West Seattle, Washington
17 Wednesday
Again this year, Seattle Parks will leave the lights on at synthetic-turf ballfields around the city to discourage fireworks. We’ve excerpted its citywide announcement to include the West Seattle fields it mentions (no WS fields will be turned off at 10):
Seattle Parks and Recreation will activate the field lighting on synthetic ballfields throughout the city on the evening of Thursday, July 4, to protect the synthetic surfaces. The ballfield lights will be turned on at 8:45 p.m. and will be turned off at either 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., depending on the field.
The lights will be turned on to discourage the use of fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle and will destroy the artificial turf on the fields. The approximate replacement cost for synthetic carpet based on per average full size field (110,000 square feet) is $1.2 million. All the fields have been renovated in the past several years and benefit field users including soccer, football, baseball, Ultimate Frisbee and lacrosse.
The following fields will be turned off at 11 p.m.:
· Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW· Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
· Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW
For additional questions or information please contact Seattle Parks and Recreation Security Manager Corby Christensen at 206-510-2315.
See the entire citywide list in the full Parks announcement published here.
If you’re checking to see what’s happening on the holiday this Thursday, our West Seattle 4th of July page is now up and running – 
see it here, or find it on the row of navigation tabs beneath the sunset-photo header on every WSB page. The page includes details about the traditional West Seattle events happening again this year, including the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade on Thursday morning. The page is a work in progress until the holiday arrives, so if you have an event, or restaurant/store hours, to add, just let us know – thank you!
Though all fireworks are illegal in Seattle (except for sanctioned displays like the one over Lake Union on the 4th), you’re likely seeing or hearing them every night this time of year. When do you call 911? Do you call at all? In an attempt to answer those questions, the State Fire Marshal shared a media advisory today that included a chart created with input from emergency-dispatch centers around the state. We’ve uploaded the chart here:
When and how to report fireworks violations
Again, ALL fireworks are illegal in Seattle, as well as in nearby cities such as Burien and Tukwila – but some are legal in the adjacent unincorporated areas of King County. Here’s the list of fireworks rules (including when they can be sold and used, in places where they are allowed) statewide.
We’re working this morning on the annual special West Seattle 4th of July page, a one-stop shop for holiday information from transit schedules to special events like the Kids’ Parade, and wanted to send out a quick “last call” to make sure we’re not missing anything – including special business hours if your business is NOT closed on the holiday. If you have something to include, please comment here or just e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
Just a week and a half till the 4th of July – and West Seattle’s one and only Independence Day parade is looking good! You’ll recall that longtime coordinator Sherri Chun has passed the baton to new co-coordinators, and we have updates from one of them, Jackie Clough of Alki Party Treasures (WSB sponsor), who tells WSB:
*Sponsors are enabling the Hamilton Viewpoint event after the parade to be a lively kid-friendly event as always, with games and concessions.
*West Seattle politicians will help get things going as usual – Admiral resident and former Mayor Greg Nickels at the start, West Seattle resident and County Councilmember Joe McDermott at the kickoff of the post-parade games.
*You’ll see a few days of parade promotion at Walking on Logs, courtesy of WestSide Baby, which will be promoting the Stuff the Bus diaper drive there by then. Speaking of which … Jackie says there’ll be a diaper drive at the parade to benefit WS Baby. She suggests it’s a “kids helping kids opportunity.”
*Janelle Maroney, recent Chief Sealth International High School graduate, will sing the national anthem.
*The parade has a Facebook event page to which you can RSVP (or at least “join” it for a reminder) – find it here.
The parade starts same time, same place as always – 10 am, 44th/Sunset in North Admiral (map) – come be part of it!
The West Seattle Junction Association‘s flags are out, we noticed while going through “Downtown West Seattle” a bit earlier – that’s one of two Flag Day notes we are sharing; second one came in right about the same time we photographed the Junction flags – it’s from American Legion Post 160 Commander Kyle Geraghty:
A brief ceremony observing Flag Day will be held in front of the West Seattle American Legion Post 160 at 7 pm, located at 3618 SW Alaska.
