AROUND THE CORNER: University Place Festival

A big, bright sun symbolizes more than just summertime in these parts.

The giant orb's presence also means the University Place Festival is approaching. The University Place City Council got a direct view of the sun Monday night.

That's right, UP, the offical mascot of the University Place Festival, made an appearance at City Hall. Unlike last year, this one actually spoke.

UP's main message: Come out to the University Place Festival, Aug. 4, at . Here are some of this year's highlights, according to city:

• Pictures with UP (he loves pictures, apparently).
• For the baseball enthusiasts, following up on last year's incredible softball game between U.P. Police and West Pierce Fire & Rescue, this year will find the two departments competing not just with each other, but also playing our Community Connector Partner, the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). If you're a soccer devotee, you'll want to take advantage of the opportunity to hone your skills with the best in soccer trainers from ESPN Desportes. Or for the more out-of-the-box sports-lover, thanks to Safeway for the truckload of melons, the watermelon eating contest is back for yet another year of mouthwatering laughter.
• With a Main Stage that will feature music from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., there's something for everyone. The day will start off with the winners of the CORE Summer Concert Series Battle of the Bands, The Mural Project, whose style is alternative/rock. The rest of the day will include: Cloud Chowder, a youth trio with bluesy rock music; the Groovin’ Higher Jazz Orchestra, a 15-piece brass band of blues, swing and contemporary; Maia Santell & House Blend's blues band; Rock n’ Roll Magic, bringing music from the sixties to the eighties; and finishing up the evening, Shambala, a Three Dog Night Tribute Band. For more information check out the Band Bios.
• With their Blackhawks and Apaches for viewing, the 16th CAB promises to be a highlight of this year's Festival. The Kids Zone will bring bounce to the birthday bash, while our beloved Fire Department and their big rigs will provide some tricky water activities. We will have a wonderful food court and, back by popular demand, the Cheers West Beer & Wine Garden.

There's plenty more planned. For a full report, check out the city's website. We'll also bring you further coverage in the coming weeks.