Published October 6 2015
Event pays homage to Bellevue's agricultural heritage
Parents of overzealous electronics-loving children can rest easy at the 33rd annual Kelsey Creek Farm Fair on Saturday. The technology-free line-up includes tractor-pulled wagon rides, pumpkin picking and farm animals.
The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes the following events: live music and dance by Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth; and Bellevue's own soccer freestyler Cory Black; heritage demonstrations by the Eastside Heritage Center; and inflatables. Admission is free, with costs for specific activities ranging from $1 and up. Cash is required and there is no ATM on-site.
Free shuttles will run from Bannerwood Sports Park, 1790 Richards Road. and the Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Ave. S.E. to Kelsey Creek Farm, 410 130th Pl. S.E. The last shuttle will leave the farm at 4:15 p.m.
Kelsey Creek Farm's history dates back to 1921, when the land was cleared of stumps leftover from the city's logging boom for a local family-operated dairy called Twin Valley Dairy. In 1968, the city of Bellevue began purchasing the land for a park, with Kelsey Creek Farm opening in 1972.
The annual fall gathering started in 1982 when art classes pooled their crafts for an old-fashioned holiday arts fair. Over 200 visitors had a very short time to enjoy the pasture decorated with boughs and ribbons before the goats ate the decorations.
Over time, the Kelsey Creek Farm Fair has grown in popularity, becoming a fall staple with over 5,000 visitors annually.
For more information, go to http://bit.ly/1RcuBnk, call 425-452-7688 or email kelseycreekfarm@bellevuewa.gov.