West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
After an online-only 2020 show, Skeleton Theatre is back – in-person and online! Just got the word from Maia Low at Skeleton Theatre:
Skeleton Theatre will be live AND virtual this year! We put together a short show called “Get Silly” that will run on Halloween and November 1 between 6 and 9 pm. We opted for a short show to avoid large groups of people gathering for an extended time. We will also post a pre-recorded version of the show on skeletontheatre.com on Halloween. Here are the details:
Skeleton Theatre 2021 – “Get Silly”
Show length: 6 minutesLive Performance
Show times: 6 pm-9 pm, about every 10 minutes
Show dates: Sunday, October 31 and Monday, November 1Please wear a mask and observe social distancing while watching the show.
Virtual Performance
Available starting on October 31
skeletontheatre.comWe’re looking forward to celebrating Halloween with our neighbors again!
Skeleton Theatre is an outdoor animatronic show in a yard at 36th/Hanford.
P.S. We’ve just added this to the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide, which has other event listings, including trick-or-treat events, plus photos/locations of decorations suggested by neighbors all over the peninsula. Still more to add – email westseattleblog@gmail.com if you have decorations or an event for the page!
With Halloween now six days away, the West Seattle Junction’s weeklong Harvest Festival is on – starting with the Scavenger Hunt! Here’s an update from the Junction Association:
What flies above but haunts below? You’ll need to figure out this clue, plus 12 more to get the goods during the second annual Harvest Fest Scavenger Hunt. Beginning today (Monday, October 25th), pick up your scavenger hunt map from participating businesses. Or, if you purchase a tote bag, the scavenger hunt map will be included. Here’s part of it (the official version also has the clues):
Harvest Fest Totes for Kids – The Junction is bringing the joy of Harvest and Halloween in one special tote. Each box has a seasonally themed or musically themed craft, individually wrapped Halloween treats, and a special surprise from the Junction! $35 each ($45 value). UPDATE: There are seven remaining tote bags! Email the Junction at info@wsjunction.org for yours. Pick up at the Junction office (located above Shadowland) – we will email you an invoice to pay via credit card.
Harvest Fest Adult Totes – SOLD OUT
Go here for other Harvest Fest details, including online Haunted Trivia this Friday, and Junction Trick-or-Treating on Sunday, 10 am-2 pm outside businesses along the sidewalks, plus bonus treat stations (including the KeyBank Plaza, where we’ll have a booth too).
The photo’s from Mary, one of the latest contributors to the list of decorated houses in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide. Going into what you might call Hallo-weekend #1, we’ve got places to do and things to see. We’ve added more events as well as decoration locations. This weekend’s events include:
SATURDAY
Monster Dash Family Fun Event/Kids’ Dash
Our Lady of Guadalupe Halloween Carnival
SUNDAY
Fauntleroy Fall Festival (RSVP required)
Trick-or-treating at Combat Arts Academy (RSVP required)
We’re still adding events and decoration locations as we hear about them – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Thanks to Barbara for this photo from 38th/Lander)
Thanks to everyone who continues sending contributions for the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide! We’ve added a half-dozen more displays, and the event list is growing too. Just 11 days until Halloween, but events start this weekend, including the Our Lady of Guadalupe carnival on Saturday and the drive-up/ride-up Fauntleroy Fall Festival on Sunday. Got something to add – decoration location (with or without a photo) or event? westseattleblog@gmail.com is where to send it – thank you!
We’re continuing to collect Halloween decorations/show info and will launch the annual WSB Halloween page tomorrow. First, news of a spooky show returning starting tonight:
The doorways of The Radiant Twilight have materialized, and the haunted echoes of Nightfall Orphanage return to West Seattle for the 2021 Halloween season.
Nightfall Orphanage is an Alki neighborhood Halloween garage haunt experience that is dedicated to aiding and promoting local and state charities that support the community and environment. Because scaring is caring!
For October 2021, Nightfall Orphanage Haunted House is accepting non-perishable food and monetary donations for West Seattle Food Bank, and raising funds for Washington’s National Park Fund. Admission is free.
Find out the haunted history & twisted lore of Nightfall (as well as dates, times and information) at NightfallOrphanage.com.
