A new event in downtown Arlington, Arlington Community Day celebrates all things Arlington,Sept. 20..

“Our goal is to help our community members become familiar and connect with the wonderful resources we have here in Arlington,” said Jeanne Watanabe, chair of the event.

The event is an evolution of last year’s grand reopening celebration of Olympic Avenue.

“That day was such a big success, the DABA group decided to make it a new tradition,” said Watanabe, the president of DABA this year.

Visitors will find entertainment by local talent in the gazebo, excellent food at special prices at 11 downtown restaurants in the Bite of Arlington, a Poker Walk presented by Angel of the Winds Casino, special events at Arlington Farmer’s Market in the city parking lot in the 100 block of Olympic Avenue, children’s activities at Bouncy Town in the merchants’ parking lot in the 300 block of Olympic Avenue and lots of fun contests.

The coordinator of the farmers market, Mark Lovejoy said the market will have special extended hours for this special day, through

4 p.m.. One of his vendors, Highland Farms, will bring three kinds of animals from the farm in Arlington Heights. His veggie carving contest will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. when the votes from the public will be tallied to determine the winner. The farmers market is normally open 9 a.m.

to 2 p.m. and runs through Oct. 18. Its final day is on the Snohomish County’s Farm Festival Tour that day.

Hay rides will take folks from Legion Park to the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association’s Pioneer Days at Pioneer Hall throughout from noon to 4 p.m. Hop the wagon behind Legion Park on the Centennial Trail.

Kids and adults alike are invited to express themselves in the sidewalk chalk art contest and learning how to break out of the box to make creative scarecrows for the month-long scarecrow contest presented by the Arlington Arts Council at the City Hall Plaza. Scarecrow artists are invited to build scarecrows to be displayed on Olympic Avenue throughout October. Winners will be announced at the Farm Festival event on Oct. 18.

Community groups of many types are offering information and activities in the city parking lot along with the Arlington Farmers Market, which will include some extra special activities for the day, including a veggie carving contest and a petting zoo.

Merchants will offer lots of good deals on the sidewalk sale along North Olympic Avenue.

As part of Arlington Community Day, Christ the King Community Church is bringing the Northwest Medical Team’s dental van to downtown Arlington all day Sept. 20.

“This is an organization that travels all over the Northwest to help those in need of dental care but can’t afford it,” said Joan Schranck, wife and assistant to Pastor Rick Schranck.

“I will be making appointments until Sept. 20 for the dentist who will do fillings and extractions and the hygienist who will do cleanings.” People without dental insurance are invited to call 360-474-8444.

The church pays $400 for the van and will accept $25 donations from those who want and can afford to give.

“We are doing this to help the community and gain no financial benefits for the church,” said Rick Schranck.

Christ The King Community Church has been gathering at Presidents Elementary School for four years. Along with this dental service for the community, the congregation also supports missions to Panama, Shranck said.

Arlington Community Day is presented by the Downtown Arlington Business Association with help from the city of Arlington, Arlington Farmers Market, Arlington Arts Council, Arlington Kiwanis Club, Lifeway Foursquare Church, The Commons Church, The Local Scoop Cafe, Denton Massage School & Wellness Center, 360 Home Real Estate, Instant Color, Pacific Learning Solutions and The Arlington Times.

Participants include the Arlington Fire Department which is bringing an engine, and aid car and firemen for folks to visit with; Cascade Valley Hospital will offer health checks; Arlington Boys and Girls Club, Stilly Valley Little League, Campfire, Cocoon House, Eagle Wings Disability Ministry, Arlington Garden Club, Highland Christian School, Housing Hope, JROTC, Arlington Kiwanis Club, Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce, Old Bags of Arlington, Sarvey Wildlife Center and Stillaguamish Senior Center, Arlington Assembly of God and Christ the King Community Church.

For information call 360-403-3448.