West Seattle, Washington
23 Wednesday
As mentioned earlier this fall, the West Seattle Monster Dash is virtual this year – and it’s not too late to be part of it! Organizers sent photos and this reminder:
We are heading into the final weekend of the Virtual Monster Dash to benefit South Seattle Cooperative Preschools. We will be accepting registrations and donations all the way through the end of the day on November 1st. More than 250 people have signed up to run, walk, and be active with us this year. We have raised just over $6.000 of our $10,000 goal, and for fall quarter, we were able to award $4,500 in scholarships to families in need. We anticipate needs to be just as high during winter and spring. Thank you all for your continued support! >/blockquote>
Go here to be part of it!
Two days until Halloween! Updates:
SKELETON THEATRE: Like so many things, the front-yard animatronic-skeleton extravaganza has had to evolve for this pandemic year. From the crew’s spokesperson Maia Low: “To protect our friends and neighbors (and ourselves!) from the hazards of gathering at a live show, the Skeleton Theatre crew decided to put our COVID-specific show online this year. The show is on the Skeleton Theatre website.” (And above, via YouTube. It’s short but fun!)
WSB HALLOWEEN PAGE UPDATE: The list of decoration locations and no-contact trick-or-treat events on our page continues to grow. Here’s one that serves as both:
That scene is from the Alki home of “Nightfall Orphanage,” presenting “Ghosts of Halloween Decorations Past” – “no contact, GRAB & GO TRICK OR TREAT on Friday 10/30 and Saturday 10/31, 5:30 pm – 9 pm.” Family-friendly. Find it on our list, along with many others – these are decorations up now, so you can also drive by or walk by most if not all locations any time through Halloween. Lots of photos on the page too, so you can see them even if you don’t go out to look. Anything to add? Not too late – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
TRICK-OR-STREET BLOCKS: West Seattle has more than a few of these, according to the city’s map. (They’re explained here.)
One big event for tonight – The Dusty 45s, in concert, online. Leader Billy Joe Huels and two other band members are West Seattleites, and in pre-pandemic times, have played here often, from nightlife venues to events like West Seattle Summer Fest. 7 pm tonight, it’s the annual “Gimme Shelter” benefit concert for housing/services provider DESC – Billy Joe explains in the clip above why it’s personal for him. You can register to see tonight’s concert – free! – by going here.
Just three days until Halloween. Thanks again to everyone who continues sending info for the West Seattle Halloween Guide – we weren’t sure we would have one this year, but a reader suggested a list of decorations, so we started with that … added the no-contact trick-or-treat event announcements … and it’s a lively list. Most of the decoration listings have photos, so you can enjoy them even if you don’t go out to drive by or walk by. Some are from locations where Halloween is a big production every year, only modified this year – for example, above is a scene from “Meeds Manor” at 45th/Stevens – no haunted house this year, but decorations you can check out day or night (they’re collecting West Seattle Food Bank donations as always, too). Got a decoration location or trick-or-treat event that’s not on our list? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(By Christopher Boffoli)
If you missed the mention in today’s event list — this year’s WSB Halloween page is now live. Though many of the traditional seasonal events have been canceled because of the pandemic, some no-contact celebrations are on, so they’re listed, as are the decoration locations suggested by readers. Still plenty of time to add more; email westseattleblog@gmail.com if you have (or have seen) fun decorations or if you know of a distanced event we don’t have yet!
With the weekend in view, we want to be sure you know West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest has begun!
That’s the map for the Harvest Fest Scavenger Hunt – more than a dozen Junction merchants are participating; go get a map (free at participating businesses), and: “Once you’ve found the item, cross it off the map then go to the shopkeeper for your special treat or prize.” Participating businesses are listed here.
That same page shows you where to get cocoa and cider during Harvest Fest (which continues through Halloween). You’re also invited to wander The Junction and admire window decorations – including pumpkins – and six giant spiders!
One more special event to mention – online this (corrected) Monday, October 26, presented by Pegasus Book Exchange:
Spooky Trivia Night! October 26th 7:30-9 pm, on Zoom, family-friendly, prizes for all teams, grand prize of rare book of choice. Special prizes for Best Costume, Best Team Name, and Best Decorations! $25/team up to 6 people (email us to sign up!)
