BIG summer-fun day in West Seattle:

WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: That’s the route for today’s West Seattle Grand Parade presented by American Legion Post 160, official start time 11 am, California from Lander to Edmunds, though the motorcycle drill teams roll as early as 10:30. It’s preceded by the West Seattle Rotary Kiddie Parade gathering at 10 am to leave at 11 from California/Genesee (that starting point is noted by the periwinkle marker; all kids welcome to participate). 77 entries are scheduled for the Grand Parade; you can see our previews in this WSB archive (scroll through, as it’s archived newest to oldest). Traffic/transit effects, even for those not attending the parade, are along the route and the side streets, plus a section of southbound California immediately south of the parade’s end at Edmunds; check your Metro route’s schedule for reroutes. South of the staging area from Admiral to Edmunds on California, it’s a “soft closure” around 9:30, enforced by 10, according to parade co-coordinator Jim Edmunds. Advance coverage from the staging zone, coming up! Then today at the beach:

ALKI ART FAIR: Starts at 10 am for the first of two days. Vendors/artists/activities scheduled till 5 pm; live music continues tonight till 8:30 (schedule is on the official fair website). Free but bring $ for T-shirt that supports the volunteer-run fair, for incredible items vendors are selling, for silent auction 11 am-4 pm in the Bathhouse. Lots more details in our earlier previews (scroll down the page that takes you to). All along the promenade around the Bathhouse (whose centennial celebration is part of the fun, including a 2:30 pm vintage-bathing-suit fashion show today). Then recover tonight by relaxing with movie comedy under the stars:

(WSB photo from 7/18/2010, biggest opening-night crowd ever for WS Outdoor Movies)
WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Season debut, since last week was a rainout, but the schedule remains the same, so tonight is “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure ” at dusk, following preshow entertainment by local comedian/juggler Matt Baker, bring your own chair/blanket, courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor, 4410 California SW). Free but bring $ for concessions/raffles benefiting charity.

Also on tap:

SWIMMING: Colman Pool continues its 7-day-a-week summer operations (pool schedule/other info here) … Wading pools open IF the weather is forecast for 70+ degrees (wading pool schedule here)

HELP CLEAN UP ALONG DELRIDGE WAY: Adopt-a-Street in Delridge, 10 am-noon, meet @ Delridge Community Center.

FAUNTLEROY PARK NEEDS YOU: EarthCorps volunteer environmental-restoration event at Fauntleroy Park (10 am – 2 pm). Durable footwear such as work boots, hiking boots or running shoes are recommended for these events. Bring a lunch if you would like as well as a water bottle and a coffee cup/travel mug for refreshments.

ART CONTEST: Unique Families of Seattle art contest crafting session at Southwest Public Library (9010 35th Ave SW), 11 am – 1 pm, for kids/tweens/teens: What is their view of your family? What does your family represent to them? What do they feel their role is in the family? Attendance at a crafting session is not mandatory to enter the contest. Accepting one-dimensional pieces made in any medium, ages 4-18.

(added) FUNDRAISING BAKE SALE: Westcrest Park, Seattle, 12 -4, bake sale to raise money for Charlie the dog’s vet bills (explained on Facebook). Sydni says the lineup includes raspberry bars, triple dark chocolate brownies, caramel walnut brownies, fudge center chocolate cupcakes, lemon grapefruit cupcakes, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip, oatmeal chocolate chip, peanut butter and sugar cookies and more, and Full Tilt has donated ice-cream half pints!

TOUR THE CHINESE GARDEN: Free guided tours of the Seattle Chinese Garden every Saturday at 1 pm. The garden is open noon-5 pm. Admission free for Seattle residents, members, and children under 5. Others: Adults $6, Seniors 62+ and students $5. Location: 6000 16th SW; use the north entrance to South Seattle Community College.

SHAKESPEARE AT LINCOLN PARK: GreenStage presents Shakespeare in the Park, Lincoln Park at 7 pm with “Antony and Cleopatra”. Free.

‘VAUD SQUAD’ AT THE ADMIRAL: At the historic Admiral Theater – The Vaud Squad consists of 3 seasoned performers: Joe Black, Magician and Stage Hypnotist (America’s Got Talent); Matt Baker, Juggler (Last Comic Standing); and mentalist Lance Campbell. (Baker and Black are West Seattleites.) The Vaud Squad combines humor, agility, mind boggling mental prowess and great fun for the whole family. Watch an online preview. Tickets are $8 – $12, available at the door.

BILLIE HOLIDAY TRIBUTE: At Kenyon Hall(7904 35th Ave SW): Stacie Calkins and David Duvall present “Lady Day and the Blues” honoring jazz singer Billie Holiday. Reserved table seats are $14. Row seating is $12 general and $10 seniors. With a reservation, row seating is only $10 general and $8 seniors. Elementary, middle, & high school students are $5. Pre- school children are free, and Root Beer Floats are still only a buck. To make a reservation, please e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net with your request.