West Seattle, Washington
05 Saturday
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Debra Alderman)
This summer, thanks to U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, weekly tours will again be offered at a West Seattle icon – Alki Point Lighthouse. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Visit Alki Point Lighthouse and celebrate its 110th birthday during 2023!
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers will be offering free lighthouse tours most Sunday afternoons between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. (No tours July 2nd.).
First visitors enter the site at 1 p.m. Last tour begins at 3:45.
Address: 3201 Alki Avenue SW
Questions: alkilighthouseteam@gmail.com
You can also check here for updates, and watch our Sunday event lists.
(WSB file photo)
Two weeks from today, Alki Avenue will be filled with runners and walkers out for the first West Seattle 5K since 2019! Sunday, May 21st, is the day that the West Seattle High School PTSA is bringing back the scenic walk/run that takes you along the beach and shore to raise money for helping the school’s students and staff. It’ll start at 9:30 am, rain or shine, strollers and leashed dogs allowed, all ages; plan to get to the beach (61st/Alki vicinity) by 9:10 for the pre-race warm-up. You can register right now online; some registration levels still have early-bird rates in effect.
Been to any of the West Seattle Art Hop & Shop stops yet? As we’ve been previewing, you have 25 options for places to visit and see art as well as the artists who made it, with multiple artists hosted at most stops. We went to the collection of studios known as The Building in lower Gatewood – where you’ll find art throughout, well, the building – work by Stephen Rock is in this stairwell, for example:
Artists there for the Art Hop & Shop include Kelly Marshall:
And Nichole DeMent:
The Building is at 4316 SW Othello. From there, we hopped over to C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor):
Art that you can see and shop there includes paintings by Skye Shadow:
West Seattle Art Hop & Shop continues until 5 pm today, with endless opportunities to browse and buy (need a Mother’s Day gift?). You can decide where to explore via either (or both!) of these two map versions – online, here (click on any location and it’ll open bubbles with artists and samples of their work) and printable, here. This is an all-volunteer event; organizers say they “wanted to create an event that showcases every artist and everything that makes them unique.”
Art fans, you ready? Saturday brings the second-ever West Seattle Art Hop & Shop, with 25 locations around the peninsula showing and selling work by nearly 100 artists! Many are artists’ studios, not usually open to the public, so this is a rare chance to see behind the scenes. The printable map is here; the clickable online map is here; a 4-minute video preview of all the artists, organized by map stop, is here. Hop to as many stops as you’d like, even all 25 – no admission charge. Art Hop & Shop hours on Saturday (May 6th) will be 10 am to 5 pm.
Our two days of almost-summery weather are ending, and clouds are due back tomorrow, with a slight chance of rain. So if you didn’t go to the West Seattle Rock and Gem Show today, you might consider visiting tomorrow. The big community room off the Alki Masonic Center‘s lot is brimming with sights to see:
The West Seattle Rock Club has presented this show for more than half a century – though that’s just a blink in the geological time that many of these specimens represent:
Demonstrations, activities, and a chance to learn about rocks are all part of the event. If you want to take home a souvenir, here’s one option:
The venue is on the northeast corner of 40th and Edmunds. Admission’s free, and show hours are the same tomorrow as they were today – 10 am to 5 pm.
10:35 AM: All ages are welcome at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) Healthy Kids Day celebration that’s happening right now – even prehistoric! The free mini-festival is on, full strength with indoor activities, until 1 pm, on the West Seattle Y’s main campus at 3622 SW Snoqualmie in The Triangle. More photos later!
ADDED 12:24 PM: More of what’s happening:
Healthy Kids Day is an annual event held at multiple Y locations around the region.
The World’s Fossils and Minerals – which had show/sales in a local driveway during the pandemic, and has since opened a SODO shop – sent us the pic because they’ll be part of this weekend’s West Seattle Rock and Gem Show. All ages are invited to come see the rocks and gems on display, plus demonstrations and kids’ activities, during this annual event at Alki Masonic Center, 40th/Edmunds in The Junction. This is a long-running West Seattle attraction – the 55th presented by the West Seattle Rock Club! Admission is free.
