Volunteer, hobby expo returns bigger than ever
April 20, 2010
By David Hayes
Whether you’re brand new to the community or have lived here your whole life, possibilities abound for getting involved with your neighbors and other like-minded individuals or groups. The trick is finding them.
Luckily, the Issaquah Parks & Recreation Department gathers more than 30 organizations at one convenient location each year — the Hobby & Volunteer Expo.
“It’s for all ages,” organizer Cathy Jones said. “It’s especially great for parents to find different groups for their children.”
Now in its 11th year, this year’s show is geared more toward hobby and volunteer opportunities for adults and high school students, Jones said.
“There are some great opportunities for retirees and empty nesters,” she added.
The 32 booths set up this year feature all organizations or clubs that are from or serve the Issaquah area. Jones said last year’s event was their biggest ever and hopes to top that. The numbers could be boosted because organizers tied the event in to the weekly Issaquah Farmers Market.
“Piggy backing with the farmers market has been a great partnership,” she said.
Returning are expo regulars Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America, Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Eastside Camera Club and the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah, to name a few.
Joining in on the festivities are several first timers, including Block Party Quilters, International Smile Power, Wild West History Association and the Eastside Domestic Violence Program.
Jones said in addition to bringing together like-minded community members, the expo is also a great way for students to find an organization to serve to fulfill their community service hours.
She added that it’s also not too late for other interested organizations to sign up to join the expo. Just give her a call at 837-3317 for more information.
David Hayes: 392-6434, ext. 237, dhayes@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Participating organizations
Issaquah Alps Trails Club
AARP – Driver Safety Program
Block Party Quilters
Boy Scouts of America –
Boy/Cub Scouts
Camp Fire USA
Cascade Treasure Club
DownTown Issaquah Association
Eastside Camera Club
Eastside Domestic Violence Program
Eastside Genealogical Society
Eastside Needlers
Elder & Adult Day Services
Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
Friends of the Trail
International Smile Power
Issaquah Chamber of Commerce
Issaquah Environmental Council
Issaquah Parks & Recreation
Issaquah Quilters
Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club
Issaquah Women’s Club
Kiwanis Club of Issaquah
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
Operation Bald Eagle
Optimist Club of Issaquah
Providence Point PFLAG
Seattle Children’s – Issaquah Guild
St. Andrew’s Housing Group
The ARAS Foundation
Volunteer Chore Services/Issaquah Meals
Wild West History Association
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When is the hobby expo? You trying to keep it a secret? Couldn’t find it anywhere.
Joel 206-612-2816-c
Sorry! It was in the community spotlight, but inadvertently got cut from the story. It’s from 9 a.m – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24.