MARINER—Mariner High School in South Everett was abuzz with the energy of the 4th annual Mariner Fest, a vibrant community gathering that drew hundreds of families to celebrate connection, culture, and opportunity. From face painting to job training, Mariner Fest showcased the heart of this so often overlooked District of South Everett.
“There’s a hunger for spaces where anybody can come, no matter their background,” Eric Howard, Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries told the Lynnwood Times. With the Mariner Community Campus on the horizon, that hunger for connection at Mariner Fest promises to soon find a permanent home, ensuring its spirit year-round.
Sponsored by Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, Sound Transit, Change the Narrative, Community Transit, Molina Healthcare of Washington, Arcora Foundation, Project Girl Mentoring Program, and Everett Housing Authority, the event transformed the high school sports field into a hub of free food, live music by Pitch Black Entertainment, and what began four years ago with just 16 vendors has grown to over 60 organizations offering community resources.
Families explored booths from groups like Evergreen Goodwill, which offered live job training sessions, and Dawson Place providing child advocacy services. Rise Up Academy, Cocoon House, and Bikers Against Child Abuse were among the many organizations including Mill Creek Pride and the U.S. Army fostering empowerment and support.
The Washington West Africa Center previewed its upcoming Sounds of Africa Festival (set for August 16 at Garfield Park), with lively musical demonstrations that had kids and adults swaying to the beat of drums.
Snohomish County Public Works featured its Mariner Area Active Transportation Study that currently has an Online Open House. The study (also known as the 128th Street SW Area Multimodal Improvements Study) will assess the current conditions of active transportation travel in the Mariner area and identify projects to improve safety, comfort, and mobility choices for people walking, rolling, and biking in the area.
Voices of Impact: Eric Howard on Building Community
Eric Howard, Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries, radiated enthusiasm as he spoke with the Lynnwood Times about the event’s role in fostering connection.
“When people think library, they’re not wrong to think books, but the other thing that is important is community connection, and that’s what we’re doing here today,” Howard said.
He hared plans for the new library at the upcoming Mariner Community Campus that will be constructed just blocks from Mariner High School.
“We bought property kitty corner to our demonstration library, and we’re working with housing partners to build a fantastic library. We’re listening to the community to design exactly what they want,” Howard said.
The upcoming Mariner Community Campus (MCC) project, that when completed will bring together a public library and mixed income housing. The project is located at the northeast corner of 4th Ave W and 128th St SW in South Everett but what locals prefer to call “Mariner City.”
The new Mariner Community Campus is expected to open no later than 3 years and is expected to serve 30,000 residents. It is currently in the pre-design/pre-development phase, Howard shared.
The Everett Housing Authority purchased the parcel of the strip mall for $2.79 million in March 2025 located next to the former Patty’s Eggnest plot (128th St and 4th Ave) that was acquired by Sno-Isle Libraries in June 2024 for $4.5 million. The vision is a combined plot with Marier Library Community Campus on ground level with housing above.
Initial funding was provided by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation in addition to a $4.15 million Washington State Local Community Project Funding grant. Additional support in the form of staffing resources is being provided by Sno-Isle Libraries and other public and non-profit partners.
When the campus is complete, a Ballot Dropbox, for the first time, will be placed within the Mariner community, bridging the barrier to voter participation and engagement in the democratic process for tens of thousands of residents.
Nourishing Young Minds: Dr. Margaret Towolawi’s Book Reading
The event’s educational heart shone during a captivating book reading by Dr. Margaret Towolawi, author of Ayomide and Seyi’s Kitchen: A kids’ guide to plant-based nutrition from A to Z. Dozens of children gathered on the lawn as Towolawi shared her alphabet-themed story, which six-year-old Ayomide and four-year-old Seyi, introduce plant-based foods with vibrant illustrations.
Her book, is aimed at kids ages 3-10, inspires families to explore fruits and vegetables with “fresh” excitement.
A Shoreline-based physician and founder of Nurture Well Center PLLC, Towolawi emphasizes empowering kids through healthy eating.
Empowering Youth: Project Girl’s Back-2-School Giveaway
At the heart of Mariner Fest was the Back-2-School backpack and school supply giveaway, led by Project Girl Mentoring Program that aimed to support over 1,200 students.
Founded by Olympia Edwards, the 2022 Lynnwood Times’ Person of the Year, Project Girl creates a safe haven for young women of color. Stepping into their Lynnwood headquarters feels like entering a warm, vibrant home, with cozy couches, art-filled walls, and a fridge stocked with snacks— one can’t help but feel the love and encouragement of a sisterhood within its walls.
The Back-2-School backpack giveaway embodied this vision, ensuring students start the school year with confidence and be self-sufficient.
Community in Action: Karina Gasperin’s Well Being Community Center
Karina Gasperin, a 25-year Lynnwood resident and co-founder of Well Being Community Center, brought her multicultural vision to Mariner Fest.
Fresh off the success of their Raices de la Tierra summer camp, which wrapped up August 8, Gasperin shared her excitement with the Lynnwood Times.
“We had 240 kids, speaking four languages—Russian, Spanish, English, and Tagalog—learning about nature and building community,” she said.
The camp, held August 4-8, featured activities like crafting castles from recycled materials and learning about local plants with the Snohomish County Conservation District. Gasperin, also a 2022 Lynnwood Times’ Person of the Year recipient, emphasized the center’s role as resource navigators.
“If you have any need, just call us, and we’ll find the resources for you,” she said, inviting families to connect via their Facebook page.
Author: Mario Lotmore