Before we get to today’s preview list, a reason to set your calendar for next Saturday (April 29th) – the fun, free Healthy Kids Day is back at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor). From 10 am-1 pm, kids are welcome on the Y’s grounds in The Triangle for activities including face painting, a bounce house, a quiet area, and a special appearance from the UW Huskies football team, plus healthy snack demonstrations, water safety activities, prizes, summer camp crafts, and sports challenges. No membership required – this is open to all.
(WSB photo, 2019)
One of the biggest spring events we’re counting down to is the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki, returning for the first time since 2019. It’s happening Sunday, May 21st, presented by and benefiting the West Seattle High School PTSA, and it’s offering new features this year, as announced when registration opened last month:
New this year is a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade-level ASB.
Other new 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5K if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk.
Registration is open at westseattle5k.com, and you get the lowest rates if you sign up by the end of the month. (WSB is a community sponsor of the WS5K.)
We photographed that display at the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s annual Food Fest last week – it was set up to promote tomorrow’s FCA Spring Egg Hunt. All are welcome to come to the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) Saturday, 1-4 pm, to look for eggs with (non-candy) treats inside. Bring your own baskets. The eggs are plastic but intended for reuse, so you can either take them home for your own use or drop them at the schoolhouse after the treats are retrieved, or at a later date. The egg-hunt format is different from past years – one location – so the FCA and volunteer helpers are hoping it’ll be even more fun. P.S. If you can’t get to this one, here’s our list of other upcoming egg hunts, all free.
Your next chance to get up and dance – while helping local students – is just four nights away! In case you haven’t seen it the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar listing yet, here’s the invitation:
The Madison Music Boosters would like to invite students, their families, and community members to a Swing Dance & Auction on March 31st, 2023, from 6-9 pm at Madison Middle School! We have a lively event lined up, featuring performances by our very own Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Choir, and Orchestra, with a special performance by guest West Seattle Big Band! Tickets include a free Swing Dance lesson. Pizza and drinks available for purchase as well as an abundance of bake-sale treats, thanks to our Madison parents! The silent auction and Raise the Paddle will fund most of the Music Department expenses throughout the school year. Tickets are $15 presale or $20 at the door. Ticket link here.
An ADA accessible entrance is on the south side of Madison Middle School, nearest to the U-shaped parking lot outside of the gym structure. Elevators will be made accessible for the event, which will be held in the Madison Commons, one level below the main floor.
If you already know you can’t attend OR you’d like to simply donate to the Madison Music Program, please do so here.
Questions? Email the Madison Music Boosters at madisonmusicboosters@gmail.com
The school is at 3429 45th SW.
(WSB photo from 2022 Delridge Community Center egg hunt)
This spring’s lineup of egg hunts in West Seattle starts this weekend. Here’s a quick look at what we have so far:
MARCH 25: The West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints(4001 44th SW) invites kids from throughout the community, 10-11:30 am; event includes egg hunt and cookie decorating.
APRIL 1:
-The first city-presented egg hunt in our area, at South Park Community Center (8319 8th Ave. S.), 10 am.
–Fauntleroy Community Association Egg Hunt, 1-4 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
APRIL 8: This is the big date.
–Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), 10 am
–Eastridge Church at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, south meadow), 10 am
–High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), 10 am (the city brochure time is wrong, we’re told)
–Ounces Beer Garden (3809 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm
APRIL 9: If you’re attending an Easter Sunday service, check with your church – several hold them in conjunction with services. (added) So far, we have one announced by Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11:15 am, community welcome.
Are we missing any? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
West Seattle’s drag scene is booming. Along with the longrunning West End Girls monthly “drag extravaganza” at The Skylark, there’s now also regular Out At The Box nights at Box Bar, shows at Admiral Pub, the new Kenyon Hall Cabaret, and more. (We list them all on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar when we get advance notice.) Now a new addition – the first-ever Drag Tea at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) – here’s the invitation they asked us to share:
We are thrilled to be hosting a Drag Tea on April 1st from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Yes Tea, Yes Shade, Yes Pink Lemonade! Come delight in an afternoon of tea, snacks, community, and FUN with drag queen Ms. Penny Cost! All ages welcome!
100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Beloved Arise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth of faith. Beloved Arise seeks to build relationships, offer support, and inspire youth to embrace life to the fullest.
Pay what you can. Every dollar will go to support Beloved Arise. Suggested Donations: $20 adult, $10 kids and youth
Attire: You do you! Wear what makes you feel most yourself! Dress casual or dress up, just be YOU!
