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 "For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.
-- Jack Norworth --
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We held two town halls this week at City Hall Council Chambers and the Auburn Community and Event Center, and we've got one more scheduled next week on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at West Auburn High School from 6-8:30 p.m.
 That makes three total so far, and at each town hall we've had healthy conversations around anything and everything in Auburn, from homelessness response to our new downtown theater project. Thank you to everyone who has attended the town halls this season and I look forward to keeping the conversation going this upcoming week and beyond.
I encourage anyone with questions or concerns about events in Auburn to please attend. This is an excellent opportunity to speak face-to-face with city leadership in your neighborhood or community!
Let's keep the conversation going!
- October 8 • 6-8:30 PM West Auburn High
- October 22 • 6-8:30 PM Green River College
- October 29 • 6-8:30 PM Auburn Riverside High School
 UGH - traffic!!! I wanted to provide you with a quick update on the significant traffic challenges we are experiencing in Auburn due to multiple WSDOT projects and emergency closures on SR 167, SR 410, and SR 18.
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SR 167: Following damage to a bridge girder last week, WSDOT has confirmed the repair will take months, not weeks. Only one northbound lane remains open, and heavy delays are expected for the foreseeable future. They are working on a plan and updated ETA, including reviewing if there is any way they can open one additional lane.
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SR 410: The White River Bridge remains fully closed after sustaining major damage. WSDOT originally anticipated reopening one lane with alternating traffic by late September, but decided to proceed with repairs that will extend into mid-November or beyond. A lengthy detour remains in place in the meantime. Part of that detour route was SR167, making those lane closures particularly unfortunate. They communicated on Sunday that they are about a third of the way done with repairs.
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SR 18: Crews will continue weekend-long closures to replace expansion joints on the C Street SW bridge. Westbound closures happened last weekend (Sept. 26–29), which led to significant backup in several locations including on Lea Hill. WSDOT is planning eastbound closures of all lanes this weekend, Oct. 3 - 6, from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, including C Street SW on- and off-ramps. A full closure of westbound SR 18 at Auburn way from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct.6 is also scheduled. WSDOT will use the Auburn Way off- and on-ramp to detour around the closures, as they did last weekend. Signed detours will be provided, but we expect heavy traffic from this as well.
- Further complicating matters is planned overnight closures of the Stewart Road bridge in Sumner next week, Oct. 9 and 10, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., which will impact morning traffic Friday, Oct. 10.
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SR410 bridge
Combined, these closures are creating heavy congestion across Auburn, particularly along our north-south corridors and near Auburn Way South, Mill Pond, Lea Hill, and Lakeland Hills. Our Police, Public Works, and Emergency Management teams are working closely with WSDOT and regional partners to help manage the impacts, but traffic volumes are exceeding system capacity.
We will keep you updated as more details become available from WSDOT. Our Public Works, Emergency Management, Police and Communications teams are meeting weekly to share resources and solutions. Our Communications team will continue to share messages and resources with the public to help them plan ahead. In the meantime, please expect heavier-than-usual traffic throughout the city. If you are not already following us on social media now is a good time to start!
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work through these challenges together.
Keep our website bookmarked for updates on the traffic situation as more information becomes available -- while it's not our projects that are causing the mess, we do want to be as helpful as possible so you can make informed decisions doing your commute!
 I told you last week we'd be holding another Mariners rally at City Hall and I'm happy to report -- we did just that!
 Your Seattle Mariners take on the Detroit Tigers Saturday and Sunday at T-Mobile Park and we'll be cheering every inning right here in Auburn!
Thank you to all of the wonderful City of Auburn staff who came out in support!
LET'S GO MARINERS!!!
 We added new artificial turf to all four Bocce Courts for year-round enjoyment. The project was completed by Coast2Coast Turf and paid for by Park Impact Fees and King County Park Levy funds.
 We have three complimentary Bocce Ball sets that can be 'borrowed' during business hours, with a valid driver's license. Come try it out!
 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Auburn, a month to stand with survivors, support families and commit to domestic safety. Domestic violence affects people of all ages and backgrounds and can present in many shapes and sizes. When even one person in our community is unsafe, all of us are impacted. Awareness isn't about headlines, it's about saving lives.
