The weather gods better get cracking with summer weather soon because folks in Des Moines are raring to go with outdoor fun events. Coming up is everything from the farmer's market to Three Tree Point Yacht Club races, 4th of July fireworks, a pet festival and younger folk's fundraising to restore a 1938 baseball grandstand. Play Ball!

Des Moines is no longer just a bedroom community for Seattle and a place for senior retirement buildings.

Wherever we live, folks love fresh produce, flowers, lively camaraderie, and need a place to get together.

The grand opening for the Des Moines Farmer's Market is June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Marina Park.

It features farmers selling organic produce and flowers, entertainment and food vendors. The vendors include the oh-so-popular Meso's Catering cabbage rolls and potato pancakes. Soon to come, candied apples, roasted corn and kettle popcorn.

Tie a community-spirit welcome ribbon around that package and we've got a winner.

The newly appointed arts commission will dedicate a mural, June 7 by commission members, Anita Corby and Katherine Caughey. It incorporates the unique and remarkable artistry of Elizabeth (Jenny) Elliott's 2007 award-winning market poster.

Check out the Children's Art Festival with unique arts, crafts and entertainment. For information, call 206 870-6582.

Also at the market, Brenda Anders-Larson will be leading a fund-raising drive to restore the Field House historic grandstand. And what is so special about the grandstand? No other historic wooden baseball grandstands remain in the King County Park System. More on this project later, but for information, call 206 878-2066.

Tall Ships via water taxi anyone? Twice daily from July 3 to 6, Argosy boats will leave the marina for Tacoma's Tall Ships. Part of the proceeds will help support the farmer's market.

A free fabulous Fourth of July fireworks display will again fill the skies from the fishing pier about 10 p.m.

The Three Tree Point Yacht Club's Annual Mid-Sound Sailboat Races scheduled for Thursdays July 10, 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 7 and 14 are welcome shows of skill and color. When sleek boats push that last stretch to the finish line with colorful spinnakers catching the wind, it's an unforgettably beautiful sight. Carmen Scott, skilled photographer, has captured the postcard picture. You can marvel in person.

Des Moines Beach Park is going to the dogs on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Catch the annual pet festival featuring smart four-legged critters showing how to be a star in competition. Cheer for best trick, King and Queen of the festival, best costume and even ugliest pet. Vendors include pet stores with cool items, groomers, veterinarians, local artists, dog trainers, shelters, and non-profit organizations.

There is so much more including Missoula Children's Theater, DM Classic Car Show, Concerts in Park, 3 on 3 Streetball, Bike Race downtown, Boat trips and more.

People ask, "Will we ever have a Waterland Festival again?" Maybe this is the answer; updated, fresh, and for the whole summer rather than five days.

(I kinda miss the Beer Garden.)

Events Information is available at the Des Moines Parks office, 206-870-6527

Have you seen the new colorful banners in the marina? A big hooray of thanks to marina crewmember Pat Wolfrom who made it happen!

Except for colorful boats, the marina is pretty much blacktop and white buildings. Banners bring a welcome sense of motion and color. Tell them you like them by calling 206-824-5700.

In other marina news, Assistant Harbormaster Jerry Ellingsen is retiring July 1 after 35 years of marina service. His steady hand at the helm and expert source of information is irreplaceable.

And a "tip of the hat" to all the crew for keeping Des Moines Marina safe, intact and now colorful: Scott Wilkens, Joe Jewell, Jimmy Brown, Charlie Martin, Jonathan Elfstrom, Pat Wolfrom, secretary Bonnie Holmboe, harbormaster Joe Dusenbury and retiring Jerry Ellingsen.

And to all who entertain us this summer - Thank you.

Today's Thought: "Conduct is more convincing than language." Joe Woolman