King County is the largest county in the state of Washington. In fact, the county is nearly twice the size of Rhode Island. It is also home to the Evergreen State's largest city, Seattle. From islands and highlands to rivers and lakes, King County boasts a range of terrain and has become one of the premier destinations in the Northwest. The county is home to numerous festivals celebrating not only the area's heritage and geography, but its varied culture as well.
Salmon Days celebrates the return of salmon to the area, namely upstream of Issaquah Creek. Events featured at the festival include a parade, traditional Northwest and ethnic cuisine, live entertainment, handcrafted art and jewelry for sale, and, of course, salmon served up in a variety of mouth-watering ways. The festival is held in October and presented by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.
Issaquah Salmon Days
155 NW Gilman Blvd.
Issaquah, WA 98027-2408
425-392-0661
salmondays.org
The Bellevue Festival of the Arts is a juried arts and crafts fair. This outdoor event is held right across from Seattle, which is separated from Bellevue by Lake Washington. Held the last weekend in July, the festival has drawn people to downtown Bellevue since 1984. Selected arts and crafts featured at the fair include ceramics, photography, sculpture, glass, three-dimensional mixed media and wood handicrafts.
Craft Cooperative of the Northwest
1916 Pike Place, Suite 146
Seattle, WA 98101-1013
206-363-2048
bellevuefest.org
The Auburn Good Ol' Days festival celebrates the history and culture of the West and Northwest. It features events such as a car show, 5K run, floral display, poetry reading and a working exhibition of model boats. Activities for youth include a coloring contest, art show and essay contest. A pork or beef barbecue dinner is also held. Be sure to catch the Grand Parade, which offers a glimpse of transportation past, such as carriages and vintage automobiles.
Auburn Good Ol' Days
P.O. Box 2311
Auburn, WA 98071-2311
253-939-3389
auburngoodoldays.com
Held to honor and remember the area's agricultural heritage, the King County Fair is billed as the "oldest county fair west of the Mississippi." Housed at the Enumclaw Exposition Center in the town of Enumclaw, the festival features livestock exhibitions, displays of local arts and crafts, carnival rides and numerous vendors. A detailed history exhibit of the fair is also featured.
King County Fair
45224 284th Ave SE
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360-615-5674
enumclawskingcountyfair.com
The port city of Seattle has long honored its distinct maritime heritage. Experience this subculture by attending the Seattle Maritime Festival. A good portion of the festival is concentrated on the waterfront at the city's Bell Street Pier. Events include a parade, tugboat tours and races, a remote-controlled model boat exhibition and an outdoor barbecue with a variety of foods and flavors. The festival is sponsored by the Propeller Club, Port of Seattle Chapter.
Seattle Propeller Club
100 W. Harrison, Suite S560
Seattle, WA 98119
206-448-7660
seattlepropellerclub.org
