Issaquah Highlands residents celebrate 20 years as a community

More than 4,000 people came out for the 20th annual Highlands Day celebration event.

By Evan Pappas • August 29, 2018 8:30 am

More than 4,000 people came out to the Issaquah Highlands, despite some cloudy weather, on Aug. 25 for the 20th annual Highlands Day celebration event.

Highlands Day has evolved over two decades from a small block party in the then newly developed neighborhood, to a much bigger event with live music, vendors, activities and food. Christy Garrard, event producer and executive director of the Highlands Council, said the event has grown alongside the community, from a few houses to more than 12,000 residents.

In 2008, the event had to scale up and began working with the city to close down roads and take up a larger area in the Highlands.

Garrard said the Highlands Council doesn’t want to make the event as big as Issaquah’s Salmon Days, but to maintain its current size and bring more fun to the attendees.

The 2018 Highlands Day event had 80 total sponsors and vendors, she said, and the event is made possible every year due to the financial support and generosity of local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

With 2018 being the 20th anniversary of the Highlands as a community, the event was birthday party themed. Some of the activities for kids were traditional birthday games such as musical chairs and a pinata.

The event also featured various local food trucks, a professional magician, live music and more during the festivities.

Garrard also made sure to recognize the vast amounts of help they received from volunteers who put so much effort into the organization.

“We have about 125 volunteers to make the day happen and a little over 50 percent are under the age of 18,” she said.

During the festivities Garrard and other council members recognized Alicia Spinner as the volunteer of the year. Spinner has created three of the 25 community groups that meet at Blakely Hall in Issaquah. She also spent time volunteering at Highlands Day. Spinner was recognized for her work in fostering an inclusive and diverse community.