Beyond the Game: Seattle happenings for 12s this weekend

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 07: Paul Richardson
SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 07: Paul Richardson /
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A couple days ago I returned from my second overnight backpacking trip of the season. My girlfriend and I (the 12s we are) are avid backpackers, but getting out twice this early in the season is, for us, unprecedented. We marked our calendar for backpacking back in early spring so we could ensure there were no scheduling conflicts. We are so lucky to be living here in this state where we basically have the Swedish Alps right in our back yards.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness

In light of this, my first recommendation is to check out the Alpine Lakes Wilderness region between Snoqualmie Pass and Steven’s Pass. There are over 700 beautiful and unique alpines lakes to visit. It just takes a little work to get there. Blanka Lake is naturally a light, milky, opaque blue, much like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland (though not quite so warm). Ilswoot Lake is the color of bright turquoise you would expect to see only in the Caribbean. Nearly every lake I’ve seen at dusk has hungry, jumping trout, all too eager to bite at a crafty lure. Get out and see this! It’s right in your back yard!

The Fair!

This weekend is the King County Fair out in Enumclaw. This fair would be worth it just for the drive, but there will be plenty to see and do (and eat). Tickets are only $10 with discounts for seniors and military. Dust off those cowboy boots you have laying around and getchoself out to the fair!

Celebrate the French!

As a person with a French-sounding last name, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bastille Day. If there’s a place near you that starts with “Le”, chances are there’s a Bastille Day observance happening there on Friday. Seriously though, there’re plenty of places around the city to get your Bastille Day celebrations on; just log into the internet for more information.

Art

I’ll be at Flying Apron in Fremont Friday from 6-8 hosting an opening for my art show there. Is it a conflict of interest to feature my event in my What’s Happening column? It might be in bad taste, but probably not a conflict of interest. And I don’t mind a little bad taste, it keeps me edgy.

Film

This Friday marks the kick-off for “Movies in the Park” at Westlake Park. It’s free, and you can bring the kids! If you haven’t been to an outdoor movie experience like this, I certainly recommend it. I once saw Footloose as an outdoor movie and it ended with a completely impromptu dance party through the closing credits. This Friday they’ll show Dirty Dancing, 7/21 Ghostbusters (2016), 8/4 Moana, 8/11 La La Land, 8/18 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, 8/25 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Shows start at dusk!

Music

West Seattle Summer Festival is happening all weekend out at the West Seattle Junction. Live music featuring Thunderpussy, SassyBlack, Wiscon, Porter Ray, CHARMS, Lisa Prank and more. It is free and it is live! What could be better? Maybe a market where you can shop the goods of local artisans? I bet there’ll be one there.

Related Story: Michael Bennett has some stuff going on too!

Finally, and of course, the steel cage show

I don’t know how you can possibly miss the Backyard Bunkhouse BBQ Brawl and Rock n’ Wrestling Rager at Sisters and Brothers down in Georgetown. They’ll have a steel cage show (whatever that is, I probably want to see it), Chango Bronson is going to face off against Romantic Romeo Ramirez. Stallion will face off against Pink Parts. There will be a Double Bull Rope Match (what?!?). This event sounds like it’s going to get rowdy! This Saturday, 3-9:30 pm, 21+, tickets start at $20. But you can get a complete VIP experience for only $60. Get your fingers greasy on the BBQ ribs, then yell your voice out!