LYNNWOOD, Wash., August 20, 2023—The District, formerly called the Public Facilities District, hosted its first outdoor cultural event, Lynnwood Luau, in the parking lot of the Lynnwood Event Center on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
Approximately 2,200 people were expected to attend throughout the day enjoying hula and drum lessons by Sunshine from Polynesia; live music by Seattle’s Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians, Blackjack Kerouac, and Your Loud Music; and food by Poke, Lynnwood Chef Michael, and Kona Kitchen. A welcome ceremony was performed by Kahu Kamana’o, a spiritual practitioner from Hawaii.
“We are committed to creating a genuine, community-driven District that thrives on inclusivity, diversity, arts, and sustainability,” Janet Pope, Executive Director for The District, wrote in a press release.
Big things are coming for the Lynnwood Event Center and surrounding 13-acres of land, as the Public Facilities District (PFD), now called The District, aims to redevelop the downtown core as a live, work, play, entertainment destination for the region.
The District’s newest Board member Vivian Dong shared that the Lynnwood Luau was an “enriching experience” and a “vibrant celebration” that brought the community together.
“The joy in the faces of the children was especially touching,” Dong told the Lynnwood Times. “I was heartened to hear positive feedback about our efforts to support the people in Maui. The earnest inquiries from diverse community members, including those who do not speak English, underscored the importance of this event, and provided invaluable insights.”
She added that she is looking forward to the upcoming signature events for the rest of the year and will share the feedback she received from Saturday’s event with the other Board members at the District’s next meeting in September.
Council Vice President Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, Councilmen George Hurst and Jim Smith, along with Mountlake Terrace Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright, were also seen walking through the crowd taking in the festivities.
“Its great to see so many people from the community being out here and enjoying themselves,” Smith told the Lynnwood Times. “This has been a very successful event and appreciate what the Public Facilities District has done for us.”
Councilman Hurst was pleased with Saturday’s turnout. When asked about the progress of his victory in securing two fulltime mental health counselors for the Edmonds School District, he shared with the Lynnwood Times that the Human Services Commission and the school district are currently reviewing applications.
The District has four upcoming signature events for 2023:
- Majestic Menagerie: Animals of Earth & Ocean (art exhibit), now through December
- Meet the Artist Reception, September 19th
- Veterans Luncheon & Service Fair, November 10th
- Jingle Bell Breakfast & Craft Fair, December 9th
The District has partnered with Alaska Airlines, in the Kākoʻo Maui Fund drive to support recovery efforts in Maui. The western Maui community of Lahaina was decimated by wildfires that tore through the island on August 8 leaving over 100 people dead and at least a thousand missing.
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