Take Transit to Summer Events

Perhaps you’ve heard of our “buy local for transit” campaign? Or of the “stay-cation” concept that makes sticking close to home sound fun?

It just doesn’t get any more local or festive than the community events hosted each summer around Snohomish County.

Since Community Transit strives to live up to our name, we participate in events when we can. Next week’s “National Night Out Against Crime” activities will bring Oxy Gene and Community Transit staff out to some neighborhoods in support of safety.

Our primary involvement is as a transportation provider.
This weekend starts with the “Tour de Terrace” parade in Mountlake Terrace on Friday night. We jokingly call it the “Detour de Terrace” since our service gets bumped off 56th Avenue, but it’s a great night out.

In many cases, transit is the best to get to an event where parking is limited and traffic is hectic.

Upcoming examples of good events to get to via public transportation are:

Lake Stevens Aquafest, July 29-31: Like many festivals, this event occupies downtown, meaning our buses are rerouted. But they can still get you close to the action, as will a free event shuttle from Lake Stevens High School.

Taste of Edmonds, Aug. 12-14: This very popular event has lots of transit service nearby, as well as its own event shuttle from Edmonds-Woodway High School.

Evergreen State Fair, Aug. 25-Sept. 5: Regular Community Transit buses serve a special stop near the fairgrounds entrance, with free parking at Everett Station.

Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, Sept. 9-11: This event fills up Lighthouse Park, meaning no waterfront parking for the weekend. Instead, event organizers (including Providence Harbour Pointe Clinic) have made a conscious effort to partner with Community Transit. Buses serve the festival and also connect with event shuttles at Kamiak High School and Olympic View Middle School.

Bear in mind that Community Transit does not operate on Sundays or holidays. The same financial limitations that caused us to cut service also mean we no longer have the resources to be at major events such as Evergreen State Fair. We used to talk with thousands of people each summer about how buses, vanpools and other transportation options could transform their commutes.

This summer, I encourage you to try a new travel option out for yourself by taking the bus to your community’s hometown festival.