As much as we hate to admit it, double digit birthdays seem to get lamer every year. After the Quinceañera, “Sweet Sixteen” or 21st birthday stumble, we lose steam — or maybe we don’t want to admit we’re getting older.
Not so with Bainbridge parks.
With the help of Virginia Mason, the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District has pulled out all of the stops to throw a bash on Saturday, Aug. 29 that outsizes its age — a golden five-zero.
Here’s your guide for celebrating, rain-or-shine.
Sometime in the morning: Load up on staplers, pencils, folders, binders, notebooks, your supply of choice; consider it your birthday present. Admission to the fiesta is free, but the park district is accepting donations for Helpline House.
10:55 a.m.: Scoot your crew on over to Battle Point Park. After all, the early bird gets the worm, and the first 300 kids to show up to Touch-A-Truck receive a plastic hard hat.
But don’t despair, adults. You, too, can stroke the 10-plus vehicles on display, although we’d recommend avoiding the garbage truck.
Community professionals will be on hand to explain their equipment and how it relates to their jobs. “We think it’s a great way for kids to see what could possibly lie ahead for them in the future,” said Lori Quick-Mejia.
11 a.m.: Event officially commences. Amid face painting, roller hockey demos and classic cars, you have a tough decision to make; where to begin? Our best advice: Divide and conquer. You have until 4 p.m. to enjoy most of the family-friendly activities.
Noon: Chow down on fare from The Dog Wagon, Clara’s Wok and Jaime les Crepes. Then drop the kids by the main stage to catch performances from BPA, Bainbridge Rope Skippers, Family Martial Arts and others. While they’re entertained, you might slink away to the Kiwanis beer garden.
1 p.m.: Parks officials cut a giant cake (in actuality, 10). Probably shouldn’t expect them to blow out candles with the burn ban in place…
1:30 p.m.: Reflection time. Past parks district directors and board members will take the stage to be recognized for their contributions.
2 p.m.: With cutesy, catchy songs like “Blackberry Pie,” family music performer Johnny Bregar will make adults chuckle even as he wins over the 2- to 6-year-old set.
2:30 p.m.: Head to the community booths, if you haven’t already, and learn about cool, local businesses and organizations, like Spacecraft, Weed Warriors and Island Power. They’ll hook your kids up with hands-on activities while you give an ear.
3 p.m.: Bainbridge Island Historical Society conducts its second “hike” of the day (the first is at 1 p.m.) Follow Jerry Elfendahl to the “top” of the Battle Point Navy Radio Station’s giant tower and “hear the ‘Northern Hemisphere’s last words.’”
3:30 p.m.: Louisiana native Claudette Boudreaux and her cajun/creole/Zydeco band WHOZYAMAMA will make you want to dance. C’mon, they’ve got an accordion!
5:30 p.m.: Masters in old school funk, Mutha Knows Best know how to groove. Need some fuel to coax your boogie out? Grab a 206 Pie, and a Smooth-E, to toast a very good night.
