White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(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.

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.