(8:30 am photo: Seafair Pirates already have landed in the Admiral District, pre-parade!)
Biggest day of West Seattle’s season of summer fun! And this is just SOME of it – even more is on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CSWS RUMMAGE SALE: 8 am-8 pm, one of our area’s biggest annual rummage sales, with a bake sale too! (9450 22nd SW)

FLOAT DODGER 5K: 9:45 am, the second annual edition of this fun pre-parade race – see the route here. Run in costume! Win prizes (see the list here)! Receive cheers from people waiting for the parade! You can still sign up pre-race starting at 8 am. (Starts at California/Charlestown)

ROTARY KIDDIE PARADE: 10 am, check-in starts at California/Genesee; 11 am, kids are invited to walk, roll, skip, pedal in the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s annual mini-parade, which also features the Junior All-City Band (see our Friday night preview).

ALKI ART FAIR: 10 am-6 pm for artists, music until 9 pm, on the promenade at the beach. See the artist/food vendor list in our Thursday preview; see today’s music lineup for the two main stages here (PDF). Free shuttle if you park at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW)

COMMUNITY GARDEN TOUR: Village Green Perennial Nursery has organized a free self-guided West Seattle/White Center tour spotlighting rain gardens, urban farming, beekeeping, and other sustainability practices, 10 am-4 pm today, – see the map and more info here.

FRIENDS OF MORGAN JUNCTION PARKS CLEANUP: 10 am-noon, lots of help needed to continue beautifying Morgan Junction Park! Details in the calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: 11 am, more than 70 entries from motorcycles to marching bands to unicycles to drill teams to community groups (and more!), heading south on California from Lander to Edmunds. The parade is presented by West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160. Here’s the official website; here’s our coverage archive, with multiple previews (as well as coverage of past years).

BARBECUE LUNCH FOR WESTSIDE BABY: Today’s 11 am-~4 pm benefit barbecue at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) raises money for WestSide Baby on the weekend of its biggest annual diaper drive – more on that a few entries down! (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

MEDITERRANEAN FANTASY FESTIVAL: Belly dancing, vendors, food and more, in the park at Hiawatha Community Center. The dancer lineup for today – outdoors and indoors, 11 am-7 pm – is here; other details are in printed programs on site. (2700 California SW)

BYE, BYE BERTHA: 11:30 am, not in West Seattle, but Highway 99 affects us in a big way, so the official sendoff for the tunnel-boring machine might be of interest. It starts with speeches and a ceremony at 11:30, and continues until 3 pm with launch-pit tours. Full details here.

KIWANIS BENEFIT MOTORCYCLE/SCOOTER RALLY/POKER RUN: The Bridge is the start and finish spot for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s 5th annual Charity Motorcycle and Scooter Rally (Poker Run), from registration at noon till the conclusion of the afterparty around 7 – full details in our calendar listing. (4439 35th SW, and beyond!)

BACKPACK GIVEAWAY AND BARBECUE: Eastridge Church presents a family festival including a barbecue lunch and backpack giveaway, 1-3 pm at Delridge Community Center; full details in the calendar listing.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY PLAYDATES: Meet your future schoolmates long before the new school year starts! 1-3 pm on the Gatewood playground – details here.

FUNDRAISER FOR JAN: Longtime WSB’er Jan Seeley is recovering from a long-needed kidney transplant, and well enough now that friends are throwing a party starting at 2 pm today. It’s a multi-part party, explained in this Facebook event.

EARLY ‘STUFF THE BUS’ DONATIONS: The big diaper drive for WestSide Baby is Sunday – but today, you can drop off diapers early, 4-7 pm, with WS Baby volunteers tabling at:

*West Seattle QFC on SW Alaska St & 42nd Ave SW (Alaska Junction)
*West Seattle Safeway on SW Admiral Way & California Ave SW (Admiral Junction)
*West Seattle Safeway on SW Alaska St & 42nd Ave SW (Jefferson Square)
*White Center Safeway on SW Roxbury St & 28th Ave SW

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: At dusk tonight in the courtyard by Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), this year’s Outdoor Movies series (co-sponsored by WSB) begins with the 1964 James Bond classic “Goldfinger.” Free, but come early to stake out your spot (BYO chair/blanket), and bring $ for concessions and raffle prizes. Preceded by a short from the web series “Rocketmen.” And more surprises! (4410 California SW)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Greenstage presents “Merry Wives of Windsor” at High Point Commons Park, 7 pm (map and details on the calendar).

