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City of Lake Stevens



Latest Aquafest News

If you need to know it, it will be posted here.  Check back for all the late breaking Aquafest news updates and press releases.


Some news provided courtesy of the Lake Stevens Journal

Aquafest Planning Is Well Underway
Lake Stevens Journal, February 7, 2007
By Pam Stevens | Copy Editor

Last fall the Lake Stevens Journal and the Aquafest committee asked the community to help them come up with a new theme for Aquafest 2007.

Make a Splash! was chosen from over 25 entries.  This year's winning theme was submitted by Leland, Annie and Sam Adams of Lake Stevens who took home four tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters, donated by the Journal for their winning entry.

"We came up with the idea together.  We really wanted something lake related," Annie said. (Leland, Annie and Sam Adams pictured right.  Photo by Pam Stevens)

Tracy Anderson, Aquafest 2007 President, feels it is important to include the community in as many decisions as possible.

"I think it is fun to involve the community as much as we can.  It means a lot more than just picking a theme myself which is how is has been done by presidents in the past," Anderson said.

Aquafest is a big deal at the Adam's house.  They invite people and spend the entire weekend enjoying all of the festivities.  Some of their favorite attractions are the Children's Parade, the Grand Parade and family day on Sunday.

On Saturday night they have a big barbeque and enjoy the fireworks with friends and family.

"We're Aquafest nerds," Annie said.

There are many opportunities available for those interested in helping with Aquafest.  You can go to the Aquafest website at www.aquafest.org.

Jack Sahlbom Named 2006 Parade Grand Marshall
Lake Stevens Journal, July 6, 2006

Longtime Lake Stevens resident Jack Sahlbom was named Grand Marshall of the 2006 Aquafest Grand Parade.

The position is selected each year by the Aquafest Executive Board, and usually honors a citizen who has gone above and beyond in their efforts to serve the community. American Legion First Vice Commander Robert Bechtloff said that Jack is an exceptionally patriotic person who leads by example.

"The community of Lake Stevens could not have made a better selection for Grand Marshall of the Aquafest Parade, as Jack is very deserving of some long overdue recognition of his own," said Bechtloff.

Sahlbom, 81, is a decorated WWII and Korean war veteran, and has served his country and community in innumerable ways, including as American Legion Post Commander and as a member of the Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors.

Sahlbom is a past Lake Stevens Lions Club "Lion of the Year" honoree, and was also instrumental in the development and implementation of the Lake Stevens War Memorial. American Legion Post Adjutant Tom Thorleifson applauded the committee's selection of Sahlbom, but pointed out that public attention is likely to embarrass Sahlbom, who prefers to work behind the scene.

"Knowing Jack, I'm sure he cringed when he was told he'd been selected as Grand Marshall," said Thorleifson, "He does not care for recognition and often goes to great lengths to keep people from knowing what he has done for others. He is an amazing person, and on that Lake Stevens should be very proud to have as her own."

Aquafest board members cited Sahlbom's selflessness and dedication to community service as defining attributes in his selection.

"As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Jack knows what it means to give of oneself and to be willing to sacrifice for another or the common good," said Thorleifson.

WATER A LOT OF SPORTS AT AQUAFEST
Jennifer Davis, Aquafest Publicity Chair, June 23, 2006

(Lake Stevens, WA) – From professional triathletes and water-skiers to novice disc golfers, there’s a sporting event for everyone as Aquafest "Races to the Finish," July 20-23 in downtown Lake Stevens.

Wakeboard and Waterski Tournament – Aquafest began more than 40 years ago with professional waterski competitions on Lake Stevens, a tradition that continues to this day. Register for the waterski tournament at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22 at the Lake Stevens City Park. The tournament begins at 6:30 a.m. Wakeboard registration is at 9:30 a.m. with the tournament around 11 a.m. Prizes are awarded in categories from child novice to expert adult. All ages and ability levels are encouraged and invited to participate. The Wakeboard and Waterski Tournament is presented by Mt. Pilchuck Ski & Sport and Lake Stevens Water Ski & Wakeboard Club. For more information call 425-335-7741 or 425-334-5876 or visit the Aquafest website.

Aquarun – Saturday, July 22 in downtown Lake Stevens. The Aquarun includes a 10K run at 9 a.m., 2K run/walk at 9:15 and 5K run at 10 a.m. and is sponsored by Brooks Running and Windermere Lake Stevens. Pre-register by June 30 to and save on entry fees for the 5K and 10K races: $12 for kids 18 and under, $16 for ages 19 to 59, $12 for those over 60, and include a commemorative Aquafest t-shirt. Fees increase to $20 for day-of-race registration. The children’s 2K race is $2 is advance, $3 day-of-race and does not include a t-shirt. Complete race details, a map of the course and registration forms are available on the Aquafest website.

