Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance.
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KIRKLAND, WA -- DennyFest, a celebration of the Finn Hill neighborhood sponsored by the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance (FHNA), returns to the shores of Lake Washington at O.O. Denny Park on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
All area residents and supporters of FHNA are welcome at the annual event. O.O. Denny Park is located at 12032 Holmes Point Drive, about a mile off Juanita Drive. Get onto Holmes Point Drive either at the intersection where Fire Station 25 is located or across from Inglewood QFC.
Live Music
Longtime favorite live band Natch'l Thang, featuring a quartet of guitars, drums and bass violinist Ben Musa, will return, alongside some vibrant new musical entertainment. The Finn Hill Jazz Quartet, with vocalist Kay Bailey and bassist Will Stump, performs for the first time at DennyFest, as well as the funk band Infusionary with bassist Dave Gagnan.
Dog Parade and Contests
Our dogs are barking again this year. It starts with a parade of dogs around the park at 2pm. Then several competitions will be held. Participants are asked to donate $2 for each competition entry. A panel of judges will handle the canine critiques and awards will be given to dogs judged tops in the various categories.
For pre-registration or to ask any question, e-mail Marsha at roma9105@comcast.net
Chili Cookoff and Pie Contest
The popular chili cookoff returns with contestants vying to tantalize the taste buds. Contestants are asked to bring a campstove and several gallons of chili to serve to festival attendees. Awards go to the top three vote-getters. Interested participants can contact Kristin at kmpascal@comcast.net. A pie contest will also be held. Please contact marlienp@comcast.net for more information. Awards will go to the top three vote-getters in both contests.
Trail Tour
Lou Berner will be leading an interpretive forest walk. Lou will describe the area vegetation, wildlife, and history.
Arts and Crafts
There will be an activity area for younger children. Besides arts and craft projects, Francesca Lyman will be drawing her Wild Child Portraits of children--and playful grownups--as their favorite animals from O.O. Denny Park and the Pacific Northwest.
Kirkland Fire Department and Other Participants
Also scheduled is a comprehensive program with the Kirkland Fire Department aimed at public safety awareness. There will also be several local groups and agencies with informational booths.
Volunteers Welcome
You can be a part of DennyFest if you would like to volunteer. Volunteers are needed to help with the Arts and Crafts projects (one hour shifts) and with the Dog Show. Please contact meg@finnhillalliance.org if you would like to help. Tents, tables and chairs are also needed for the day of the event. Please contact meg@finnhillalliance.org if you can loan us any of these items.
FHNA, formerly known as the Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance, is a 15-year-old non-profit organization which brings neighbors in the Finn Hill area of Kirkland together through land conservation and environmental stewardship, as well as programs that support and enhance the Finn Hill neighborhood. For more information about FHNA, visit http://finnhillalliance.org.
