DennyFest to bring food contests, dog show, live music and fun on Sunday

A celebration of neighbors and the environment returns to the shores of Lake Washington at O.O. Denny Park with the Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance’s DennyFest from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18.

September 15, 2011 5:56 pm
A celebration of neighbors and the environment returns to O.O. Denny Park with the Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance’s DennyFest on Sunday.
A celebration of neighbors and the environment returns to O.O. Denny Park with the Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance’s DennyFest on Sunday.

A celebration of neighbors and the environment returns to the shores of Lake Washington at O.O. Denny Park with the Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance’s DennyFest from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18.

All area residents and supporters of Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance (DCNA) are welcome to attend the annual event. O.O. Denny Park is located at 12032 Holmes Point Drive, about a mile off Juanita Drive. Get onto Holmes Point Drive either at the intersection where Fire Station 25 is located or across from Inglewood QFC.

Live music

Familiar bands return to provide musical entertainment. Wynne C. Blue and her Troublefakers will be performing as well as the guitar, bass violin, and drum trio Natch’l Thang. Michael-Ellyn & the Sun Breaks will also play.

Dog parade and contests

Our dogs are barking again this year. It starts with a parade of dogs around the park at 1:30 pm. Then several competitions will be held. Participants are asked to donate $2 for each competition entry.

A panel of judges will handle the canine critiques and awards will be given to dogs judged tops in the various categories. For pre-registration or to ask any question, email info@dennycreek.org.

Sponsors for the dog competition include Diane Rich Dog Training, Homeward Pet, Northwest Cellars, Denny’s Pet World, Dogs-a-Jammin, Pup Scrub, Lake Street Diamond Company, Barkz, Eastside Pet Lodge, Dooley’s Dog House, LaBou Skincare, Northwest Nurseries, and Seattle Veterinary Specialists.

Chili cook-off and pie contest

The popular chili cook-off returns with about a dozen contestants vying to tantalize the taste buds. Contestants are asked to bring a campstove and several gallons of chili to serve to festival attendees. Awards go to the top three vote-getters. A pie contest will also be offered. Please contact info@dennycreek.org for more information.

Trail tour

Lou Berner will be leading an interpretive forest walk. Tour time will be 2 p.m. Berner will describe the area vegetation, wildlife, and history.

Arts and crafts

There will be an activity area for younger children. Besides arts and craft projects, Francesca Lyman will be drawing her Wild Child portraits of children – and playful grownups – as their favorite animals from O.O. Denny Park and the Pacific Northwest.

There will also be several local groups and agencies with informational booths.

Additional food, drinks, and prizes will be available thanks to generous donations from Finn Hill Shell, Inglewood QFC, Kirkland Trader Joe’s, Village Mart, Totem Lake Fred Meyer, Bella Vita, Plaza Garcia, Nova Restaurant, Starbucks in Juanita Village, Heathman Hotel, Parkplace Cinemas, Dentiste, George’s Restaurant, Time Out Sports Bar, Lucia, Bikini Beach, Hector’s, Milagro Cantina, Ford of Kirkland, The Grape Choice, Eastside Sun, and Kirkland Views.

You can be a part of DennyFest if you would like to volunteer. Volunteers are needed to help with the Arts and Crafts projects (one hour shifts) and with grilling food. Please contact info@dennycreek.org if you would like to help.

Tents, tables and chairs are also needed for the day of the event.  Please contact info@dennycreek.org if you can loan us any of these items.

DCNA is a 15-year-old non-profit organization charged with protecting and preserving the Denny Creek watershed and adjacent areas on Finn Hill. For more information about DCNA, visit www.dennycreek.org.