Register via pegasusbookexchange@gmail.com – and enjoy Harvest Fest weekend #1! (WSB is a festival co-sponsor.)
Sunday brunch without leaving home, this weekend! Here’s the announcement:
The Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association will present its first ever Cabin Fever Brunch Bash, a virtual fundraising event, on Sunday, October 11 featuring remarks from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, music by Clinton Fearon, live art, poetry, and more.
The Cabin Fever Brunch Bash will bring the work of local artists directly to viewers. Brunch options prepared by Chef Mulu Abate of Phresh Eats will be available for delivery or pickup to brunch ticket holders in advance of the event, with gluten- and dairy-free options available for all menu items. Hosted by DNDA’s Executive Director David Bestock, the event allows virtual attendees to experience DNDA’s work, and enjoy sweet music vibes from Clinton Fearon and Daniel Pak, live art by Sophia Trinh, poetry from Jordan Chaney, fun videos, and more, while supporting DNDA’s programs in southwest Seattle.
General admission tickets are $10. Buy before October 7 [today!] to get a single brunch ticket for $125, or brunch for two for $200. Brunch items will be delivered the day before the event, or can be made available for pickup. For tickets and donations, please visit https://dnda.ejoinme.org/brunch.
DNDA has been leading a vision for a vibrant and thriving Delridge since 1996, and was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. We work to integrate art, nature, and neighborhood to build and sustain a dynamic Delridge. Support DNDA as we support youth and families, and together we will write a brighter future for us all.
That’s the trailer for “Secret Life of Pets,” which the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce will show as a park-your-car-and-watch movie Friday, October 9th, in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Tickets are limited – $50 per carload, which includes one bag of popcorn, two boxes of candy, and two sodas. The lot will open at 5:30 pm, with the movie at 6:45 pm. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to go – register here to get your ticket, while they last.
Another traditional fall-fun event is reformatting for this pandemic year – Harvest Fest, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association. It’ll span 10 days, including a scavenger hunt, with a map that’ll be part of the Harvest Fest Box for Kids, available for online pre-orders this Thursday:
The Junction is bringing the joy of Harvest and Halloween in one special box. Each box has a seasonally-themed or musically-themed craft, individually wrapped Halloween treats, and a special surprise from the Junction! Includes the scavenger map!
Also available for pre-orders starting Thursday – the Harvest Fest Box for Adults, which “brings you all the local and cozy feelings of the season.” Junction beverage purveyors will offer special seasonal drinks. And there’ll be free fun – a Junction Pumpkin Walk to enjoy decorated windows, and an online Haunted Concert with West Seattle School of Rock. (You can also get the Scavenger Map without buying a box = it’ll be in stores October 20th.) In the middle of the 10 days of Harvest Fest – Haunted Trivia. Watch for details on all this within a few days
Despite the pandemic, organizers of some local events are figuring out how you can still have fun while supporting the local nonprofits that not only present the events but also rely on the money they raise. Today, we have news about the West Seattle Monster Dash, usually a fun run in Lincoln Park, this year going online:
The Monster Dash is coming! Our virtual event will run October 17-November 1, 2020. Support South Seattle Cooperative Preschools and join Monster Dash enthusiasts from all over the globe as they run, walk, skip, jump, or dance to stay active and healthy during the month of October. Registration is free, and your donations are greatly appreciated.
With three awesome virtual options, there’s something for the whole family!
– 15 Mile Preschool Loop
– 5K
– Family Activity ChallengeMore info about the 2020 Monster Dash here.
Register by October 1 for guaranteed t-shirt availability. T-shirts are $10 each, local pick-up only.
We need your help! Are you connected with a business that could donate something for a prize drawing giveaway? We’d love to hear from you! Contact westseattlemonsterdash@gmail.com with suggestions.
SSC Cooperative Preschools
West Seattle Monster Dash benefits the South Seattle College Cooperative Preschool Program. One hundred percent of proceeds are contributed to the Cooperative Preschool joint fund which is key in supporting our five preschool sites; Admiral, Alki, Lincoln Park, South Seattle College and White Center.
