Sunny Saturday Perfect for Columbia Heights Day

I knew Columbia Heights Day was going to be big this year, I just didn't know it was going to be this big. The new Harriet Tubman Elementary Field was a great addition, as was the separate performance area with bleacher seating. And there were plenty of things to do, especially for families. But what I liked best was that much of the soccer field was open so people could just hang out. Or play with hula-hoops, which was my favorite.

The festival seemed to be a boon to local businesses, as well. As activities were winding down on the field, I stopped by Red Rocks, Room 11, and the Wonderland -- all of which were packed. And I have heard the same about The Heights (before they closed) and Pete's Apizza.

Check out our photos from Columbia Heights Day below. And did you hear a sheep escaped from the petting zoo? Someone caught it on video.



Sheep on the loose!


Also, we and a few others were tweeting from the festivities.



How did the after-dark events go? Let us know in the comments below.

Activity at Thai Tanic II

As we learned at Columbia Heights Day, Thai Tanic II is hoping to open the second week of September. From the look of it - that seems wholly possible.

There are tables inside and even on a Sunday night, it was bustling with activity and people doing work inside the space. The sign is lit up and ready to go and judging by the doors and sidewalk space, looks like outdoor seating will be available.

Anyone Get Social?

Anyone tried Social yet? It's been open two whole days! Someone must have. If you made it over there, share your thoughts in the comments section.

There's also a lively discussion about it over at the CH forums. And here's the Yelp page.

Violent Night in CH

According to MPD's Jacob Kishter there were two shootings last night in the neighborhood.

A woman was fatally shot around 9:35PM on 14th and Harvard.

Another shooting occurred on the 1400 block of Park Road at 3:20AM. Two men were shot.

Anyone with info is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department on 202-727-9099.

No Water Closes The Heights

BREAKING: A water pipe break in Kenyon Square has shut down The Heights, which was already suffering from no A/C today. So if you were craving a bloody mary or the steak salad, go somewhere else.

Thai Tanic II Opens Second Week of Sept.

Live from CH Day, the guys from Thai Tanic II tell us they are opening
the second week of September in their new location at the Allegro.
They are also serving up some great Thai iced tea.

Just saw Sergio, one of the CH Day directors, and told him they
knocked it out of Harriet Tubman field this year.

Happy Columbia Heights Day!

It's here it's finally here!

Happy Columbia Heights Day!

The Heights Life will be there doing a little video project! If you want to participate, just ask everyone you see the following question, "Are you The Heights Life?" You'll find us eventually!

And you'll almost definitely find me around the 10:30AM Pet Show and the 3:30PM Cupcake Contest. Because both of those things are very funny.

A preemptive thanks to all the CH Day volunteers!

Social Opens on Saturday

Room 11 only had about a week to be the new kid on the block, as Social on 14th Street is set to open this Saturday evening (first reported by PoP). They will also be featuring an "After Dark" drink special to coincide with Columbia Heights Day.

Social was promoting their opening big time last we heard from them. This time though they seem a bit quieter. I checked in with their PR person who said they are expecting a big group for a birthday on opening night, so they will likely be slammed. Alas, if you are bothered by big crowds, then mid-week might be a better time to try the place out.

You can prepare for your visit by perusing their website here.

Also, PoP has some details and pictures over here.

Columbia Heights Cat Wins Coveted Title

A local Columbia Heights cat won a coveted title today, Coolest Cat in PoPville, awarded by the Prince of Petworth.

Ike the Thumb Cat, already famous from his appearances in such high profile pet magazines as PeoplePets.com, had this to say about his victory, "Meow. Purrrrr."

Coming in a close second and third were Ike's look-alike Oreo and another Columbia Heights local, Oliver the Cat.

Ike will now face stiff competition against the "Other" and "Dog" categories for the title of "Coolest Pet in PoPville."

Still unclear is the fate Twizz, a liquor swilling cat whose owner had this to say about the contest, "Vote for Twizz or I will put him down."

