This is the weekend to put the “lake” back in Lake Stevens.
The theme for this year’s Aquafest, Lake Stevens’ annual outdoor summer festival, is “Got Lake?”
And you’ll be feeling that theme all weekend when Aquafest takes over Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Lake Stevens.
This year, the festival’s 52nd, lake-themed activities include a boat parade, introductory rowing sessions and the annual personal watercraft and wakeboard competitions.
The big fireworks show takes place Saturday night over the lake.
There’s lots happening off the water as well, such as carnival rides, a diaper and duck dash, basketball competitions, disc golf and tennis.
Vendors and artisan booths pack this festival, offering a range of arts and crafts, from tie-dye to jewelry, American Indian art to Tibetan handicrafts.
Live entertainment is on tap at North Cove Park.
It’s a family affair at Family Fun Fest starting at 11 a.m. Sunday with family events throughout the day including a pizza-eating contest at 3:30 p.m.
For a complete schedule of events, go to www.aquafest.org.
Here are some Aquafest highlights:
Try rowing: It’s free to join the Lake Stevens Rowing Club, whose members will introduce novices to the sport during a lesson that includes on-the-water instruction on a racing shell; sessions are 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Lake Stevens Rowing Club near the Lake Stevens Family Center in the 1800 block of 123rd Drive NE. Sign up in advance at www.lakestevensrowing.com. Walk-ins are welcome.
Proud Pet Show: Contestants are children under age 16 who enter with their favorite pet to compete in one of nine categories to win a prize; the show starts at 7 p.m. Friday immediately following Aquafest’s Children’s Parade at the gazebo near the City of Lake Stevens Permit Center, 1820 Main St.
Grand Parade: The 2012 Aquafest “Got Lake?” Grand Parade starts at 1 p.m. Saturday down Main Street.
Boat Parade: The boat parade starts at 7 p.m. Saturday off the Wyatt Park/Davies Beach Public Dock. Parade floats will be decorated using the “Got Lake?” theme.
Ambush makeovers: A new event this year is being offered by Elle Marie Hair Studio. Stop by their booth and sign up to be considered for an Ambush Makeover. The booth, on Main Street near City Hall, will highlight one makeover recipient each hour between noon and 3 p.m. Sunday. The salon is also offering product sample giveaways and free consultations.
Chalk it up: Compete for prizes in this art contest where contestants are given chalk, a 6-by-6-foot sidewalk square and two hours to create a masterpiece. Drawings will be judged at 3 p.m.; register at the city’s booth after 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The contest takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. at North Cove Park, 18th Street NE and Main Street. The entrance fee is $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under.
Classic car show: More than 100 vintage vehicles are expected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on the grass at the North Lake Middle School track field, 2202 123rd Ave. NE.
Taking the shuttle to Aquafest is recommended. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes; park at Lake Stevens High School, 2908 113th Ave. NE.
There are also free horse-drawn wagon rides available along the scenic route of North Lakeshore Drive starting at the City Hall parking lot. You can bring a carrot for the horses but otherwise rides are free. Times are noon to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 3 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information call Sandy Thomas, Gala Carriage Co., at 425-923-5652 or 425-334 9277 or email her at sandy@galacarriage.com.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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