Stop By The Patch Tent At Treasures In The Park

Saturday is party time in University Place.

Not only do the weather people forecast sun-soaked skies, but it's the annual Duck Daze Parade. There will also be a community rummage sale and open house at West Pierce Fire & Rescue/University Place Police.

And if you doubted whether Patch would have a presence, you must be on quack. (Get it? Duck. Quack. I can't stop laughing right now)

But awesomely clever jokes aside, Patch will be in the thick of it all. We'll have a tent and table in the Treasures In The Park area at Homestead Park. For the kids, we'll be handing out stickers, tattoos and, if they're willing to go on camera and exclaim their love for Patch, a free bottle of bubbles to blow. There will also be water bottles, pens and other stuff for adults who sign up for our newsletter.

Plus, I just want to meet as many UP peeps as possible. I don't know if I've ever told you this, but you all are so interesting. There are lots of stories to tell. But if you want to simply stop by, say "hi," give me a high-five, fist bump or man hug, I'm totally cool with that.

Catch you all tomorrow. Once more, here's a rundown of what's going on:

Duck Parade

Duck Daze officially kicks off promptly at 10 a.m. when the Duck Parade marches down Bridgeport to celebrate the coming of summer! Everyone is invited to participate and be part of the fun! The Duck Parade began when Terry Reim and Dixie Harris, co-founders of the U.P. Farmers Market, thought the City needed an event to celebrate the end of the rainy season as well as the wonderful improvements to the city’s central street, Bridgeport Way. The yellow duck was adopted as the symbol of the parade – it has now become a community mascot!The parade, sponsored by Mandon Foley Insurance Agency this year,  will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of 27th Street and Bridgeport and continues south to 37th Street where it will end at the Uptown 2011 Car Show, sponsored this year by America’s Credit Union.You can be in the parade or just come to cheer on the participants. Either way, you’ll want to grab your yellow gear! To be a part of the parade or for more information, call Dixie Harris at 253.564.6373.  

Treasures in the Park
Are you looking for some fun… a bargain… great entertainment? Look no further! After you enjoy the Annual Duck Parade, bring the family and move on down to Homestead Park, where you can join the crowd in the hunt for “treasures” at this year’s annual “Treasures in the Park” event. The event is free and open to the public – and a great opportunity for family fun!
Treasures in the Park is University Place’s BIGGEST garage/antique and plant sale, and you won’t want to miss it! Sign up for a booth, clean out those closets, bring out the antiques, reusable items and new treasures to sell. There will be bargains galore, rides and activities for the kids, food, fun and entertainment on stage for the whole family. On-stage entertainment will feature an array of local musicians and dance groups throughout the day. There may even be an opportunity for budding vocalists to showcase their talent during a fun karaoke session.
Booth space for this great event is limited, so sign up for your space today! 10x10 spaces are available for an Early Bird Special of $50 through May 15, after that date booth space will be $60. Final deadline to sign up is May 31. For more information call Ken Grassi at 253.278.1946.

This is a phenomenal year to be part of Treasures in the Park! The all-day festivities – parade, car show, fire/police open house, antique/garage sale and art fair – will mark the kickoff of the first summer in U.P. with Market Square activities for all!

Fire & Police Open House
Do you have junior firefighters or policemen in your midst? Children of all ages love to check out the police cars, fire engines, and all of the cool equipment available for viewing at the Fire & Police Open House. There will be refreshments, helmets, life jackets, tattoos, and more! Best of all, family members of all ages will have the chance to meet and talk with local law enforcement professionals and learn all about what they do!
 Highlights of the day will include:

• Refreshments
• Face painting, temporary tattoos
• Pierce County Sheriff's Special Units
• Helmet & life jacket fittings
• Child must be present. Cash only.
• $14 Life jackets
• $7 Bike helmets
• $10 Multi-sport helmets

Non-perishable food donations will be collected for local area food banks! Don't forget to grab yours as you head to the parade!

View the Duck Daze Flyer/Schedule.