Say ‘Thank you’ to your neighbors this Saturday

This Saturday is Seattle’s 18th annual Neighbor Appreciation Day, “a special day to reach out to neighbors and express thanks to all who make your neighborhood a great place.” Neighborhoods all over the city will be hosting special events like work parties and potlucks to celebrate. The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods says the day is a homegrown observance:

The celebration began in 1995 when Phinney Ridge activist Judith Wood suggested that the City designate “a special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other.” Mayor Norm Rice proclaimed the Saturday before Valentine’s Day as Neighbor Appreciation Day. The observance has grown every year since.

Here are some Ballard-area events listed by the Department of Neighborhoods:

Fire Station Open Houses
Local fire stations #18 (15th & Market) and # 35 (8729 15th Avenue NW) will host community members on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Interfaith Community Church Historic Building open house
Time: Saturday, February 11, 11 a.m.
Location: 1763 NW 62^nd St
Description: Friends and neighbors come visit this historic building (built in 1890). A brief presentation about our building will be shared at 12 noon. Cookies & tea will be served.

Restoration event at Golden Gardens
Time: Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m.
Location: 8498 Seaview Pl NW
Contact: Rhonda Goebel, rhondagoebel@yahoo.com

Neighbor Appreciation Day Swim
Time: Saturday, February 11, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Ballard Pool, 1471 NW 67^th St
Description: Enjoy snacks, games, prizes and a $2 promotional price on swimming, from 12:30 to 1:30 in celebration of Neighbor Appreciation Day.

For more information and city-wide events, click here.