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Posted on: June 27, 2019

Inaugural ‘Sundae Sermon’ concert comes to Lake Sammamish State Park

Public invited to Celebration of Black Folks July 14

OLYMPIA – June 27, 2019 – The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program invite the public to the first Sundae Sermon: Celebration of Black Folks at Lake Sammamish State Park.

Presented by Golden Bricks Events, the celebration runs from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the Sunset Beach playground area of Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah. (Driving directions.)

Sunday family gatherings are a staple in many black communities, with get-togethers starting at church and going all day through soul food dinners and more — including ice cream sundaes. Washington State Parks and Golden Bricks welcome the public to this festive event filled with performances by a diverse group of youth, young adults and elders.

The Sundae Sermon brings the sights and sounds of music, dance, poetry and live art of Kamari Bright, the Northside Step Team, Naomi Wachira, Gretchen Yanover, Kouyaté Arts, and Jolyn GC.

"People recognize that there is an adventure gap when it comes to black people in the outdoors,” said Chevon Powell, founder of Golden Bricks Events. “Most people just think about the historical issues that have stopped our community from accessing public lands. But when I looked around at outdoor events and realized I was typically one of the only people of color, I knew that something had to change.”

“By producing events like Sundae Sermon and Refuge Outdoor Festival that center marginalized communities, Golden Bricks Events is helping to close the adventure gap and build healthier communities," Powell added.

This family-friendly event also will feature a free low-impact hike with GirlTrek, bird walks with a Seattle Audubon leader and swim sessions with Oshun Swim School. Local black-owned businesses will have food and artisan crafts for sale, and local organizations will have booths at the event.

Public transportation is available to Lake Sammamish State Park via King County’s Metro Transit System. A Discover Pass is required for personal vehicle access.

This event is accessible to people with disabilities. If special accommodations are required to attend, please make advance arrangements by calling (360) 902-8635, (425) 649-4275 or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service (800) 833-6388.

About the Folk and Traditional Arts Program
The Sundae Sermon is part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, with funding provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as support from the Washington State Parks Foundation.

For more information about the Folks and Traditional Arts program, including upcoming events, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/folkarts, or contact Makaela Kroin, program coordinator, at Makaela.Kroin@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8635.

About Golden Bricks Events
Golden Bricks Events (GBE) produces special events and festivals that highlight outdoor recreation, nature and diversity. Getting outdoors and participating in recreational activities positively affects the physical and mental health of individuals and communities. Bringing together people at all skill levels can help meet the needs of a diverse and inclusive community. For more information, contact Chevon Powell at golden.bricks.events@gmail.com, or visit the organizations’ Facebook page: @goldenbricksevents.

About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 510-acre urban day-use park with nearly 7,000 feet of waterfront. The area around the lake carries cultural significance as a gathering place for at least four Native American tribes. The park’s numerous recreation opportunities are bound to keep the whole family busy. A salmon-bearing creek and a great blue heronry provide birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. For more information visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/533/Lake-Sammamish.

News media contacts:
Makaela Kroin, Folk and Traditional Arts Program Coordinator, (360) 902-8635
Chevon Powell, Founder, Golden Bricks Events
Toni. Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604

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About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

 News release number: 19-047

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