Lynnwood Link Festivities

Lynnwood Link Extension Real-Time Arrival Signs. Photo by Sherwin Lee.

Tomorrow, Sound Transit will officially open the Lynnwood Link Extension, the latest northward expansion of the Link 1 Line. Approved by voters in 2008 in the Sound Transit 2 ballot measure, the expansion opens four new stations along 8.7 miles of (mostly) elevated track between Northgate and Lynnwood. From extending north from Northgate, the new stations are named Shoreline South/148th", Shoreline North/185th", Mountlake Terrace", and Lynnwood City Center".

Yesterday, Sherwin rode along with the press preview of the extension. Members of the general public only have to wait until tomorrow's ceremony before being able to ride the brand-new rails - but if you're wondering what festivities await this opening, look no further!

11am: Ribbon-Cutting

As expected based on a Sound Transit staff presentation earlier this summer, the official opening will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony starting at 11am.

Although the official guest list is still secret, if it's anything like the opening ceremony of the 2 Line Starter Line earlier this year or the opening of the Northgate Link Extension in 2021, we can expect local and regional politicians, Sound Transit leadership, and other contributors to the project to speak for some time before the ribbon actually gets cut.

Sound Transit's Trip Planner indicates indicates the first southbound train is scheduled for 12:35 PM, with trains running every 8-10 minutes through the evening.

4pm to 8pm: Night Market

For Sound Transit's first weekday extension opening, the agency recognized that most people with day-jobs wouldn't be able to attend a midday opening celebration like they did for the 2 Line Starter Line's Saturday party. Instead, they've organized a Night Market" spanning each of the four stations which is expected to start after a lull of activity following the ribbon cutting.

Activities at each station are summarized below. If you visit ST's booths at each station, you can participate in their Discover. Stamp. Win!" raffle, and get a fun commemorative map for your transit poster collection.

Lynnwood City Center

The Snohomish County Transportation Coalition, or Snotrac, and the Lynnwood Chamber of Commerce invite you to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Lynnwood City Center Station with live music, a dozen food trucks, cultural performances, a night market of arts and crafts, a community resource fair with 60 public agencies and nonprofits, and many fun activities for kids of all ages".

With a cultural stage hosted by the Asian Service Center, and a Family Fun Zone managed by the Boys and Girls Cubs of Snohomish County, the parking lot and other areas around the rebuilt Lynnwood Transit Center will feature the following attractions:

• Live Music on Main Stage
• Future of Lynnwood Pavilion
• Cultural Stage with music & dance performances
• Night Market of Arts, Crafts, and Produce
• Family Fun Zone
• Community Resource Fair
• Commercial Booths
• Food Trucks

Mountlake Terrace

With my favorite poster I've seen so far advertising the festivities, the Mountlake Terrace Chamber of Commerce invites you to their Night Market at the expanded Mountlake Terrace Transit Center. The party will feature over over 80 booths hosting local vendors, community organizations, and Mountlake Terrace businesses. There will also be a main music stage with live performances from Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz Combo, DJ Sharadawn, The Pazific, and others, as well as, buskers scattered throughout the festival footprint, food trucks, local artists, outdoor seating, and a kids zone with family-friendly games and activities.

Shoreline North/185th

The North City Neighborhood Association is hosting the celebration at the Shoreline North/185th Station, featuring food vendors, community partners, music, dance, and other activities. Check out their website for details.

I'm personally excited for the special transit-themed exhibit from theShoreline Historical Museum.

Shoreline South/148th Street

Hosted by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, festivities will include a main stage with live music, food trucks, vendor stalls, free popcorn, and a variety of family-friendly games and activities.

Meetups

As mentioned in recent Midweek Roundups, The Urbanist is hosting a meetup celebration at Hemlock State Brewing in Mountlake Terrace, starting at 6pm.

The Seattle Transit Blog is not organizing a formal meetup, but several STB writers and commentators are planning to attend the Night Market, and some may even attend the midday Ribbon Cutting.

Let us know if you're planning to go, too!

Edit (3:55pm, 8/29): Added information on Sound Transit's Discover. Stamp. Win! promotion.