Someone needs to get Mother Nature on WhatsApp and ask her what’s going on. The Seattle Times recently reported that during the first week of May the Seattle area experienced more rainfall than we normally see for the entire month. That’s coming off the 13^th coldest April on record, the Times also reported. Coupled with the doldrums from two years of COVID chrysalis, we’re all primed for what has become the most eagerly anticipated June in recent memory.

At United Way of King County, we understand. That’s why we’re urging you to mark your calendars: On June 18—three days before the official start of summer—we are hosting our first Annual Community BBQ with former Seattle Seahawks star Doug Baldwin at Renton Memorial Stadium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is among many during that weekend that will kick off this year’s season of outdoor activity.

We’re asking you to bring your tastes to the place! If you think that tasty BBQ baby back ribs and chicken can’t be found in the Pacific Northwest, think again. We’re bringing together an all-star lineup of some of the finest local barbecue restaurants all in one place–chefs that specialize in cooking a meat so tender that it falls right off the bone. And our vegan offerings, halal foods and dishes for those with dietary restrictions will be just as mouthwatering.

The Annual Community BBQ is a family friendly outing that includes:

• Live DJ and entertainment
• Field and carnival games, including inflatable area, face painting, balloon animals (KidsQuest Children’s Museum and Lego Guild will be there too!)
• Activities sponsored by the Seattle Seahawks and Kraken
• A chance to catch a pass from former Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin Jr. and his friends
• Community conversations and networking opportunities with your local elected officials, youth leaders and nonprofits

The event is $10 per plate of BBQ, sides and fixings. And if the barometric pressure still hasn’t righted itself by June, don’t worry: Our event will be held rain or shine. Plus, there’s free parking and easy access by public transportation.

For more information, and to learn how you can purchase a plate, give a plate or receive a plate courtesy of our many donors and sponsors, click here.

Our event is solely about gathering as communities. If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be together. We hope that the BBQ will embody that spirit.

“We just want to get the community back together,” said Baldwin, “in a location where the community is welcome and invited, with so many activities for kids and adults. It’s a time for us to relax and be around each other.”

Our BBQ event will be held on the weekend of both Juneteenth and Father’s Day. We’re urging people to get out—not only to the Community BBQ but the many events to be held that weekend. That includes a range of Juneteenth celebrations, including one just down the street on June 18 at the Renton BLM Street Mural from noon to 7 p.m. We’re encouraging people in the Renton area on June 18 to attend both events.

Other events that weekend include:

• Festival Sundiata Black Arts Fest at Seattle Center, June 17-19
• The Father’s Day Car Show in Downtown Burien, June 19
• The Edmonds Art Festival at the Frances Anderson Center, June 17- 19
• The Juneteenth Celebration at the Rainier Beach Community Center, June 19
• Washington State Summer Con at the Washington State Fair Events Center, June 17- 19
• Washington State Parks Free Days, on multiple days through November 25
• Seattle International Artists Series at Broadway Performance Hall, June 18- 19
• The Fremont Fair at multiple locations, June 18-19

These events are not in competition. They’re indicative of King County’s rich cultural and artistic diversity and magnets for families, friends and acquaintances to join in the fun. Now’s the time to save the date to attend as many as possible.

Next month is an opportunity to bring back more normalcy to an area still rebounding from pandemic isolation. We can’t wait for what’s coming. During this period of inclement weather, we say May the June be with you!