In October 1981, the Phinney Neighborhood Center and the Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op opened their doors in a recently closed elementary school building. Today, 30 years later, both the Center and the preschool are integral to the Phinney-Greenwood neighborhood. Many residents couldn’t imagine the neighborhood without them.

The Phinney Neighborhood Center is now home to a wide variety of events and activities for infants through seniors – everything from childcare to music and dance classes to a tool lending library to an art gallery to a farmers market to bridge and book clubs and lots, lots more.

On Oct. 1 and 2, the Center is celebrating those 30 years. It will be a weekend of celebration for both the Center and the preschool with activities for both young and old:

Ridge Romp – Saturday, Oct 1, at 10:30 a.m.

This popular children’s entertainment series was started by preschool parents several years ago. This celebration show features Johnny Bregar who creates “music for kids that parents will love.” Tickets to the show are $3/person. Doors open at 10 a.m. and organizers recommend that you arrive early; shows often sell out.

Phinney Center Stage – Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

The fun continues with Phinney Center Stage, an evening of improv comedy featuring the touring company from Taproot Theatre.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. for a social hour with an opportunity to catch up with old friends. Community members and current and past PNA members are all invited to attend but Board members, preschool families and PNA volunteers are particularly encouraged. The event will include designated “hospitality rooms” in the Center for both Board and preschool to “increase the odds” of seeing former classmates and Boardmates.

At 8 p.m., the party moves to a tent in the Phinney Center upper parking lot where, by using suggestions from the audience, the quick witted actors of Taproot Theatre’s Improvisational Comedy Team will create, on the spot, scene after comedic scene filled with fun and laughs. Intermission includes an array of desserts and then it’s back to the improv.

Tickets for this night of fun and laughter are $30/person and include dessert and drinks. Purchase tickets online at www.phinneycenter.org or in person at the Phinney Neighborhood Center.

Ridge Rumpus - Sunday, Oct. 2, from 12 – 4 p.m., Phinney Neighborhood Center upper parking lot.

Kids should have a blast at this neighborhood carnival featuring bouncy toys, rides, games, carnival food AND aerialists from Versatile Arts. Admission is $10/child or $25/family (adults are free) for unlimited access to games and rides.

Phinney Neighborhood Center is located at 6532 Phinney Ave N. For more information, check the website: http://www.phinneycenter.org/events/30th.shtml or call 206-783-2244.