Here’s my weekly round-up of events for the week of July 11-17 on Mercer Island:
Lunch Bunch Storytimes in the Park 
Tuesday, July 12, Noon – 12:45 pm
Deane’s Children’s Park (Dragon Park), 5500 Island Crest Way
Bring your lunch to Dragon Park and enjoy stories while you munch! Family program offered by the Mercer Island Library. All ages welcome.
Books, Brownies, and Beyond Summer Book Club
Tuesday, July 12, 4 – 6 pm
Mercer Island Library Temporary Location, 8501 SE 40th Street
For middle school students. Stop by to chat with teen librarian, Carrie Bowman, and former IMS teacher, Mrs. Behnke, about books you are reading this summer. We can’t wait to hear about your favorites! We’ll share our summer reading treats and the famous cookie bar treats, too. Come get some ideas for your own reading–no need to share if you don’t want to.
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 am – noon
Mercer Island Library Temporary Location, 8501 SE 40th Street
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.
Foam Sword Battles and Games 
Wednesday, July 13, 1 – 3 pm
Rotary Park, 4350 88th Ave SE
Search for your inner hero and learn some history through exciting simulated battles. Discover what it might have been like to be a warrior in ancient times. Games are organized in a safe and fun environment with instruction and all equipment provided.
Presenter: Chris Ewick, Foam Sword Parties
Additional Information: NOTE: This event is held at Rotary Park, across the street from the Library at 4350 88th Ave SE, Mercer Island. If it rains, please meet at the Library (or the Temporary Library / 8501 SE 40th St, Mercer Island).
Storybook Corner 
Wednesday, July 13, 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 >>
Anniversary Happy Hour at Island Books
Thursday, July 14, 5 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
It’s been one full year since Laurie Raisys took over as the captain of the Island Books ship, and we’re celebrating! Details TBA.
Learn more >>
Calkins Point Grand Re-Opening 
Thursday, July 14, 11:30 am
Luther Burbank Park, 2040 84th Ave SE
Come explore the newly renovated shoreline area, which features a cove beach, two wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, and new plantings throughout.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department invites everyone to bring your lunch and a lawn chair, and enjoy a special outdoor piano concert with the best view in town!
11:30 am – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Noon – Pianos in the Parks Concert
Shakespeare in the Park
Thursday, July 14 & Friday, July 15, 7 pm; Saturday, July 16, 7 pm & Sunday, July 17, 7 pm
Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre, 2040 84th Ave SE
Summer Outdoor Theater. Sponsored by The Mercer Island Arts Council, Wooden O presents two Shakespeare plays with multiple performances at the Luther Burbank Park amphitheatre in July and August. With open seating and an outdoor setting, Wooden O brings the Shakespeare plays to life, engaging audiences of all ages.
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Synopsis: The idealistic resolve of four young men gets tested by four young ladies who show up at their doorstep. The King and his friends vow to abstain from women’s company for three years. They plan to devote their time to academics. The Princess of France and her ladies arrive for a visit just as the vows leave the men’s lips. It’s will against want and heart against head in this delightful summer romance.
Hamlet
Synopsis: After receiving news of his father’s death, a young man comes home to a much changed world. Doubt, uncertainty, and grief dog him at every turn. Struggling to make sense of the new order, Hamlet faces a crossroad. He can consent, or rage against the injustice around him. Rich with soaring language, Shakespeare’s masterpiece opens up with fresh insights with each new viewing.
Youth Theatre Northwest Presents: Glinda of Oz 
Friday, July 15 & Saturday, July 16 7 pm; Sunday, July 17, 2 pm
Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd Street
There are three kinds of magic in the Land of Oz. Animals and beasts have their natural magic, Glinda and the Wizard practice sorcery, and Princess Ozma, supreme ruler of Oz, uses her fairy magic to keep the peace. But in a faraway corner of this enchanted land, a new kind of magic has been born. The kind of magic that leads to war.
It’s up to Princess Ozma and her dear old friend Dorothy to end a deadly feud between the Flatnoggins and the Skeezers. But things go horribly awry and the two princesses are trapped under a powerful spell. Who will return peace to Oz? Will their voices be heard in time?
Learn more >>
Dive-In Movie: “Shark Tale” 
Saturday, July 16, 6:30 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
Come watch “Shark Tale” while you swim and relax in the SJCC pool. It’s a BYOVM (bring your own vegetarian/fish meal) party, but we’ll provide some cool treats. You can also purchase ice cream from Parfait. The event is free, but please RSVP to let us know to expect you.
Learn more >>
Mercer Island Farmers Market 
Sunday, July 17, 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:
- Featured Vendor: Harvesting Autumn
- Music by Beth James
- Kids: Little Red Hen’s Wheat