16th and Spring Street Shooting

Another mid-day shooting in the neighborhood, this time at 16th and Spring. DCist has some details.

DCCH Conducting Local Business Survey

The Development Corporation of Columbia Heights is looking for neighborhood residents, workers, business owners, and visitors to take a short online survey. They want to learn what additional businesses and services you desire in the neighborhood and what you think about existing businesses in the neighborhood.

I just took the survey and noted that I spend 80% of my grocery shopping expenditures in Columbia Heights and think that a book store, City Sports, and sushi restaurant would be good businesses to open up.

Click here to take the survey.

CH Pizza Victories!

Pete's Apizza and Red Rocks both advanced in Washingtonian's Pizza Pool, beating out NoVa in the process. You can follow the pool here.

Chat with Columbia Heights Day Executive Director

Countdown to Columbia Heights Day: T-minus 4 days! Sergio L. Herrera, president and executive director of the Columbia Heights Day Initiative, took a few moments to answer some of our questions over e-mail. August 29 looks to be bigger, bolder, and better than ever.

The Heights Life: How did Columbia Heights Day first start?
Sergio Herrera: Here’s an article written by one of our volunteers that gives you the genesis of the festival. http://www.ontaponline.com/article/11573

[Ed note: Go ahead, read the article. We’ll wait.]

THL: Columbia Heights Day also seems to be the de facto ribbon-cutting for the new Tubman Elementary turf-field, are you going to miss the old dust bowl?

SH: Of course we will. We’ll just have to stand close to the old Metro buses to get our fill of air toxins. The dusty field was of symbolic of how we organized the festival. And now the new field is a good reflection of how far we’ve come along!

[Ed note: We’ll wait again for you to read this WaPo blog post about the official ribbon cutting and how the new field got a 30-yard wide logo with Mayor Fenty’s name on it.]

THL: Why should a neighborhood resident attend Columbia Heights Day?

SH: It’s just the most organic and hands-on festival in DC. For Columbia Heights, by Columbia Heights … Did I mention that it’s free, it’s fun, there’s actual stuff to do. And if you don’t like it, you can join the planning committee for next year’s festival!

THL: Why should a random DCUSA shopper attend Columbia Heights Day?

SH: DCUSA donated money again this year (as well as Wonderland, Chatel Real Estate, BB&T … to name just a few). So in essence, it’s like the shoppers donated. They should come see where their money went!

Or.

After you spend all of your money at DCUSA’s various shops, you can come to the festival and not spend a dime (and get more than your money’s worth!).

THL: What are this year’s Columbia Heights Day highlights?

SH: To make a few:

• Live music and performances
• 2nd Annual Cupcake Eating Contest (Sponsored by Sticky Fingers)
• Petting Zoo and Kids Zone
• Columbia Heights Day After Dark

THL: In a city full of distinct neighborhoods, what do you think makes Columbia Heights so unique?

SH: We hear the term “melting pot” all of the time, Columbia Heights residents are the chefs adding the essential ingredients to that recipe! Our neighborhood is the most diverse, funky mix of people/business in all of DC. What’s really so fun about Columbia Heights is that we are still making it the neighborhood we want it to be ... it’s a cooperative work in progress.

Jim Graham Tames the Shrew

Councilmember Jim Graham is bringing us free Shakespeare. See below if you'd like to join him:

Dear Friends:

I am happy to host a FREE night of Shakespeare for Ward 1 residents.

The performance is on September 11 at the Shakespeare Theatre Company will perform The Taming of the Shrew at Sidney Harman Hall at 610 F Street NW. The play will begin at 8 p.m.

Sidney Harman Hall is conveniently located a half-block from the Gallery Place Metro station on the Green, Yellow and Red Lines.

Vouchers that can be redeemed for tickets will be given to residents on a first-come-first-served basis. Only several hundred tickets are available. To request vouchers, please call Jeanne Locher in my office at 202-724-8181.

Limit 4 per person.

I thank the Shakespeare Theatre Company for its generosity in helping Ward 1 enjoy the arts.

Bests, Councilmember Jim Graham