SPOKANE VALLEY – Valleyfest is known as the premiere area festival and always draws a large crowd according to organizers.
This year, the festivities kicked off with the Hearts of Gold Parade that traveled down Sprague Ave. on Sept. 22.
This after dark parade showcased all the floats decorated in lights and vibrant colors.
One of the first events on Saturday, Sept. 23 was the Spokane Disc Dog competition which always brings people together according to group organizer Rodney Jamerson.
“Valleyfest is always a huge event for us and for the community,” Jamerson said. “We typically get a big crowd here because people love coming to see all of these dogs have fun in the friendly competition.”
The fun show would set the multiple stages for the weekend, as Valleyfest took over Mirabeau Point Park and Centerplace Sept. 23 and 24.
Guests walked and laughed as local musicians filled the air with their songs. Cultural dance presentations representing numerous countries could be found on any of the three stages that were set up.
This year, Valleyfest was set up to run along with Spokane Valley’s 20th birthday celebration at Centerplace.
Along with the music, games and fun were the vendors and available food trucks that drew people in.
As guests sipped on home made lemonade, they could browse through many of the local businesses that had tents set up finding a large variety of handmade goods.
“Fair food is just the best,” said Spokane Valley resident Tammy Schilling. “That is my favorite part of any celebration is the new and unique food that is offered.”
Kids were able to go hang out with the Spokane Valley Firefighters and learn about what they do, and the equipment they use.
The Spokane Valley Historic Society was on site with a lot of educational materials to help residents learn about the history if the area.
Valleyfest gets bigger each year, and this year was no different. A blend of fun, food, entertainment and education was the overall atmosphere and guests seemed to enjoy it according to volunteers around the park.
As the population grows, the crowds inevitably grow as well, and the celebrations will end up growing as well.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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