming up in White Center in less than two weeks!

ROCKTOBERFEST: A Benefit Event
Supporting production of the “Circle of Cells” Documentary

Rocktoberfest is an age 21+ Oktoberfest-themed event benefitting Circle of Cells: a unique, autobiographical documentary about international stem cell donation and cancer survivors. Rocktoberfest takes place on Saturday, September 9th at Company Store in White Center, starting at 6:00 pm.

“Rocktoberfest is a fun way for people to contribute to cancer survival methods,” says Sara Rose Hansen, producer of the Circle of Cells documentary.

“The mission of my film is to increase awareness of the simple, yet often misunderstood, process of stem cell donation; and bolster registration on the National Marrow Donor Program.”

As Zoe Mandels, the owner of Company Store, said, “I am so excited to help Sara Rose get this information out there; her documentary will have such a positive impact on people helping people.”

Rocktoberfest boasts many attractions, including:

“Be The Match” registration and information booth for potential stem cell donors.
Bavarian beer garden, bratwurst and pretzels open at 6:00 pm.

Four talented, local bands starting at 8:00 pm:

Tripp Rezac Band
Snaketopus
Cartoon Heart
Valerie Cavell

Silent auction and raffle prizes from Seattle businesses and artists.

Cine en el Parque is back! One week from Friday, here’s what’s happening for this summer’s special event:

Join King County for a special outdoor movie night in White Center. We’ll be showing Moana – in Spanish with English subtitles – at Steve Cox Memorial Park on Saturday, August 5. This is a free event so bring your low-backed chairs, blankets, snacks, and enjoy a relaxed evening in the park. The movie will be projected onto a 40-foot tall inflatable movie screen so invite your friends and family – we’ve got space!

Seating opens at 6:30 pm, movie starts at dusk (around 8:30 pm). Lucha Libre Volcanica will be performing before the movie.

The park is at 1321 SW 102nd.

(Photos by Gill Loring)

If you haven’t been there yet, you have until 5 pm to get to this year’s Cambodian New Year Street Festival in downtown White Center.

It’s brought out hundreds of people for performances, food, and fun at and around 16th/98th:

This is the festival’s 15th year.

You’ve probably seen the sign, if you haven’t been in already. Now we have confirmation that Zanzibar has opened at 9609 1/2 16th SW. From Sarah Friesema:

New bar with food has opened in White Center – Zanzibar features local craft beer on tap, wine, full liquor license, and food including panini sandwiches and some street food favorites. Live music, no TVs, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Open 3 pm to 11 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

If you don’t already have your ticket(s) for this – hurry! It’s a fun(draiser) for White Center’s Jubilee Days festival:

Who will become the first Unofficial Official Mayor of White Center??

Join us on April 1, 2017, at the White Center Eagles for the election of the first-ever Unofficial Official Mayor of White Center!

The Mayor of White Center will be elected via “campaign donations” raised by each candidate. The final election will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017, and the winner will be determined by the number of “votes” (i.e. dollars) raised in their name. All proceeds go to support the production of White Center Jubilee Days.

The final candidates for Mayor of White Center are:

• Justin Cline
• Brian Cooper
• Floyd Dog
• Donnie “D” McDermott
• Geoffrey “MacDaddy” McElroy
• Christine Spencer

To “vote” for your favorite candidate by contributing to their campaign, go here.

The April 1st Election Fundraising Event at White Center Eagles will feature:

• Prime Rib Dinner!
• Door prizes!
• DJ Plantkiller!
• Mayoral Debates!
• Last-chance voting and announcement of the election winner!

Tickets are $35 each, and include dinner, or $250 for a table for eight people. Come join us for an exciting election night in White Center!

April 1st White Center Mayoral Election Fundraiser

Saturday, April 1, 2017 – 6 pm

White Center Eagles, 10452 15th Ave SW

Tickets, voting, and more information available at jubileedays.org.

This year’s dates for Jubilee Days, by the way, are July 19-23.