More info can be found here.MEP Scholarship Fund
Operating primarily on donations and fundraising, The Mary E. Phillips Scholarship Fund provides tuition assistance to many eligible families each quarter, assuring that our co-op preschools are affordable for all who want to join. Our need is particularly high this year as we provide emergency Covid scholarships to families in need.
As the new week begins, three reminders from the West Seattle Junction Association:
(One of the three available designs)
T-SHIRT DEADLINE: Don’t have one of those contest-winning West Seattle Bridge T-shirts yet? The next round of orders is about to go in. Monday (September 21st) is the deadline for getting in on it. Go here!
JUNCTION BINGO: Are you playing yet? As explained here, there are two ways to play. One involves a live drawing you can watch online, and the next one is 7 pm Wednesday (September 23rd). Keith Bacon, host of the All Ways West Seattle podcast, is the guest caller, live from Talarico’s.
REUSE/RECYCLE/SHRED EVENT: This Saturday (September 26th) is the big day, 9 am-1 pm, The Junction Association and partners are presenting the big event. Here’s what you can and can’t bring to recycle/donate; if you’re interested in shredding, there’s a 4-box limit. Whatever you’re bringing, face coverings are required, even while you’re in your car. This is happening in the WSJA parking lot off 42nd SW, just south of SW Oregon.
What’s missing in the lanes at West Seattle Bowl? You! lf you heard bowling was only open to league play – WS Bowl actually has a “club” you can join, which allows you to come in and play (2 bowlers maximum per lane). The bowling center explains:
In collaboration with the Governor’s office and Department of Health, the bowling industry in Washington has developed protocols which have allowed us to be open in Phase 2 & 3.
We are allowed to be open for club/league play and practice – see our VIB/Starter Clubs page under the Leagues tab for more details on how you can easily become a Club member.
-Masks must be worn at all times (without exception).
-6′ social distancing must be maintained everywhere in the center.
-The most noticeable change will be a limitation of 2 bowlers per lane maximum, as well as restrictions against movement throughout the center, with no spectators allowed.
Here’s a direct link to the club-signup page. WS Bowl is open 1-10 pm Mondays, 3 pm-10 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, 2 pm-10 pm Fridays, 9 am-10 pm Saturdays, 9 am-7 pm Sundays.
Two West Seattle Junction notes:
BINGO! Last night, Lora and Joanie livestreamed the first drawing. It’s one of two ways to play – these games are with blue paper bingo cards you can get for shopping or dining at participating businesses, with gift cards and prizes. They’ll have live drawings four more times – next one is September 9th. You also can continue playing the ongoing game where squares are checked off as you visit various merchants – that continues into October. Full details here.
SIDEWALK SALE REMINDER: This Saturday, noon-4 pm, mask up and head out to The Junction for a big afternoon of outdoor shopping. Participants are listed here. (And if you’re an early riser, Easy Street Records has a Record Store Day sale starting at 7 am!)
(WSB photos)
The first of two “rollouts” for this year’s pandemic-style Alki Beach Pride celebration just happened – a car and motorcycle parade.
Participants gathered at Jack Block Park to decorate their rides before heading up to Admiral and circling around to Alki. We photographed the parade just after it left the park, traveling northwest onto Harbor Avenue.
This is Alki Beach Pride’s 6th year! Its mission “is to unite the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate LQBTQ+ culture in a dignified way that acknowledges the intersection of race, liberate LGBTQ+ people who do not feel seen, heard, or accepted, and to educate our community in a way that fosters inclusivity, equality, and respect for everyone.”
Tomorrow’s “rollout” is for non-motorized wheels – skates, bikes, etc. – meet up at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) at 1 pm to be part of it.
THe pandemic means no picnic this summer to celebrate Alki Beach Pride, but the group is presenting two “rollouts” next weekend instead, and you’re invited: 10:30 am Saturday, August 22nd, meet up at Jack Block Park (2130 Harbor SW) for an 11 am car parade to Alki; 1 pm Sunday, August 23rd, meet up at Statue of Liberty Plaza for a skate/bike “rollout” (masked and socially distanced). More details on the ABP website, along with a list of local businesses with which they’ve partnered for specials, plus a map for the August 22nd car parade.
