FREE Aquafest
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
by Sandy Thomas
The horse drawn wagon rides are back again this year. Be sure to
come to the City Hall parking lot and get in line. Each trip takes
about 15 minutes and there is plenty of room for the whole family.
You can watch the happenings on the lake while cruising in the wagon
down Lakeshore Drive. And remember, THE RIDES ARE FREE TO THE
PUBLIC. The horses DO like carrots however!!!! Photos are
welcome. And the kids can pet the horses.

I have been around horses my whole life. They are a true love of
mine and always will be. I used to trail ride exclusively but then
in 1998 got into driving horses and found that was a fun and
rewarding way to play with my pet pals. I started acquiring more
and more types of wagons, carriages, sleighs, and carts. After
driving around the neighborhood for many years I decided to start a
business so I could share my joy with others. So, in 2005 I started
Gala Carriage Company offering horse drawn wagon/carriage rides
throughout all of Western Washington .
http://galacarriage.com
Having lived in Lake Stevens since 1974, I am ashamed to say I
had never gone down to see what Aquafest was all about. But I
decided to contact the Aquafest Board in 2005 to see if there was a
place or need for wagon rides at the festivities. I was too late
for 2005 but did get in for 2006. I attended all meetings and soon
realized what I had been missing. Aquafest is an awesome event and
community effort. I have been an active board member and sponsor
ever since. The people, the town and the community are what quality
of life are all about!!!! I’m so glad I am able to be a part of
it and will continue as long as I am able.
Fabulous Fifty Calendars
2010
Aquafest is excited to introduce the 50th Anniversary
collectible calendar, made possible by a generous donation of
Lake Stevens residents and Creekside Alehouse and Grill owners
Mark and Venessa Long. The Longs have attended Aquafest in the
past and approached the Aquafest board with a willingness to get
involved after purchasing Creekside, and creating a family
friendly establishment, in February 2010.
Using
photographs provided by Randy Lee Photography, the calendar will be
a lasting addition to the 2010 Aquafest “Fabulous Fifty”
celebration. The 2010 calendar will spotlight 12 months of
photographs from past Aquafest festivals, and will be available at
Creekside, located downtown at 12401 20th St NE, or at the
Information Booth on Main Street during the festival weekend of July
23rd, 24th and 25th. Calendars are available only while supplies
last. Says 2010 Aquafest President, Janice Huxford, “Thank you,
Mark and Venessa, and to all of our sponsors for making this year’s
Aquafest a memorable one!”
Remembering Aquafest Superstar Rory Parrish
Aquafest would like to pay
special tribute to Rory Parrish, long time Aquafest volunteer.
Rory, you will be missed...
The following article
is from the
Lake
Stevens Journal...
Rory Parrish played
baseball for the Special Olympics along with other sports.
Parrish was a long
time resident of Lake Stevens.
In the winter, you’d find him
pulling down a rebound or honing his baseline jump shot. During
spring time, he was in the pool, cutting through water with his
trade-marked breast stroke.
In the summer, he’d be camped under
fly balls or practicing his swing. The Special Olympian was a man
for all seasons. [Read
More]
Local Businesswoman Awarded 2010
Aquafest Grand Marshall
With
unanimous support, the Aquafest Board has chosen Joyce Bell as
2010 Aquafest Grand Marshall.
“It
was perfectly clear that the board wanted to honor Joyce for her
commitment to Aquafest as well as her devotion to Lake Stevens,”
commented 2010 Aquafest President, Janice Huxford.
“As
2010 Grand Marshall, Joyce will be at the center of our 50th
Anniversary party.” Acting as Grand Marshall, Bell will be inviting
back those who made Aquafest special in the past, as well as
encouraging new support and attendance from Lake Stevens residents
and local businesses.
Owner of Bell
Properties, Bell has served on the Aquafest Board for almost 30
years, is active in Rotary, the Senior Center and the Lake Stevens
Chamber of Commerce.
Upon
receiving her award, Joyce said, "I am delighted and honored to be
selected for Grand Marshall of the 50th Anniversary of 2010
Aquafest. I have been involved with Aquafest since 1983 and have
loved seeing it grow to what it is now. This will be the greatest
Aquafest we have ever had. Don't miss it."
Photo: 2010
Aquafest President, Janice Huxford, introduces Joyce Bell as 2010
Grand Marshall during a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon.