Archive for the ‘We have fun in Issaquah’ Category

--> Jul
04

HAPPY 4th of JULY, Issaquah Style

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

There are many celebrations today across our nation. Here are some scenes from ours in Issaquah.

Kids and Pet Parade

Kids and Pet Parade

Triple the Fun

Triple the Fun

Tap Dancing in the Streets

Tap Dancing in the Streets

Ride the Pump Car

Ride the Pump Car

Dogs get into the Act

Dogs get into the Act

 

Kids and Dogs Keep Coming

Kids and Dogs Keep Coming

The End of the Ride - More fun Begins

The End of the Ride - More fun Begins

How Things Used to be Done
Off to the Rides, Food & Other Things

Off to the Rides, Food & Other Things

Happy 4th!  Be Safe at the Fireworks tonight! Fireworks are in many places close by. NOT in Issaquah, they are illegal! You don’t want these guys arriving to put out a fire.

Eastside Fire & Rescue

Eastside Fire & Rescue

--> Jun
13

XXX Rootbeer Drive-in List of Car Show Events

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

 

XXX ROOTBEER HOSTS AREA CAR SHOWS

XXX ROOTBEER HOSTS AREA CAR SHOWS

 

 


XXX Rootbeer Drive-in - Upcoming Car Shows

 


Don’t miss the Blvd. CC Custom Car Show taking place this Sunday, June 14th at the XXX Rootbeer Drive-in in Issaquah (98 NE Gilman Blvd).  The car show will start at 8 am and there will be great music and wonderful food for everyone to enjoy.  For more information, please visit www.triplexrootbeer.com. More upcoming car shows are below:
 
June 21st       Fenders on Front Street & Cruise              8 am
July 5th         Old Trucks, Buses & Station Wagons         8 am
July 12th        All Camero & Chevy Show                        8 am
July 19th        Burgers & Bikes of All Types                    8 am
July 26th        Cascade Cougar Club Prowl                     8 am
Aug. 2nd         NW Corvair & Orphaned Cars                  8 am
Aug. 9th         NW Muscle Car Show                               8 am
Aug. 16th       NWCCC 55, 56, 57 Chevy Show                8 am
Aug. 23rd       All Corvette Show                                    8 am
Aug. 30th       2nd Annual Rat Bastards Rat Rod Show      8 am
Sept. 6th        Mega Cruz Car Show                                8 am
Sept. 13th      3rd Annual All Ford Car Show                     8 am
Sept. 20th      Mopar & More                                          8 am
Sept. 27th      1st Mini Cooper Show                                8 am
Oct. 11th        Magnums, Chargers, 300’s & Challengers    Noon
Oct. 25th        PT Cruisers Pumpkin Bash                        10 am
Dec. 6th         8th Annual Jingle Bell Cruz/Toys for Tots     Noon

 

 

--> Jun
08

A Few Scenes from Tastin’ n Racin’

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

We announced on this blog the 13th year of Tastin’ n Racin’.  Just the week before we had temperatures in the high 80’s and low 90’s. What a difference a week makes in the Pacific NW! Cool weather and even a little rain fall came back along with the Hydros. We put off going out to Lake Sammamish State Park thinking the clouds would lift and the sun would shine. Didn’t happen! We decided to go anyway. We are glad we did. The parking lots were still crowded but not full, we found a place (that’s always nice).

We decided to show you what it was like rather than tell you. A picture is worth a thousand words, you know.

Power in These Pipes

Power in These Pipes

Powerful Paint Job as Well

Powerful Paint Job as Well

Beer Gardens wer Popular in Spite of Cooler Weather

Beer Gardens were Popular in Spite of Cooler Weather

When They Say Fun For Everybody, They Mean It!

When They Say Fun For Everybody, They Mean It!

Rooster Tail is Far Away But Still Excting

Rooster Tail is Far Away But Still Exciting

Duck Families Enjoy Hydros as Well

Duck Families Enjoy Hydros as Well

One of the Big Boys (the Hydro, Not the Man)!

One of the Big Boys (the Hydro, Not the Man)!

Liftin Those Babies In and Out of the Water

Liftin' Those Babies In and Out of the Water

Im Always a Sucker For Roasted Corn

I'm Always a Sucker For Roasted Corn

Now Thats What You Call Miniture Hydros

Now That's What You Call Miniature Hydros

Thats All For Now Folks, Gotta Run!

That's All For Now Folks, Gotta Run!

We attended on Saturday so we missed the Vintage Car Show and the Pirates. Did any of you guys out there get any good picture of them?

--> May
15

Show Boat in Ship Shape

Posted by Kathleen Cragun 1 Comment »

How do they DO that? A huge multi-level boat that moves and even splits apart to allow for other necessary scenes, so smoothly AND without noise! Village Theatre designs and builds all these elaborate sets themselves, no rentals here.

An Epic Broadway production is not too big a challenge for Village Theatre. I didn’t tell Larry he was going to a show that was 3 hours long, or he might not have gone. Never have 3 hours gone so fast. When the curtain came down I wasn’t ready for the end. I didn’t hear any complaints from Larry, either!

Dealing with some serious subject matter, amid singing, dancing, grand set designs and a plot that ran a gaumet of years could have been disjointed but it was not. All contributed to the telling of the tale. It was fast paced, fun, and at times hilarious.

Ellie (Kathryn Van Meter) & Frank (Greg McCormick Allen)

Ellie (Kathryn Van Meter) & Frank (Greg McCormick Allen)

Capn Andy (Larry Albert) If anyone stole the show it was Capn Andy

Cap'n Andy (Larry Albert) If anyone stole the show it was Cap'n Andy

Cap’n Andy was over the top when the show (on the boat) couldn’t continue because an uncouth mountain man tried to shoot the villain ending the scene. Cap’n went on stage an played all parts so the audience wouldn’t miss a thing. One of the most hilarious scenes I have ever witnessed.

Julie played by Cayman Ilika sings Bill.

Julie played by Cayman Ilika sings "Bill."

While all the cast voices were superb, Cayman Ilika has the voice of an angel. A main character, nonetheless, her time on stage was too short. Another favorite of mine was the Charleston Dance scene.

All photos are courtesy of Village Theatre by Jay Koh, used by permission

Music by Jerome Kern - Book an Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II - Based on Novel by Edna Ferber

Village Theatre Website www.villagetheatre.org  

Show Boat through July 3, 2009 in Issaquah -  In Everett July 10- August 2

--> May
12

Village Theatre’s Production of Show Boat Begins

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

Tommorow night, May 13th at Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, Show Boat opens. An amazingly major undertaking by Village Theatre of a musical that has not been seen in our area for over twenty years, Show Boat came from the novel of the same name, written by Edna Ferber in 1926. It has been done in many different versions on stage and adapted for film beginning with silent film, 1929,  and a major MGM Technicolor film version in 1951.

The plot developed from Edna’s interest and research into the floating theatres of the day and the story spans a period of 47 years. It begins aboard the show boat Cotton Blossom as it arrives at the river dock in Natchez, Mississippi and deals with romance, tragedy and how lives are affected over the years by personal issues and attitudes of the day. With all the wonderful songs you will recognize and enjoy, it is not a light comedy.

Edna Ferber, being Jewish and a woman author, dealt with discrimination herself and brings us face to face with racial prejudice issues in the plot.

Gaylord, a riverboat gambler & Magnolia, a starry eyed 18 year old and daughter of Capn Andy

Gaylord, a riverboat gambler & Magnolia, a starry-eyed 18 year old and daughter of Cap'n Andy. Do you think there is going to be trouble?

Joe, a worker on the boat, who Magnolia seeks advice from, sings Ol Man River as it appears Magnolia wont listen.

Joe, a worker on the boat, who Magnolia seeks advice from, sings Ol' Man River as it appears Magnolia won't listen to his counsel.

Magnolia tells Julie that shes in love!

Magnolia tells Julie that she's in love with Gaylord!

So how does Julie, a white woman konw how to sing Cant Help Lovin Dat Man? If you dont know, come and find out.

So how does Julie, a white woman know how to sing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"? If you don't know, come and find out. Even if you do, come to Show Boat, you won't be disapointed.

I have always been amazed at the Village Theatre productions. I can’t wait to see how they deal with a 6,000 pound riverboat.

See Village Theatre Blog  AND New young professional group  CURTAIN CALL

Production Photo from Show Boat Dress Rehearsal, Sunday Night

Production Photo from Show Boat at Village Theatre in Issaquah

 Photos by Jay Koh

--> May
01

Walking Through ArtWalk

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

The warmest, sunniest, nicest Friday evening we have had this year brought out people in droves for the first ArtWalk of the season. We were late and where’s the parking!

ArtWalk in Issaquah first friday each month

ArtWalk in Issaquah first friday each month.

Artist Miska usually found at UpFront Gallery

Artist Miska usually found at UpFront Gallery

You cant walk into Show Boat yet but, very soon!

You can't walk into Show Boat yet, but very soon!

University House is now in ArtWalk - Park here and Ride the shuttle

University House is now in ArtWalk - Park here and Ride the shuttle to Front Street or Gilman.

Bird Bath # 4 Gretchen Siegrist shown at University House

Bird Bath # 4 by Gretchen Siegrist shown at University House

For some dinner comes before art.

For some dinner comes before art.

Music of all kind is in many places at ArtWalk

Music of all kind is in many places at ArtWalk

--> Mar
20

NEW AT THE ZOO! Bird Shows Start Again! Sat 1:30PM

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

March 21, This Saturday, the wonderful, gorgeous BIRDS at the Cougar Mountain Zoo will again educate and delight us in their own entertaining style. The show is at the Wildlife Theater and starts at 1:30 sharp!

Step right up, folks. The show is about to begin!

Step right up, folks. The show is about to begin!

--> Mar
12

Weekend Flights in Issaquah Highlands!?

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

Is it a bird, is it a plane????????????????????????

NO, IT’S SUPER ‘COPTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SUPER COPTER IN IH

SUPER 'COPTER IN IH

You might not be able to get a flight out of town, but it is fun to watch or even more fun to fly your own at an empty field in Issaquah Highlands. This might be one of the few benefits of delays in construction projects here. There were quite a few pilots and spectators last weekend taking advantage of space and some sunshine to fly their remote control planes in a field not far from the new Proliance sports building.

They might be out again this weekend!

--> Nov
30

Santa, Rudolph, Donner, Blitzen Are Here!

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

Where? Where? The Reindeer Festival, of course. Where is that? The Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah. Round up the kids, sit on Santa’s lap, give him a list. Get up close and personal with a reindeer.

Want to rent a reindeer? YOU CAN DO THAT! www.cougarmountainzoo.org Wouldn’t that be a hit at your party!

Santa is at the Zoo during the Reindeer Festival from 10:am to 4:30 pm Daily (only during the festival)……Pssssssssssssssssssssst! Santa takes a nap between 1:00pm and 1:30pm. That’s why his chair is empty here. I missed him last year because of this, so I have a really long list of things to ask for this year.

Up close and personal with Blitzen? Or is it Donner?

Up close and personal with Blitzen? Or is it Donner?

This is a little too up close and personal for me!

The Reindeer Festival has been an annual event since 1989. It is unique to Issaquah. Quite different from visiting the zoo in the summer. Elfs are on there best behavior and are quick to point out which reindeer is which. I don’t know how they can tell, but they can. Find out more from their website www.cougarmountainzoo.org.  I wonder what Taj and Almos think about all this reindeer stuff?

--> Oct
27

Want a Green Halloween? - See Issaquah Highlands Undressed Blog

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

Click to see fun already done in Issaquah Highlands: http://ihighlands.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2008/10/27/a-green-halloween-in-ih/

--> Oct
02

Whirl Around Salmon Days - Oct 4 & 5, 10am-6pm

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

It’s time again! Salmon Days is here this weekend. Parking will be easier because we now have 2 Park & Rides where you can catch a shuttle, Issaquah Highlands Park and Ride and the just finished Issaquah Park and Ride. This is the 39th year the Chamber of Commerce has been bringing us Salmon Days. A kids Festival Spectacle by Jeroen Mourik is back, at 2pm. For more Salmon Days Information http://salmondays.org/

I’ll be there with my camera.

--> Jul
27

Movin’ and a Groovin’ at Concerts on the Green

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

Tuesday night was the first Concert on the Green for this season, at the Issaquah Community Center lawn. Thing were really cookin’, people of all sizes and shape and ages were having a great time. The New Blues Brothers were first on the agenda.

Schedule for Tuesday Concerts 7:00 - 8:30pm

July 1 The New Blues Brothers

July 8 Beyond the Fringe

July 15 Brickhouse Show Band

July 22 Cherry Cherry

July 29 The New Brittns

Aug 5 Northwest Rock Legends II

Aug 12 Chuckanut Drive

Aug 19 Andy O

Aug 26 Freddy Pink

Issaquah Highlands has a Concert on the Green in Central Park on Aug 2 Saturday 6:00pm, at Central Park

--> Jul
04

Issaquah - July 4th 2008

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

The parade is over and this crowd is headed to Fun Field. Pony rides, face painting and all that other stuff that kids love to do.

Hope you had a Happy 4th.

--> May
30

What a Difference a Day Makes At The Zoo, Oops A Year

Posted by Kathleen Cragun 2 Comments »

Cougar Mountain Zoo Update:

About a year ago, ‘Almos next to Kathleen’s knee…..

He is now more than 250 pounds. WOW! Happy Birthday ‘Almos.

You can tell by his paw, he still has a long way to grow. Have you ever seen such a regal creature?

Taj has grown too, but he is now smaller than ‘Almos. This is last Spring.

Taj as he is NOW! Happy Birthday, Taj!

If you haven’t been to the Cougar Mountain Zoo for a while, it’s time to go back.

Taj and ‘Almos have a new habitat underway but still need more funding.

Lemurs and Tigers and Emus…..Oh My!

www.cougarmountainzoo.org for more info.

--> Apr
28

In Honor Of Taj and Almos’

Posted by Larry Cragun No Comments »

Taj and Almos’ are the awesome young Tigers at the Issaquah Cougar Mountain Zoo. If you haven’t seen them,it’s a must.

--> Mar
24

For a Report on Issaquah Highlands Easter Egg Hunt - GO to:

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

If you want to see our picture parade of Issaquah Highlands Easter Egg Hunt go to Issaquah Highlands Undressed

--> Mar
21

NEW at the ZOO!

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

BIRD SHOW - only on Saturdays and Sundays at the Wildlife Theater ( There are new benches for a close up look) at 1:30 pm. This Saturday is the first show. Take in a easter egg hunt for the kids and then to the Bird Show at the zoo. The birds at Cougar Mountain Zoo are extraordinary. Some talk, ALL have unique personalities. You can tell they all think they are pretty, pretty birds and they are right. Find out more about the birds at the zoo.

 

THAT WAS THEN, GO LOOK AT THEM NOW!   TIGERS X TWO = 400  + POUNDS!  You will be amazed at how these guys have grown. Both Taj and Almos now weigh over 200 pounds, but Almos is now bigger than Taj. I went to visit them but it was raining and they weren’t about to get off their comfy protected perch and come closer. They will be having a 1st birthday celebration soon. Funds are still needed for completion of their World Class Tiger Habitat………………MAYBE YOU CAN HELP?

  Take a LOOK at Almos now…………Robyn can’t do this anymore! www.cougarmountainzoo.org

--> Mar
16

It’s Not Easy Being Green, Even If You’re Irish!

Posted by Kathleen Cragun 2 Comments »

According to the 1980 Census, how many Americans claimed Irish ancestry?

(a) 2 Million

(b) 5 Million

(c) 43 Million

(d) 12 Million

The answer to this might explain why St. Patrick’s Day is so popular. In Seattle, people come out in droves and pack shoulder to shoulder into every restaurant, bar and event even remotely Irish. My great grandfather, a Sweeney he was, emigrated to America from Ireland. I think that makes me Irish. In grade school I thought that because I was Irish I didn’t need to be wearin’ o’  the green to be safe from painful pinching. Wrong! After that I made sure I put on the green.

My husband, Larry thinks he is Irish too, just because an ancestor of his called Patrick Cragun participated in the Boston Tea Party. He claims to be more Irish than me! Larry once traveled through England, Ireland and Scotland. Partly because of trying to figure out his heritage he became intriqued with the Cragun Coat of Arms. He sent for one from Ireland, one from England and one from Scotland. They were all exactly the same, except one had dogs, one had geese and one had pheasants! See below.

If you answered (c) 43 million people, you were correct and you never have to be amazed by how many people are out celebrating on St. Paddy’s Day! Or Night!

St.Patrick’s Day - The Irish Festival at Seattle Center has music, workshops, films, art and more Sat. Sun & Monday. For more info www.irishclub.org or www.seattlecenter.com

--> Mar
15

PARENT - Job Description - Read Before Applying

Posted by Kathleen Cragun 3 Comments »

 

This was sent to me by email. I do not know who the author is, but it is soooo true

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:
None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

** AND A FOOTNOTE ‘THERE IS NO RETIREMENT — EVER!!!

Tags: ,

--> Mar
10

Iron Chef - Nope! Iron Rod Chef Competition

Posted by Kathleen Cragun 3 Comments »

It was The Lunch Bunch vs The Spice Girls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers vs The Dairy Queens, The Hamburger Helpers vs The Frito Banditos. Six teams with three on each team went head to head with their chef hat’s on. Just like the Iron Chef they had no idea what they were cooking until they unveiled their table and listened for the word to GO! The secret ingredient was given and the race was on. This was Pantry Cooking at its best (or was it at its worst)? Only the judges could tell! The judges were able to keep their calm without a single shiver about what they would have to TASTE! It was truly an act of bravery.

Judges for the Iron Rod Chef Contest.

AND WINNERS ARE: THE LUNCH BUNCH!

This wasn’t just about who could come up with the most appetizing dish but they also had to do it quickly, as you can see from the blurs in the pictures. The crazy outfits required didn’t make things easier either. Look at the shoes in the slide show. But when all was said and done it was a HOOT! Pantry Cooking is about cooking from common staple ingredients that are easy to always have on hand. The Relief Society, a women’s service organization of LDS (Mormon) Women Issaquah 5th Ward, has found a way to make Emergency Preparedness fun.

To view more photos click on this slide show.