There’s a new game in town. The West Seattle Junction Association has launched Junction BINGO, riffing off a return of the fondly remembered “We Have That!” campaign. The basics:
Pick up your Junction BINGO card. Bring your BINGO card with you when you visit the participating locations. The location will initial the square once you complete your purchase. Once you have completed one line across, one line down or a diagonal line (including the free space), drop off any participating businesses by Wednesday, October 21st for a chance to win gift cards to some of your favorite stores. FIVE LUCKY WINNERS will each receive $250 in gift cards and you’ll be receiving discounts along the way. One entry per person.
More than 20 merchants are participating, with deals you can see on the Junction BINGO webpage, where you can also find out about a bonus component – extra games played online.
The annual Taste of West Seattle was already in for one big change before the pandemic arrived – its presenting nonprofit, the West Seattle Helpline, merged with the West Seattle Food Bank earlier this year. But the WSFB has found a way to make it happen. Here’s the announcement:
The West Seattle Food Bank has updated the 2020 Taste of West Seattle to celebrate the community while keeping each other healthy and safe.
The Taste has always been about bringing neighbors together, promoting local restaurants/businesses, and, ultimately, strengthening the West Seattle community. Now, more than ever, we see the importance of coming together (while staying physically distant) and supporting local businesses.
We are excited to announce that this year’s Taste of West Seattle will be a Taste Tour of West Seattle, where participating businesses donate 10% of sales on special Taste Menu items to the West Seattle Food Bank. From Sunday, September 20th to Thursday, September 24th neighbors can dine in or get take-out and enjoy delicious meals from West Seattle’s favorite eateries including restaurants, bakeries, wineries, breweries, and know that their money is supporting their local favorites and the West Seattle Food Bank mission to end hunger and homelessness.
If you are a eatery interested in participating or a business interested in sponsoring, please email development@wshelpline.org
Updates when it gets closer!
Voted in the West Seattle Bridge T-shirt contest yet? Friday is the deadline. Last week, the West Seattle Junction Association shared which 10 designs were leading among the 60+ submissions. Tonight, the current top 5. WSJA says 6,176 votes are in already. No change in the top 5 from last week’s update (but note the gaps are close enough they could move):
Noah Bell-Cruz – Greetings from Accidental Island – 1,968 votes
Mike Shaughnessy / Bradi Jones – Mind the Gap – 1,813 votes
Rebecca Dahlin – So Close Yet So Far – 1,709 votes
Jen Sonnichsen Parker – When the chips are down – 1,559 votes
Charlie Able – Stranded in Paradise – 1,480 votes
You can vote for up to 5 of the 60+ entries; the top 3 will be produced and sold. Vote here!
Link to vote:
Running out of new ways to enjoy this eventless summer? Here’s an idea for having fun while supporting vital community work. The announcement:
Wondering how you can have some fun this summer, stay healthy and safe, AND help a great cause? Check out Loop the ‘Lupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe’s annual obstacle course fun run), because IT’S GOING VIRTUAL! Here’s what that means:
FIRST, GET SOME NEW SWAG: Not only will you get a cool tech T-shirt with your registration, but an awesome COVID face mask (a buff, which you can use as a handy headband or neck gaiter after we’re past the pandemic).
SECOND, SHOW YOUR STUFF: Come up with your own “racecourse” and post it on social media. Map out a run/walk in your backyard or neighborhood, put on your craziest running outfits, and… ACTION! To determine our prize winners this year, we’ll be reviewing your photos and videos on our Facebook page!
THIRD, HELP A GOOD CAUSE: This event is a major fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The need for OLG’s social outreach work — meals for shut-ins, homeless services, and helping migrant communities — is greater now than ever. So get your friends and family involved, and have some fun while helping others!