Learn more about Tibbetts UMC by visiting our website. Tibbetts is at 3940 41st Ave SW; enter the Fellowship Hall at the corner of 41st and Andover.
Please reserve your seat! Tickets & info here.
It could be argued that we need humor more than ever these days. If you’re ready to provide some – or enjoy some – here’s a new West Seattle opportunity: South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to a Comedy Open Mic tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15th). It’s happening at the Alki Café on campus (no relation to the one at the beach), 3-6 pm. If you’re interested in performing, email CafeAlki@seattlecolleges.edu. No need to RSVP if you just want to go get a few laughs. No admission but you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of Alki Café’s fare: “Available for purchase will be Alki Café’s usual offerings of specialty coffee drinks and pastries along with wood-fired pizza (made fresh by Culinary Arts Students) and NWWA Red created by Wine Studies students (for those 21 and older).” If you haven’t been to the café, it’s in the Culinary Arts Building, CAB toward the center of the campus map.
If you’re thinking about being part of this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe – our area’s only obstacle-course 5K – this is the week to sign up. Prices go up Friday for three of the five levels at which you can participate this year – the Family Wave Obstacle Course 5K, the new Elite Wave Obstacle Course 5K, or Fun Run 5K. You can get in on the early prices by going here to sign up. Loop the ‘Lupe happens June 3rd at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), next to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose community social work is supported by the event. (Loop the ‘Lupe also includes Senior Saunter and Youth 1K options, but those prices don’t change until just a couple days before LTL.) Set your calendar for June 3rd even if you don’t want to run/walk/dodge – music, food, and a beer garden will be set up on the sidelines for everyone to celebrate a day in the park. (WSB is a Loop the ‘Lupe community sponsor.)
A one-of-a-kind event happens Saturday night at historic Kenyon Hall – the century-old silent movie telling the “Snow White” fairy tale, accompanied live by a Vashon Island musician’s 21st-century harp and viola score. Here’s what it’s all about:
Everyone knows Disney’s classic animated film “Snow White,” but few are aware that that a teenage Walt Disney growing up in Kansas City saw the original silent movie of the fairy tale, and it was this 1916 silent that inspired him to blaze a path in filmmaking and make his own version in 1937.
Like all silent films, Snow White was made on flammable nitrate film stock, and for many years, it was rumored to have been destroyed in a vault fire. But a single theatrical print was discovered in the Netherlands in 1992, and a heroic restoration was performed by the George Eastman House film archive.
Now the whimsical silent fantasy returns to the silver screen, and West Seattle film lovers can see the long-lost Snow White with live musical accompaniment. Harpist-composer Leslie McMichael’s magical score brings the silent film alive at 7:30 pm on Saturday, March 11 at Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Avenue SW.
Vashon Island harpist McMichael will perform live on the concert harp for the 63-minute film, and her original score also features her sister Barbara McMichael on viola.
Northwest Film Forum commissioned McMichael to compose a new score for Snow White in 2016, and the 100-year-old film, and McMichael’s live music premiered at opening night of Children’s Film Festival Seattle that year. Since then, the old film and new live score have toured across the country accompanying screenings of the historic film.
How did McMichael approach the project of scoring the film? The harpist says that her DVD remote and digital timer were two modern tools that she relied on to compose a soundtrack that seamlessly fits the onscreen action. After watching the 63-minute film and writing longhand notes about every scene and character, she developed musical themes to reflect the moods in the storyline. Certain motifs reappear in her score whenever a character appears – sweet Snow White has specific music, as does the Witch, the Huntsman, the Prince, and, of course, the Seven Dwarves!
McMichael adds, “It’s thrilling to play live and pair the visuals of film with my music. With every performance, we get to use our instruments to underscore the expressive acting so typical of the silent era – very fun!”
For advance tickets to the Snow White film screening with live harp and viola accompaniment, go here. General admission is $15, $10/seniors and students, and children under 6 are free.
