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 "Talent may get you on the field, but it's effort and attitude that will keep you there."
-- Ken Griffey Jr. --
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Game Farm Park
It's officially fall in Auburn (and the Pacific Northwest), which means shorter days, colder mornings, sweltering afternoons, and of course, the beautiful colors and crunching leaves!
There are so many bucolic places to explore throughout Auburn, from City parks to picturesque hikes, all featuring that cozy shock of red and orange against consistent evergreens.
Roegner Park
I hope you can take a moment this weekend or next (maybe bring an umbrella!) for a fall stroll! If you haven't yet, I recommend the winding path around Game Farm Park that crosses the new bridge to Game Farm Wilderness Park. Consider bringing your dogs -- they will thank you!
 The last two days have certainly been frustrating! If you're a lifelong Mariners fan, you've come to expect this level of disappoint and pain, but this year things have felt different, and I still believe these Seattle Mariners can turn this around.
The last two games have felt like they haven't shown up, and I'm hoping today is the wake up call they need. They'll have to finish the series regardless in Toronto, so let's get a win and then WIN this entire series in Canada!
Go Mariners!!
 The SR 410 White River Bridge linking Enumclaw and Buckley officially opened at about 10:30 a.m. Friday, well ahead of schedule!
Thank you everyone for your patience while the Washington State Department of Transportation provided these necessary emergency repairs.
The following is a press release from the office of Gov. Bob Ferguson sent Thursday.
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Governor Bob Ferguson joined community leaders, elected officials and WSDOT leadership today to announce that the State Route 410 White River Bridge connecting Enumclaw and Buckley will reopen ahead of schedule.
Based on an inspection Wednesday night, the anticipated opening date of the bridge is Friday, Oct. 17 between 5 p.m. and midnight. WSDOT will announce when the bridge has opened.
The bridge, a vital link between the two communities on SR410 east of Tacoma, has been closed since it was severely damaged after being struck by an over-height truck on Aug. 18. The original estimate was for the bridge to open between Oct. 31 and Nov. 14. Now, the bridge is expected to open weeks ahead of schedule.
“We made a commitment to reopen this bridge as quickly as possible,” Governor Ferguson said. “Thanks to the hard work of our crews, engineers and contractors seven days a week we’re opening weeks ahead of schedule. People just want government to work. Together we can move fast and solve big problems.”
“From day one, our commitment was clear: do the work right and restore this link as quickly and safely as possible,” said Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “We appreciate the community’s resilience and partnership as we worked seven days a week to reopen the bridge.”
“The city of Enumclaw is very appreciative of Governor Ferguson, State Legislators in District 5, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and all of King County Council, WA DOT Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith and her team members and especially the workers who completed this repair work safely and ahead of schedule,” Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro said. “Our community can now return to normal activities that include life, work and the economics of our city. The reopening of the bridge so early will provide everyone with this opportunity.”
“On behalf of the City of Buckley, as well as our struggling small businesses, we would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to the Governor’s Office, the Washington State Department of Transportation, Atkinson Construction, and their subcontractors for a job extremely well done,” Buckley Mayor Beau Burkett said. “The recent emergency repair was handled with exceptional efficiency and timeliness. Your coordinated efforts under challenging circumstances are commendable, and your dedication to restoring service swiftly has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your professionalism and commitment to serving the public need!”
“Governor Ferguson’s lightning quick response was remarkable — I’ve rarely seen government move this fast and decisively, and it came at the right moment,” said King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who represents District 9, which includes Enumclaw. “The White River Bridge is a vital artery for our community, connecting families, small businesses, schools, and first responders, with nearly 22,000 trips every day.”
The strike by the over-height truck caused significant structural damage to the bridge.
Due to the closure, Governor Ferguson declared an emergency in King and Pierce counties, which allows the state to seek federal funds to reimburse the cost of the repairs.
It also allowed the state to enter into an emergency contract with Guy F. Atkinson Construction to make the repairs. At the direction of Governor Ferguson, the contract required Atkinson to work seven days a week until the bridge reopened.
The bridge carries an average of 22,099 vehicles per day. Its closure caused significant adverse impacts on community members and businesses in King and Pierce counties, as well as local tribal businesses, due to reduced traffic.
The detour around the bridge was lengthy, adding more than an hour at times to travel.
The additional closure of the nearby SR 169 Green River Bridge between Enumclaw and Black Diamond further impacted local traffic. That bridge was closed in September after an inspection found worn girders supporting the bridge. Contractor crews working under an emergency contract fabricated and attached new steel to repair the girders and reopened that bridge on Oct. 13.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans available for area businesses
Last month, the U.S. Small Business Administration granted Governor Bob Ferguson’s formal request for a declaration to allow businesses impacted by the closure of the White River Bridge to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans through the agency. Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or EIDLs, provide necessary capital to help small businesses and nonprofits impacted by a disaster survive until normal operations can resume. The declaration covers local and tribal businesses and nonprofits in King and Pierce counties, as well as impacted businesses in Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Snohomish, Thurston and Yakima counties.
