Take note that Covington Days has been moved back two weeks from the end of July to the middle of the month, July 17.

Organizers of the annual community celebration made the change in December, according to Judy Swanberg, who has co-chaired the Covington Days Festival Committee for the Lions since the organization took over in 2006.

Swanberg explained the primary reason behind the change was to make sure the carnival would be part of the festival.

“We did it without the carnival (last year) and it just was not the same,” Swanberg said. “The carnival was already booked the last weekend of July so we went with the weekend that we could get it. We also hoped that it wouldn’t put it in conjunction with Renton River Days and some of the other stuff that was going on last year.”

Another change is that the Quilt Show at Cedar Heights Middle School will be the weekend after Covington Days because the date was set and couldn’t be moved to coincide with the festival and “the vendors are set up years in advance.”

There will be bands, booths, vendors and more on the lawn at MultiCare throughout the weekend.

“We’ll have the fun run and skate board and ski jump and all of the fun stuff we’ve had before like the art show … and the parade,” Swanberg said.

It’s been tough, she said, finding groups and businesses willing to help pay for the parade but unlike in 2007 when there wasn’t one there has been enough support this year.

“We don’t have the sponsors we’ve had in the past (for the parade), so it’s really hurting this year,” Swanberg said. “Absolutely (sponsors are still welcome). They can provide sponsorship after the event. We’ll take the money any time.”

Swanberg said the Lions Club also hopes to find a place in downtown Covington to set up a beer garden but given the space available that’s going to be a challenge.

Other highlights will be the barbecue and fireworks over Covington Christian Fellowship on Friday night to kick off the weekend as well as the chalk art show and indoor art show at Covington MultiCare.

Plus there’s going to be all kinds of entertainment in the form of bands and performers that Swanberg is excited about.

Another change this year is that the Coalition for a Healthy Community, which created the Cruzin’ Covington Passport program last year, has taken over the 5K Fun Run that kicks off the second day of the festival, according to coalition member Pam Kramer.

“It’s now called the CHC 5K Fun Run and it will benefit the CHC’s programs, which are primarily for kids,” Kramer said in an e-mail. “The cost for kids 12 and under is just $10, which pays for the t-shirt, and would love to have tons of kids partake in it this year.”

There will be cash prizes for the top three finishes in the male and female divisions. Adults pay $25 to enter which includes a technical t-shirt and goodie bag.

Registration for the 5K Fun Run can be done at www.cruzinpassport.com

Covington staff and the City Council are hammering out the final details for the city’s participation in the festival, said city spokeswoman Karla Slate.

At this point the city’s plans include hosting the Saturday Night Street Dance and a Covington Variety Show which will include a watermelon eating contest and a game show.

“We will also be providing roving entertainment around the Kids Zone and staffing our booth which will provide opportunities to meet and speak with Council members and staff,” Slate said.

Swanberg encourages residents to come out to Covington days because “it’s just a great community event and it’s free.”

“The only money they would have to spend would be on something they may want to buy,” she said. “The entertainment is free. It’s a great community supporting event.”