West Seattle, Washington
05 Wednesday
Inside the cozy converted Craftsman house that holds C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), you have your first chance of the season to browse a holiday arts-and-crafts fair.
Among the artists you’ll meet – Bill Reiswig, who many know as co-founder of Sustainable West Seattle, now based in Olympia:
You’ll find vendors in both main rooms at C&P, so don’t just stop at the front room! The fair is on until 2 pm today, at 5612 California SW.
P.S. This is one of 14 arts/crafts fairs and bazaars on the seasonal list we published earlier this week – if yours isn’t there yet, please send us info as soon as you can, so we can also get it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and forthcoming West Seattle Holiday Guide.
Three weeks until Thanksgiving but never too soon to plan – and that’s why West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) is hosting its annual Holiday Taste event right now. Above, the samples include lots of cheeses … below, locally crafted ice cream from Sweet Lo’s:
And of course, main-course samples:
About 50 vendors this year, Thriftway tells us! Stop in (4201 SW Morgan) before 7 pm to taste for yourself.
(WSB photo from 2016 Highland Park Improvement Club holiday bazaar)
Along with shopping at fabulous independent West Seattle bricks-and-mortar businesses this holiday season, you have beaucoup bazaars/art-and-craft sales to visit, starting as soon as this Saturday! We have already received (updated) 14 announcements for the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – and if you have something to sell, four are still accepting vendors, so we’ll start with those:
SALVATION ARMY CRAFT FAIR: 10 am-5 pm Saturday, November 11th, at the Salvation Army center in South Delridge. Booths can be purchased via this link or e-mail Capt. Lisa Barnes at lisa.barnes@usw.salvationarmy.org. (9050 16th SW)
ALKI MASONIC CENTER HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 9 am-4 pm Saturday, November 25th. Potential vendors can e-mail Sue at alkict21events@gmail.com or use this form. (4736 40th SW)
FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE HOLIDAY MARKET: 4-8 pm Friday, December 1st, and 9 am-3 pm Saturday, December 2nd. Potential vendors can e-mail denise@fauntleroyschoolhouse.org. (9131 California SW)
THE KENNEY HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-3 pm Saturday, December 2nd, at The Kenney. Handmade items! Potential vendors can call Danette for more information and to reserve a space, 206-937-2800. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)
Other bazaars/fairs we have received notice of, so far:
C & P HOLIDAY ARTS FAIR: Just two days away! 8 am-2 pm Saturday, November 4th, at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). Unique local arts & crafts. (5612 California SW)
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART & HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: 5-8 pm Friday, November 10th; 10 am-4 pm Saturday, November 11th; 11 am-2 pm Sunday, November 12th, at Fauntleroy Church. (9140 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-3 pm Saturday, November 11th, at Highland Park Improvement Club, with more than 20 vendors signed up. (1116 SW Holden)
SHOREWOOD HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-4 pm Saturday, November 11th, at Shorewood Elementary. 60+ vendors, and more – details in our calendar listing. (2725 SW 116th)
THE MOUNT’S BAZAAR AND BAKE SALE: 9 am-4 pm, Friday-Saturday, November 17-18, at Providence Mount St. Vincent – details in our calendar listing. (4831 35th SW)
TIBBETTS UMC HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR: 10 am-2 pm Saturday, November 18th, at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor). Bake sale as well as art, crafts, gift baskets, more. (3940 41st SW)
PEACE LUTHERAN HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR: Arts and crafts, silent auction with themed baskets, fair trade/global gifts, bake sale at Peace Lutheran Church … 10 am-4 pm Saturday, November 18th, and noon-3 pm Sunday, November 19th. (39th SW/SW Thistle)
ARROWHEAD GARDENS HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR: 10 am-4 pm Saturday, November 18th – details in our calendar listing. (9200 2nd SW)
OLG FAIR TRADE SALE: 9:30 am-1 pm Sunday, November 19th, at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center – details in our calendar listing. (35th SW/SW Myrtle)
DUWAMISH NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR: 10 am-6 pm Friday-Sunday, November 24-26, at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle. Details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
Having a bazaar, art/craft fair, or other holiday-related sale this season, but haven’t sent us info yet? Please do that as soon as you can! Nothing fancy needed, no graphic/poster, no attachment, just write the basics in the body of your e-mail to editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
(WSB photo, Thanksgiving 2016)
Thanksgiving is three weeks from today and it’s time to start talking holidays. If you haven’t already seen the listing in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, this year will be the 19th for the free, open-to-all Thanksgiving dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy. It’s a chance to give as well as receive, as explained in the announcement:
Expect a full sit-down meal, from salad to unlimited trips to the dessert bar. Hours will be noon to 3 pm, with seating whenever you arrive.
