Live music, a dog show, and the ever-popular Chili cookoff and Pie bakeoff are all on the menu of DennyFest this fall. So mark your calendars and make plans to stop by and join in. The date is Sunday, September 9th, rain or shine, for the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance’s annual September “swan song to summer” festival.
What else can you look forward to? As in past years, there will be kids’ activities, guided nature hikes, and a barbeque. 
Also in store may be tours for kids of a few of the fire engines. An eclectic variety of other events are in the works, but more volunteers are needed.
FHNA Board member Meg Tally is leading this team of volunteers and putting together a fun line-up of activities for this upcoming date.
If you can pitch in with your creativity or ideas, please be in with her at meg@oz.net.
All Finn Hill residents and friends of Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance are welcome to come and encouraged to share their talents and help. Details continue to be worked out, and plans will be announced as they are finalized.
Denny Fest, always in O. O. Denny Park, will be held from 12 to 4 pm near the Clayton Rich Memorial Shelter. There is no admission charge.
Great Music at DennyFest This Year!
This September, we’ll feature DennyFest regulars, The Natch’l Thang, folk rock trio with Ben Musa, and for the first time, The Finn Hill Jazz Quartet.
Eat, Play, Ruff!
Food, Live Music, Dogs are all on the menu.
* A longtime favorite band Natch’l Thang, featuring a quartet of guitars, drums and bass violinist Ben Musa, will return, alongside some vibrant new musical entertainment.
*The Finn Hill Jazz Quartet, with vocalist Kay Bailey and bassist Will Stump, performs for the first time at DennyFest, as well as the funk band Infusionary with bassist Dave Gagnon.
Dog Parade and Contests
Yes, our dogs are barking again this year! It starts with a Dog Parade around the park at 2pm.
Then for the Dog Show! Several competitions will be held. Participants are asked to donate $2 for each competition entry. A panel of judges will handle the canine critiques and awards will be given to dogs judged tops in the various categories.
For pre-registration or to ask any question, e-mail Marsha at roma9105@comcast.net
Chili Cookoff and Pie Contest
In the popular chili cookoff, contestants will vie to tantalize your taste buds. Contestants are asked to bring a campstove and several gallons of chili to serve to festival attendees. Awards go to the top three vote-getters. Interested participants can contact Kristin at kmpascal@comcast.net. A pie contest will also be held. Please contact marlienp@comcast.net for more information. Awards will go to the top three vote-getters in both contests.
Trail Tour
Lou Berner will be leading an interpretive forest walk. Lou will describe the area vegetation, wildlife, and history.
Arts and Crafts
There will be an activity area for younger children with arts and craft projects.
Get your animal anima going. Francesca Lyman will be drawing her Wild Child Portraits of children–and playful grownups–as their favorite animals from O.O. Denny Park and the Pacific Northwest.
Kirkland Fire Department and Other Participants
Also scheduled is a comprehensive program with the Kirkland Fire Department aimed at public safety awareness. There will also be several local groups and agencies with informational booths.
Volunteers Welcome
You can be a part of DennyFest if you would like to volunteer. Volunteers are needed to help with the Arts and Crafts projects (one hour shifts) and with the Dog Show. Please contact meg@finnhillalliance.org if you would like to help. Tents, tables and chairs are also needed for the day of the event. Please contact meg@finnhillalliance.org if you can loan us any of these items.