All Veterans, family members of Veterans, and community members are invited to attend.
If you have a soiled, faded, or torn American flag, this would be a perfect opportunity to drop it off so it can be disposed of properly.
After the ceremony, the West Seattle American Legion Post 160 will observe the 238th birthday of the United States Army with song and light refreshments.
ADDED 11:36 PM: Providence Mount St. Vincent had its own take on Flag Day:
Special-events director Anna Cronin shared the photo, explaining, “Providence Mount St. Vincent closed employee appreciation week with a Flag Day celebration, honoring employees’ more than 51 countries of origin. With approximately 500 employees, The Mount is the largest employer in West Seattle, and very proud of the hard-working, diverse staff. The flags will be placed around The Mount campus to proudly celebrate and honor staff throughout the summer.”
In case you haven’t seen them in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more), three Father’s Day weekend events, with food, to which you/Dad/Granddad/etc. are invited:
DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER BARBECUE, DAY BEFORE FATHER’S DAY: On Saturday (June 15th), 10 am-3 pm, the Advisory Council at Delridge Community Center is raising money for youth scholarships with a barbecue. Hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill, $5 suggested donation; baked 12″ pizzas, $10 (or $3/slice); fresh salad, $3; bake sale too! (4501 Delridge Way SW)
BRUNCH AND FUN AT MERRILL GARDENS: 11:30-1:30 on Sunday (June 16th) at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), you’re invited to “brunch and fun to honor the special men in our lives,” especially dads and granddads. $20 includes brunch, professional photography, roundup carnival games, and a “gift for all dads.” Menu includes grilled salmon, buffalo sliders, barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, hush puppies, sarsaparilla floats! RSVP ASAP – 206-938-3964. (2326 California SW)
ADMIRAL CHURCH BARBECUE: Everyone’s invited to the Father’s Day barbecue/”summer kickoff” event Sunday at Admiral Congregational Church, noon-2 pm. Cookout with hot dogs and summer games on the lawn – indoor if there’s rain. (4320 SW Hill)
(7/4/12 photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
With Memorial Day now past, some thoughts turn to the next national holiday – the 4th of July. Actually, it’s already been on the minds of Jackie Clough and Allyson Schreck – new coordinators of the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade. They stepped up after longtime coordinator Sherri Chun put out a call last year for someone to take over. And Jackie – co-founder of Alki Party Treasures (WSB sponsor) – e-mailed us last night with an early reminder that yes, the parade is on again, starting at 10 am Thursday, July 4th:
We hope folks will come. It’s going to be a lot of fun. All of the details will be the same from last year. The parade starts at the intersection of 44th & Sunset (in front of 1137 Sunset Ave SW) [map]. The parade is about a half-mile walk through the neighborhood, crossing California Ave SW, and ending at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Kids are encouraged to dress up and decorate strollers, scooters, wagons, and bikes. We will have fun old fashioned games at Hamilton Park (3-legged race, wheelbarrow races, and gunnysack races). Games will be cancelled if there is rain (no rain allowed). The Admiral Neighborhood Association will be providing concessions again this year. Holy Rosary Parish has generously made the parade possible with underwriting our liability insurance and handling our permits.
(Jackie adds that Weitzel Construction is again underwriting the porta-potties!) This will be the 19th annual edition of West Seattle’s only Independence Day parade!
While this afternoon’s Memorial Day ceremony at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) represented the event’s 86th year, it was also a first, for new commanders Kyle Geraghty of American Legion Post 160 (below left) and Nick Sullivan of VFW Post 2713, both headquartered in The Triangle (below right):
The day’s persistent rain paused just before “Taps”; as we do each year, we recorded video of the ceremony in its entirety, as all were exhorted to remember the sacrifices made by those who served:
Tenor Ross Hauck sang the national anthem and “America the Beautiful“; Pete Kirkman and Greg Lyon echoed “Taps.” And as always, the flags and crosses marking veterans’ graves were the work of Boy Scout Troop 284.
