VIEWFINDER: Dancing, Crafts and Pies at the Lake Hills Blueberry Festival

We were busy blowing helium balloons for the kids, parents and community members who came to the Lake Hills Blueberry Festival, at Lake Hills Elementary. However, we did manage to leave our booth for a few minutes to snap some of photos of the event.

Kids could get free books and participate in crafts and activities, while parents got information on local activities and services for kids. The day began with a blueberry waffle feed, with morning visitors getting free blueberry waffles.

Cultural performers danced, and Lake Hills Elementary Principal Heather Edlund beat three other competitors, including Bellevue Councilwoman Claudia Balducci, as this year's pie eating champion.

Lake Hills Elementary is home to the Wrap-Around Services Program, a collaboration of the city, school district, United Way and East Bellevue Community Council. The school is a hub for programs and services to meet the needs of area children and families.

Along with the Lake Hills Elementary PTSA, several community groups had tables at the event, including Hopelink, the Eastside Heritage Center, Lake Hills Soccer Club, the Lake Hills Neighborhood Association and more. The Bellevue School District had a bus on display for parents and kids to board.

Visitors also were encouraged to take a short walk to the neighboring for a yard sale and participate in a raffle for free back-to-school haircuts. Elementary-school students can receive a free dental screening from an on-site dental van. 

The event is cosponsored by the City of Bellevue, Bellevue School District, United Way of King County, Lake Hills Neighborhood Association, and Jubilee REACH Center.