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 50^th 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.