Thanks to William Larson for sharing that photo of Troop 284 Scouts helping to mark veterans’ graves, as they do every year, at Forest Lawn, where today’s traditional West Seattle Memorial Day service will happen at 2 pm. That’s part of our info list for today, starting with some holiday basics:
TRANSPORTATION: Metro is on a Sunday schedule … The West Seattle Water Taxi also is on a Sunday schedule (but there’s no Vashon WT service) … Sound Transit buses are on a Sunday schedule … The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state-ferry route is on a regular Monday schedule.
TRASH/RECYCLING/ETC.: If you have Monday pickup, it’s normal service today, says Seattle Public Utilities; the South Transfer Station is open normal Monday hours, too.
SCHOOLS: Seattle Public Schools are closed, as is South Seattle Community College.
LIBRARIES: Seattle branches are closed, as are King County branches.
CITY PARKING HOLIDAY: No charge to park today in Seattle neighborhoods with city-operated pay stations/meters.
NO MAIL, NO BANKS … though on occasion we hear of a bank branch open on a holiday, so if you happen onto one, let us know!
CITY-RUN COMMUNITY CENTERS AND SOUTHWEST POOL … closed today.
But …
… COLMAN POOL IS OPEN! The outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is open for its first pre-season weekend! Today’s hours are noon-7 pm – broken up into these sessions.
Also happening today:
FITNESS BOOTCAMP FOR CHARITY: 8:30-9:30 am at Hiawatha Field with Fitness Revolution, free but bring a donation for WestSide Baby – more info in the calendar listing. (2700 California SW)
LOW-LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Today’s low tide is almost as low as yesterday’s (did you see WSB readers’ photos/video?) – at 1:11 pm, it’ll be out to -3.4 feet. That’s right in the middle of the four-hour period when you will find Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, 11 am-3 pm.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: All are welcome at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) at 2 pm for the traditional Memorial Day service/commemoration presented by American Legion Post 160 – look for the canopy on the green, across from FL’s building and parking. (6701 30th SW)
(Photo added Saturday morning – that’s Zade, assisting in The Junction)
Every year, on Memorial Day weekend, someone asks us where they can find memorial poppies – the little handmade flowers sold for years. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 president Shannon Connery shares advance word:
For more than 90 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has distributed the memorial poppy to remind Americans that millions sacrificed their lives and health to keep our nation free. The American Legion Auxiliary poppy is handmade by veterans who receive a small stipend for each poppy made. Memorial poppy contributions are devoted entirely to rehabilitation and assistance for veterans and their families.
American Legion Post 160 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 will be distributing poppies throughout West Seattle over Memorial Day weekend.
Our schedule is as follows:
Saturday, May 25, 2013: Alaska Junction, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday, May 26, 2013: Morgan Junction Thriftway, 10:00 am – 2:00 pmIn addition, you can find VFW Post #2713 members distributing buddy poppies at Safeway in the Admiral District on Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
And as we mentioned earlier this week, the traditional Post 160/Forest Lawn memorial service is on again this year, 2 pm Monday.
In case you wondered, we checked with Forest Lawn (6701 30th SW; WSB sponsor) and yes, the traditional Memorial Day service is on for Monday, 2 pm, in conjunction with American Legion Post 160, which has a Facebook event page for it. (Here’s our coverage from last year.)
(July 4, 2012, photo by Jamie Kinney – Lake Union fireworks as seen from Admiral Way Bridge)
10:29 AM: Just announced at City Hall – 4th of July fireworks are definitely ‘a go’ – and they’re staying on Lake Union. So says the Metropolitan Seattle Chamber of Commerce, making the announcement in conjunction with Mayor McGinn, Seafair, and others, including contributions from Microsoft and Amazon. You can watch live here. The show will change fireworks providers (Western Display is the new one) and TV-broadcast partners (now it’s KIRO 7), and those speaking at the briefing say this is a multi-year commitment, so you won’t hear “we might not have fireworks” again next year.
