With the annual Kirkland Summerfest on Aug. 7 and 8 fast approaching, organizers have come up with creative fundraising efforts to cover the costs of the festival.
To track their fundraising, Hallmark Realty in downtown has a thermometer banner that shows how close they are to their desired goal of $110,000. Planner Sue Contreras said they have raised about half that so far. To help raise awareness, Contreras said they’re placing donation boxes at businesses throughout the city.
Summerfest is Kirkland’s largest festival and open to the public. This year, it will feature over 100 vendors. The donations help cover the costs for police, barricades, signage and the other incidental expenses. The festival will include live entertainment at Marina Park on stages, cold refreshments in the beer garden, juried artists’ exhibits on newly renovated Park Lane, the Fish Frolic, the Rotary Duck Dash, and cardboard boat races.
For families with kids, the festival will offer inflatable rides, face painters, balloon twister, stilt walker, Star Wars characters, Touch a Truck, kids yoga, obstacle course, Youth Art Exhibit.
It is managed by volunteers with the help of the Kirkland Downtown Association and Kirkland Chamber, as well as local businesses.
One of the major changes this year compared to prior years, Contreras said, is shortening the festival to two days rather than three. They also plan to have new entertainment, including Cream Tangerine that includes Kirkland Performance Center Executive Director Jeff Lockhart.
Donations can be made online at www.kirklandsummerfest.com/community donors, or by dropping a donation in Summerfest collection boxes at participating businesses.
Donations of $100 or more will include the person’s name on a ‘thank you’ banner at Hallmark Realty, while donations of $500 and more will be recognized at Summerfest and on the event website.
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Scott Becker (425) 822-0200.
Festival details and entertainment schedules can be viewed online at www.kirklandsummerfest.com
