MARYSVILLE — For nearly a decade, Fridays on Third Street have meant free entertainment and cheap eats during the summer months, and this past Independence Day weekend was no exception.
“The Outer Court” returned to the parking lot of the Carabinieri Bar drive-through and walk-up stand for the ninth consecutive year on July 1, with Snohomish County classic pop rock band “The Dean’s List” kicking things off at 7 p.m. as spectators pulled up chairs, sat or the grass or danced along to the music.
“If you missed them, you missed a really great show,” said Chrissie Clementson, who began organizing the annual event when she still owned the Carabinieri Bar. “I get that it’s the weekend before the Fourth of July, so people are doing different stuff, but even before I contacted them, folks like Dean have been saying to me, ‘Hey, are you ready for the new season of Outer Court to start?’”
Dean Campbell, the lead guitarist and vocalist for “The Dean’s List,” is only one of this season’s performers who could barely wait to take to the Third Street stage. Mark Benzion and Dan Hazen of the “Soulcurve” band will be opening the July 8 Outer Court, but they came a week early just to listen to their fellow musicians and enjoy some hot dogs, hamburgers and chili.
“This event is a great opportunity for the downtown community to build a cohesive identity,” Hazen said. “It bring the arts alive in this city, which is desperately needed. Plus, they serve great hamburgers,” he laughed.
Janette Key won’t be leading her Zumba demonstration at the Outer Court until July 29, but that’s not going to stop her from attending every Outer Court Friday in July and August with her family.
“It’s a great place where I can bring my kids and I know they’ll be safe running around,” Key said.
First-time attendee Steve Fryberg brought his 4-month-old son Cash in tow, and enjoyed what he found in the Carabinieri Bar parking lot.
“I heard about this little festival, and I can’t pass up good music,” Fryberg said. “They’re playing the songs that I like to hear. I’m going to have to investigate the smell of that chili before too long,” he laughed.
“The Dean’s List” wasn’t the only entertainment on July 1, as Sami Hall, who’s strutted her stuff as a contestant in the Marysville Strawberry Festival Talent Show for more than one year, led a volunteer group of audience members through a series of hip-hop dance steps. The students of ATA Martial Arts in Marysville followed by demonstrating their skills with safe weapons and board-breaking.
“I hope the people who see this gain the confidence to try martial arts out for themselves,” ATA Chief Instructor Charles Dionne said. “It’s not just for the fittest. Everyone can have positive experiences with it.”
Clementson was heartened to see the turnout grow so quickly over the course of the July 1 Outer Court’s three hours. After she sold the Carabinieri Bar last year to her mother, Donna Hellien, Clementson continued the Outer Court through the Allen Creek Community Church. She hastened to share credit with her supporters for making the two-month-long series of weekly events possible each year.
“Dr. Mark Holland, from Marysville Family Medicine, and his wife Deb donate their time to take charge of the barbecue every week,” said Clementson, who also organizes the annual Fit-Tastic Easter Egg Hunt for Allen Creek Community Church in the same parking lot. “Helen Lawson, Craig Mount and Barbara McNair are faithfully serving folks every week, and this year, Kelli Miller is donating incredible energy as my managing assistant. I am overwhelmed by the love this group has for the community.”
The Outer Court takes place from 7-10 p.m. every Friday from now through Aug. 26 at 1519 Third St. in Marysville. Meals are $5 for adults and $3 for kids, but the entertainment is always free.
