Duckfest Celebrates a Duckade of Feathered Fun!
17 Aug 2016 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: Duckfest, Roslyn, WA
If you’re out at the Brick for Happy Hour this Friday and you hear some nearby quacking, it’s likely you have just waddled into a 10 years running local event called Duckfest. Originally started as a neighborhood BBQ back in the Summer of 2007, Duckfest has evolved into a local tradition that includes royalty, special handshakes, majestic attire, rubber duck races, and good times with friends new and old. To organize the first Duckfest, it was decided a royal court needed to be formed to manage the planning, and thus, the first King and Queen of Duckfest were crowned. The first year was a potluck style party where neighbors came together with food and home brewed beer to spend an evening under the stars chatting and playing guitars around a fire. Over time, new traditions developed, including the rubber duck races that commence in the Brick’s 23 foot long running water spittoon (Friday, August 19th this year). The races usually kick off with a toast given by the reigning King and Queen over a round of Duckfarts. Following the races, the Duckfesters and new found friends parade to other establishments, often with instruments and dressed in grand attire. The Friday festivities are open to anyone who wishes to participate in this Roslyn style fun. Just show up at the Brick and join in with the crowd.  Later in the weekend, a locals only Duckfest event is held to celebrate the company of friends, enjoy live music, and crown the new King and Queen, who will carry the tradition forward into the following year. Duckfest is just another example of how fun it is to live in the unique and wonderfully quacktastic city of Roslyn.
The 2016 Roslyn Doggie Olympics
17 Jul 2016 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: ARRF, Roslyn, Roslyn Doggie Olympics
This weekend, Roslyn is once again going to the dogs! The ARRF Animal Rescue Doggie Olympics will be held Saturday July 23rd at Runje Park. The annual ARRF Doggie Olympics supports a great cause and is fun for the entire family! Bring the kids and bring the dogs for a morning packed full of fun K9 competitions, including:
- Doggie Dash
- Dunking for Dogs
- Peanut Butter Lick
- Musical Hoops
- Most Unusual Trick
- Frisbee Throw
It’s time for Roslyn Art Festival 2016
11 Jul 2016 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: Art, Art Festival, Roslyn
C
ome celebrate the arts during the 2016 Roslyn Art Festival on August 5th and 6th. In addition to the many different types of art on display, you can look forward to a Friday night street dance, a Saturday wine reception, and “try-it” stations that enable anyone to exercise their inner artist.  Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed between 1st and 2nd street starting at 7:30pm Friday night for family friendly street dancing. The wine reception Saturday will take place from 7pm to 9:30pm at Basecamp Books and Bites and include hors d’oeuvres crafted by Rustic Root Catering Company (tickets for the reception can be purchased at roslynartfestival.org). The Roslyn Art Festival aims to promote art and artists and also celebrate the historical qualities of Roslyn, Washington. So come on out to show your support and celebrate the Arts, Roslyn style!
Steaks Await at #9 Miner’s Grill
14 Feb 2016 2 Comments
in Food & Drink Tags: #9 roadhouse Grill, Roslyn, WA
If you’re coming to visit Roslyn, be sure to plan enough time to stop into the new #9 Miner’s Grill for lunch or dinner. Formerly the Cruise-In Diner, this newly revamped establishment brings the feel of a traditional roadhouse, complete with complimentary peanuts and a license to discard your shells on the floor as you please. We stopped in for lunch and had a fantastic cheeseburger with all the fixin’s and a trip through the salad bar. Steak and chicken sandwiches, elk burgers, a fish sandwich, fish and chips, and even a BLT are examples of other items that grace the lunch menu. Of course, the highlight of the dinner menu is the steaks! New York, flank, and flat iron steaks are proudly sourced from Cle Elum’s own Owen’s Meats.  No roadhouse grill would be complete without a selection of cocktails, wines and beers. There are no draught beer options currently, but the beer selection includes a wide range of traditional lagers and a solid assortment of Ales in 22 ounce bottles (including options from local brewers like Icicle, Roslyn, and Iron Horse). So, when you’re heading into town, be sure to bring your appetite because the #9 Miner’s Grill is ready to serve.
Basecamp Books and Bites Opens Its Doors
08 Dec 2015 2 Comments
in Food & Drink, Inside Roslyn Tags: Basecamp, Books, Espresso, Roslyn, WA
Make Roslyn your basecamp to outdoor recreation with Basecamp Books and Bites. As the name implies, Basecamp is a community gathering place, it’s a spot to grab a bite or read a book, and 
it’s a terrific starting point for any Roslyn area outdoor adventure. Located in the center of town (in the building known for the historic miner mural), the comfortable setting allows for indoor and outdoor seating while you enjoy an espresso drink, a snack, or even a light meal. If you’re not sure what the rest of your day has in store, there are plenty of trail guides and hiking books available to help you pull your plans together. And don’t worry, there are lots of snacks and trail mixes available to provide you nourishment when you hit the trails. Basecamp is open seven days a week, so come on out to Roslyn and start an adventure!
Come Celebrate Independence Day!
