Re: RE: Re: RE: Farktography Party – Go / No-Go (Vote ends 12/12

[Kestrana]

Ok so here’s the deal. This will be a fairly long post but I’m going to outline pros and cons of a few things for discussion. First we have to agree on a date for this thing.
There’s a couple of festivals that might pose a good backdrop to a farktography party.

International Beer Festival
July 2 – 4th

What is it? A 3 day festival of rare micro-brews and exotic imports featuring over 150 beers from over 15 countries. Basically, a giant beer garden in the heart of Seattle. Also includes cigar bar, BBQ and other delicious foods, and a variety of bar games from beer pong to darts and backgammon.

Pros
-beer
-4th of July a lot of people have time off already
-beer
– “It has been called the most sophisticated beer festival in the country”
-located in downtown Seattle near the Space Needle making it easy to reach other landmarks
-beer
-4th of July festivities also in progress

Cons
-a more expensive travel weekend
-if you don’t like beer, gtfo
-anyone with children, yeah not so much

2009 Website: http://www.seattlebeerfest.com/Index2%20SIB.htm

Seafair
August 6 – 8

What is it? Among other things, Seattle’s Air & Water Show. Hydroplane races, Daredevil stunts and of course, the Blue Angels. The fleet comes in and there’s a number of boating events as well.

Pros
-Planes can be seen anywhere in the greater Seattle area while touring other venues
-Somewhat off peak timing for hotels
-Opportunities for some amazing photography

Cons
-$25-40 tickets for Saturday’s decent seats
-Everyone in the greater northwest shows up so everything from parking to hotels is jam-packed + traffic difficulties from closure of major routes to provide festival space and because of flyovers

Western Washington State Fair (Puyallup Fair)
September 10-26

Pros
– Located in Puyallup, WA means staying in Tacoma, WA. This is nearer to Kes and cheaper than Seattle.
– Long window of time to arrange a trip
– Moderate prices ($11 at door, special deals everywhere for less)
– Fairs have something for everyone + special events and shows
– To a lesser extent, beer (and giant hamburgers. I mean GIANT. And chocolate covered bacon. And scones. *sigh*)
– Kes knows this area better, can lead a more informative & comprehensive tour of interesting sites

Cons
– later in the year than originally suggested
– not everyone likes the fair ? though there are multitudes of photographic opportunities

There are lots of other things to do in the Sea/Tac area. I would suggest doing the key event 1 day or maybe 2 depending how long this thing is going on, and going to other things as well.

Other things – Seattle

Pike Place Market
Space Needle
Museum of Modern Art
Qwest Field/Safeco Park (Mariners)
Museum of Science Fiction

-> Bellevue (Seattle East)

Bellevue Square Mall (where Bill Gates would shop if he shopped at malls)
Microsoft Commercial Headquarters
Bellevue Art Museum
Coal Creek Nature Preserve & Wildlife Trail

Other things -Tacoma

Washington State History Museum
Museum of Glass
Tacoma Art Museum
Pantages & Rialto Theaters
Events @ Tacoma Dome
Port of Tacoma
Point Defiane State Park
Ft. Defiance History Park
Ft. Steilacoom Park
Ruston Park & Commencement Bay (historic dist. walking tour)
Northwest Game Wildlife Preserve
Mt. Rainier National Park (about an hour drive)
Olympic National Forest (about an hour and a half drive)
Emerald Queen Casino
Chehalis Designer Outlet Mall (about forty minute drive)

Other things – In the Middle

Boeing Air & Space Museum
National Bonsai & Rhododendron Garden
Southcenter Mall (biggest mall in Washington)
Chopstix Piano Bar
Seatac Airport!

Anyway let’s get some feedback and ideas flowing