A Preview of A Taste of Edmonds

With last night's fireworks officially kicking off summer in Edmonds, it's time to start thinking about the city's next big party.

One of the largest and most beloved on the summer calendar is A Taste of Edmonds. The annual festival rings in its 29th year with food, music, crafts, and more on Aug. 12 through 14. A Taste of Edmonds will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 12 and 13, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 14.

For planners, here's a bit more of what's in store for the crowds at this year's festival. A Taste of Edmonds, organized by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, takes place at Civic Playfield. Free parking and a free shuttle service will be offered from Edmonds-Woodway High School. The festival will include numerous food stands (last year, 40 vendors sold delectable treats) and a beer and wine garden.

A Taste of Edmonds offers a number of activities for kids, including pony rides, bouncy inflatables, a rock climbing, model hydroplane racing, free craft activities, and plenty of booths with kid-related goods.

Live entertainment will take place throughout the weekend. The 1980s New Jersey band The Smithereens will headline the musical acts, and they will appear on the Main Stage at 6 p.m. on Aug. 12.

As a final note, did you know that A Taste of Edmonds has its own seagull mascot? The bird sported a pirate hat, top hat and turban in past years. This year, the seagull have a "Flock of Seagulls" style hair do. The look was inspired by the real life hair of long time A Taste of Edmonds organizer Craig Cooke.

For more information on A Taste of Edmonds, call the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce at (425) 670-1496 or visit www.atasteofedmonds.org. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atasteofedmonds.