Open: (2130 Alki SW)
Saturday, October 16 (Soft Open)
October 22, 23, 29, 30 & 31st
7 pm – 10 pm
Rain or ShineCovid-19 Information:
– All guests who are of eligible age MUST BE VACCINATED against Covid-19 for the safety of the community, other guests and Nightfall Staff
– Please do not attend if you are experiencing flu- or cold-like symptoms
– All guests MUST WEAR MASKS inside and directly outside the event
– Maintain social distancing, even outside the event
– Hand sanitizer stations have been provided for convenience
– All hanging set dressings, effects and doors have been removed from pathwaysCheck the website as dates and times are subject to change.
Sponsored by Easy Street Records and Nightfall Imaginarium
Got (or seen) Halloween decorations and/or events? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
New this Halloween: Alki Beach businesses are launching a trick-or-treat event!
Outer Space Seattle proprietor Caitlin Huertas says it’s happening 10 am-noon the day before Halloween – Saturday, October 30th. Her business is one of at least six that will be participate – they’ve set up a website with the map of who’s in so far.
That’s just part of the setup at a home in Gatewood – they’re among the West Seattleites who have answered our call for Halloween decoration locations. With 2 1/2 weeks to go until the spookiest night of the year, we’re ready to build our annual Halloween page, so we wanted to make the request again: If you have, or know of, a memorable display, let us know about it at westseattleblog@gmail.com – photo appreciated but not required, and please mention whether it’s best viewed by day or night (or both!). P.S. At the house above (3714 SW Austin), you’ll actually find a show Friday and Saturday nights through Halloween (which is on Sunday this year), 7-9 pm (“if it’s not raining”).
It’s mid-October and – not to rush things, but … – the holidays aren’t that far away. Here’s a chance to do some advance planning while supporting a local school. From the WSB inbox:
We are excited to announce our annual Seattle Lutheran High School Parents Association Greenery Fundraiser!
The sale will run through Friday, October 29th, with pickup of paid orders scheduled for Saturday, November 20th.
Please visit form.jotform.com/212747568275164 to place your order today!
Some of the ways your purchase will help support SLHS are by funding teacher grants and Saints Leadership Award scholarships, helping to offset facility grants and continuing education opportunities for staff, as well as funding student-based activities/needs.
Speaking of candy … The Admiral District will have trick-or-treating after all! Just in:
The organizers of the Admiral District Halloween regretfully cancelled this year’s event earlier this month. The decision was made out of caution since no guidelines had been given from the CDC, and Covid trends were unclear. While some of the businesses in the Admiral District were in favor of hosting the event, others were not. With a lack of a consensus, the event was cancelled.
This week we received new information. On October 12th, Dr. Fauci made the announcement that Halloween events should be safe as long as they are held outdoors. Given this new information, we are proud to bring this fun family event back to our community for 2021!
We are very excited to announce that the Admiral District Halloween event will be held on Friday October 29th from 3pm to 6pm! Event posters will be distributed to Admiral District Merchants this week. Kids and their parents can look for the sign in the window of participating businesses and Trick or Treat!
Happy Halloween!
At least two other business-district trick-or-treat events are planned – the West Seattle Junction on October 31st, 10 am-2 pm, and downtown White Center, also on Halloween, starting at 3 pm.
Now less than three weeks until Halloween! Another chance for spooky fun – and/or treats – is offered in one of the latest school fundraisers to hit the WSB inbox. This one’s from the award-winning Alki Elementary PTA:
Alki Elementary PTA is back this year with some spooktacular Halloween items guaranteed to send shivers down your spine! Our Halloween Pre-sale is HERE! Get your spell books ready because YOU DON’T WANT TO SLEEP ON THIS PRE-SALE https://alkipta.square.site
–Vampire Boo Buckets – drinks for kids and adults with all the fixings!
–Witches Slime and Elephant Toothpaste Potion Kit – get your slime on and make elephant toothpaste for your cauldron or have ooze out of your carved pumpkin!
–Exclusive spooky goodies from Ampersand: Franken-ookies, Monster Rice Krispies, and Halloween Hot Cocoa Bombs
–Pumpkin Carving Kit – complete with everything you need to carve your pumpkins and ingredients for roasting those seeds!
–PUMPKINS!!!!
–10-pack bulbs from Roozengaarde – tulips and daffodils carefully handpacked from our friends at RoozengaardeOur pumpkin patch will be at Ampersand on Alki again this year for order pickup Friday, October 15th 4 – 6 p.m. Thank you for supporting our school community! Alki PTA’s mission is to support an engaged community that partners with our school to advocate for every child.