ADDED 10:45 AM: Of note, since West Seattle hosts its share of citywide-draw events (Seafair Pirates Landing, for example) – in response to a question, the mayor says they’re expecting stepped-up security at “probably all our events” this summer, not just the fireworks, in the wake of Boston. So you might see explosives-detecting dogs (which are already fixtures at ferry docks), for example. Also – the briefing (linked in the first part of the update) is over now.
(July 4, 2008 photo by Susan Grossman of Singing Pixel Photography)
We’ve already talked about today’s one big announcement regarding this summer – the cancellation of the Blue Angels‘ season, including their Seattle shows. And now we have reason to talk about the other one: Not only are Seafair and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce saying they’re working together with Mayor McGinn on 4th of July fireworks – for which the longtime Family 4th producer couldn’t raise the money – but the show might move away from Lake Union. Maybe even Elliott Bay, reports Emily Heffter from The Seattle Times (WSB partner). Her story also mentions Seattle Center as a possible location, though, having produced TV coverage of the Bellevue Square-launched fireworks for a few years, we can tell you that a landlocked urban location like that would mean smaller shells and a less-spectacular show. There hasn’t been an Elliott Bay fireworks show since July 4, 2008; that show’s longtime sponsor Ivar’s announced its cancellation in April 2009.
Around the town on Easter, from your cameras and ours ….
Every year, somebody gets Peeped – last year, a home near Lowman Beach; this year, it’s the Lorentz home in North Admiral! They shared the photo of what the Easter Bunny did after he came in through the chimney …no, wait. 1900 block of 41st SW, if you won’t believe it till you see it firsthand.
On Alki, the Easter Bunny seems to have an engine along with the bunny ears and bunny nose:
Thanks to Lisa Ruiz for sharing that photo. Whatever form the Easter Bunny took, s/he was busy at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor):
The annual C & P Easter-morning egg hunt drew dozens — little kids went first. Over at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, the egg hunt was ongoing, but we did drop by the info booth as participants recycled the plastic eggs:
Steps away, the crew from Blue Geisha Tattoo painted faces, and arms:
And then there’s the Easter Weasel – featured on the WSB Facebook page.
(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
This Easter Sunday began clear and cool, with early services including the traditional joint sunrise service on the sands of Alki Beach, organized by West Seattle’s three UCC churches – Admiral, Alki, and Fauntleroy.
(Photo we tweeted Saturday from the corner of Delridge and Dakota)
Happy Sunday! Today is Easter; tonight is the seventh night of Passover. Calendar highlights:
SERVICES
Easter begins with two 6:30 am outdoor sunrise services, and continues at churches all around the peninsula. Here’s the list we’ve put together.
EGG HUNTS
Many churches precede or follow today’s services with Easter-egg hunts, and our list includes three others:
West Seattle Farmers’ Market – 10 am-1 pm, with more eggs hidden hourly
C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – 11 am
Village Green Perennial Nursery – 1 pm
ALSO HAPPENING
LIBRARIES ARE OPEN: Regular Sunday hours, at your friendly neighborhood Seattle Public Library branch.
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P – Kaley Marie, a Denny International Middle School 8th grader, will sing country songs at the coffeehouse 3-5 pm – her own as well as others. Her proud grandma Polly says this is Kaley Marie’s first big public performance.
LIVE MUSIC @ SKYLARK – Multiple bands @ 3 pm, Holly Figueroa at 8 pm. Both shows are all ages; schedule and cover/no cover info here.