 In Auburn, we believe safety and dignity start with connection. Our Police Department, Human Services team, schools, health providers, faith communities, and local nonprofits work together every day to help survivors find shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and a path forward. If you’re worried about a friend, trust your instincts. A simple “I’m here for you” can open a door to help. And if you need help yourself, you are not alone. Reaching out is an act of courage -- and there are trained advocates ready to listen and support you.
If you need help or want to talk to someone confidentially:
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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788 — 24/7, confidential.
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In an emergency: Call 911.
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Local connections: Auburn Human Services can help connect you to services. Visit our website for more information.
Thank you for joining me in shining a light this October -- and every month -- on safety, respect, and hope.
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Make and Mingle @ Postmark
Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+.
📅 Wednesdays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Community Conversations with Mayor Nancy Backus
It’s time for another round of Community Conversations – and this time, we’re going big with a town hall series hosted by Mayor Nancy Backus!
We’ve listened to your ideas and concerns, and now we’re ready to talk, share solutions, and work together for Auburn’s future. Join us at one of several sessions across the city this fall – from schools to City Hall – to connect, ask questions, and make your voice heard. Light refreshments will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
Let's keep the conversation going!
- September 23 • 6-8:30 PM Evergreen Heights Elementary
- September 30 • 6-8:30 PM City Hall, Council Chambers
- October 1 • 6-8:30 PM Community & Event Center
- October 8 • 6-8:30 PM West Auburn High
- October 22 • 6-8:30 PM Green River College
- October 29 • 6-8:30 PM Auburn Riverside High School
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 8
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Community and Event Center | 910 Ninth St. SE
💲 Free
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Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark
Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 15+
Registration: $0
Instructor: Postmark Staff
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ Postmark
Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 18+
Fee: $0
Instructor: Amy Sie
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Unprecedented: The Inaugural Postmark Biennial | Closing Reception
Come join us for the closing reception of a unique show, hosted at two venues on October 9th!
5 - 6PM: Postmark (20 Auburn Ave)– Artist Talks at 5:15
6 - 7PM: Museum (918 H St SE) – Artist Talks at 6:15
Join us for a two-part closing reception, first held at Postmark Center for the Arts, then at White River Valley Museum! Artist talks will also take place, giving the artists featured in this exhibition an opportunity to speak about and discuss their work with guests! Light refreshments will be provided.
How is art informed by the exceptional moment in which we are living? Curated by two esteemed jurors, Ellen Ito and Jabari Owens-Bailey, this exhibition includes eighteen artists living and working in Washington state. Unprecedented is interested in highlighting creative explorations in all media created from 2020 to the present.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 9
⏰ 5 - 6 p.m. @ Postmark | 6 - 7 p.m. @ Museum
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Free
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Auburn Community Players: The Wizard Of Oz
Join the Auburn Community Players as they follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide.
📅 Friday, Oct. 10
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($35 regular, $22 student/senior, $30 & 27 at the door)
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Auburn Symphony Orchestra Presents: This Beautiful Earth
A vibrant celebration of music and nature! Experience the evocative melodies of Gabriela Lena Frank’s Elegía Andina, the passionate beauty of Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez performed by the mesmerizing Jiji, and the sun-drenched brilliance of Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony.
📅 Sunday, Oct. 12
⏰ 2:30 - 4:10 p.m.
📍 Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th Street NE
💲Tickets
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Bloodworks Northwest Blood Drive @ City Hall
Donate blood this September or October and enter into a chance to win a FREE trip to Tokyo for you and a friend! That includes flight and hotel, and a concert of your choice -- Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, or Blackpink.
Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience.
Same-day appointments available at most locations. Photo ID required.
For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites.
Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
Donate ➡️ bloodworksnw.org/giveblood
📅 Oct. 14
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
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Auburn Community Players: The Wizard Of Oz
Join the Auburn Community Players as they follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide.