(WSB photo – seen in Gatewood)
With Halloween three weeks from tomorrow, we’ve heard from some readers wondering if we’ll be spotlighting decorations again this year. Answer: Yes! We’re already seeing some excellent examples, from cute to funny to spooky. So if you have – or are going to have – or see someone else with – a well-decorated house/yard/apartment window/business … let us know. Photos are great, but not required; with or without a pic, please describe whether it’s a lit display (so people know the optimal viewing time, before or after dark). westseattleblog@gmail.com or text our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thanks!
Though this year’s West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival is again scaled down from the full pre-pandemic in-the-street celebration, one activity will be back this year – business-district trick-or-treating.
While the West Seattle Farmers’ Market continues in its usual spot on Sunday, October 31st, 10 am-2 pm, participating businesses will offer trick-or-treating along the sidewalks during that same time period. The West Seattle Junction Association plans additional candy stations, too.
While the ore-pandemic tradition of Harvest Festival activities and games on a bonus block of open street will NOT be back this year, WSJA is again offering you a chance to support local businesses by ordering tote bags – kid and adult versions are available here until they sell out. WSJA thanks tote-bag buyers from previous pandemic-era festivals – so far those sales have “infused $95,000 back into the local Junction businesses in 2020-21,” the organization says.
P.S. Harvest Fest plans also include a Scavenger Hunt and Trivia Night – details on the official webpage.
Just in from The Admiral District’s businesses:
(Graphic sent last year, applicable again this year)
Admiral District businesses regret to announce that the annual trick-or-treating event will once again be cancelled for 2021. With the rise of the delta variant, the decision has been made to err on the side of caution. Our businesses are concerned that many children are unvaccinated and the activity of going door-to-door for treats would pose an unreasonable risk to the health of our community. Currently the vaccine is only available to children 12+. We look forward to hosting the event again in 2022.
(Duwamish River, photographed from the West Seattle Bridge last month)
Good morning! Holiday notes:
TRANSIT/TRAFFIC
–Metro is on a Sunday schedule
–West Seattle Water Taxi is also on a Sunday schedule
–Sound Transit buses and light rail are on Sunday schedules too
-If you’re going to an area of the city with pay-station street parking, note that there’s no charge today
-Check traffic cams here
HAPPENING TODAY
Duwamish Longhouse Art Market – 10 am-5 pm, 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.
Art Glass Seconds Sale – The annual sale at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) is back after 2 years, 10 am-2 pm.
Final day of the season for city aquatics – After today, city-run wading pools, sprayparks, and outdoor pools are all closed until next year. Our reminder from yesterday lists what’s open today, where, and when.
Benefit barbecue – Highland Park neighbors invite you to a four-grill cookoff raising money for the White Center fire recovery, starting at 5:30 pm on 10th SW between Barton and Henderson, as previewed here.
WEATHER
The sun is expected to prevail today, with a 70-ish high.
Again this year, we asked for photos of fireworks debris/trash encountered by readers this morning. What you see above is from Kay, who reported fireworks aftermath at Lincoln Park, “from the south parking lot to the pool.” And while we can’t say for sure whether fireworks are to blame, just before 5 am, this fire broke out in trees on the park’s west-facing slope:
Andrew saw it from a ferry; the SFD log shows two engines and a ladder truck were sent. The aftermath of another brush fire is part of Kim‘s report from High Point:
I just went up to Walt Hundley Park with a bucket and garbage picker. There is so much small fireworks debris in the park and street at 34th and Myrtle, I could not pick it all up. I concentrated on picking up the bigger stuff.
It appears there was a brush fire last night across from the park on the weedy slope next to Guadalupe. There is a burned area and the resulting messy mud in the road must be from the water used to extinguish the fire. (I reported this to the city’s Find It Fix It app, along with some big garbage dumped there that was too much for me to manage this morning.)
It’s too bad that the people who create the mess don’t clean up after themselves. But I encourage neighbors to get out and help clean up their neighborhoods today. If this street is any indication, it’s a mess out there.
The SFD log does show a brush-fire call at 1:22 am in that area. Also from High Point, Codrin sent this photo from Viewpoint Park:
Here’s a texted photo from EC Hughes Playground:
Heading north, from Leigh at 36th/Lander:
On my morning walk saw this. Helped a neighbor clean up.