This meal is for all comers. If cooking is too much for you this year or your plans change at the last minute, come. Many guests arrange to meet friends or family members there.
A feature of this dinner in the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California Ave. SW) is the giveaway table for guests in need. Donations of kids clothing are encouraged, with an emphasis this year on new socks (any size) and blankets. Pies, cookies, and other desserts are especially welcome.
Bring donations to The Hall at Fauntleroy on Thanksgiving 10 am – 1 pm or call 206-932-1059 to arrange your drop-off the afternoon before.
P.S. If you have a holiday-season event to announce, please send us the information as soon as you can (editor@westseattleblog.com – plain text in the body of your e-mail) so we can get it into the calendar and the forthcoming WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – thank you!
From Amanda:
It was suggested to me that I email you regarding a moment that happened tonight as we were trick or treating.
My son was going up to a house and these two young Muslim girls, maybe 14-16, went up at the same time.
They were so excited, but as they got up there the man at the door yelled at and shamed them for being too old and not wearing costumes.
It broke my heart, they left nearly running away, upset. I don’t understand the hostility, because I grew up doing this until about 17. Also, these kids are not allowed to dress up, from what I was told. I feel like it was completely uncalled for, and hateful.
I want to try to reach out to the community and see if we can somehow get these girls candy. I feel like a lot of the Somali Muslim population in High Point may be new to this country and maybe these girls hadn’t gotten to experience Halloween before, and this man totally ruined their experience.
People need to meet others with love and empathy, and it has bothered me all night that this took place.
And a few more West Seattle Halloween scenes before the night is out … thanks to everyone who sent photos! The one above is from Chris O’Claire, who explains, “I love this crowd – they are always a theme. You featured them last year as the cones. This year they are jellyfish. They call themselves SoGen. And the Halloween chair is Lori Sherick.” Below, a photo from Victoria Gnatoka:
More to come!
If you’re staying out a bit late this Halloween night, you are invited to wander the “Haunted Pumpkin Patch” at 2130 Alki Avenue SW until about 10:30 pm. We added it to this year’s WSB Halloween Etc. Guide earlier this week after hearing from mastermind Tawd, who posed for us with son Liam when we stopped by a little while ago:
As he explained, he has worked in the “Halloween industry” for 20 years, and decided to bring more of the seasonal spirit to Alki.
As for the pumpkins:
Picture-perfect Halloween night, everywhere we went.
At Skeleton Theatre. Which happens tomorrow night too, btw (36th/Hanford) pic.twitter.com/2WDmOgNgYc
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) November 1, 2017
Night 1 of Skeleton Theatre got off to a late start – they were still “debugging” when we first stopped by around 6:30 – but all’s well now and they are just starting the final performance of the first night.
As promised, it’s full of “pop culture” references, including movie dialogue and music, from “Wizard of Oz” to a wizard named Harry, and more:
From 'Wizard of Oz' to the wizard named Harry, it's indeed a pop-culture-palooza at Skeleton Theatre this year! pic.twitter.com/0S8aSxSUGI
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) November 1, 2017
With music, dialogue, lighting, and a pro (all-volunteer) crew wearing headsets, this is always a quality production – more comedic than spooky (although skeletons are spooky in almost any context).
Good crowd gathered around the corner of Hanford and 36th:
Scheduled showtimes tomorrow (Wednesday, November 1st) are between 6 and 9 pm.
Also at @NightmareOn44th pic.twitter.com/BR6DRks0jp
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) November 1, 2017
We just stopped by Nightmare on 44th, the animatronic Halloween show lining the walkway through the front yard of a house on 44th SW between Charlestown and Andover (map; look for the orange lights and the gold/purple-lit wreath over the entrance).
David Williams adds new touches every year and documents his work on social media so you can get in the Halloween mood early. Lots of delighted spectators, as you can hear in this clip, once the Skull Brothers started “singing”:
At @NightmareOn44th (44th between Charlestown and Andover) with enthusiastic spectators pic.twitter.com/mrqDru2J7o
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) November 1, 2017
One night only!
See it before 9 pm.
4:47 PM: How often do you get to trick-or-treat at a haunted jewelry store? The decorations are up and the candy is out at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor), which sent the photo as Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton) trick-or-treating kicked off. We’re on our way for more photos.