(2018 West Seattle 5K photo by David Hutchinson)
As we first told you last month, the West Seattle 5K is returning this year for the first time since 2019. Today, we have details on what’s new, as well as how to register – which you can do right now. The WS5K is presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA, with co-sponsors including WSB. Here’s the update:
After a three-year break for COVID, West Seattle High School and the PTSA are excited to announce the 12th running of the West Seattle 5K on Sunday morning, May 21, 2023. All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K will provide funding for West Seattle High School to provide classroom tools, books, supplies, and much more to its students and teachers.
Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of the Puget Sound area and beyond have participated in this 5K over the previous 11 years. Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat and fast course starting and finishing at Alki Bathhouse, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. Prizes will be awarded to the top three adult and student male and female finishers.
New this year is a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade-level ASB. “We have heard from event runners that they didn’t know this event benefitted the high school so we want to make sure to raise that awareness as well as get as many high schoolers involved as possible,” says Kelley O’Connor, event co-chair.
Other new 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5K if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk. This is the community’s High School and we hope residents will feel generous in supporting the school and local students. This is a fun way to give back.
“This is a really important year for the 5K to be back,” says Brian Vance, West Seattle High School principal. “We had a levy expire in 2020-21 school year for WSHS. We are facing the loss of intervention dollars to run after-school supports, tutoring center and Saturday school. Events like the 5K make up for those lost funds.”Registration is live now. Adults are $35. Late registration for adults starts 5/1 at $40. Kids under 6 are free. Youth 19 and under are $20. Late registration starts 5/15 at $30. West Seattle High School staff members get to register at same rate as students. We brought student/staff rate down to $20 (was $30 in previous years). Students and staff go up to $30 during late registration starting 5/15.
We have amazing sponsors to thank: Portage Bay Cafe, School of Rock, Sea Pines Physical Therapy, West Seattle Blog, Dragonfly Yoga Pilates Dance, and West Seattle Realty and so many more. Please go to westseattle5k.com to see all sponsors!
That is also where to go to sign up.
Two West Seattle events in the next week welcome musicians as well as spectators:
PIANO BAR AT ‘THE JEWEL OF THE JUNCTION’: Pianist Larry Knapp invites you to the next monthly edition, this Thursday (March 2):
I will be your host at the piano with three of Seattle’s finest jazz artists joining me.
TONY FOSTER, Piano
MICHAEL BARNETT, Upright Bass
ERIC EAGLE, DrumsAt Piano Bar, we feature music of the Great American Songbook and the early jazz era. Bring your friends and come join the fun! Proceeds benefit the West Seattle Senior Center. 7-1 pm March 2 at the Senior Center (4217 SW Oregon), $10.
Tickets available at the door or you may click on the link below to secure your tickets online.
NEW OPEN MIC: And from Cole, an invitation to a new weekly open mic starting next Monday (March 6):
My name is Cole and I am the organizer and host of the BedHead Open Mic, a new weekly event hosted at the West Seattle Church Of The Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau)!
During our first month, we will be accepting donations for the development of Maarten Park, in honor of our friend and neighbor Maarten Verburg who passed away on February 13th after a nearly year-long battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Our first open mic will be held on Monday March, 6th. Sign up at 6:30 PM. Performances at 7 PM.
More information is here. For an explanation of Maarten Park, see the obituary we recently published for its namesake.
12:13 PM: Jumping into Elliott Bay – where the mid-40s water temperature is 10 degrees warmer than the mid-30s air temperature – is the main event at the Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Washington, but it’s just part of the fun. Fundraising plunges start at about 1 pm but food trucks and a beer garden are already here and open until late afternoon.
More photos to come!
ADDED 3 PM: More than 300 people registered for today’s Polar Plunge. Many came in costume – above, the Funny Farm won the group award in the pre-plunge costume contest, by onlooker acclaim. Other contenders included The Avocados:
Produce was a popular theme. “The Strawberry” got honorable mention in the individual costume competition.
Shortly afterward, the crowd moved to the beach for the main event – Polar Plunging. First in, Special Olympics athletes, who are the people the event is about – raising money to ensure costs are covered for all SO athletes:
Next in, the top team fundraiser, the Nearly Nekkid Norwegians:
The participants continued plunging in waves throughout the afternoon.
The event, including the food trucks and beer garden, is expected to wrap up by 4:30 pm. Preliminary fundraising total: More than $115,000; you can donate to Special Olympics any time by going here. The next competition is the Winter Games in Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Mission Ridge next weekend.