Just one of several photos sent by Pat, at Don Armeni Boat Ramp:
And from Kristina, at Whale Tail Park:
At least they cleaned up the trash? Sounded like a war zone for hours last night.
Thanks again to those who sent photos and/or were out cleaning up this morning – we will add any other photos we receive – westseattleblog@gmail.com.
ADDED 2:28 PM: From Brooke, at Highland Park Spraypark:
It’s not so bad as others but the kids are playing barefoot in/around it. Also the Roxhill park and parking lot were covered with fireworks debris, so much that my kids decided not to play there this morning.
The sun has set. As in past years, we’ll keep a running narrative of what happens in the hours ahead.
ROXBURY/OLSON: just got a text that westbound is blocked. This might be related to a gunfire investigation in the area. No injuries but there was a report of someone firing from a car at/near 5th SW and SW Cambridge.
FIRE CALLS SO FAR: 10:50 pm, and we’re hearing the first one in West Seattle since a “brush fire” call before 8 pm in the Highland Park Way/2nd SW vicinity – 2600 block of 37th SW, a “bark fire” call.
11:05 PM. – ‘LARGE HEDGE ON FIRE’: That’s the call in the 8800 block of 22nd SW [map], with four SFD units headed that way. … On arrival, they confirm a “brush fire” and they’re evacuating the house. … Scratch that, firefighters say neighbors tell them the residents aren’t home.
11:30 PM – 5-WAY CRASH: Crash affecting traffic at the Chelan/Spokane/W. Marginal/Delridge five-way. Possible DUI, police told dispatch.
11:54 PM – BRUSH FIRE: Now it’s on to a reported brush fire near Bar-S Playfields, 64th/Admiral.
11:57 PM – CRASH: A “rollover” crash is reported in the 4800 block of California SW. … The road isn’t entirely blocked; they’re talking about letting southbound buses “squeeze through.”
12:37 AM – FIREWORKS-THROWING: On the police channel, a report of someone in a car throwing fireworks at homes in the vicinity of 12th SW/SW Webster.
12:55 AM: If you find fireworks debris/trash in a park or other public space Monday morning, consider sending us a photo – ee document this every year with the help of reader photos.
1:01 AN: Police are being dispatched to a fireworks call in the 4700 block of Delridge Way SW, where multiple callers have complained that the fireworks users are “damaging cars” among other things.
The pop-up parade in The Junction this morning was like a mini version of the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade (which will be back next year!) – lots of kids in strollers and wagons:
Dogs too:
The Junction had 50 little flags to hand out to paraders – and by our count, that’s about how many participants showed up.
The 60 American flags flying today around the West Seattle Junction aren’t the first ones placed with volunteer help … but they are the first ones with another kind of community contribution: Twenty-five of them are the first to be funded by donors. The West Seattle Junction Association recently offered the chance to “fund a flag,” similar to what it’s done the past few years with flower baskets and rainbow flags, and that enabled the number of American flags displayed around The Junction to expand to 60.
Each funded flag has a plaque with the funder’s name and message (you can also see those on the WSJA website).
Whether or not you funded a flag, you’re welcome to join volunteers in removing them at day’s end – gather at the northeast corner of California/Alaska at 4 pm. About 15 volunteers helped put them up this morning.
(‘Bey’ the Bald Eagle, photographed in June by Jerry Simmons)
Welcome to Independence Day 2021. Here’s what’s happening, and not happening:
CHURCHES: Many are still streaming, in place of – or in addition to – in-person services. Here are the newest links for 20+ churches’ services.
HELP PUT UP AMERICAN FLAGS IN THE JUNCTION: As previewed here, volunteers are welcome to join in placing and removing 60 American flags along the streets in the heart of downtown West Seattle. Meet outside Cupcake Royale (California/Alaska), 8:30 am and/or 4 pm. All ages welcome.
POP-UP PARADE: As previewed here, you’re invited to join in a pop-up Fourth of July parade around the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. For this too, meet on the Cupcake Royale corner, 10 am. First 50 people get mini-flags to wave as you parade. Kids, dogs, costumes welcome. (This is the only WS parade this Fourth of July – the Kids’ Parade was canceled.)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Changes starting this week – no more market-wide mask mandate (though individual booths may have their own rules), no more taped-off perimeter restricting entrance and exit to the southeast end – you can now move around the market freely. You also can now eat and drink inside the market. 10 am-2 pm on California between Oregon and Alaska. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week.
