Times/News

Most everywhere I go the question is, "Are we having Waterland?"

The answer is yes, we are - and no, we're not.

It's entirely too silent in this city. Folks should be buzzing around rounding up entries for the Grand Parade, dusting off the food vendor tents, building a beer and wine garden, and talking up the long running 45-year festival.

Instead, there is an amazing consensus of confusion hovering over this traditional Waterland month of July.

Okay - lock the doors. Nobody leaves until we get a straight answer.

Where's Waterland? What happened to the festival? Where'd it go?

The "Yes" factor is Waterland 2005 will be staged at different places all over the city of Des Moines throughout the month of July.

The "No" element is Waterland will not be located at the Des Moines Marina for five consecutive days of crowds and carnival. And there will be no parade.

Waterland-2005 is not be neatly squeezed together in one place. There is no consistent gathering place. In fact, without a summer schedule from the Parks and Recreation Department or a visit to the city's web page at www.desmoines wa.gov, finding events you wish to attend could be problematic.

I'm all for moving on and making things better, yet why does the feeling of having lost a good friend linger? Maybe because we could count on one place the last week of July each year as a coming-together place at Waterland.

Not now. No matter folks hadn't seen each other since last year.

When Waterland moved to the marina in 1979, this community moved in, too.

Many an imaginative conversation, B&E Meats Tri-Tip sandwich and a cold beer highlighted reunions among friends and neighbors fascinated by the beauty of the Olympic Mountains, whitecap waters of Puget Sound and intense colors of sunsets.

It doesn't take a professional consultant to confirm what local people know; here is the heart of Des Moines, the people, celebrating community in a rare "small-town-atmosphere."

Value? Priceless!

Waterland 2005 is already underway. Kicking the month of events off officially was the terrific Fourth of July "Fireworks Over Des Moines."

Other events already staged have been the 3 on 3 Street-ball Tournament July 10 at the marina, the Business Booster's CorkyCellars comical "Corky's Crush" grape-stomping contest - teamed up this year with Des Moines Creek Restaurant's hilarious "Pie Eating Contest," and the first-ever "The Dog House Hot Dog Eating Contest."

Stop! Don't put this newspaper down yet, thinking the fun is all over. Heck no, look what's yet to come.

July 23-24 Wenatchee Youth Circus, Des Moines Field House, South 220th Street and 10th Avenue South.

July 23-24 3:30 p.m. Hi-Liners present Music Man Jr., Field House.

July 23 9 a.m. Waterland 5K Road Race, start at the marina.

(Des Moines Activity Center senior walkers, 55 and older, issue a challenge to area retirement home residents: "Bring 'em on," they say.)

July 23 1-4 p.m. Meet two-time Olympic Medalist Megan Quann Jendrick and competitive teams of local swimmers. Mt. Rainier Swim Pool.

July 25-30 Missoula Children's Theater Pinocchio. 206-870-6582

July 30 6:30 p.m. "Summer Serenade" at Beach Park. 206-878-1642. Concessions will be available or bring a picnic and a chair or blanket. Park in the south marina lot and take the free shuttle.

July 31 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Business Boosters annual free Auto and Cycle Show at the Field House, which wraps up Waterland 2005.

The Waterland Festival is not lost - it's just being re-born. We, the community, will decide its destiny.

It depends on what Waterland has always owed its life to - willing volunteers, city support and sponsors' donations.

In the meantime, many thanks to the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce for long-time sponsorship, and to faithful volunteers, elected officials and city staff for over 45 years of terrific memories - and this year's Waterland.

For information or to volunteer, call 206-870-6527.