(Earlier egg-hunt coverage: Thriftway photos here; Delridge CC video here)
During our first 2013 round of egg-hunt coverage this morning, we also checked out the scene at Hiawatha Community Center – photographing the youngest hunters as they swarmed the tennis court. This egg-hunt site featured royalty:
From this year’s West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court, that’s Princess Olivia, Queen Madison, and Princess Emily – by the way, Hi-Yu still could use more volunteer help with this year’s float and events, and would love to see you at their meeting this Monday night (April 1st; details here). Ahead – four more scenes from Hiawatha’s hunt:
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
It’s West Seattle Thriftway‘s (WSB sponsor) silver-anniversary year – but the annual Easter-egg hunt was pure gold once again – from the smiles to the prizes, and beyond:
The many young egg hunters included 4-year-old Aiden Sol:
Ten more photos from WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams, ahead:
After West Seattle’s city-run community centers tried one big regional egg-hunt and spring-festival event last year, it was back to individual egg hunts for 2013, and this morning at 10, they happened simultaneously at four centers. We visited two, and this is our first report – two and a half continuous minutes during the egg-hunting festivities at Delridge Community Center. The littlest kids were sent out first, onto the tennis court; then three subsequent groups got their chance to search specific areas of the big grassy park as well as the wading pool.
(WSB photo from past West Seattle Thriftway egg hunt)
In addition to our list of Holy Week/Easter church services, we have had a variety of egg hunts listed on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. Now, for your convenience, we’ve put them all in one list (which will be linked all weekend atop the sidebar TOP STORIES list in case you need to find it again):
****SATURDAY EGG HUNTS****
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY (WSB sponsor): 9 am Saturday, Fauntleroy/California/Morgan, ages 1-10 – indoor hunt but the line forms outdoors.
SEATTLE PARKS AND REC COMMUNITY CENTERS (WSB sponsor): 10 am Saturday at Alki, Delridge, Hiawatha, High Point, South Park Community Centers (addresses in calendar listing), ages 3-11
EGG HUNT @ LINCOLN PARK: 10 am Saturday; this is presented by Eastridge Church but it’s open to the entire community.
(added) BARNES & NOBLE EGG HUNT: 11 am Saturday, first-ever egg hunt in the Kids’ Department, in conjunction with the regular weekly storytime. “Little ones are encouraged to bring Easter baskets to hold their goodies,” says Melissa from B&N. (Westwood Village Shopping Center)
****SUNDAY EGG HUNTS****
SALVATION ARMY: 9:45 am in the gymnasium (9050 16th SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-1 pm, eggs will be hidden hourly throughout the market. (44th/Alaska)
VILLAGE GREEN PERENNIAL NURSERY: 1 pm – info on the Facebook event page (10223 26th SW)
C & P COFFEE COMPANY (WSB sponsor): 11 am (5612 California SW)
COMMUNITY EASTER FESTIVAL: At noon, Admiral Congregational Church plans an egg hunt as part of its community festival (California/Hill)
OTHER CHURCHES: Check our list of services for listings and links mentioning egg hunts adjacent to churches’ Easter Sunday services
A Terrible Beauty and The Celtic Swell were on the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums schedule for St. Patrick’s Day; as you can see in our video, we caught up with them arriving at ATB, where they were the center of attention:
The corps includes retired firefighters as well as current members of the SFD ranks:
In addition to the two scheduled stops, we’ve learned they also had a third performance in West Seattle today, at the hours-to-go Alki Tavern (thanks to Bruce for that tip on that; separate report on the tavern’s final night, coming up).
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
A brand-new West Seattle St. Patrick’s Day event debuted this weekend – the first-ever pets/people costume contest at The Celtic Swell on Alki. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there to catch some of the contenders on camera. Above, that’s Zoey; next, the Lynns and their boxer:
Pub owners Gareth and Joleen Hughes‘ Siberian Huskies Finnegan, left, and Foley were of course on hand and wearing some green:
Eleven more scenes of green, after the jump:
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