3 on 3 Basketball – The third annual Aquafest 3-on-3 Basketball tournament is set for Saturday, July 22 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Lake Stevens High School, with the championship game at 5:00 p.m. Every team is guaranteed at least three games. The cost to register is $50 for a four-person team, and includes t-shirts for all four players. The 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is presented by the Lake Stevens High School Boys Basketball Program. For information visit the Aquafest website or call coordinator Mark Hein at 425-218-8315.

Disc Golf – This combination of golf and Frisbee grows in popularity every year, with competitors who are regular disc golfers and some who just want to see what the sport is all about. The disc golf tournament is Saturday, July 22 at Catherine Creek Park adjacent to Mt. Pilchuck Elementary school. Cost is $12 each. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and two rounds of 19-hole play begin at 9 a.m. Divisions include mens, womens, advanced, masters (over 40), novice and intermediate. Each player receives a souvenir Aquafest disc and mini-markers. For more information send e-mail to jpacrasher@aol.com or print out a registration form from the Aquafest website at www.aquafest.org.

Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon World Qualifier – Lake Stevens will host up to 1,200 athletes in this qualifying event for the Ford 70.3 World Championships, one of only 15 qualifiers nationwide. The race starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 23 at the city boat launch with a 1.2-mile swim, followed by a 56-mile bike race and 13-mile run. The Lake Stevens 70.3 is sponsored by Barclays North, the City of Lake Stevens, QFC and the Snohomish County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Registration is $190 for individuals and $215 for relay teams. For more information and registration materials, visit www.lakestevens703.com.

JOIN IN THE PARADE AT AQUAFEST
Jennifer Davis, Aquafest Publicity Chair, June 15, 2006

(Lake Stevens, WA) – Blow your own horn and march to the beat of your own drummer before a cheering crowd in two parades at Lake Stevens’ Aquafest celebration next month.  Entries are now being accepted for the Aquafest Children’s Parade and the Aquafest Grand Parade, both with this year’s festival theme “Race to the Finish.”

Children’s Parade -- Dress up, decorate your wagon, and put streamers on your bike, bows on your dog and balloons on your scooter for the Children’s Parade, Friday, July 21 at 6 p.m. in downtown Lake Stevens.  The parade is open to all children, as well as children’s organizations like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups and sports clubs.  Motorized vehicles smaller than golf carts are allowed, as are single horses and riders (no horse teams, please).

Entry forms were distributed through Lake Stevens schools last week and are also available at the following locations: Lake Stevens Library, Lake Stevens Journal, Lake Stevens City Hall and Foster Press, as well as on the Aquafest website. Participation is free as well as fun!

The parade will begin on Hartford Drive in front of the fire station and run down Main Street, turning at the Post Office.  Each entry’s description and child’s name will be announced as they pass in front of the library.  The Children’s Parade is sponsored by BECU and the Lake Stevens Journal.

For more information call Children’s Parade Chair Lisa Combs at 425-334-2078 or visit www.aquafest.org.

Grand Parade – Classic cars, marching bands, gymnasts, clowns, politicians, fire trucks, drill teams, pirates, polka-dancers, and giant walking pizza slices—you name it, the Aquafest Grand Parade has it.  All the fun happens at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 22 in downtown Lake Stevens. The Aquafest Grand Parade is open to anyone who wants to take their show on the road, promote their organization or business, or just have a great time.

Registration forms with complete rules, entry fees and deadlines for the Grand Parade are available at Lake Stevens City Hall, the Lake Stevens Chamber Office, Lake Stevens Library and Lake Stevens Sewer District, as well as on the Aquafest website.

Staging for the parade starts at 10 a.m. on Hartford Drive north of the fire station.  The parade runs down Main Street and usually attracts a huge crowd.  Awards will be presented in several categories. The Grand Parade is sponsored by North County Bank.

For more information call Grand Parade Chair Darwin Smith at 425-334-8588 or visit www.aquafest.org.

Aquafest is a family-oriented community festival July 20-23, 2006 on the shores of Lake Stevens.  Last year’s festival drew 30,000 participants for sporting events on land and lake, parades, food, arts and crafts and entertainment.  This year Aquafest welcomes the Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon, a world-championship qualifier.

Aquafest Arts & Crafts Vendor Applications Accepted (June 2, 2006)
(Lake Stevens, WA) – Applications are now being accepted for the Arts & Crafts Fair at this year’s Aquafest celebration, July 20-23 in beautiful downtown Lake Stevens.

Booth space is available for makers of handcrafted arts and crafts, as well as commercial and professional businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The 2006 Aquafest Arts & Crafts Fair features a new layout. Handcrafted booths will remain in the parking lot adjacent to the Lake Stevens Library. Commercial booths will line 18th Street between the Post Office and Main Street Center, with additional booths near the Kiwanis Beer Garden.

Registration forms are due by July 1, 2006. Spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis so early registration is recommended. Vendors are required to provide their own tables, chairs, displays, weather protection and generators if electricity is required.

