Bummed out by the heat withering much of the country? Ready for a cool change? Last time we looked it was 51 blessed degrees in Seattle, and the folks in Washington State don’t mind sharing the weather.
Many of the things you can do the weekend of July 8 through July 10, of course, are outdoors. Here’s a rundown of some of the diversions coming up. You can:
Run for fun during Kent Cornucopia Days. Grab a water bottle, stretch a bit and join in a 5k walk and run through the extraordinary Kent Valley July 9. If you’re 60 years old or more registration is free. Otherwise, it’s $15 on race day. This is a good way to see the spectacular Puget Sound part of the country – far better than zipping through it by car.
Yoga for Hope. This one too is out of doors, and it’s at Seattle Center on July 9. For beginners and experts alike, the class is aimed at making people with life-threatening illnesses aware of how much this age-old practice can help. Seattle’s top yoga instructors lead the two-hour class, with proceeds going to the City of Hope. Booths open at 8am., and the Yoga program itself at 10am.
Explore the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Think this place isn’t something singular? You might change your mind after looking through the photographer’s lens of Subhankar Banerjee. The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is the setting July 8, 9, and 10. It’s located at 1701 45th Ave. Northeast in Seattle.
Take in the theater. In search of a play off the beaten path, with a theme that hasn’t been beaten to death? Consider Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World, a world premier by Seattle playwright Yussef El Guindi. At ACT Theater in Seattle through July 17, the work is unabashedly contemporary. It tells the tale of an Egyptian cab driver who falls in love with an American waitress. The show takes some unexpected – and delightfully complicated – turns. ACT Theater is located at 799 Union St.
Watch a pro football game. Okay, so as of this posting the NFL lockout was still dragging on. Rejoice pro football devotees, there’s still hope. The Spokane Shock battles on the Utah Blaze Friday night July 9 at 7pm. The venue is Spokane Arena and the game is arena football. Admission runs $13 to $45. Try getting a ticket for that price at a Seattle Seahawks contest.
Kick back at a concert. The Spokane Symphony presents its summer concert on the lawn at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars on July 9, in a setting that magically brings out the best in the music. Wine and food are available for purchase, and you can pack a picnic basket if you’d like. The concert begins at 6pm and admission is $20. You’ll find Arbor Crest at 4705 North Fruit Hill Road.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Dennis Hamilton)
