Northwest’s largest free Festival of Color to be held in Redmond

Traditional Holi festival of India to be held on March 23.

March 11, 2019 11:00 am
The Northwest’s largest free color festival will be held in Redmond on Saturday, March 23 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Marymoor Park. Photo courtesy of Creative Flashes Photography.
The Northwest’s largest free color festival will be held in Redmond on Saturday, March 23 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Marymoor Park. Photo courtesy of Creative Flashes Photography.

The annual Festival of Color, organized by Sammamish-based Vedic Cultural Center is set for March 23 in Redmond.

The event will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Marymoor Park (Marybelle Meadow, 17525 NE 65th St.).

The festival,with grant support from the Redmond Arts and Culture Commission, brings the traditional Holi festival of India to the Northwest. To accommodate growth, the festival moved from Redmond City Hall to Marymoor Park in 2018, according to a press release.

“Festival of Color is a celebration of spring where nature will explode into many colors,” festival President Harry Terhanian said in the release. “It’s a celebration of sun that brings all colors in plants and joy in the hearts of people. It’s also a celebration of renewing friendship.”

The highlight of the festival is the periodic play of colors, with countdowns announced by dignitaries and officials in attendance. The play of colors involves attendees throwing vegetable-based, non-allergic colored powder at one another. No outside colors are allowed. This grand community festival is going to be kicked off by Mayor John Marchione.

“While enjoying the play of colors, audiences will be dancing to high-energy stage performances,” Latha Sambamurti, artistic and outreach and development director, said. “This festival is a celebration of spring, with attendees coming together as a community.”

This year’s stage talent line-up features DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid from Portland, Oregon and Bollypop dance group from Los Angeles.

“Color contests will complete our offer of fun activities for festival attendees,” Sambamurti in the release. “Please bring lots of energy and win prizes!”

The Festival of Color is suitable for all ages. There is ample parking at Marymoor Park.

Vegetarian food will be available.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/vccfestivals and www.festivalofcolor.us.

To register online in advance, visit www.tinyurl.com/vccfoc19. Advanced registration enables attendees to avoid long lineups for colors and food, with $5 savings on an early bird festival kit.