Don’t miss out on the Derby Days festivities | Editorial

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

July 13, 2012 11:39 am
This year's Derby Days festival will be July 13-15 in downtown Redmond. The event's main attraction — the Kids Parade — will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday
This year's Derby Days festival will be July 13-15 in downtown Redmond. The event's main attraction — the Kids Parade — will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday

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

This weekend, 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 72nd year.

This year’s Derby Days will begin tonight, continue Saturday and conclude Sunday at various locations in downtown Redmond.

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.

The festival kicks off tonight with Friday Night Live, a free concert featuring Hit Explosion with Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Down Band.

The entertainment continues on Saturday at the Microsoft Entertainment Stage on the lawn at City Hall with an all-day lineup of bands and entertainment, including Beatles tribute band Creme Tangerine and Neil Diamond tribute band, Super Diamond.

Of course the big events will be Saturday with the Kids Parade at 10 a.m. and the Grand Parade at 11 a.m., featuring all the fine fixings of a hometown parade.

It wouldn’t be Derby Days without the Redmond Criterium, the nation’s longest-running bicycle race. The nine-race lineup starts at 1:15 p.m. and concludes at 7 p.m. with the men’s Pro 1-2 race. And enjoy the fun of carnival rides at a new location at City Hall campus tonight and tomorrow.

If you didn’t get enough fireworks on the Fourth of July, stay for the fireworks finale Saturday night at 10 p.m. at City Hall.

New this year are Sunday activities in honor of the city’s centennial celebration. The day will begin with the Derby Dash 5K run/walk along the Sammamish River Trail, now in its third year, to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. There will also be a Sunday Concert in the Park at Downtown Park featuring local “X Factor” finalist LeRoy Bell.

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.

For a complete schedule of events, visit redmondderbydays.com.