Hanukkah, Argosy Ship Returns, and More...

December 13, 2023

Celebrating Hanukkah

As the festival of lights continues, the City wishes our community a happy Hanukkah.

Thank you to the many Islanders who joined us for the menorah lighting ceremony. This annual tradition draws friends and neighbors to celebrate the first day of the holiday. More than 250 people attended this year's event to light the menorah, enjoy refreshments, and gather around for live music. If you haven’t yet, you can visit the lit menorah at Mercerdale Park.

Argosy Christmas Ship Festival Returns

Argosy Cruises' Christmas Ship Festival is back! Catch this holiday tradition as the official ship stops by Luther Burbank Park this Sunday, December 17 from 7:40pm - 8:00pm. The ship visits several dozen waterfront communities in our region each year, where choirs on board perform for guests on the boat, others on the water, and those gathered on shore. Join us at the Luther Burbank Park beach area to enjoy the sights, sounds, and a holiday treat. Learn more and see options for participating on the Argosy Cruises website.

Save the Date: MIHS Future Islander Night

Calling all Island parents: Mercer Island High School is hosting Future Islander Night on Thursday, January 25, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. This evening event offers parents, students, and families living on Mercer Island an opportunity to visit the high school and learn about classes, curriculum, programs, school groups, and athletics. Current enrollment in the Mercer Island School District is not required to attend, and the event is free. Learn more about Future Islander Night on the school district's website.

Last Call for the Mercer Island Tree Lot

The last day of the MIYFS Foundation’s annual Holiday Tree Lot is coming up this weekend! Stop by for a great selection of holiday trees, garlands, and wreaths in support of the Youth and Family Services Department and the High School’s International Entrepreneurship Class. The lot will be open this Saturday, December 16 from 10:00am - 6:00pm before closing for the season. Get directions to the lot (MI Presbyterian Church), details on availability, and more on the MIYFS Foundation website.

And don't forget: the Mercer Island Thrift Shop's Giving Tree is also up and running once again. All proceeds go to YFS programs supporting youth and families on Mercer Island. Swing by the Thrift Shop to learn more and support this fundraising effort.

Reminder: I-90 Lane Closures Ahead

Eastbound I-90 from Seattle to Mercer Island will be reduced to two lanes starting at 10:00pm this Friday, December 15, until 6:00am Saturday, December 16. The two right lanes will close, and several ramps will be impacted: from 9:00pm Friday until 6:00am Saturday, the on-ramp from northbound and southbound Rainier Avenue South to eastbound I-90 will be closed, and from 9:30pm Friday until 6:00am Saturday, the off-ramp from West Mercer Way to eastbound I-90 will be closed.

This closure will allow WSDOT tunnel maintenance crews to perform regular, scheduled maintenance in the Mount Baker and Mercer Island Lid tunnels. Work includes cleaning and testing fire detection cameras, testing fire hydrants and the emergency phone system, and sweeping shoulders and cleaning drains.

As always, you can see the latest road conditions on the WSDOT Real-Time Travel Map.

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City of Mercer Island

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