ANNUAL KENNYDALE NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATION and POTLUCK

This year’s event marked a transition from the past format of a “neighborhood picnic” to a more global event in which our neighborhood was empowered to play a larger role in the planning and implementation.  Sounds like a daunting task, but with excellent guidance from the City of Renton Neighborhood Program and their new Neighborhood Event Grant procedures as well as KNA’s long experience with doing large-attendance events and the participation of a core group of involved residents, we believe that our event went well and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.... over 260 people in all. That is lower than we expected, but we attribute this to a week of haze and light ash from forest fires to the east and a decision by some families to stay indoors.
 
An event such as this of course requires a substantial effort on the part of many people in order be successful, including the individuals and local businesses who contribute goods, prizes or cash donations, and also the neighbors who contribute their time & cooking skills by bringing a food item to share!  We extend a sincere thank you to the following organizations, people and businesses:
 
Grant funding for fried chicken, equipment for games, tables & chairs, setup & cleanup, & and guidance to KNA in planning this event throughout 2017: Drey Hicks, Neighborhood Coordinator, and the Renton Neighborhood Program
 
Monitoring of games, setup and cleanup, and assistance wherever needed:  19 Hazen High School students, coordinated by their adviser, Brett Crueger; and supervised by Lynne Milnor
 
Prizes for the Member Raffle: Summer Nails, Hair Clips, and Dino’s at NE 44th Street (Exit 7); Salon Tewl at 938 - 110th Ave. SE, Ste. 4 in Bellevue; Lisa Lam & Marcie Maxwell, Windermere Realtors at 3800 NE 4th Street, and by KNA Board Members
 
Face Painters:  Sponsored by Rosie Rourke – Jon L. Scott Realty, Kent WA
 
Balloon Clown:  Sponsored by Farmers Insurance – Tasca/Wagner Agency, Renton WA
 
Emergency Vehicle Displays:  Renton Regional Fire Authority
 
Ice and BOGO Cards: McDonalds at Exit 7, Renton WA
 
King County Library: Mobile Library2Go Van
 
Potluck Food Service:  Sue & Mac Jahnke, Marilyn & Jon Danielson, Lynne & Bruce Milnor, Hazen Students and Marlene Winter
 
KNA Membership/Welcome Table/Greeters/Raffle:  Darius & Vicki Richards, Janice Dougherty, Natalie Yusen, Mary Erikson & Derrick Reese
 
Event Planning, Advertising, Setup and Cleanup: Picnic Co-Chairs Lynne Milnor and Vicki Richards, and all the KNA Board
 
Exhibitor Booths: ERC Regional Trail Org.; Kennydale Elementary PTA; Kennydale United Methodist Church, Kennydale Lions; and candidates for Renton City Council: Diane Dobson, Ruth Perez, Jamie Smith and Armondo Pavone
 
Event Photography: Gary Palmer - To see all of Gary’s photos from this Celebration & Potluck and many other Renton events, go to:  www.garypalmerofrenton.smugmug.com and follow the “Picnic”  links 
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