5:15 PM: We’re here and the crowd’s big and steady!
At Wyatt’s Jewelers, they had counted 400 kids after just the first hour! The candy-hunting continues until 6 pm here too. (See the rest of tonight’s Halloween happenings in our guide.)
(WSB photos)
3:34 PM: This year, businesses in The Admiral District decided to offer trick-or-treating on Halloween, and it’s happening right now!
The heart of the business district is at Admiral/California, but it stretches out a few blocks to the north, east, and south. Above, that’s Tena at A Kids Place Dentistry for Children (2617 California SW; WSB sponsor).
3:52 PM: Not as crowded as years past, so if you are still thinking about it, just pack everybody up and head over. Like the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival on Sunday, we’re seeing some theme-costumed families:
4:15 PM: Getting busier. We’ve also heard there was an early wave before 3 pm – Lafayette Elementary gets out at 2:25 pm, so maybe that’s why. Here’s the scene inside Brookdale (2326 California):
And across from The Historic Admiral Theater – a candy-consuming mummy:
More photos to come.
It’s on until 6 pm!
(WSB photos)
Trick or treating started early for some kids in West Seattle. We stopped by Providence Mount St. Vincent a little while ago as students from The Mount’s preschool started parading around the building in costumes, delighting staffers as well as residents.
Their chaperones got into the spirit too:
Later today, we’re told, the older students – 4- and 5-year-olds – get to judge the grownups’ costumes.
P.S. More than a dozen ways to spend the rest of your Halloween are here!
(Halloween Eve sunset, photographed by Chris Frankovich)
Today/tonight, it’s all about Halloween. From the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide and year-round Event Calendar:
ADMIRAL DISTRICT BUSINESS TRICK-OR-TREATING: 3-6 pm, it’s time for business Trick-or-Treating in The Admiral District. Look for the “participating” sign at businesses in the California/Admiral area.
WESTWOOD VILLAGE TRICK-OR-TREATING: 4-6 pm, trick-or-treaters are welcome around the shopping center. (2600 SW Barton)
MEEDS MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE: 5-9:30 pm: “Come visit the Meeds residence on Halloween night in the Seaview neighborhood. We have sweet treats and plenty of scary tricks. Admission is always free but we will be collecting non-perishable food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank.” (5415 49th Ave SW)
WEST SEATTLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH TRUNK-OR-TREAT: 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Christian Church with “decorated trunks full of candy, parked in our lot directly behind our Sanctuary. Inside our gym everyone can enjoy a warm beverage, cookie decorating, face painting, and a small bounce house for the youngest kids.” (4400 42nd SW)
SKELETON THEATRE: The southeast Admiral animatronic attraction Skeleton Theatre is back – 6-9 pm tonight and tomorrow. The theme: “Back to Our Roots” – by request, “a show consisting of pop-cultural clips” like the early days, “with a few new tricks” and ending with “one original scene” previewing next year. Free – but you can donate online! (36th SW/SW Hanford)
NIGHTMARE ON 44TH: Animatronics and more in a spooky West Seattle yard. 6-9 pm. Creator David Williams sends this photo of a new “crypt wall” that’s part of the show. See more on Twitter and Instagram. (44th SW between Charlestown and Andover)
GRACE CHURCH TRUNK-OR-TREAT: Trunk Or Treat at Grace Church, 6-8 pm. (10323 28th Ave SW)
HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: 6-10 pm, possibly running later tonight depending on turnout, Halloween Light Show by the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm nightly – probably a little later on October 28th and 31st. (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
HALLOWEEN TRIVIA AND COSTUME CONTEST 7-9 pm at Ounces. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
LARRINGTONS RANCH HAUNTED HOUSE: 7 pm-10 pm. Suggested for ages 10 and up. Free “but we accept donations of cans toward support of the local food bank.” (Erskine Way/SW Hudson) …
‘HAUNTED PUMPKIN PATCH’ ON ALKI: 7:30 -10:30 pm, “visitors are welcome to walk through the haunted pumpkin patch in our front yard, full of carved pumpkins, skeletons, zombies, and giant spiders.” And they’ll have candy tonight for trick-or-treaters. (2130 Alki Ave SW)
OTHER SPOOKY DECORATIONS: See the Halloween Etc. Guide for locations readers told us about.