TODAY’S AQUATIC SCHEDULE: Open today – Highland Park spraypark (11 am-8 pm, 1100 SW Cloverdale); Delridge (noon-5:30 pm, 4501 Delridge Way SW) and Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) wading pools.
(added) LIVE MUSIC: 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Jim Page & Orville Johnson. No cover.
(Alki Statue of Liberty, photographed earlier this week by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
NO SEATTLE FIREWORKS SHOW: Seafair called it off months ago, before it was foreseeable that events would be resuming by now. If your heart is set on a big fireworks show, the nearest city having one is Bellevue (info here)
PARK CHANGES: Reminder that four local parks/playfields will have their lights on 8:30-11 pm to deter fireworks, and Alki Beach Park is set to be closed again tonight at 10 pm.
One more Independence Day event in The Junction – along with helping to place American flags along the heart of downtown West Seattle, you are also invited to be part of a “pop-up parade”! Here’s the invitation from the West Seattle Junction Association:
Meet us outside Cupcake Royale at the All Walk on Sunday, July 4th at 10 AM for a loop around the West Seattle Farmers’ Market (no more restrictions)! You’re encouraged to dress up, bring the kids, dogs, and your independent spirit! The Junction will provide hand-held flags to the first 50 people. You’ll see the expanded American Flags too, lining California Ave! Meet us Sunday and let’s celebrate SO MUCH!
While we’re talking about fireworks … even if you don’t use them, someone else might set them off near your house or apartment. On the Fourth of July last year, fireworks sparked a large fire at the foot of Gatewood Hill:
(WSB photo from 7/4/2020)
That was a photo we took from our car as we happened onto the scene shortly after the fire at California/Myrtle had started, even before SFD arrived. The memory is fresh for local firefighters, too. We asked the Seattle Fire Department about prevention advice – in addition to “Don’t use fireworks” – and here’s what SFD public educator William Mace offered:
Every year, the personal use of fireworks cause fires and injures people in the Seattle area. Last year, the Seattle Fire Department responded to 16 fireworks-related fires including two structure fires. One significant fire happened on July 4, 2020 in West Seattle where fireworks ignited dry brush in front of a four-story apartment building which then quickly extended to the top floor balcony.
(7/4/2020 photo by Rick Cook)
Fortunately, no one was injured, but several residents were displaced and the total estimated loss was $100,000.
The recent hot, dry weather significantly increases the risk for dry grass, bark, and brush fires. A firework can easily start a fire in these conditions.
Here are ways to reduce fires caused by fireworks near your home:
Remove branches, dry grass and anything that can burn from around your home.
Make sure tree branches are not touching your home.
Clear roof and gutters of evergreen needles and leaves.
Don’t leave cardboard or loose paper recyclables outside – make sure they are in a closed bin.
Keep a garden hose with nozzle hooked up and ready to use.
Also, make sure smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button.If you experience a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.
Two years ago, in unincorporated King County, a fireworks user started a two-house fire that killed a man.
(Reader photo, 2020, fireworks debris at a local park – one that did NOT have lights on)
Every year, Seattle Parks announces it’s keeping lights on for a few hours on the night of July 3rd and 4th at certain locations to try to deter fireworks use. It’s just announced this year’s list. Lights will go on around 8:30 pm and off at 11 pm this Saturday and Sunday at locations including these in West Seattle:
Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW
The Parks announcement notes that fireworks, among other things, destroy artificial turf, which would cost more than a million dollars to replace on a full-size field. Also noted: “The fields will be monitored by security from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.”
P.S. We’re checking with other jurisdictions with local parks/sports facilities to find out about their deterrence plans, if any.
(WSB file photo)
American flags will fly along the streets in the heart of the West Seattle Junction on the Fourth of July, this Sunday – and you can be part of the volunteer power! Here’s how:
It’s another flag event Sunday, July 4th – this time we’re flying the Stars and Stripes in the Junction – with an additional 20 flags (that’ll make 60) thanks to the generosity of the folks who funded a flag (new in 2021). The funders will have plaques affixed to their flags showing their support of the program.
Volunteers always welcome too! Folks can sign up through the volunteer form for updates. Or they can simply show up! We’ll always meet at Cupcake Royale at 8:30 AM and again at 4 PM to place and remove the flags.
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