Skyway Car Show, Community Festival is Sept. 10

Dian Ferguson has lived in the West Hill/Skyway community for the last 15 years or so and watched as businesses have left and services have eroded. The treasurer of the West Hill Business Association, she thinks that continuing traditions and engaging the community will foster an atmosphere of hope. One of those traditions is the Skyway Car Show and Community Festival, which marks its fifth year on Sept. 10.

By Tracey Compton • September 2, 2011 7:55 pm
Last year's Skyway Car Show and Community Festival drew dozens of cars and a crowd of about 400 people.
Last year's Skyway Car Show and Community Festival drew dozens of cars and a crowd of about 400 people.

Dian Ferguson has lived in the West Hill/Skyway community for the last 15 years or so and watched as businesses have left and services have eroded. The treasurer of the West Hill Business Association, she thinks that continuing traditions and engaging the community will foster an atmosphere of hope.

One of those traditions is the Skyway Car Show and Community Festival, which marks its fifth year on Sept. 10.

The West Hill Business Association, West Hill Community Council and Skyway Solutions are hosting the festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Roman Casino parking lot, 11829 Renton Ave. S.

“If people know that there is an effort being made to stop the erosion of businesses, then I think it makes everyone very hopeful,” said Ferguson.

About 400 people came out for the festival last year and she expects to get the same turnout this year.

The festival has grown since it started five years ago with just 28 cars. Now event organizers are expecting 85 to 100 cars and they have almost outgrown their space.

Since the festival began, they have also added kids’ activities, food vendors and entertainment.

Organizers limit the food vendors to four, so that local restaurants can benefit from the extra traffic. There are also local and community vendors who represent non-profits and public organizations. Entertainment includes local musicians performing blue grass and gospel, a drum line, ethnic and interactive performances.

For the first 35 cars there will be dash plaques and goody bags. There will be awards given in a variety of categories including The People’s Choice award. Two raffles will be conducted: a 50/50 raffle and a raffle of prizes from area businesses and sponsors. Trophy awards will be given at 3 p.m.

Ferguson calls the area a community in transition. There isn’t the same kind of connectedness that there once was when there were predominantly long-term homeowners living there, she said. Now, renters dominate the area.

She lives on the periphery of Skyway and remembers when there were more businesses. But, the West Hill Business Association has 40 members and is growing, she said.

Volunteers are still needed for the festival and those interested can come to a meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Skyway Water and Sewer District, 6723 S. 124th St. People can also show up on the day of the event.