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.
