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Aug. 16, 2024

"The arts are an even better barometer of what is happening in our world than the stock market or the debates in congress."

– Hendrick Willem Van Loon – 

Demolition begins soon on Auburn Ave. Theater!

Businesses downtown will soon receive this flyer, which is also posted on our website. During the demolition, the sidewalk and onstreet parking along north side of E Main St, the sidewalk along the east side of Auburn Ave, and the alleyway north of the theater will all be closed (pink area). Pedestrian detours will be in place and parking closure notices will be provided at least 72 hours in advance.

Thank you for your patience while we coordinate this complicated work! After demolition comes the fun part -- a brand new theater in the heart of downtown Auburn.

What a beautiful first India Day Celebration at Bellevue City Hall!

I was amazed at the sights and sounds and colors of the greater Seattle area's first-ever India Day Celebration at Bellevue City Hall! The event marked the 78^th India Independence Day, and featured a flag hoisting ceremony, floats, and cultural performances from various regions of India. The colors of India’s flag have different meanings: Saffron the top band of the flag is deep saffron which represents strength and courage. The white band represents peace and truth, and the bottom band is green and represents fertility, growth, and auspiciousness. There is a navy-blue wheel in the center of the white band called the chakra. It represents the “wheel of law and the blue color is the boundless sky, fathomless sea, and inner energy.

We also got to hear from esteemed speakers such as Prakash Gupta, the Consul General of India, Seattle. And as you can see below, Bill Gates!

Prakash Gupta is a career diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service, who has served in various capacities across the world. He (alongside his team) was pivotal in planning Thursday's exceptional event. It was amazing!

Prakash Gupta, the Consul General of India in Seattle

I want to thank the Consulate General's office for the warm invitation! I hope to be at the SECOND-ever India Day Celebration for our region next year!

Wouldn't it be good to be in your Auburn shoes?

(Click the photo to view the video)

Before our wonderful #NextStepAuburn interns leave us for the summer, we decided to borrow their talents one last time!

In the video below, I get a taste for what it's like to intern for the City of Auburn. And likewise, they get to be mayor for a day! I think we all have a new appreciation for each other’s jobs! We're sure going to miss seeing their faces around the City and the energy they bring. I'm looking forward to their final presentations about what they’ve accomplished during their time with us!

Almost 5k Poker Fun Run was more than almost amazing!

The Almost 5k Poker Fun Run is always (never almost) a perfect send off for the summer events, marking the close of another great season. While we still have Hops and Crops to round out September, the Poker Run marks the official winding down of summer (NOOOO!!) And what a summer it was!

The Poker Fun Run was well attended, the band Prom Date Mix Tape (they really might be the best cover band in the PNW) was incredible, and the Wizard of Oz on the big screen did not disappoint! If you couldn't attend, we've got a video recap up for you to enjoy, or you can view our photo library below.

Auburn Farmers Market Head on down to the Auburn Farmers Market! Over 50 farm, food, and craft vendors plus a live reptile presentation and 100 free kid kits at the info booth. Avaialble while supplies last.  The Market serves as a vibrant gathering place where visitors can learn about healthy food choices, and overall health and well-being. View more information on the Auburn Farmers Market webpage. Entertainment Schedule:  12 - 1 p.m., Reptile Isle live reptiles at the Market! ### Sundays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Les Gove Park, 1140 Auburn Way South

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

Gallery Talk: What is Obon? Every year Buddhist communities in Japan and America come together in a summer festival called Obon.  For full details, please visit: www.wrvmuseum.org. ### Wednesday, Aug. 21 2 - 3 p.m. White River Valley Museum, 918 H Street SE Free

Dancing with Our Ancestors @ White River Valley Museum Dance, food, taiko drums, and remembering those who have passed makes Bon Odori a beloved celebration in Japan and across the U.S. Learn more about the traditions of Bon Odori right here in Auburn at our newest exhibit.  Created in partnerships with the White River Buddhist Temple and made possible by the City of Auburn and 4Culture. ### Wednesdays - Sundays Noon to 4 p.m. White River Valley Museum, 918 H Street SE Free

Downtown Auburn Cooperative Historic Walk Downtown Meet the Downtown Auburn Cooperative team in front of City Hall at 8 a.m. on Friday mornings. Stroll with us on the streets downtown for a casual walk while we talk about about history of our downtown. Everyone has memories of downtown and if you don't because you are new to town, you will hear about a lot of interesting stuff. It is casual walk so bring your pets, kids, grandparents and anyone you would like too. Every Friday from May 3 to August 30, 2024. Visit www.downtownauburncooperative.org for more info. ### Fridays 8 a.m. Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main Street

Drop -In Painting With Amie 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. - 12 p.m. Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave.

Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival $25 Online through September 12. $35 at the gate. General Admission includes a 5oz. taster glass and 6 taster tickets. $10 designated driver tickets (no tastes) will be available for purchase at the event. Bands: Wild Powwers, Hard Maybe, and Day Soul Exquisite Breweries: Republic of Cider, Georgetown Brewing, Logan Brewing Company, Acorn Brewing, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Rail Hop’n Brewing Co., Valhalla Mead Food Trucks: Thai-U-Up, Stacks Burgers, Pizza Maniac, and 314 Pie Seattle New this year: Axe throwing with Sea Axe! Hops & Crops is a rain or shine, 21 and up only event. Dogs of all ages are welcome (leashed please)! Camp chairs and blankets are encouraged, outside food is discouraged. Outside alcohol, drugs, and firearms are prohibited ### Saturday, Sept. 14 Noon to 6 p.m. Mary Olson Farm, 28728 Green River Road, Kent Buy Tickets

Our comms team captured the red sun Friday, Aug. 9, just as she was beginning to set.

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. 

We have century-old councilmember to thank for Auburn's street names

Photo courtesy of White River Valley Museum

Prior to 1921, Auburn’s streets had very different names. The letter-and-number grid system we have today was introduced by Auburn Councilmember Dr. Frank Merritt as the only “sensible option” for a growing city. Prior to Merritt’s system, downtown streets were named after trees, family names, industries, geographic features, and even other states. The most confusing name changes were Main Street, which had previously been called First Street, and Auburn Ave, which had previously been called Main Street.