HALLOWEEN NIGHT MUSIC: 9 pm-midnight at Parliament Tavern, Hallo-WEEN Spectacular! w/ Boys Club (Ween Tribute) and The Heebie Jeebies, who are the ultimate holiday party band for the end of October as they play the scariest tunes in town. Boys Club follows it up with a tribute to Ween featuring the album “White Pepper” in its entirety. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
PREVIEW NOVEMBER AND BEYOND … via our full calendar (and get your winter-holiday events to us ASAP! editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!)
We stopped by 36th/Hanford at dusk to say hi to the Skeleton Theatre team, who were working hard to get West Seattle’s most extensive animatronic Halloween extravaganza ready for the next two nights, on, and behind, the front-yard stage:
As noted in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide, Skeleton Theatre mastermind Chris Walker tells us, “The theme this year is ‘Back to our Roots.’ Through the years people have asked us to do this again, so we’re going to do a show consisting of pop culture clips – like we did for the first two years of Skeleton Theatre a decade ago, with a few new tricks added in. We will end with one original scene: It’s a preview for the new show that we’ll be putting up next year.” The show is set to run continuously 6-9 pm Halloween night and the night after (Tuesday and Wednesday; here’s a map). Free but if you are moved to help the Skeleton crew cover their costs, there’s a donation button on their webpage (where you can also catch up on the backstory – ST has been a tradition since 2006!).
(WSB photos)
5:24 PM: The Addams Family photo booth is just part of the fun at the Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) Community Halloween Party, all welcome, happening at 41st SW/SW Andover until 7 pm. Games and treats – costumes not required – lots of fun decorations!
7:25 PM: More photos, above and below, including the cakewalk:
Now that we’re in the heart of Halloween (etc.) season, you might be interested in safety advice – which goes far beyond trick-or-treating! It’s from the Southwest Precinct, whose Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Burbridge shares what you can read below (or here, in PDF):
(Our guide to local activities for all ages, running through next Wednesday, is here.)
(WSB file photo: Halloween Rainbow Bingo @ Senior Center of West Seattle)
Though this Friday’s Halloween Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center of West Seattle is listed in our Halloween Etc. Guide – it’s sold out. Except for a sudden opening, as Mary Beth Ingersoll messaged us to say:
Our most popular Rainbow Bingo of the year is our Halloween Theme in October, tomorrow night, Friday, Oct. 27th. It has been sold out since September 30th, but we have some tickets! (This will be our 35th sold-out date in a row!)
I just got word that a table for 6 won’t be able to make it and we’d sure like to fill it. The first person to call me – 206.932.4044 extension 4 – with payment of for the 6 seats of $18/ea= $108.00 can have it.
And if you already have tickets:
Additionally, there will be a costume contest for those that decide to dress up with 1st place winner with a prize of 4 free VIP tickets and a party package for 8 people!
New ’round here? The Senior Center is in The Junction at 4217 SW Oregon.
(WSB file photo from Admiral District trick-or-treating)
Less than a week until Halloween – and only two days until trick-or-treat events begin! From the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide:
PRESCHOOLER TRICK-OR-TREATING: All kids 5 and under are invited to Holy Rosary School 10 am-11:30 am on Friday, October 27th, to trick or treat in the school classrooms, with “a mix of candy and non-candy items.” (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
JUNCTION TRICK-OR-TREATING: Noon-2 pm Sunday, October 29th, during the second half of the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival
ADMIRAL DISTRICT TRICK-OR-TREATING: 3-6 pm on Halloween (Tuesday, October 31st) – look for the sign featured in our preview
WESTWOOD VILLAGE TRICK-OR-TREATING: 4-6 pm on Halloween
Any Halloween/harvest/fall events missing in our guide? Not too late to let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
Two weeks until Halloween, and the first version of our West Seattle Halloween (Etc.) Guide is live … we say “first” because we know there are more Halloween/Harvest/Dia de Los Muertos events out there that you’ll be sending us – editor@westseattleblog.com, nothing fancy needed, just the basic what/when/where/who. Meantime, go here to see what’s in the guide now!
P.S. The photo at right was reader-contributed in October 2007 – and we’d love to see your custom jack o’lanterns this October too – same e-mail address, once you commence carving!
New plan this year for trick-or-treating in The Admiral District – merchants will welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween – Tuesday, October 31st:
Admiral District merchants of West Seattle are proud to announce the return of the annual “Trick-or-Treating” event for 2017. This year the Admiral District “Trick or Treating” event will occur on Halloween, giving families the opportunity to trick or treat in a safe environment on the holiday itself. This long-standing Admiral neighborhood tradition has grown in popularity each year, and continues to be a West Seattle family favorite.
