Here’s my weekly round-up of events for the week of August 22 – 28 on Mercer Island:
MIPA Summer Concert
Tuesday, August 23rd, 6 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th Ave SE & SE 32nd St
FREE!
The Mercer Island Preschool Association’s annual summer concert, featuring Jen Ayers and The Parkway Boys, is right around the corner. This is a highly anticipated, free family event, especially geared for preschool-aged kids. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and your dancing shoes. All are welcome! Invite your friends and extended family to come rock out!
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, August 24, 10:30 am – noon
Mercer Island Public Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English. Sponsored by the Mercer Island Friends of the Library.
Storybook Corner 
Wednesday, August 24, 10:30 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Bring your little ones in to enjoy popular picture books read by our staff or special guests.
Learn more >>
Mercer Island Women’s Equality Day Celebration
Thursday, August 25, 6 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th Avenue SE and SE 32nd Street
Stop by to hear guest speakers, enjoy healthy salads and sandwiches from Gourminis Food Truck, as well as music by Mercer Island’s own local band, Exapsos.
On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution extended the vote to women – a major victory for women’s rights and gender equality. On the anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the progress that has been made toward securing women’s full participation in our democracy and renew our commitment to securing equal rights, freedoms, and opportunities for all women.
On August 1st, councilwoman Debbie Bertlin declared August 25th Mercer Island Women’s Equality Day, in honor of National Women’s Equality Day on August 26th!
Share in this wonderful opportunity for young women, families and students, encouraging growth and the empowerment of affecting change.
Youth Theatre Northwest presents CATS 
Wednesday, August 24 & Thursday, August 25, 7 pm, Friday August 26 & Saturday August 27, 8pm
Outdoor stage at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave SE
Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this venerated musical is legendary. Youth Theatre Northwest transforms the outdoor courtyard of Emmanuel Church into a gritty Tokyo side street. Under a canopy of twinkle lights and stars, the Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one, they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader – for he must choose one of the Cats to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. Best for ages 4+.
Learn more >>
Summer Shuk Open Air Market
Friday, August 26, 3 – 6 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
Stop by the J every Friday in August to shop at our shuk open-air market. Inspired by Middle Eastern markets, our shuk will feature local farmers, local food producers, and small businesses. Whether it’s grabbing a challah from a local bakery or a flower bouquet for Shabbat, there’s something for everyone as we wind down the week and prepare for the weekend. Musicians will also perform each week. This week’s vendors include:
Heavy Restaurant Group (Bread and Challah)
Cremeology (cashew-based desserts and savory sauces)
The Flower Lady (Dahlias)
Hell or High Water Farm (Vegetables)
Ziva Mediterranean Foods (Hummus)
Seattle Pickle Company
Lanier’s Fine Candies (All-natural, preservative-free, small batch chocolates and brittles)
Six Strawberries (Popsicles)
Learn more >>
Restoration Event 
Saturday, August 27, 9 am
Gallagher Hill Open Space; Meet at City Hall parking lot 9611 SE 36th St
Each year, Mercer Island citizens donate hundreds of hours of their time to maintain the community’s parks and open spaces: picking up litter, planting trees, cutting down ivy, painting over graffiti, or repairing trails.
Mercer Island Farmers Market 
Sunday, August 28, 10 am – 3 pm
SE 32nd Street at Mercerdale Park (between 77th and 78th Ave SE)
Visit the Mercer Island Farmers Market for the widest array of top quality Washington foods fresh from the farm, the field or sea, artisan produced and/or ready to eat – plus music, children’s activities, artisan gifts, and more!
Here are the highlights this week:
- Caspar Babypants! – 10:30 am
- Featured Vendor: Nibbles
- Music by Chava Mirel – 11:30 am
- Kids: Flower Prints
