The Rainier Valley was a busy place Friday as workers and volunteers spruced up streets from Rainier Beach to Mt. Baker and beyond in preparation for today’s light rail opening.
Columbia City recently hung big banners around its new station (above) reminding riders that all the fun, including the farmers market, restaurant row and more sits nearly a 1/2-mile east in the neighborhood’s bustling business district.
Meanwhile, workers were putting the finishing touches on landscaping between the Mt. Baker station and the Beacon Hill tunnel.
In addition, several south-end neighborhoods have fun events planned along the line today:
Othello Station
- Othello on the Move: Celebration at the Station (Sat., 10am-5pm/MLK & Othello) The street festival at Othello Station will include food, live music, dancing, murals by local artists and a variety of activities. Festival-goers will be able to register to vote, learn more about local neighborhood associations, get advice from public transportation and transportation alternative trip planners, get an “Undriver’s License” and enjoy local entertainment from the Lion dance corps, Big World Breaks, Massive Monkees, Ruby Shuz, Spinergy, The Bad Things and Red Heart Alarm. More.
Columbia City Station
- Columbia City’s Light Rail Sale (Sat., Historic Columbia City) More than 30 businesses and restaurants will participate with specially priced menu items and other promotions. Will also include live musical performances, $1 pedi-cab rides to and from the LINK light rail station, a historical walking tour of the Columbia City neighborhood, etc. More.
- Dine on the Line Pancake Breakfast (Sat.,9:30am-12:30pm/4655 S. Holly St.) Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast with all the trimmings on Opening Day of the new light rail. SESSC is only ¾ mile from the Othello Station. After you eat breakfast, walk to the station for a free ride on the new train. Just $6! More.
- Opening Day of the Cheap Chickadee Thrift Shop (10am-3:30pm/4645 S. Holly St.) with music from the Larry Jones Trio at 2pm. Bargains galore!
- Community Spirit Summer Picnic (Sat., 11am-4pm/4600 38th Ave. S.) at Rainier Community Center, where guests will enjoy free food, music and entertainment. Just three blocks from the Columbia City Station! Contact Randy Wiger for more info.
Beacon Hill Station
- El Centro de la Raza street fair (10 am-4pm/2524 16th Ave. S.) entertainment, resource tables & food for sale to support child & youth programs and community services.
Photos/do communications, inc.
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