Bill Christianson | Derby Days: A can't-miss extravaganza

Redmond’s annual summer extravaganza is ready to rock — and roll through town.

Two weeks from now, the Redmond Derby Days Summer Festival — highlighted by a spirited, downtown parade and the nation’s longest-standing bicycle race — will be in full force.

You would be a fool to miss this long-standing, fun-filled event, which is in its 69th year.

This year’s Derby Days will begin Friday, July 10 from 6-10 p.m. and continue on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th St.

Attending this wonderful community event is an opportunity for neighbors to connect with one another while enjoying the great outdoors.

Derby Days has a little something for everyone.

New to Derby Days this summer is Friday Night Live, a free concert featuring a variety of bands, including Universal Soul, the winner of the 2009 Old Fire House Teen Center Classic Rockathon. The entertainment kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, July 10 with the headliner being the Beatniks, one of the area’s premiere cover, party bands.

The entertainment continues on Saturday, July 11 at the Microsoft Entertainment Stage on the lawn at City Hall with an all-day lineup of bands and entertainment, including memorable hits from the band, That ‘80s Show, which pays tribute to artists including Madonna, Billy Idol and Devo. The Redmond-based band Big Dog Revue is the evening’s headliner.

Another change to this year’s Derby Days is the combination of the Kids’ and Grand Parades into one big parade, featuring all the fine fixings of a hometown parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11.

And one of my personal favorite new additions this year is a new beer and wine garden on the corner of Northeast 83rd Street and 161st Avenue Northeast, sponsored by Redmond-based Black Raven Brewery.

It’s quality beer, of course, endorsed by our very own Mayor John Marchione and State Rep. Ross Hunter. After all, beer and budgets go hand-in-hand, right?

On the serious side, it wouldn’t be Derby Days without the Criterium, the nation’s longest-running bicycle race, which kicks off at 2 p.m. with the juniors race. And enjoy the fun of carnival rides at the Funtastic Carnival, which runs from July 9-12 at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center.

Unless you are out of town, there’s no reason to miss Derby Days. Don’t be a party-pooper, come out and enjoy the fun with your neighbors — you won’t regret it.

Contact Redmond Reporter Editor Bill Christianson at editor@redmond-reporter.com or (425) 867-0353, ext. 5050.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.