Third Place Commons Celebrates the Homecoming of the Iconic Giant Chess Set
After disappearing during the pandemic, Third Place Commons is delighted to announce the official return of the fully restored giant chess set on Saturday, June 6 with a celebration from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The beloved giant chess board and pieces will be reinstalled to their rightful place on the Commons floor for interactive use by players of all ages and skill levels. Come join the game.
Thanks to a small, but mighty, team of volunteers, led by Ross Baarslog-Benson, the pieces of the oversize chess set have been carefully cleaned and refurbished and will join a newly designed custom board, ready for play. The chess board return comes after years of inquiry about where exactly the chess set went and when it would be coming back. Dearly missed by the community, the giant chess set, an icon of the Commons, has been a cherished tradition for decades.
“I’m so excited for the community to have the chess set back in the Commons!” said Silje Sodal, Executive Director of Third Place Commons. Sodal sees the giant chess set as an integral part of the ethos of the Commons and an important element in bringing people together and providing a strong sense of place and belonging.
Saturday, June 6 will be all about chess at Third Place Commons. All are welcome for the official re-installation and celebration of the return of the giant chess set. Whether you are a grand master in training, or just looking for some oversized fun, join us and be one of the first to make a move on the newly restored chess board.
THE CHESS SET RETURNS
Saturday, June 6. 10AM-12PM
Third Place Commons (upper level of the Lake Forest Park Town Center)
17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park
Welcome program at 10AM followed by:
- Parade of Pieces
- Chess Costume Pageant
- Chess Playing Workshops lead by community chess experts
- Chess Books for sale in partnership with Third Place Books
- Arts and Crafts in partnership with Shorelake Arts
- Open Chess Playing boards and pieces provided
- Chess Cakes Showcase
- Cake provided by Safeway
Everyone is invited to this celebration of the return of the giant chess set. Please join the community to see the chess set, have a bite of cake, and visit with friends.
For those interested, participation is also encouraged. To make this celebration as grand as the star of the show itself, please sign up to participate. Seeking community members, adults and children alike:
- to come play friendly games chess
- To carry chess pieces out for the Parade of Pieces
- To dress in chess theme for a costume pageant
- To bake chess theme cakes for showcase
The board is set, the pieces are ready, and the only thing missing is you.
Make your move to Lake Forest Park on June 6. We can’t wait to see you there!
