Get Quacking: It’s time for the 30th annual Renton River Days

The big parade starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 25 and travels down South Third Street from Shattuck Avenue to Liberty Park.

By Tracey Compton • July 23, 2015 3:14 pm
Residents watch the annual Duck Drop during the 2014 Renton River Days event.
Residents watch the annual Duck Drop during the 2014 Renton River Days event.

It’s hard to believe that Renton River Days is 30 years old, but this weekend marks that milestone for the city’s annual summertime event.

Renton River Days is July 24 to 26, in Liberty Park, Bronson Way N. and Houser Way N., Renton. The festival runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. The big parade starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 25 and travels down South Third Street from Shattuck Avenue to Liberty Park.

Mayor Denis Law is this year’s parade grand marshal and was chosen because of his “continued advocacy for quality community events in Renton, which bring people together…” said Festival Director Sonja Mejlaender.

This year’s festival features 40 performing groups on two stages in Liberty Park, 11 food vendors at the Nibble of Renton and 72 vendors in the Art Market.

“There are so many favored and coveted traditions as part of Renton’s family festival . . . many of which have stayed with us all 30 years…,” said Mejlaender. “What continues to grow and evolve are the partnerships which make Renton River Days possible – the funding support and in-kind support. It’s impossible to list them all, but River Days would not exist without their support.”

One tradition that’s back again this year is the Wenatchee Youth Circus, which will perform three shows at Cedar River Park ( 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., July 24 and 1:30 p.m., July 25). Tickets are $2 for youth and $3 for adults.

But there are a whole host of free activities for kids in Liberty Park from arts and crafts booths to the petting zoo to KidZone activities.

A new addition to the festival is an “Art Class” booth being hosted and organized by Arts Unlimited. The booth features a variety of artists and the public can sign up to take a class on site at Liberty Park during the festival.

The Deutsch-Marque Show and Shine car show is back for its 35th year anniversary from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 26. The car show features a selection of BMWs, Audis, Porches and Mercedes Benz.

Also new this year will be oversized strolling characters through Liberty Park each day of the festival weekend. Photo opportunities will be available with “Duck Rogers” and “Giant Salmon” throughout the weekend.

For more information about Renton River Days, visit the festival website at rentonriverdays.org.