Spring is finally, definitely here and I’m loving it. When the sun is out here, shining on Mt. Rainier and all the trees, and the temperature gets into the 60s and 70s, it feels like there’s no place better in the world to live.
We’ll see how long it lasts.
In the meantime…here’s what happened and what to do this week.
Sponsored by Susan’s Baubles
This week’s sponsor is Susan’s Baubles, an Etsy jewelry shop run by longtime Puyallup resident Susan, who creates custom bracelets, earrings, and necklaces featuring Swarovski crystals. Her shop has a 4.9-star rating with over 600 reviews and nearly 2,000 sales over 12 years. If you’re looking for a unique gift or something custom, check out Susan’s Baubles on Etsy and support a local maker.
What happened last week: Fire, fitness, and accidental nudity
A fire damaged two classrooms at Farrucci Junior High in Puyallup last weekend when a backup batter system short-circuited. Fortunately no one was in the school at the time, and the sprinkler system did its job to limit the damage.
Northwest Fitness on South Meridian in Puyallup closed its doors abruptly after 7 years, with only a few hours notice to customers.
The City of Orting apologized for a naked person accidentally walking in the background of a zoom call of a City Council meeting but of course there’s still controversy around it, because everything apparently has to be controversial these days.
South Sound Transit wants Pierce County residents to take a short survey to help them figure out what to cut in order to make up their budget shortfall. They better not touch the Sounder train that runs from Puyallup to Seattle!
Top things to do in the Puyallup Valley this week: 80s music, game nights, and canine long jump competitions
This Friday is the opening of the annual Spring Fair at the Puyallup fairgrounds. In addition to the usual rides and food stands, here are a few standout attractions:
BBQ Playoffs, in which 35 teams compete to win $25,000 prize for the best barbeque and you can purchase samples.
Slamfest Demo Derby and Boat Bash, where you watch boats and cars smash into each. Separate ticket purchase required.
Dock Dogs, a free competition that runs multiple times a day in which dogs dash down a 40-foot canine runway and jump headlong into a large swimming pool filled with 27,000 gallons of water. The longest distance jump wins. (Apparently Dock Dogs is a national sport with competitions nationwide - who knew?). I’m thinking of attending this year just to catch this event.
Bundok Books is offering a free TTRPG game night event at their store on South Hill on Thursday, April 9. TTRPG stands for Tabletop Role-Playing Game, a collaborative storytelling game where players take on character roles in a fictional world, guided by a game master (GM) and rules, typically using dice.
If you’re just a small town girl living in a lonely world, or you want to walk like an Egyptian: ‘80s cover band Radio 80 plays at Purdy’s Public House in Sumner on Friday at 9pm
It’s Puzzle night at Fruitland Grange in South Hill on Saturday. I couldn’t actually find out any more info than that, so puzzle at your own risk.
From the community: best place to get native plans?
According to Redditors, two of the best places to get native plants in the Puyallup Valley are Vassey Nursery in Puyallup and Country Girl Greenhouse in Orting (opening for the season on April 10). There are a few others recommended if you’re willing to drive to Gig Harbor or Tacoma, so it’s worth reading the whole thread if you’re passionate about planting. Also keep an eye out for the Master Gardener Plant Sale in the first weekend in May at the fairgrounds.
Sarah’s Pick: Tandoori Grill on South Hill
When I was growing up here in the ‘80s, there were no Indian restaurants in Puyallup. Or anywhere nearby. Now we’re fortunate to have several in the area, and I’ve tried them all. The best in my opinion is the unassuming Tandoori Grill, tucked away among the many strip mall businesses on Meridian in South Hill. Based on the crazy amount of 5-star reviews it has on Google, lots of area residents agree with me (including my mother who is not at all an adventurous eater).
I love their chicken korma. And their coconut curry. And their saag. And the samosas, and…you get the idea. The service is solid, too.
Want to make me aware of an upcoming local event, or suggest a hidden gem in the area? Email me at sarah [at] puyallupinsider.com