Start your weekend in a big way – at the White Center 5K. It takes off from White Center Heights Park (7th SW/SW 102nd) Saturday morning, with this schedule:

7:30 Doors Opens to the public
8:45 Warm-Up Activity
9:00 Racers Begin
9:10 Walkers Begin
10:00 Entertainment, Race Winners Announced

If you missed out on online registration, here’s what you’ll pay to sign up right before the race:

0-6: Free
7-18: $30
19-59: $40
60+: $30

Your race fees benefit three local nonprofits:

White Center Community Development Association
YES Foundation of White Center
White Center Food Bank

And when it’s all said and done, you’ll find the Saturday race results here.

Photos by Leda Costa for White Center Now

Learning can be fun! Just ask the young riders who helped inaugurate the new White Center Bike Playground in Dick Thurnau Memorial Park today – a place to learn how to ride safely, and joyfully.

Cascade Bicycle Club, the YES! Foundation of White Center, and White Center Community Development Association made it happen – you might recall the community planning meeting back in January. Today’s party offered music, snacks, and some giveaways during the party, including one announced by Senior Director of Education Shannon Koller, with a winner jubilantly raising her hand:

Cascade Fleet Coordinator Stephen Rowley helped riders with some adjustments:

The celebration included a Duwamish Tribe member with a song of gratitude:

And King County Council chair Joe McDermott pointed out that while this is the first bike playground in the state, it certainly won’t be the last:

The stars of the show though were the riders:

It will evolve – and those who showed up for the party shared ideas for what else it should include:

Cascade’s Koller told WCN that they hope to have people at the park on the weekends to loan bikes and helmets, to “set up some of the rodeo signs we put out today, do some teaching, potentially do learn to ride if folks are interested in that. Eventually we hope to have summer camps here. We’ve got some high school ride clubs that are nearby, the Major Taylor Project would come out and practice all of these right of way scenarios. It really is for all ages and abilities.”

P.S. If you’re wondering where to find the Bike Playground – Kathy Dunn from West Seattle Bike Connections offered a detailed explanation of how to get there: “If coming from 16th Ave SW, turn east on 107th, go past the White Center Library to 12th Ave SW, jog right one block in front of Mt. View Elementary School, then left at the stop sign onto 108th. Proceed 2 blocks to 10th SW, turn right. Entrance to Dick Thurnau Park is on the left. turn left into the parking lot. The Bike Playground is entered from the very north end of the parking lot where the tennis courts used to be.”

Just out of the WCN inbox – the lineup for this year’s Rat City Recon, a music-and-more festival planned for September 17th at Southgate Roller Rink:

If you wanna rock, you gotta roll down to White Center for the 4th Edition of RAT CITY RECON! All the Recon action will be happening at Southgate Roller Rink. Eleven bands on three stages.

Rat City Recon and Monumental Undertaking present

RAT CITY RECON 2016

Saturday, September 17, 2016 – 6 pm-2am

Southgate Roller Rink, 9646 17th Ave SW

$10 at the door, or advance will call tickets available (here)

21+, valid I.D. required

THE BANDS:

Pink Parts
ex-Licks
Githyanki
Tough Times
Slow Elk
The Grindylow
Rat City Ruckus
Glose
Wild Powwers
Stallion
Heiress

Beer & cider available in beer garden outside and indoors at the bar; event is 21+, VALID I.D. REQUIRED!

Food vendors – Sweet Lou’s Wings, more TBA

If you want to roller skate: $4 skate rental fee or bring your own; everyone skates at their own risk

Public transportation/ride share: Metro buses 60, 120, and 128; Car2Go home area ends one block north of Southgate Roller Rink at SW Roxbury Street, so you can park and walk easily to the venue

Recon 2016 is sponsored by: Full Tilt Ice Cream, Mac’s Triangle Pub, Match+Gasoline LLC, Noble Barton, Proletariat Pizza, Rat City Bikes, Rat City Records, Southgate Roller Rink, Zippy’s Giant Burgers