Summer events kick off soon around towns

Covington, Maple Valley and Black Diamond are preparing for a summer of festivities, food and music

We may be having a cold and rainy spring, but summer is just around the corner. While the warm and sunny weather can’t be predicted, what can be predicted are the events taking place around town.

Maple Valley and Covington have an extra addition to their usual summer events, the cities are both turning 20. They both have celebrations taking place at the end of the summer. Until then, community members still have a lot to look forward to.

The first event happening is Maple Valley Days from June 9 through June 11. Rides, food vendors, activities and more are expected at this year’s festivities. The annual farmers market begins on June 17. A Bike Challenge and Rodeo is the next event on June 24.

A Fourth of July celebration kicks off with a Kids Festival toward the end of the month. Shakespeare in the Park will cap off the month on July 30 with another one happening on Aug. 13. Music in the Park starts off in August with performances on Aug. 3, 10, 17 and 20. Music and Movie Under the Stars takes place next on Aug. 24. To end the summer off right, the 20 year celebration will be on Aug. 28.

The city of Covington starts off their summer a little later with the Covington Days Festival on July 15-16. Like Maple Valley, Covington also has a concert series in the park. Summer Concerts in the Park kicks off on July 21 and continues on July 28, Aug. 4,12 and 18. Sausages and cider will be in abundance at the Sausage and Cider Festival on Aug. 19. A kids festival on Aug. 12, outdoor family movie on Aug. 25 and the 20 year celebration in August (date still to come) will close out the summer.

The 12th annual Miner’s Day festival on July 8 is a major attraction in Black Diamond. A 5K Fun Run starts off the festival. Witness a doughnut eating contest, an old fashioned train robbery and much more during the event.

Black Diamond will end the summer with their Labor Day celebration during Labor Day weekend.

Summer will be full of activities to be enjoyed on warm sunny days. For more information on any of these events, visit the city of Covington, city of Maple Valley or event websites.