📅 Friday, Oct. 17
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($35 regular, $22 student/senior, $30 & 27 at the door)
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Harvest Bazaar
Discover the essence of autumn at our annual Harvest Bazaar! Indulge in homemade artisan food items, handcrafted woodwork, jewelry, candles, bags, and more. Find treasures for everyone! This event is free and does not require any registration.
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For more information on the event, please call the Auburn Senior Activity Center at 253-931-3016
Now accepting vendors!
📅 Friday, Oct. 17 & Saturday, Oct. 18
⏰ Noon - 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday
📍 Auburn Senior Activity Center| 808 9th Street SE
💲 Free
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Community Conversations with Mayor Nancy Backus
It’s time for another round of Community Conversations – and this time, we’re going big with a town hall series hosted by Mayor Nancy Backus!
We’ve listened to your ideas and concerns, and now we’re ready to talk, share solutions, and work together for Auburn’s future. Join us at one of several sessions across the city this fall – from schools to City Hall – to connect, ask questions, and make your voice heard. Light refreshments will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
Let's keep the conversation going!
- September 23 • 6-8:30 PM Evergreen Heights Elementary
- September 30 • 6-8:30 PM City Hall, Council Chambers
- October 1 • 6-8:30 PM Community & Event Center
- October 8 • 6-8:30 PM West Auburn High
- October 22 • 6-8:30 PM Green River College
- October 29 • 6-8:30 PM Auburn Riverside High School
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 22
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲 Free
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Larry Murante Duo
Join us for an evening featuring singer-songwriter Larry Murante and violinist Natasha (Nati) Popova. Individually, these two have performed all over the US and the world. Each of them is an award-winning musician. Larry’s music is reminiscent of Jackson Brown, Lyle Lovett, and Marc Cohn. His extensive repertoire of originals and classic covers can be tailored to audiences of all kinds. Natasha studied classical violin at Gnesin’s Music academy in Moscow Russia and organ at Hochshule Luzern in Switzerland and knows the violin like no other. You are in for a treat when these two get together!
📅 Friday, Oct. 24
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student/senior)
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Halloween Harvest Festival & Trunk-or-Treat
Join us at our Halloween Harvest Festival and Trunk-or-Treat for kids ages 2-10 and their families.
This fun-filled fall afternoon will include games, crafts, BOO-seum, food vendors, and a fun Trunk-or-Treat experience around Les Gove Park. Your little goblin will not want to miss this event!
Donations accepted inside the Community & Event Center:
- Support the Auburn Food Bank and bring a non-perishable food item
- Donate your old costumes to the City of Auburn Solid Waste & Recycling. Costumes will be given away at the 2026 FREE Costume Swap.
Learn more.
📅 Saturday, Oct. 25
⏰ 1 - 5 p.m.
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 Ninth Street SE
💲 Free
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80's Ladies & Arena Halloween Dance Party
In honor of the Halloween season come dressed in you’re your best 80’s outfit or Arena Rocker getup and get ready for a night of Bold Beats and New Wave with 80’s Ladies! Prepare to be transported to the heyday of big hair, leg warmers and neon colors!! And if that wasn’t enough, Arena will expertly capture the essence of legendary bands such as Journey, Aerosmith, KISS, AC/DC, Whitesnake, and Bon Jovi to name a few! Get ready for this high energy and charismatic performance. Prizes will be awarded for the best and most creative outfits/getups!
📅 Saturday, Oct. 25
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)
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Community Conversations with Mayor Nancy Backus
It’s time for another round of Community Conversations – and this time, we’re going big with a town hall series hosted by Mayor Nancy Backus!
We’ve listened to your ideas and concerns, and now we’re ready to talk, share solutions, and work together for Auburn’s future. Join us at one of several sessions across the city this fall – from schools to City Hall – to connect, ask questions, and make your voice heard. Light refreshments will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
Let's keep the conversation going!
