UPDATE 3/5/20: EVENT CANCELLED. Due to concerns about the coronavirus and COVID-19, organizers, at the recommendation of King County public health, are canceling Holi Festival this year. Thanks for understanding.
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Colorful festival marks the end of winter, celebrates love and good, March 15
OLYMPIA – March 2, 2020 – The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program and partners invite the public to celebrate the arrival of spring at the 2020 Holi Celebration — the Festival of Colors — at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah.
The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Road, Issaquah. (Driving directions.)
A colorful crowd gets into the Holi spirit at Lake Sammamish State Park.
Holi is a traditional Indian celebration of love, fertility and the triumph of good over evil. Holi marks the end of winter and ushers in the spring season. The free annual event, which takes place at the park’s kitchen shelter, will include the customary throwing of vibrant paint powder, a DJ, live performances, kids’ activities and Bollywood-style dancing. Eco-friendly paint powder and vegetarian Indian food will be available for cash purchase.
Proceeds from food, colored powders and other items for sale at the Holi Festival benefit Ravishing Women, a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping women improve their quality of life by creating educational and professional opportunities. Holi benefits the organization’s #FeedTheNeed project, which provides meals to poor children in Pauni, Maharashtra, India.
Food and colored powders may be ordered online in advance. A Discover Pass is required for those attending the festival by vehicle.
About the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program
The Holi Celebration 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.
News media contacts:
Makaela Kroin, Folk and Traditional Arts Program coordinator, (360) 902-8635
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: 20-012