Businesses can apply for the low-interest loans online using the MySBA Loan Portal. For further information, impacted businesses can contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955.
 You've probably noticed, but after overnight work last weekend, WSDOT opened up an additional lane of northbound SR 167 at Pacific/Algona! That makes TWO LANES.
This is a temporary configuration until they can make repairs on the bridge.
Commercial vehicles and transit must use the right lane in this area.
Thank you all for your patience while WSDOT makes these important emergency repairs. I know the traffic situation in Auburn has been a mess, but we're doing everything we can to alleviate traffic wherever possible.
Keep our auburnwa.gov/bridges website bookmarked as we'll have updated information as it becomes available!
WSDOT now also has a project page dedicated to the SR 167 repairs.
 Our Community Conversations Town Halls return this week at Green River College! Please stop by anytime between 6-8:30 p.m. to hear updates directly from myself and City of Auburn staff!
If you have any questions, we're happy to answer them! Can't make Wednesday's meeting? We have a final town hall next Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Auburn Riverside High School.
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 22
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College | 12401 SE 320th St.
💲 Free
Heads up to our neighbors and businesses near the former GSA facility along C St. SW and near 15 St. SW. The company tasked with building a new distribution center will on Monday, Oct. 20, begin what's called "Deep Dynamic Compaction" and will continue through January 2026. The dynamic compaction process involves repeatedly dropping a heavy weight to generate impact energy for ground densification.
During dynamic compaction, you may notice a series of deep, percussive thuds and brief, low-frequency vibrations as the weight impacts the ground. These vibrations can feel like a short, gentle shake -- similar to a heavy truck passing -- occasionally causing light rattling of windows, dishes, or picture frames. The contractor does not anticipate any damage to nearby structures or utilities.
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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!
- 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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Unfinished Business | Opening Reception
UNFINISHED BUSINESS presents a unique challenge to members of Parallax Arts Collective, CLUSTER, and allied individuals: to engage creatively with the incomplete. Every artist has unfinished works in their studio or a collection of raw materials—pieces whose potential remains unrealized. This project invites members to freely give unfinished art or materials to fellow artists, who in turn will respond by creating new artwork inspired by what they receive.
Participation in UNFINISHED BUSINESS requires a spirit of openness and collaboration. Artists must be willing to both give and accept materials freely, without reservation or expectation regarding their use. The emphasis is on trust, transformation, and the generative potential of creative exchange.
CLUSTER (Creatives Laughing Uniting Sharing Talking Empowering Repeatedly) is a group of women artists who meet monthly for project driven and career promoting support.
Parallax Arts Collective is an inclusive organization of AANHPI (Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Island) artists and allies, representing diverse genders and artistic mediums.
Its mission is to amplify the visibility of AANHPI artists and to advance their presence and impact within the broader arts landscape.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 23
⏰ 5 - 7 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 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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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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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!
- 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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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. 14
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)
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Taylor Hardin Blues Band
The Taylor Hardin Blues Band delivers a powerful blend of gritty blues, driving rock, and soulful grooves, bringing fresh energy to classic tunes and unexpected twists to modern hits. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Taylor John Hardin, the band is known for its dynamic performances, tight musicianship, and a signature style that "bluesifies" everything from funk to grunge. With searing solos, and a rhythm section that keeps the crowd moving, the Taylor Hardin Blues Band transforms every show into a high-voltage, feel-it-in-your-bones experience.
📅 Saturday, Nov. 15
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)
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Jeffrey Scott @ Postmark
Jeffery Scott is a high-energy country music artist with an infusion of pop and rock, combining classic country hits with heartfelt original songs. Known for his electrifying live performances, he keeps audiences of all ages on their feet from start to finish. With experience performing at casinos, festivals, and wineries, Jeffery delivers an unforgettable show every time.
📅 Friday, Nov. 21
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student/senior)
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Gingerbread Contest
FREE - This fun event celebrates the holidays and brings the community together to see what Auburn can build! Gingerbread structures will be on display at the Auburn Community & Events Center.
Gingerbread Contest Application
Gingerbread Contest Rules (PDF)
Please note, this event is free and materials for displays are NOT provided.
VOTING
- Voting will be open December 3 - 17, 2025
- Vote during Auburn Community & Events Center's normal business hours,
- Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Fridays, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- There are two categories to vote in, youth and adult.
Based on votes from the public, a winner will be announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Questions? Contact Amanda Valdez or call 253-931-3043.
📅 Dec. 3 - 17
⏰ Normal business hours
📍 Auburn Community & Events Center | 910 Ninth St.
💲 Free
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Rain aside, now is the perfect time to experience Auburn's changing colors!
 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)
Payne & Carnine Blacksmith shop, c. 1900. The Payne & Carnine shop once stood on the corner of modern-day East Main Street and Auburn Way. Horse-powered transportation was still king in Auburn in 1900, and blacksmiths were vital workers who not only created horseshoes, but also repaired wagons, farm equipment, and other farm tools. On the right side of this image, you can see the old boardwalk-style wooden sidewalks that were once found throughout downtown Auburn.
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