- September 23 • 6-8:30 PM Evergreen Heights Elementary
- September 30 • 6-8:30 PM City Hall, Council Chambers
- October 1 • 6-8:30 PM Community & Event Center
- October 8 • 6-8:30 PM West Auburn High
- October 22 • 6-8:30 PM Green River College
- October 29 • 6-8:30 PM Auburn Riverside High School
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 29
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn Riverside High School | 501 Oravetz Rd. SE
💲 Free
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Brian James Was Here
Born and raised on a farm in the small logging community of Montesano, WA, Brian is at home on the stage where his larger than life personality comes out with witty commentary and raw energy. From a young age Brian knew that he wanted to pursue music, and in 2005 he moved to Nashville Tennessee where he wrote songs for the Surefire Music Company. In 2013 Brian formed the TSDC Music Group a publishing company where his songs were featured in car commercials for Cadillac and Dodge as well various tv and film placements. Today Brian lives in the Pacific Northwest where he performs regularly both covers and originals, solo as well as with his band. His showmanship and modern sound has drawn a diverse audience of all ages with tastes in music from multiple genres and era’s.
📅 Saturday, Nov. 1
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)
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Seattle International Comedy Competition
The Seattle International Comedy Competition is an annual event that welcomes comedians from around the world to the Pacific Northwest for an entire month of extraordinary comedy shows...and a winner is crowned at the end of it all. 2025 is the 45th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition. The City of Auburn will host preliminary rounds, with 1 show from each preliminary week as a horde of comedians compete to become Seattle’s newest champion!
📅 Friday, Nov. 7
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)
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Auburn's 60th Annual Veterans Parade & Observance
The 60th annual Veterans Parade will be held in Auburn on Saturday, November 8, 2025 starting at 11:00 AM. The parade typically boasts over 150 units and nearly 4,000 parade participants, including more than 10 marching bands, numerous military vehicles, veterans' units, honor guards and more.
The parade route travels along Main Street from E Street to A Street NW/SW. The day-long activities run from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Other related activities include:
Saturday, November 8
Community Breakfast
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE
The breakfast is co-sponsored by the American Legion Auburn Post #78 and the City of Auburn. Join us for the annual Veteran's Parade Community Breakfast, held on Saturday, November 8, from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM at the Auburn Senior Activity Center. The breakfast is $12/person and includes pancakes, eggs, ham, juice or coffee.
American Legion Breakfast Flyer(PDF)
Saturday, November 8
Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street NE
The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this ceremony held prior to the parade.
Saturday, November 8
Auburn VFW Post 1741 Open House
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Auburn VFW, 130 W Main Street
This VFW Open House is exclusively for Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel. Come mix, meet and mingle with fellow Veterans! Food and refreshments will be served.
Saturday, November 8
Auburn Veterans Day Marching Band Competition
1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth Street NE
One of the most prestigious band competitions in the State! Watch the 20-25+ bands in the parade, then look on as they compete in the Field Competition later in the afternoon at Auburn Memorial Stadium. Admission charged for Field Competition.
Saturday, November 8
Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Luncheon
1:30 PM (doors open at 1:00 PM)
Merrill Gardens of Auburn, 18 First Street SE
The lunch program honors our Veterans, with special recognition given to our Dignitaries in attendance. The Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee's Outstanding Service to Veterans Award Recipients will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions and the City of Auburn. This event has limited seating; we suggest making reservations early.
Luncheon Reservation Form (PDF)
"Our Heroes | Our Parade" Banner Tribute Program
This program was created to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women in Auburn who are serving, have served, or have given their life to our country in the United States Armed Forces. It also provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses and Veteran Service Organizations to support those who served by sponsoring a banner in downtown Auburn. Banner Tribute Program Application Forms will be available in until August 22, 2025.
More information on auburnwa.gov.
📅 Saturday, Nov. 8
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Main Street, Downtown Auburn
💲 Free
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Why's there a tree restoration company at the Community and Event Center? Keep your eyes peeled on our social media feeds for that answer!
 Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week.
(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)
White River YMBA baseball team, 1940. The White River “Busseis” were members of a youth baseball team sponsored by the Young Men’s Buddhist Association and the White River Buddhist Temple. Sports in Auburn outside of public schools were often racially segregated prior to the 1960s, both for children and adults. The White River Buddhist Temple sponsored and supported many Nikkei sports teams in Auburn, including basketball, judo, baseball, and sumo teams.
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