RAINIER VALLEY – Southeast Seattle is gearing up for this weekend’s Rainier Valley Culture Fest Weekend.

The fun begins on Sat., Aug. 18, with the 20th annual Rainier Valley Heritage Parade and Summer Streets Party when Rainier Avenue South from South Orcas to Alaska Street will be closed to car traffic between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Celebrating one of the most diverse zip codes in the nation, the event begins with a parade at 11 a.m., followed by all sorts of fun activities and performances throughout the day, including a multicultural talent show,  a Hip Hop Zone with five interactive workshops, Art in the Alley, Detective Cookie’s youth chess games, an Art Bike Contest at Bikeworks and much more.

As many as 75 different groups are expected to participate. Last year’s parade winners included Grupo Ameyatonal Aztec Dance Group (Most Creative), the Washington Diamonds Drill Team and Lottie’s Lounge/Andaluz (Most Community Spirit) and Pacific Northwest Drum Line (Best Overall Performance).

Several special events are also planned following the event, including a BBQ cook-off and outdoor cinema in Columbia Park.

The Rainier Valley Culture Fest Weekend is a Seafair sponsored event and continues on Sun., Aug. 19, with the Othello Park International Music and Arts Festival from noon until 6 p.m.

Entertain the kids with creative activities including a hands-on pottery wheel, mask making and henna tattoos. There will also be several food vendors and entertainers, including:

Michael Powers – 12:30
Lion Dancers – 1:30
Maccabee Martial – 2:00
Angelo Pizarro – 3:00
Little Steppers – 4:00
Choklate – 4:30

Photo/David Mullarkey Images