 July 19, 2023
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For the past 30-plus years, Robin Gregoris kept the Renton River Days parade humming like a finely tuned timepiece. Her calm demeanor and sense of humor allowed her to manage floats, dance troops, marching bands, fire trucks, police vehicles, grand marshals, elected officials, and the odd group of SeaFair clowns. Over the years, her work grew more significant as the parade grew in popularity. Her last year as parade coordinator was in 2022.
This year Robin has the honor of being Grand Marshal of the 2023 Renton River Days parade.
“I was shocked when they asked me,” she said. “I think it shows how the city values the many River Days volunteers who work to make the event successful. I think I represent those volunteers.”
"Robin exemplifies the profound River Days spirit,” said Kelly Beymer, the city's Parks and Recreation Administrator. “Her willingness to roll up her sleeves and get involved has been an inspiration. She’s very deserving of this honor.”
Robin, born in Renton, became the parade coordinator because her employer, First Financial Northwest Bank, encouraged employees to give back to the community.
“Our president at the time, Mr. Harry Blencoe, wanted all of us, from upper management on down, to give back to the community if able,” she explained.
“Each year there was something different,” she says of her experience as parade coordinator. She smiles, “Like the ‘street sweeper incident in 2019.’”
Each year volunteers chalk staging areas on Third Street along the curb early Saturday morning. Each area has a number that corresponds to a parade participant. Amid the morning’s calm, the street sweeper decided to make one last pass to clean the street and, in the process, obliterated the chalk markings. Robin’s response? She sprinted blocks to stop the street sweeper from preventing more damage.
We celebrate that level of dedication to the River Days festival this weekend.
“Where Community Grows” is this year’s parade theme. It starts at 10 a.m. this Saturday and follows South Third Street from Shattuck Ave S to Liberty Park. Brotherton Cadillac and Brotherton GMC sponsor the parade.
Congratulations, Robin. Enjoy your ride at the front of the parade on Saturday. You’ve earned it.
Renton River Days: The ultimate guide to the best summer festival
The wait is almost over! Our highly anticipated community festival, Renton River Days, kicks off this Friday through Sunday. Get ready for three days filled with excitement, entertainment, and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Friday schedule of events:
 Street closures:
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Houser Way N. and Bronson Way Bridge will be closed starting Thursday, July 20 at 5 a.m. and reopen Monday, July 24 afternoon.
- S. 3rd St. from Rainier Ave S to Mill Ave S will be closed Saturday, July 22, at 7 a.m. to prepare for the parade. Roads will reopen by 1 p.m. after the parade.
 Free festival shuttle:
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The shuttle will run continuously from Friday-Saturday, July 21-22 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sunday, July 23 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Pick-up and drop-off at the following locations:
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Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center (211 Burnett Ave N).
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Liberty Park (1101 Bronson Way N).
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Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy).
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City Center Garage, 655 S 2nd Street. 10 hours of free parking per day.
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Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave N.
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Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy.
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Several public parking lots are also available throughout downtown.
Renton’s population increases
Renton has a rich history as a coal mining and industrial center, and those pillars continue to shape our city's identity. However, as the region changes, so does Renton—evolving into a dynamic community with a thriving small business scene, modern infrastructure, and new housing developments that make it an attractive place to call home.
In the population numbers just released by Washington’s Office of Financial Management, Renton's population has grown to 107,900, remaining the eighth largest city in Washington, and fourth-largest city in the Seattle area. We welcome all new residents to the city as they join the energetic Renton community. Together, we will grow and succeed in making Renton a great place to live, work, and play.
Shape the future: Resident views matter in creating a resilient, livable, and accessible Renton
Contribute to Renton and the region's emergency preparedness and transportation solutions by voicing thoughts and opinions through several engagement opportunities.
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: City of Renton Emergency Management Division requests feedback on the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). The plan includes transportation, communication, logistics, hazardous materials, mass care, law enforcement, and fire management.
Renton Connector: The Renton Connector project will connect North and South Burnett Linear Parks with a new urban trail for walking and biking. Take the Renton Connector survey by July 24 to provide feedback as staff begins the early design phase.
Sound Transit 2024 Service Plan: Sound Transit invites the public to review the 2024 Service Plan. The plan responds to ongoing operational constraints, including challenges in recruiting transit operators and maintenance staff.
 Mayor Armondo Pavone presents the proclamation designating July as Disability Pride Month to Kristina Brown, Director of Communications & Public Affairs at Kindering.
Recognizing Disability Pride Month and Renton School District National PTA Reflections Art Program winners
It was a packed room during Monday night’s council meeting as various recognitions were acknowledged. The first is a proclamation designating July as Disability Pride Month in Renton.
Director of Communications & Public Affairs at Kindering, Kristina Brown, accepted the Disability Pride Month proclamation. Kindering is the largest not-for-profit neurodevelopment center in Washington with campuses in Bellevue, Bothell, Redmond, and Renton. They provide over 20 services, including early special education, individualized pediatric therapies, parent/caregiver support, and inclusive preschool for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other needs.
Disability Pride Month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation signed on July 26, 1990, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.
Another way the city provides recreational opportunities and adaptive programs for people with disabilities is through our Parks and Recreation Department’s Adaptive Recreation Program. The program has been providing youth and adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in recreational activities and develop skills, self-confidence, and a sense of community since the 1980s.
 Mayor Armondo Pavone and Renton City Council honor Summer Cameron and Elleanna Smith for receiving the Award of Merit in Film Production and the Award of Excellence in Dance Choreography from the 2023 National Parent Teacher Association Reflections Art Program.
The second recognition honored two Renton School District students, Summer Cameron and Elleanna Smith, who were among 200 national finalists for the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Reflections Art Program.
Diane Cooper, Co-President of Nelson Middle School PTA, told the audience that every year the PTA holds the Reflections Art Contest, where 300,000 students nationally participate by submitting original works of art from literature, music, choreography, photography, & film following a unique theme.
This year’s theme was “Show Your Voice.” Summer won the Award of Merit for her film “In My Own Way,” a story about living with cerebral palsy. Elleanna received the Award of Excellence for her dance, “Stand Up for the Weak.”
Text-to-911 now available in Washington State
As of June 2023, all counties and Public Safety Answering Points in Washington can now accept Text-to-911. All 911 centers in Washington have made the necessary changes to their call-handling equipment to receive and respond to requests for assistance via text messages.
This service expands opportunities for those who may not be able to place a call. The 911 rule of thumb is to call when possible to provide the most information to dispatch; however, text service enhances the ability to reach emergency services when voice calling is not available.
This service works as if texting a friend or family member. Open a text messaging program and enter 911 in the "To" field. Include the exact location of the emergency (including city) and the type of emergency help needed (police, fire, or medical). Then push "Send." Please do not include emojis, pictures, videos, or symbols in the message.
Tee up for a great cause: Join the Ed McCaffery & Gordy Neilson Memorial Golf Tournament
Get ready to swing into action at the annual fundraiser golf tournament in memory of Ed McCaffery and Gordy Neilson, held at Maplewood Golf Course on Saturday, August 5. The day begins with a Shotgun start at 8 a.m., followed by lunch, live and silent auctions, and a raffle in the banquet room.
The goal is to exceed the impressive $25,000 that was donated last year. All proceeds support local golf teams, great charities like Clubs for Kids, and The Renton Chapter of Special Olympics.
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