Almost 80 groups/floats/vehicles are on the list for today’s West Seattle Grand Parade – and that means you’ll see hundreds of people participating, from the very low key (like us and those we’ll walk with again this year to honor West Seattle Volunteers) to the bold and brassy – cannon-deploying Seafair Pirates, loud and proud marching bands like the Seattle All-City Band, which got in some practice at school district HQ yesterday:
And remember, there’s more than one parade!
KIDDIES’ PARADE: This happens before the Grand Parade and there’s still time for participants to get back to their seats along the route and enjoy all the sights and sounds. You can walk or ride – just be at California/Genesee and look for the organizers (Rotary Club of West Seattle).
KEEP YOUR TOES OUT OF THE ROAD: The Grand Parade begins with two motorcycle drill teams – Seattle Police and Vancouver (B.C.) Police – and they use almost every inch of the road, so don’t plan on putting your blanket on the street. Here’s another reason you’ll want to stick to the curb:
BE READY TO APPLAUD, SALUTE, CHEER: Plenty of opportunities. You’ll see amazing performers like the Pathfinder K-8 unicyclists and more than a few drill teams. You’ll see the Honor Guard from Fort Lewis. You’ll see famous faces – like Grand Marshal Blayne and the Seafair Clowns’ special guest Jim Dever from Evening Magazine. And you’ll see some of the folks you don’t get to thank for the hard work they do every day, including the police and firefighters (Engine 29 is in the lineup).
ON THE SIDELINES: The official parade lineup is only part of the story. For example, the list only includes three politicians, but we’ve seen notes from several more who plan to be working the sidelines, since this is a big election year for local offices.
FREE, BUT BRING MONEY: With the route on California passing so many West Seattle businesses, you’ll find opportunities to spend. And fundraisers too, like the annual Dogs 4 Cats at Hotwire Coffee just north of The Junction (right at the start of the Kiddies’ Parade route), benefiting Furry Faces Foundation:
3rd Annual Dogs 4 Cats wiener sale this Saturday outside of Hotwire from 11 am to 1 pm. Grab a delicious Hebrew National hot dog or veggie dog and support animal rescue. Cost is $4.00 per dog and we’ll have all the toppings too including the usual stuff plus sauerkraut and even coleslaw. While you’re grabbing lunch browse the tie-dyed shirts made locally or pick up a handmade magnet by WeeJess Buttons.
Hotwire is of course the spot where you’ll want to be back this evening for the first Summer Outdoor Movies on the Wall presentation, “The Princess Bride” – more here.
PHOTO TO SHARE? As always, we’ll have photos and video, but if you’re taking pictures, you may capture a moment that we’d completely miss. We’d love to add that moment to post-parade coverage – editor@wsb.blackfin.biz (or share to the West Seattle Blog Flickr group).
FOLLOW VIA TWITTER: We’ll share photos and tidbits from the staging zone – and from the parade itself (though texting might be a little tough while carrying a big sign) – follow us on Twitter at @westseattleblog or check it from the Web at twitter.com/westseattleblog. (Send us a message if you plan to tweet too!) We’ll also add our “latest tweets” widget here before leaving the house – it usually lives toward the bottom of the WSB Twitter page.
Remember that by 9 am, California will be closed from just south of Admiral to the south end of The Junction – so approach from the side to find parking (or take a bus).
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