Trick or treating in the Admiral District is 100% volunteer-supported by the businesses operating near the intersection of Admiral and California Ave SW. Each year, local businesses give back to the community by providing a safe place for trick-or-treating. Find your favorite costume, grab the kids, and come out on Tuesday October 31st to join in on this popular West Seattle event!
Participating merchants will display the sign you see atop this story.
P.S. The annual WSB Halloween guide – not just Halloween itself, but also the special events leading up to it – will go live this weekend; if your organization/business/etc. has a public Halloween/harvest/fall-festival-type event, please send us the information ASAP if you haven’t already – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
(Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo sequence of a bald eagle fishing at Weather Watch Park recently)
No traffic report this morning (check cameras here) because of the holiday – but before we get to the day’s events, here’s what you need to know about transit/transportation:
METRO: Buses are on Sunday schedules.
WATER TAXI: West Seattle runs on its Sunday schedule; Vashon is not running.
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth is on the weekend 2-boat schedule.
SOUND TRANSIT: The 560 Express bus is on a Sunday schedule.
STREET PARKING: In neighborhoods with city pay stations/metering, today is a “free parking day.”
Here’s open/closed info for the holiday:
SEATTLE PARKS CLOSURES: Details are here.
WADING POOL & SPRAYPARK: Last day of the season – Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark are both open 11 am-8 pm.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES … are closed.
REGULAR SOLID WASTE PICKUP? If you are a Monday customer, yes.
From our calendar:
SEATTLE LABOR RIDE/POKER RUN: Join City Councilmember Lisa Herbold on a motorcycle ride and “poker run” celebrating the history of the labor movement and benefiting the Labor Archives of Washington – starts at Chelan Café in West Seattle at 9 am, with registration starting at 8 am – full details in our preview. All riders welcome, any size motorcycle or scooter. (3527 Chelan SW)
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND OPEN HOUSE: 9 am-noon pancake breakfast, noon-3 pm open house at the newly renovated Disabled American Veterans hall in North Delridge – details in our preview. (4857 Delridge Way SW)
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT FOR CHARITY: Noon at The Bridge, play cornhole for prizes, with entry fees benefiting Shamrock Charities. (California/Graham)
FINAL DAY FOR ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary‘s final day this year to host free tours of the historic lighthouse is today. 1-4 pm – be there by 3:40 pm to be sure you get in. (3201 Alki SW)
And in case you missed it – looking ahead to the rest of the week:
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Most local schools that haven’t already started classes will do so tomorrow or Wednesday. Here’s the list.
Have a great Labor Day! If there’s breaking news, best way to tip us is text/voice at 206-293-6302, 24/7 – thank you!
The winter holidays are not that far away, and two holiday events are already inviting you to apply:
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND GIFT SHOW CALL FOR ARTISTS: Just received:
The Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Show highlights the creativity of fine artists and crafters, working in any medium. Applicants must be a resident of, or have studio space in, West Seattle (Vashon residents are also welcome to apply). Painters, glass artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, fiber artists and crafters who exhibit a high level of creativity are encouraged to apply. Apply at www.fauntleroyucc.org/events by September 17th.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR IN THE JUNCTION: Also from the inbox:
Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, November 25, 9 AM -4 PM, Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th SW. Vendor tables available; early-bird vendor discount until October 1st. Application link: form.jotform.us/72178254467161
If you’re doing early planning for holiday events like these, let us know! editor@westseattleblog.com
(WSB photo, Labor Day 2016)
Motorcycle or scooter rider? You’re invited to start your Labor Day with the third annual Seattle Labor Ride & Poker Run, hosted by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, celebrating the history of labor and supporting the Labor Archives of Washington. The ride starts at West Seattle’s Chelan Café. The first one two years ago, explains organizer Bob Combs (above with spouse, the ride’s host), was a campaign event, but then last year, he says, “Pairing up with a friend of mine from the VME (Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts) club, Tom Samuelson, we put a different twist on it and turned it into a fundraiser for LAWS (Labor Archive of Washington State), moved the date to Labor Day.” They raised $600 for the archives, grew the turnout, and hope to get even more participants this year.
The stops, hosted by unions and/or visiting their halls, are listed on the ride’s website, here, where you’ll also get the explanation of “poker run” if you haven’t been on one before. The entry fee is $20. Combs adds, “The ride is all on largely empty city streets the morning of Labor Day, speed limits are all under 40, and is very friendly to smaller bikes and scooters.” Registration starts at 8 am Monday outside the Chelan Café (3527 Chelan SW), with riders leaving at 9.
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