It's beginning to look a lot like Waterland - only with a spanking new facelift!

The spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Over Des Moines set the stage for a full month of community celebrations.

This annual July festival continues Saturday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the Classic Boat and Car Show in the north parking lot at Des Moines Marina.

Admission is a $2 donation with net proceeds going to the non-profit Des Moines Legacy Foundation, a local charity that provides support to children and senior programs among other community causes. The money stays here!

It's fitting that the South Sound's magnificent sparkling waters and the snowcapped Olympic Mountains beyond will showcase classy cars and wooden boats of elegance and good taste.

There is nothing second-cabin about the natural waterfront beauty and ambiance of this "Waterland" city.

"See one boat show, you've seen them all," skeptics might say. Not so.

Nowhere else can you catch an outdoor show this Sunday featuring "The Illusion of Elvis" starring Danny Vernon, who is recognized as one of the greatest Elvis tribute artists in the country.

Or be entertained Saturday by "At the Hop," a 50s musical currently performing at the Auburn Avenue Theater. Or stir your memory later Saturday with tunes we love to remember by the lively oldies band "Hiwatt."

The Wooden Boat Show is sponsored by Powell Homes, with Todd Powell in charge. The lead Classic Cars supporter is Bill Beasley.

If all this on-land celebration leaves you longing for a ride on the high seas, sponsor Lake Union Sea Ray has 12 boats standing by for a free boat ride on beautiful Puget Sound.

Hungry? Need a diamond ring? Shuttle busses will leave every 15 minutes to local restaurants and businesses downtown for your dining and shopping pleasures.

"Welcome packets" of discount coupons, restaurant menus and maps of the city are available at classic car and boat owner locations.

One food vendor will be located in the marina event area. Or take a short walk to Milluzzo's fine Italian restaurant in the middle of the marina or Anthony's at the south end.

Get to know local businesses and come again.

The beauty of a polished wooden boat sporting graceful lines and a baritone hum of the engine is unique.

We stop in our tracks to admire eye-catching classic cars, the kind built solid to last for years when an owner could lift the hood and do his own service and engine repair.

Computers replaced people-power. Kinda takes the fun and excuse away for hiding in the garage for quiet times and creative mechanics.

Joe Jewell of the marina staff, who helped put this Classic Car and Wooden Boat Show together, said, "This event is all about community, providing a fun time that gives back to the community."

Sponsors include: Kimberley Simmons, Kimberley's Exquisite Jewelry; Powell Homes and Des Moines Red Robin Restaurant. Burien Chevrolet and Burien Toyota are major sponsors of this two-day event.

Volunteer coordinator is local resident Pat Nardo.

And what better way to end the day than throwing the ball that dunks a car salesman in the dunk tank to benefit charity?

In a good-natured spoof of those unforgettable stressful times most folks experience at least once in a lifetime of buying cars, a brave-hearted car salesperson will take the dunk-tank challenge to raise money for the Des Moines Food Bank.

Other special attractions include Meet Jerry Ruth, the "King of Drag Racing," at a rare public appearance Saturday, the original Miss Burien hydroplane, and the boat and car show awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday.

So Waterland is gone along with the carnival, yet rises again with a new face of quality events -- some created by local members of the Mayor's Leadership Team.

Other upcoming July events:

July 15 -- annual "Corky Crush."

July 16 - 3-on-3 Basketball.

July 21-22 -- Wenatchee Youth Circus.

July 22 -- 5K Run and Walk.

July 30 -- Auto & Cycle Show at the Des Moines Field House.

Take time to enjoy your community with neighbors and friends. It's "almost" Waterland again - with a facelift!