IMPORTANT: REGISTER BEFORE JULY 31 TO ENSURE YOU GET A RACE T-SHIRT AND BUFF. You can complete the race any time and post your videos/photos between now and 11:59 p.m. on August 23 rd . Shirts and buffs will be distributed at West Seattle Runner from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, August 22 nd , and at OLG’s parking lot from noon-2 p.m. August 23 rd . Please send this information to your friends and family—we can mail out shirts and buffs, as needed. GET IN THE LOOP!
(WSB is a community co-sponsor of Loop the ‘Lupe again this year.)
Though major Pride festivities were called off for coronavirus this year, two local establishments are offering you the chance to celebrate West Seattle Pride this weekend. Their announcement:
The Lumber Yard Bar and Admiral Pub have teamed up to bring you West Seattle Pride this weekend, June 27th-28th. Space is limited so please reserve a table for any of the events you plan to attend. We are also taking social distancing seriously, so masks are required for all events and please keep reservations to 5 or less people.
June 27th – The Lumber Yard
3 pm-6 pm
White Center Pride Fundraiser.
Grill party on the patio with raffle tickets and jello shots8 pm – 12 am
Join us for a special one-night event to celebrate Pride with Dolly and the DJ. Limited seating available for this event in the Loading Dock. Reserve a table for you and three friends (due to social distancing). Full bar and menu available. Champagne toast to celebrate pride included.June 28th – Admiral Pub
11 am
Pride Brunch and the movie The Birdcage
Reserve a Table for Brunch1:30 pm
Pride Brunch and the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
Reserve a Table for Brunch4 pm
Pride Bingo
Free to play with some fun prizes6 pm to 11 pm
DJ Andy will be spinning all your favorite music videos
The Lumber Yard Bar is at 9619 16th SW; Admiral Pub is at 2306 California SW.
(File photo: Lost Pond in the West Duwamish Greenbelt)
Here’s a fun way to start the weekend – virtual hikes with West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails. The group is offering two to start with, in place of the guided hikes they offered on Saturdays pre-pandemic:
Join Ken Workman, great-great-great-great grandson of Chief Seattle, as he walks native land, leaving from the trailhead at SW Dawson and 19th Avenue SW. And follow Steve Richmond, an expert on native plants and forest restoration, as he identifies native and invasive plants from the 14th Avenue SW and SW Holly trailhead.
More virtual hikes will follow soon!
As WDGT notes, the “greenbelt” is actually Seattle’s “largest remaining contiguous forest.”
This Friday, you’re invited! From the Senior Center of West Seattle:
Rainbow Truth or Dare Pajama Party with the Senior Center
Join the Senior Center in your pajamas from the comfort of your living room couch for a live streamed game of Truth or Dare with Sylvia O’Stayformore on Friday, June 12, from 7-8 p.m. There will be prizes for the teams that raise the most money, plus fun options for food and drinks, including the Senior Center’s wildly popular rainbow Jell-O shots!
Every dollar raised will support the Senior Center’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, which is providing meals, groceries, social worker outreach and other essential services to West Seattle seniors.
Friday, June 12
7-8 p.m.
Virtual (link will be sent to registered participants)$20 suggested donation to participate. Sign up here.
When the Alki Art Fair‘s 2020 cancellation was announced two weeks ago, organizers promised special “at home” programming ahead. Today – the first presentation! Here’s the announcement, with word of more next weekend too:
Although we are unable to gather in our usual beautiful beach location this year, the Alki Art Fair is excited to announce #AlkiArtFairatHome – a Virtual Art Fair throughout the month of May. Over the next few weeks we will feature local artists, performers and businesses. Tune in to Facebook and Instagram for artist spotlights, studio tours, live performances, creative tutorials and more!
Mother’s Day Concert w/ Jaspar Lepak of Raising Hazel
5/10 @ 5-6 pm PTGabriel Wolfchild of the band Wolfchild
5/16 @ 7 pm PTTo learn more about these artists you can visit alkiartfair.org and also explore a variety of local artists and performers. You’ll find a wide range of performers, painters, illustrators, ceramicists, sewers and more for you to peruse in your pjs.
Local artists add more than just beauty and sound to our community so let’s continue supporting them. Many artists have a true passion for making our community a better place to live through their work. So stay healthy, stay safe and support your local creative community.
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