I gladly took my “patience pill” on Wednesday when the crowds – and they were big – started rolling in for Kids’ Day, at Liberty Park, right next door to our office.

What a sight, those kids and their parents or grandparents enjoying what truly was a festive day at the 23rd annual IKEA Renton River Days.

Those kids certainly didn’t need a “happy pill” to enjoy a place full of activities.

The crowds brought some crowded streets and tight parking. That’s OK. It’s best to expect that those streets near Liberty Park and elsewhere downtown will remain crowded with cars through Sunday. And Houser Way is closed off so that those enjoying the epicenter of River Days – Liberty Park – can easily move to the Renton Community Center for such delights as the Nibble of Renton.

This morning, of course, is the River Days Parade. What a show and what a chance to check out some of the many businesses downtown.

Anyway, River Days is one of the highlights of the summer. It’s a time to slow down and enjoy some of the best Renton has to offer.

Dean A. Radford can be reached at 425-255-3484, Ext. 5050, or at dean.radford@renton reporter.com.