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 July 17
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For the past 37 years, Patrick Zellner has worked for the city as part of the Public Works Department, ensuring Renton residents' roads are safe, maintained, and pothole-free. Patrick retired from the city at the end of 2023, and the city is extremely excited to welcome him back with the honor of being the grand marshal of the 2024 Renton River Days parade.
"To be selected and honored by this, being the Grand Marshal of the parade, it kind of chokes me up a little bit. When I was asked to do this, I thought to myself, this should be a celebrity or police chief or fire marshal," Zellner said.
Patrick started working for City of Renton in the 1980’s and spent his entire career working as part of the Street Maintenance Division. Patrick also served in the U.S. Air Force for four and a half years. He prides himself on the team the city has built to keep streets clear of snow, debris, and potholes, but residents also may have witnessed Patrick as a cowboy during the city’s Truck-or-Treat event or reading books to Renton’s youth at the Renton Library.
"What do I love about Renton River Days? I think more than anything is bringing the community together,” said Zellner. “More than anything, the events that we put on are not only for our community, but they're also to kind of showcase our employees."
The parade starts at 10 a.m., on Saturday, July 27, along South Third Street in downtown Renton. Thank you to Brotherton Cadillac for sponsoring the parade. After the parade, head over to the Renton River Days Campus located at Cedar River Park, Liberty Park, and Renton Community Center, where the main festival activities will take place.
Congratulations, Patrick. Enjoy your ride at the front of the parade on Saturday. You've earned it.
Renton River Days Senior Day Picnic kick-starts the festival at Renton Community Center
Join a Renton River Days tradition that will formally kick off the festival, the Senior Day Picnic. This year, the event is returning to its original location at the Renton Community Center. This highly anticipated summer event is on Thursday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This gathering for individuals 50+ and their families promises a delightful experience filled with hamburgers, BBQ sides, ice cream, and an opportunity to dance to classic era tunes and contemporary top 40 hits performed by the energetic 11-member StageOne—Seattle Solid Gold band.
Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind celebration! Remember to register in advance, as spots are limited. The cost is only $5 per person. Register online using the code #18916.
The wait is over: Renton River Days schedule now available
Want to know what to expect during the 2024 Renton River Days festival? Check out the complete schedule and map for this year's festival. Whether it is the Friday night drone show at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, free Wenatchee Youth Circus or ActivityZone, or over 20 food trucks ranging in cuisine, there is something for everyone.
Outside of the drone show, parade, and events at Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, the main activities will be held at the Renton River Days Campus, located at Cedar River Park, Liberty Park, and Renton Community Center. Each location is brimming with entertainment opportunities and can be easily accessed via Houser Way, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare that unites these locations for endless festival fun!
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Friday, July 26 from 5 a.m. until noon on Monday, July 29, Houser Way from Mill Avenue South to Bronson Way North will be closed for the festival.
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Saturday, July 27 from 5 a.m. until noon, South Third Street with all side streets from Rainier to Houser Way will be closed for the parade.
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City Center Garage, 655 S. 2nd Street. 10 hours of free parking per day.
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Several public parking lots are also available throughout downtown.
Unveiling of a new public art piece with nostalgic inspiration on Williams Avenue South
Last week, a special public art project was installed on Williams Avenue South. This unique project, coordinated by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, incorporates a restored 1960s streetlight generously donated by the Cugini Family and transformed into a mesmerizing piece of functional art through the expert craftsmanship of Western Neon Seattle. The addition of color-changing LEDs rejuvenates this classic piece, infusing it with a modern touch while preserving its timeless allure.
Save the date! A dedication for this newly installed public art display will be held on Thursday, August 1, at 11 a.m. on Williams Avenue South (corner of South Third and Williams). For more information contact Jessie Kotarski.
The City of Renton has been enhancing the streets and sidewalks of downtown blocks since 2017 as part of the Downtown Streetscapes Projects. These public rights-of-way improvements, collectively called "streetscapes," enhance the appearance and safety of sidewalk and street areas and create a more vibrant pedestrian experience.
Over the past several years, several street intersection projects have incorporated streetscape upgrades at Second, Third, Houser and Main, and Wells and Williams. The latest and last streetscapes project plan was on the 200 block of Williams Avenue South (between Second and Third), following the successful completion of similar enhancements on Wells Avenue in 2021. Construction started on Williams in October 2023 and has reached physical completion as of July 17.
Visit Williams Avenue South at the corner of Williams and South Third Street to behold this captivating fusion of history and modernity. We invite you to capture this moment with your camera and share your photos with us!
Great at 108! Renton's continued growth and evolution in 2024
Renton boasts a vibrant history as a hub for coal mining and industry, shaping the city's unique identity. As the landscape of our region evolves, so does Renton, transforming into a dynamic community characterized by a flourishing small business sector and new residential developments that enhance its appeal as a desirable place to work, live, and play.
The recently released population figures from Washington's Office of Financial Management reveal that Renton's population has surged to 108,800 in 2024, solidifying its position as the eighth-largest city in Washington alongside Spokane Valley and the fourth largest within the Seattle area.
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Around Renton
Renton Farmers Market runs every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m., June 4 through September 24, Downtown at Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave. S.
Renton History Museum has implemented summer hours. From June 11 through August 31, the museum will be open Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer Meals Program is from June 24 through August 16. Hosted by Renton School District. Free for ages 1 to 18. Full schedule online.
July 26 – Renton River Days: Drone Show & Musical Performance, 7:30 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Free.
July 27 – Renton River Days: Parade, live music, Renton Foodie Fest, ActivityZone, and more! 7:30 a.m.- 8 p.m. Renton River Days Campus (Cedar River Park, Liberty Park, and Renton Community Center).
July 28 – Renton River Days: Summer Bazaar, Community Vendor Booths, Rubber Ducky Derby, and more! 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Renton River Days Campus (Cedar River Park, Liberty Park, and Renton Community Center).
August 1– Summer Concert Series: Dakota Poorman, 7 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Free.
In other news
A recap of the news posted on the city’s social media accounts. Find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
(classes, activities, leagues, and events for May through August)
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