(WSB photo, 2020 Polar Plunge)
Just two days until this winter’s next big West Seattle event – the Polar Plunge “winter beach party” benefiting Special Olympics Washington at Alki Beach on Saturday (February 25th). Today, we have two updates – first, a last-minute call for volunteer help:
Special Olympics Washington is hosting its annual Polar Plunge fundraiser this Saturday at Alki Beach and Bathhouse and they are still looking for a few more volunteers. Roles include Set-up, Registration, Guest Control, Beer Garden Support (must be 21+), and Clean-up. Teens at least 14 years old can volunteer with set-up and clean-up but adults are needed for all other roles. Pre-registration is requested at 2023polarplungevols.my-trs.com. You can also visit that link for more information on specific shift times and role descriptions.
Second, if you’re not planning on “plunging” but interested in dropping by to cheer the plungers and/or enjoy the rest of the party, including food trucks, beer garden, and music, we asked for specifics on what people will find – here’s the information we got in reply:
FOOD: There will be seven food trucks: The Cheese Pit, Alaska Scallops, Whateke, Seoul Bowl, Theo’s Gyros, Off the Rez, and Kathmandu MoMoCha.
BEER: The breweries in the beer garden will include Big Time Brewing Company, Georgetown Brewing Co., Old Stove Brewing Co., Ravenna Brewing Co., Seattle Cider, Two Beers Brewing, White Claw, and Matchless Brewing.
MUSIC: DJ Shane, who is a former Special Olympics Athlete, will be the main DJ. DJ Harmony Soleiol, the DJ and Music Director/Assistant Program Director/on-air host with C89.5, will also be doing a set.
And it’s not time to register to plunge – you can go here for that. The event starts at 8 am and the plunging is set to start around 1 pm, after a 12:10 pm costume contest (if you’re there in the crowd, you get to help “judge”).
Next Saturday (February 25th) is the day – you’re invited to the Polar Plunge “winter beach party” at Alki, benefiting Special Olympics Washington. Even if you don’t plan to participate in the plunging, you can stop by to watch, play beach games, contribute, and/or enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, and liv music. As explained by Special Olympics, the event is to raise money “that directly goes to providing athletes with year-round opportunities to train and compete, as well as receive free health screenings and leadership training … (ensuring) that over 7,500 Washington children and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to participate at no cost to them.” Events start near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) at 8 am next Saturday, with a costume contest at 12:10 pm (the crowd gets to judge), and “polar plunging” beginning at 1 pm. Individual and team registration starts here.
(File photo)
Skunk Works Robotics is a scrappy regional program, founded in 2006, that draws 8th through 10th graders from West Seattle to Burien and beyond. This spring, they’ll compete in the international FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics events. The program’s mission is “to inspire students to excel as robotics and engineering professionals, and to help them prepare for college and the future.” They’re looking for your support and offering a fun way to provide it: On Saturday, February 25th, head south to The Cove at Normandy Park (1500 SW Shorebrook Drive) for a spaghetti dinner and auction to support the team. They’re selling $25/person tickets through February 12th, and here’s what you’ll get:
The evening will include a silent and live auction with awesome items such as a signed Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, two roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines anywhere Alaska flies, a two-night stay at Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island, a signed Julio Rodriguez Mariners jersey, cooking classes, a salon haircut & blowout, restaurant gift certificates – including some local favorites such as Circa, Srivilai Thai, Salty’s on Alki, and so much more! The night will also include a fun Dessert Dash, a tasty Wine Pull, specialty cocktails, beer and wine, a first-time reveal of our 2023 robot, and beyond.
Skunk Works is a 501(c)(3), so your contribution is tax-deductible. And it’ll help this program continue recovering from not only pandemic-era challenges but also a burglary last year that left them without thousands of dollars in equipment. But they’re building back, and you can help – get dinner/auction tickets here.
(WSB photo, 2019)
Many big West Seattle events returned last year for the first time since before the pandemic – but not all. One that skipped last year WILL be back this year – the West Seattle 5K. This event raising money for WSHS students via the PTSA is set for Sunday, May 21st, the first WS5K since 2019. It’s a run/walk along Alki, with the start/finish line right in the hart of the beach business district. Organizers tell us they’ll be relaunching the West Seattle 5K website next week, so watch for registration details soon.
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