Showcase Tacoma Follow Up and Pictures (13. August 2006, 21:18 by Derek Young) ~ Seeing Our City
Today we volunteered at Showcase Tacoma. We arrived in downtown a bit early, giving us the chance to scope out the scene. We got off the light rail at the Convention Center and walked through Pacific Plaza, Art Alley, through UWT and across the Bridge to the Museum of Glass. We observed glassblowing legend Billy Morris in the Hot Shop (along with swarms of his female fans), before heading back to our info table at the base of UWT’s steps.
There was a steady stream of people along Pacific and meandering through the grounds of UWT. As we listened to a steady drum beat with a hint of Dave Matthews, then Beck, from across the street, we answered questions about the festival, and about Tacoma in general.
A couple from Washington D.C. stumbled onto the event and wanted to know more about Tacoma and what’s going on here. There was a hip-hop artist rocking out by a row of port-a-potties, which made for an exciting bathroom break. A longtime Federal Way resident stopped to tell us how much she loves Tacoma and how she brings all of her out-of-town visitors here. A man played a didgeridoo for us. We sold one gentleman on the merits of the Grand Cinema. We were able to relish several bites of a steaming hot smoked turkey leg from the Harmon – until two aggressive yellow jackets dive-bombed our tent, pursuing said turkey leg with an admirable vengeance. A group of young folks asked if Tacoma is like this every weekend. “It’s exciting here, but maybe not… every weekend,” I said.
It was fantastic to see so many people exploring our downtown…all backgrounds, colors, shapes and sizes. From a man in a work kilt – folks with puppies – to an elderly lady with a cane – children on their parents’ shoulders – to punk or hippie artist/musicians. Many commented that they love what UWT has done for downtown, but few had actually been on the campus – or downtown. Showcase Tacoma 2006 was a perfect opportunity to experience the new Tacoma.
This day had it all. The weather was absolutely perfect and we think word will get around so next year’s event will be even better.
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I really enjoyed being downtown on Saturday. A friend down from the Eastside really enjoyed our city!
One thing though…
Did anyone else feel like Pacific Plaza was under utilized? There wasn’t a lot of action there. It was a bit boring and the crowds didn’t seem to move that way from the UWT campus.
1 | Posted by jake | Aug 14, 10:17 AM
It was exciting to see all the people down there. I’m glad I had a chance to talk with many of the exit133 regulars.
We need to have more active events in this area.
2 | Posted by Marty | Aug 14, 02:45 PM
Perhaps we could add another Exit 133 activity day, and hold it at Pacific Plaza. How about frisbee or soccer on Saturday afternoons? Nothing like a game of football in the city.
3 | Posted by drizell | Aug 15, 12:34 AM
“Perhaps we could add another Exit 133 activity day, and hold it at Pacific Plaza.”
I second this! How does Friday afterwork wine tastings sound?
4 | Posted by morgan | Aug 15, 10:25 AM
“Perhaps we could add another Exit 133 activity day, and hold it at Pacific Plaza.†“I second this! How does Friday afterwork wine tastings sound?”
Alrighty, it’s official. Drizell & Morgan are officially the Exit 133 Activity Committee Chairs!
We think football/soccer in the Nameless Plaza is a great fall activity, particularly if bocce seems too summery.
Perhaps we’ll take an online poll to decide…
5 | Posted by team exit133 | Aug 15, 11:36 AM
“Alrighty, it’s official. Drizell & Morgan are officially the Exit 133 Activity Committee Chairs!”
I think I have enough chairs!
“We think football/soccer in the Nameless Plaza is a great fall activity, particularly if bocce seems too summery.”
It’s not that bocce is too summery- it’s just hard to play without floodlights in the Fall/Winter. When is Metro Parks going to build that bocce field anyway?
Another thought with the Plaza that shall remain nameless:
Why not turn it into an ice-skate rink in the Winter? The City of Bellevue sets up one in their downtown park every year. They get sponsorship from a radio station and their local Chamber to help fund it. Come on BIA! What do you say?!
6 | Posted by morgan | Aug 15, 03:45 PM
Just wanted to give a big shout out of thanks to Derek and Laura and all the other Exit133 readers who volunteered or came to the event. I think a good time was had by all and next year it will be even better- since they will have more time to plan.
Thanks for helping make Tacoma great.
– Hillary7 | Posted by Hillary Ryan | Aug 15, 08:45 PM
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