Thousands of people lined the streets of Greenwood Wednesday evening for the Greenwood Seafair Parade.
Here are some of the pictures we took from inside and alongside the parade route. We’ll follow up with more tomorrow.
Before the festivities even began, parade-goers kept the crew at Greenwood Market's brat stand busy, including Mary, who tended to a heap of carmelized onions.
Kids, um, ponied up for a ride on Ridgeline Ranch's Welsh ponies.
Kids from Greenwood's Tara Academy write and draw pictures on the back of the PhinneyWood banner to illustrate what "community" means to them.
One of the more elaborate floats was a tribute to Elton John. Can you guess what song was playing?
A little boy takes prudent precautions while waiting for the Seafair Pirates to fire their cannon.
And here is the reaction of three girls moments later.
A QFC precision shopping cart drill team put on a show. It was probably only coincidental that it was in front of the Safeway.
One of the many drill teams entertains the crowd.
While there was lots to see, candy tossed into the crowd was the main attraction for most kids.
The city plans to repave 85th this fall, which should make the 2012 parade route a much smoother experience.
Even the sun came out to watch the parade!
12 responses so far ↓
1 W. F. // Jul 28, 2011 at 7:32 am
A big thank you to everyone who came out to the parade and left your trash behind. Looks fantastic out there this morning.
Why isn’t there a clean up crew for afterward?
2 Cara // Jul 28, 2011 at 7:40 am
Does anyone know what the long delay was for towards the beginning of the parade?
3 Greenwood // Jul 28, 2011 at 8:14 am
Kilted Eric was taking a steamer in the street.
4 neighbs // Jul 28, 2011 at 10:18 am
I *think* the delay happened because the SPD motorcycle team needed each stretch of the roadway to be clear before they could do their show? And their show lasted for about 15 minutes on each leg (Greenwood, then 85th), so that took a little extra time. That’s my best guess, at least
5 Squirrels_Buy_Sell // Jul 28, 2011 at 11:05 am
Thank’s for everyone who showed up to last night’s 61st Annual Greenwood Seafair Parade! This was our 15th Greenwood Seafair Parade from our perfect vantage point of our storefront…
And thank’s to ALL that used our garbage bag’s- one for recycling, the other for trash, thus making clean-up a breeze! And for GreenScapes for picking-up the rest!
Having been a resident of Seattle ALL my life and having gone to a few Seafair Parades- the neighborhood parades STILL RULE, with their individuality and unique flavor’s they afford.
My favorite Seafair Parade growing-up was the University District Kiddies Parade with it’s ALL PARTICIPATION theme! We could wear Halloween costumes if we wanted, or our scout uniform, etc… All the merchants and residents lined the parade course (50th & University Way to 41st and University Way) and when we got to the end, the Carnation Milk Company would pass out 1889 icecream bars to ALL the kid’s!
And… Most of ALL- The Pirates! They’re my favorite Seafair entrant! 2nd ALL time fav’s- The Lake City Vigilantes and a 3rd goes to the Seafair Clowns.
Hey, those were the day’s, my friend!
The Squirrel
6 iheartgreenwood // Jul 28, 2011 at 2:34 pm
That was fun! Thanks, everyone! Wish we’d known about the ponies! We missed ‘em. But a good time was had by all. Just a note to my fellow parade-watchers: if those drill team kids can march that long, that late (and even do splits on the asphalt in some cases), the least we can do is clap. I felt bad for them, performing to complete lack of applause and/or community support on our block. I tried to cheer and clap extra loud to make up for it. Support your community, folks! Show the kids some love! Thanks, parade organizers — my kid was SO excited to see a real, live astronaut!
7 Ann // Jul 28, 2011 at 4:04 pm
I am thrilled to have been the Parade Director for the past 4 years. Thanks for the comments to all of the above.
To W.F. above, the city sends out a crew to clean up during the night and then from 11am to 1pm myself and 2 volunteers walked the entire parade route to make sure it was clean and tidy. Sorry I can’t get out any earlier as I am totally exhausted.
The delay happened because the kids from the first part of the parade took an extra long time getting set up. There was a lot of traffic delays getting into our neighborhood that had nothing to do with the parade. I am sorry for the delay.
Looking forward to next year! Have a great summer!!
8 anotherneighbor // Jul 28, 2011 at 10:13 pm
The parade was great, and all the drill teams were adorable…
but does anyone know why the brats stand closed up early? We went over there well before the end of the parade, and it was not just empty, it was *gone*. We were really disappointed – we had planned to go there for dinner.
9 Greenwood Neighbor // Jul 29, 2011 at 11:06 pm
The brats stand was still open at around 730pm…wonder if they ran out. It was great.
Awesome parade. I was actually amazed at the clean up. Greenwood Christian church had folks running around with trash cans and recycling cans. When we left there was very little left by the crowds on the sidewalk and the next morning it was clean! Not sure who did the last little bit. It is my 6 and 7 yo’s favorite parade! The Police cycle brigade, pirate canyon and the candy are of course their favorites. I loved the Elton John Piano (and the little girl or boy dressed up as him playing). Stellar, my favorite of this year. Great job everyone!
10 Greenwood Neighbor // Jul 29, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Oh…and the QFC airplanes and demo were incredible too. I might have to rank them up there as #1 too! They had me rolling with laughter.
11 Ruthie // Aug 3, 2011 at 10:11 am
Great parade because it has a great director that works hard all year to make it what it is. Thanks Ann, You’re the best!!
12 David LeClaire // Aug 11, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Wine World had a great time at the parade. It was a lot of fun to meet people and see the community gather together for the Greenwood Seafair parade.
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