The fee for a 10 x 10 space is $200 for commercial booths and $125 for handcrafters or nonprofit organizations. Booths must be staffed for all three days of Aquafest: Friday, July 21 from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We are looking for all sorts of vendors, and are always pleased to see something new and different," said Aquafest President Patty Funnell, who is organizing the Arts & Crafts Fair. Funnell says registrations are coming in already and expects to see over 100 participating vendors at this year’s festival.

For more information, or to reserve a space for your business or organization, visit www.aquafest.org and click on Arts & Crafts.

Aquafest is a family-oriented community festival held July 20-23, 2006 on the shores of Lake Stevens. Last year’s festival drew 30,000 participants for sporting events on land and lake, parades, food, arts and crafts and entertainment. This year Aquafest welcomes the inaugural Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon, a world-championship qualifier expected to attract over 1,000 athletes, coaches and fans.

Sailors, Man Your Milk Cartons
Entries accepted for Aquafest $50 Sailboat Race

(Lake Stevens, WA) – It’s every man, woman and child for him or herself as the legendary $50 Sailboat Race returns to this year’s Aquafest celebration, Sunday, July 23 at 12:30 p.m. on Lake Stevens.

Registration forms are now being accepted from sailors who dare to build their own boats for less than $50 and then risk life, limb and public ridicule as they attempt to stay afloat long enough to make it across the finish line.

Previous entries have included lots of Styrofoam, duct tape, blue tarp sails, a unique inner tube/umbrella hybrid and a few space-age milk carton creations.  What will this year’s challengers come up with?

Boats must be constructed with materials with a total garage-sale value of less than $50.  In addition, they may not be powered by means other than wind. Paddles and oars can only be used for non-race maneuvering.  Energy storage mechanisms, motors, rockets, and nuclear power plants are also out.

Aquafest $50 Sailboat Race Skipper Ken Cross is the race founder and first place winner in 2004 when his own unique craft – dubbed “For Sale $50” survived an epic water fight and emerged victorious from a four-way photo finish.  In 2005 a flotilla of homemade creations took to Lake Stevens’ high seas and the first-place trophy went to Rex Brock.

Competition is already lining up for a shot at the 2006 trophies, in novel categories such as: “Looks like a real boat” or “Looks like it’ll never make it.”  Other prizes will be awarded as the judges think of them (that’s why they are the judges.)

For more information, or to sign up, visit www.aquafest.org and click on Events.  Registration is $10 and must be returned by July 10.

Aquafest is a family-oriented community festival July 20-23, 2006 on the shores of Lake Stevens.  Last year’s festival drew 30,000 participants for sporting events on land and lake, parades, food, arts and crafts and entertainment.  This year Aquafest welcomes the Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon, a world-championship qualifier.

Aquafest Brochure Wins GOLD!
(Published May 16, 2006)
(Lake Stevens, WA) – Aquafest is proud to announce that it has won it's first award for 2006.  The Washington Festivals & Events has awarded the Aquafest printed brochure its 2006 Gold Summit Award.

Aquafest Set For Race To The Finish
(Published May 4, 2006)
(Lake Stevens, WA) – One of Snohomish County’s largest community festivals is getting bigger, as Aquafest 2006 welcomes the Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon to the lake this July.

Last year’s Aquafest festival drew an estimated 30,000 people to the shores of Lake Stevens for a jam-packed weekend of family fun. This year another 1,000 athletes, coaches and triathlon fans from across the country are expected to participate in the inaugural Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon, one of only 12 qualifying events worldwide for the Ford 70.3 Triathlon World Championships.

Aquafest 2006 is set for Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23, with the Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon joining the regular line-up of Sunday events. The Triathlon will include a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.

Also on the Aquafest "Race to the Finish" line-up: the Aquafest Idol contest, Grand Parade, Children’s Parade, carnival, live entertainment, fireworks, Proud Pet Show, diaper dash, Sunday Family Fun Fest, $50 sail boat race, Chalk It Up! chalk art contest, Aquarun, motorcycle show, disc golf tournament, waterski and wakeboard tournament and ski demonstrations. Aquafest also features a large arts & crafts fair and food court.

Returning for a third year is the wildly popular build-your-own $50 sail boat race. Applications and registration forms for most competitive events will soon be posted online at www.aquafest.org.

Volunteers are also needed to help with all aspects of Aquafest planning.

Event: Aquafest
Dates: July 20-23, 2006
Location: Downtown Lake Stevens, WA
Contact:
www.aquafest.org or 425-397-2334
Description: A family-oriented community festival adjacent to Snohomish County’s largest lake. Aquafest features sports on land and the lake, arts and crafts, a carnival, great food, live entertainment, two parades, and a spectacular fireworks show. Also this year, the Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon, a world-championship qualifying event.

Aquafest's Best Year Ever (August 1, 2005)
http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/05/08/01/100loc_aquafest001.cfm
Story linked to the Everett Herald website.

 

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