By Lynn Porter
If you find yourself mingling with people in costumes of Elizabethan England next Saturday at Mercerdale Park, you’re in one of the right spots for Summer Celebration 2005.
The celebration runs Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10, at the park and other venues on Mercer Island.
New to the festival this year is the Elizabethan Period Playground by AKT Interactive History Co. It features actors in period garb who lecture about that time in history. Folks also can wander through a maze there.
The 15th annual celebration will showcase new artists and crafts people, too, said Nancy Woo, special events coordinator for the city.
“We have a lady that makes these beautiful handcrafted teapots,” said Woo, who added that there will be more artists this year who work in glass, plenty of handmade purses “and we even have a fellow that crafts vintage garage doors.”
To entertain youngsters, Three Girls With Sole will help children hand paint designs on apparel using natural materials, and Melinda Wallis will demonstrate the art of paper curling. Kids also can take a turn on giant inflatable rides with nautical, NASCAR and train themes, enjoy “silly” music and see a comedy magic show by Steve the Pretty Good.
The Teen Battle of the Bands will take to Mercerdale Stage in Luther Burbank Park on Saturday to determine which group is tops, said Woo.
Also, boat rides around the Island offer a chance to see — at least from the outside — houses of the well-heeled. Boarding is at the Luther Burbank Park dock July 9.
“This is an opportunity for people to view the splendid homes on the Island,” said Woo.
On land, music from rhythm and blues to smooth jazz, funk and rock ‘n’ roll will get things jumping, and a classic car show on Sunday offers a chance to view antique, classic and customized cars from years past.
At about 10:15 p.m. July 8, fireworks are scheduled to light up the sky, and on July 9 the Wooden O Theatre actors will take to Mercerdale Stage with a performance of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”