29 Jun 2015 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: 4th of July, Cle Elum, Pioneer Days, Roslyn
It’s going to be a beautiful weekend in Upper Kittitas County for the 4th of July. Beat the heat by taking a dip in Roslyn’s nearby lakes and rivers, or by doing some hiking in the shade of the Roslyn Urban Forest (trail maps available on the Roslyn Trails Alliance website). While in town, you won’t want to miss the Roslyn Farmer’s Market on Sunday from 10am to 2pm, and Cle Elum will be brimming with activities all weekend long in celebration of Pioneer Days. The downtown Cle Elum activities will include the annual 4th of July parade (10am Saturday), the Cle Elum Idol Competition (immediately following the parade), and a vendor and food court open all day. Unfortunately, due to the hot and dry weather we are experiencing this year, the aerial fireworks display has been cancelled this year in order to ensure a safe holiday is had by all. Nearby Suncadia Resort is also hosting a series of 4th of July Celebration Events, so you’ll have no shortage of options for celebrating the fourth!
A Visit to Roslyn Yard
05 Sep 2014 1 Comment
in Inside Roslyn, Videos Tags: Park, Roslyn, Roslyn Yard, Washington
There is a new public space in Roslyn and it’s right in the heart of town. Roslyn Yard is quickly becoming a popular place to hang out and enjoy the day. Recently, we caught up with owner, Chris Martin, to learn more. Special thanks to Planes on Paper for the music used in this segment.
Labor Day Weekend Fun in Roslyn!
23 Aug 2014 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: High Country Log Show, Labor Day Weekend, Parade, Roslyn
Historically, Labor Day Weekend is one of the busiest times of the year in Roslyn, and this year is no exception. Right out of the gate, there is live music by Planes on Paper on Friday night (6:30pm) in the new Roslyn Yard park. Then, on Saturday, the two day High Country Log Show starts at 1pm to provide a weekend of entertaining logging competitions. Check out the video below for a peek at what previous years entailed.
Saturday night, you’ll want to attend the Roslyn, Ronald, Cle Elum Heritage Club’s celebration at the Stonehouse 101. This year’s event celebrates the heritage of the British Isles and will include British Cuisine, Irish Music, Celtic Dancing and more. The doors open at 5pm (tickets are $12 – and food/drink will be for sale inside). In addition to the Log Show, Sunday will bring more fun for the family with the crowning of this year’s King Coal at 10am followed by the Annual Coal Festival Parade at noon. If you haven’t visited in a while, you’ll also want to experience the great shops in the newly renovated historic NWI building! Of course, the popular Sunday Farmers Market will also be open for business as usual! Come for a day or come for the weekend, either way, you’ll be glad you stopped in!
Marko’s vs Eagles 2014 Water Balloon War
17 Aug 2014 1 Comment
in Events, Inside Roslyn Tags: Eagles 696, Marko's Place, Roslyn, Water balloon
The Marko’s vs Eagles Water Balloon War took place Saturday under clear skies in 80 degree heat. The weather was perfect for the wet, wild splash fest that ensued. On top of it being a good time for all involved, it also raised over $600 that will be split between ARRF and the Roslyn Library.
This year, Marko’s took home the trophy, but it was a challenging (and protested) decision. There were three primary criteria for winning: enthusiasm, revenue raised for charity, and overall badass-ness. Enthusiasm went to the Eagles. The Eagle’s had many enthusiastic participants and rained a storm of water balloons down on Marko’s (Eagles easily had double the amount of balloons as Marko’s). Likewise, at times, the entire Eagles patio would empty out as the participants brought the war to Marko’s front door. Contrarily, the revenue category went to Marko’s. Though it was only a slight difference, Marko’s tipped the scales back in their direction by raising just a little more money for the causes. This made the final decision come down to overall badass-ness, which was a challenging category for the judges. To help paint a picture, here are some quick highlights of the battle:
- Â Tom (Eagles) would often run solo missions, barging into enemy territory to wreak havoc -Â frequently soaking Marko’s with their own supplies.
- Â Becky and Tina (Marko’s) were a suicide squadron waging close proximity battles at the Eagles (even being taken hostage at one point).
- Â Mid battle, a team of anarchist warriors (who fight for no side) showed up in the middle of the two patios to wage war on both establishments.
-  Justin (Eagles) had the golden arm. His aim was spot on and he pegged numerous targets on the head, chest and everywhere else. At one point, he even took out an embedded photo journalist.
- Â The battle started with balloons, but quickly escalated to super soakers, buckets and even garden hoses.
Certainly, there was no clear winner in badass-ness up until one of the very last moves of the war. Marko’s sent a spy. Daniel waited patiently at the Eagles and was accepted as one of their own – until everyone’s guard was down. Then, he calmly walked up to Jim (President of the Eagle’s Platoon) and shouted “Go Marko’s” as he doused him in a bucket of water from the Eagle’s own fill station. In one shady swoop, this strategy tipped the scales ever so slightly toward Marko’s for the win.
The First Annual Roslyn Art Festival
12 Jul 2014 2 Comments
in Events Tags: Roslyn, Roslyn Art Festival, Roslyn Yard
Roslyn is packed with arts and activity this coming weekend thanks to the First Annual Roslyn Art Festival. The festival takes place Saturday and Sunday (July 19 & 20) at the 2nd Street Warehouse Art Space and also in the brand new Roslyn Yard Park (located right next door to the historic Brick Saloon).  The festival intends “to promote art and artists, and encourage appreciation of the historical qualities of Roslyn Washington.” In addition to showcasing artists and musicians, the festival will also include a variety of “try-it” stations, allowing attendees to get hands on with art and artists. This is your chance to be there from the beginning of what is sure to be a long revered annual event in Roslyn! Find out more at RoslynArtFestival.org!
