Mercer Island’s Coffee Shack Closes

You know that little coffee hut in the lot just north of Mercerdale Park? The only non-corporate coffee house on the Island? (The others are 3 Starbucks and a Tully’s, for the record.)

Well, it closed. At first I thought the owner was just taking a summer hiatus. Believe me, I can understand that. But the place is for rent:

Yup, that looks pretty closed.

There have been a number of retail changes in downtown coming out of the downturn, most for the better. This one is a loss, though. Thanks for all the coffee and best wishes!

Back from a Long Break

Hello readers, it’s your local blogger. Sorry for the long break this summer. It was a combination of vacation, work projects, summer, and general malaise that prevented me from blogging. But I am endeavoring to come back.

One of the dangers of having a non-professional blogger with no commercial commitments is the occasional unaccountable hiatus… it just goes with the territory. My apologies for any inconvenience!

Beautiful Evening at Mostly Music in the Park

What a summer night at Mercerdale Park, at this evening’s Mostly Music in the Park. Photos of the scene:

With the warm weather, people hung out on the lawn long after the band ended.

This lightpost at 32nd St. got dressed up, but for what I don’t know:

Mostly Music in the Park continues on Thursdays and Sundays through mid-August. You an find the lineup on the City website.

Photos from Summer Celebration

The parade was great, kicked off by Lions and vets:

The MI Weiner Club was out:

And the drill team and band:

Among others. The festival was fun too, tho the line for ride tickets was long!

3 Ducklings at Ellis Pond

Second batch this year at Ellis Pond, from what I can tell:

Summer Celebration Parade about to Begin

Come on downtown!

Mercer Island Summer Celebration This Weekend

As you may know, we here on Mercer Island celebrate summer with fireworks a week late. I think that lets us get a great deal on them, and as a taxpayer I love that idea. Along with the fireworks are the rest of the Summer Celebration.

What else can I do at the Summer Celebration, you ask?

• Fireworks Celebration
• Grand Parade
• Arts & Craft Vendors
• Food Vendors
• Classic Car Show
• Children’s Fun Zone
• Non-Profit/Community Groups
• Business Sponsors
• Live Entertainment/Music
• Boat Rides on Lake Washington
• Youth 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

What you can’t do is go to the Farmers’ Market, which is closed this week due to many activities in the above list being right in their normal space:

Setup last night