FIREWORKS OFF BEACH DRIVE: At about 10 pm tonight, from a barge off the 4500 block of Beach Drive, a privately arranged (but publicly visible) fireworks show is scheduled. Here’s our original report, and another reminder that cleanup volunteers are welcome tomorrow morning.

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
That’s one of at least three Steller’s Jays who have been very busy outside WSB HQ lately. Speaking of busy, we’ve been previewing some of this weekend’s MANY big events, and will continue to do so throughout the day/night – but right now, a few things to note in the hours to come, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HIAWATHA FUN FEST REMINDER: Noon-3 pm, starting off with a Caspar Babypants concert (free), carnival games (tickets/pass available) and more on the east side of Hiawatha Community Center/Park. (Lander/Walnut)

SMILE, YOU’RE BEING PHOTOGRAPHED FROM AFAR: An unusual photograph of Earth, from space, is happening between 2:27 and 2:42 pm today, and you’re encouraged by “The Day The Earth Smiled“ to be outside when that happens. This was passed along by our Skies Over West Seattle correspondent, Alice Enevoldsen.

FLOAT DODGER 5K PACKET PICKUP/REGISTRATION: As noted in our update early today – you can still get discount registration for tomorrow’s pre-parade West Seattle Float Dodger 5K by going to West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) today; if you’ve already signed up, it’s packet-pickup time 3-8 pm. (California/Charlestown)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Go see the Muppets onscreen, free, at Highland Park Improvement Club – doors open at 6:30, movie at 7; details in our calendar listing. (12th/Holden)

OUR STORIES, OUR VOICES: The monthly Trusted Advocates storytelling program starts with a light meal at 6, followed by storytelling at 6:30 pm, this month featuring White Center Community Development Association leader Sili Savusa – details in our calendar listing. It’s at the White Center Cultural Center in South Delridge. (9421 18th SW)

That’s one of our holdover photos from last weekend’s West Seattle Summer Fest – chickens at the Sustainable West Seattle-presented GreenLife zone – and yes, they have a role in what’s happening tonight!

BACKYARD CHICKENS: Miss Christina Hahs‘s presentation at GreenLife during Summer Fest? She’s part of Ask an Expert tonight at the West Seattle Tool Library, 6-8 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

Also happening today/tonight:

‘BUSY AS A BEE’ STORY TIME: At the new West Seattle Bee Garden at High Point Commons Park, a special event for kids 6 and under, 11:30 am. (Lanham/Graham)

VOLUNTEERS AT ROXHILL ELEMENTARY: Noon today, you can help sort books! Here’s our original announcement. Meet at the main office. (30th/Roxbury)

SINGLES’ POTLUCK: The Senior Center of West Seattle‘s 55+ singles group plans a potluck at Lincoln Park tonight, 5 pm at the picnic tables by the swing set. Questions? Contact info’s in our calendar listing.

ACROBATS PERFORM: It’s another week of performances by The Acrobatic Conundrum with “The Way Out,” 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS more for today and tonight (and far beyond) on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

Thanks to Rachel for sharing this morning’s sunrise view via Twitter! On with the day, and night. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND, WEEK 2: 4-7 pm, go buy fresh organic produce just steps from where it was grown, at the weekly Farm Stand for the High Point Market Garden (part of the P-Patch program). (32nd/Juneau)

ALKI ‘ROWHOUSE’ DEVELOPMENT MEETING: 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, it’s the resident-requested meeting about an 11-unit development proposal at 2414 55th SW that’s raised environmental, traffic, and other issues, as explained here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S QUARTERLY MEETING: 7 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor); see our calendar listing for the full agenda as shared by president Deb Barker. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

DELRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL’S MONTHLY MEETING: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, with an agenda including updates on local proposals for city street and park grants as well as events including August 17’s Delridge Day. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

UNPLUGGED! From 7-9 pm, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) and the Seattle Classic Guitar Society host an open-mike session for classical guitarists and other unplugged musicians; more info here. (5612 California SW)

JUBILEE DAYS FIREWORKS (AND CARNIVAL): We’re mentioning tonight’s White Center Jubilee Days fireworks mostly so you’re not startled to hear explosions in the distance – but everyone’s welcome if you want to go see them in person too. Also note that Steve Cox Memorial Park is the site of the Jubilee Days carnival, which starts at 3 pm today. (15th/102nd)

(July 2012 Jubilee Days fireworks; White Center Now photo by Nick Adams)
Just want to make sure you know about two fireworks shows coming up in the area later this week – maybe you’ll want to go see one or both, or maybe you’ll just want the heads-up on what the “booms” are. Tomorrow night (Wednesday, July 17th), the White Center Jubilee Days fireworks start at dusk at Steve Cox Memorial Park (where the WCJD carnival begins at 3 pm and continues through Sunday, by the way).

Then Saturday night, it’s the fireworks show first mentioned here July 1st – at 10 pm that night (July 20th), about 10 minutes of fireworks will be fired from a barge off the 4500 block of Beach Drive, related to a private celebration on Genesee Hill (though it will of course be publicly visible).

Thanks to “Diver Laura” James for sharing that look at a California sea cucumber in local waters – “underwater dust mop” was her nickname for it, and if you view the video (which shows it, rough cut, in two speeds) you’ll see why. Meantime, a quick look at some of what’s up around West Seattle today/tonight, whatever speed you’re traveling at:

FAMILY FUN AT LINCOLN PARK: Free stories and games with the Vashon Wilderness Project – here in West Seattle, at Lincoln Park. 10:30 am; details in our calendar listing.

BABY STORY TIME: 11:30 am, Southwest Library – details here. (35th/Henderson)

LUNCH AND LEARN: At the Senior Center of West Seattle, today’s 11:45 am lunch presentation features Clay Eals from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society talking about the historic Belvedere totem pole that is being restored for display at the SWSHS’s Log House Museum. Call ASAP to see if you can still get a lunch reservation; number and other details here. (California/Oregon)

THIS MIGHT BUG YOU: A local collector will present an “Insect Safari,” showing more than 3,000 insect specimens from around the world at Delridge Library, 2 pm. (Delridge/Brandon)

HI-YU CONCERT IN THE PARK: See, hear, and dance to (if you feel so moved) the West Seattle Big Band tonight, free, 7 pm, on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center/Park. Buy a Hi-Yu button while you’re there! Here’s ours:

Bonus during a break around 7:30 pm: Applaud Judy Pickens for her outstanding community service, as she receives this year’s Orville Rummel Trophy from American Legion Post 160, to be followed up with a VIP ride in this Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade.

BELLYDANCING AND KARAOKE: That’s the double bill tonight at Skylark Café and Club, 7:30 for the Alauda bellydancing showcase, 9 pm for Baby Ketten Karaoke. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Lots more nightlife on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

We didn’t get to publish a daily preview today, but here are two meetings of note:

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL-HIRING PROCESS: 6:30 pm tonight at the school, a representative from Seattle Public Schools HR will lead a meeting about community input and priorities regarding the hiring of the school’s next principal. SPS’s Nathan Fitzpatrick “will lead our dialogue as well as give us information/answer questions about the hiring process, the make-up of the hiring team, etc.,” according to the meeting announcement. Gatewood parents are urged to attend. (If you missed the news, here’s our July 3rd story about principal Rhonda Claytor‘s move to a school outside West Seattle.)

WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: This networking group for local business owners will meet at West Seattle Office Junction (5230-B California SW) at 7 pm tonight. “We will have wine & healthy snacks ready … so bring your business cards and more snacks to share, if you’d like,” says WSOJ proprietor Christine Bartels. Here’s the Facebook event page.

West Seattle’s biggest event of the year, Summer Fest (co-sponsored by WSB), goes into Day 2 in about an hour and a half. But that’s not the only event on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today. Here’s a quick overview of Saturday highlights:

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST, DAY 2: We’ll have a comprehensive preview up soon – but here are toplines:

*Hours today – 10 am-8 pm (with music running later)
*Metro bus-stop changes, linked route-by-route here
*Music highlights – Caspar Babypants at 11 am in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska); street dance tonight, including Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Whiskey River at 10 pm; lineup (see it here) also includes Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands at 4:40 pm and Hobosexual at 6:30 pm
GreenLife demo schedule: Find GreenLife on the south side of the festival zone; see the demonstration/event schedule here
*Vendors/exhibitors: Here’s the directory (use the column titles to sort alphabetically or numerically)
*Map to booths: Vendors/exhibitors map is here (PDF; we’re not listed because you’ll find WSB in the Information Booth for the 6th consecutive year)
*Kid Zone: On Alaska WEST of California, where the food used to be; $20 for one day of unlimited rides; same hours as festival, 10 am-8 pm
*Food: On Alaska EAST of California (sort the vendor list by “location” and click ahead to the pages starting 151 and 176 for the “F” as in “food” entries – earlier in the list, note “Sidewalk Cafes” too)
*Art Dive: North side of the zone, north of SW Oregon

Also happening today/tonight:

PET ELEMENTS GRAND RE-OPENING: The store has been in its new location for a few weeks but today’s the official celebration, in conjunction with their 8th anniversary, 10 am-6 pm, details in our calendar listing.

(added) BENEFIT BBQ FOR WESTSIDE BABY: Today’s benefit barbecue at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) raises money for WestSide Baby (who, by the way, you will also find at Summer Fest, just outside Easy Street Records north of California/Alaska) – starts at 11 am. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan, look for canopy outside store)

CLASS FOR HOME BUYERS: At High Point Library 11 am-4 pm today, taught by Rhonda Porter (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (35th/Raymond)

VOLUNTEER AT THE LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Informational event for prospective volunteers, 11 am today – details in our preview. (61st/Stevens)

DOG ADOPTION EVENT: Emerald City Pet Rescue has an adoption event continuing today, 11 am-5 pm, at VCA West Seattle Veterinary Hospital:

They will have many small dogs of all breeds and ages looking for loving new local homes! All dogs are completely up to date on Exams, vaccines, spayed/neutered and ready for new homes. Available dogs can be seen on the rescue website at www.emeraldcitypetrescue.org There is a home and reference check for all potential adoptive families to be completed prior to adoption.

(5261 California SW)

CAT ADOPTION: Kitty Harbor is open for cat adoptions noon-6 pm today on just north of the West Seattle Bridge. (3422 Harbor SW)

ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Via Twitter, the Coast Guard Auxiliary says the lighthouse IS open for tours both days this weekend! 1-4 pm; details in our calendar listing. (Just north of where Alki Ave/Beach Drive meet)

BENEFIT FOR LOGAN WICKER: Crash survivor Logan Wicker‘s workplace, Skylark Café and Club, is the site for today’s all-ages “Big Benefit for Big L” fundraiser for his ongoing medical expenses, 2-6 pm. Separate preview coming up with details on the long list of silent-auction items that organizers have procured. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘THE WAY OUT’: The Acrobatic Conundrum‘s show continues tonight at 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Details in the calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

Quick look ahead at today – West Seattle Summer Fest *AND* more:

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST: This is it! West Seattle’s biggest event of the year – blocks of activities, vendors, food, live music and other entertainment, all in the heart of The Junction.
We’ll be there live in the Information Booth at California/Alaska all weekend as usual – see the question mark on the map above. Our official coverage starts after it opens. But here are the quick links if you haven’t browsed yet:

HOURS TODAY: 10 am-8 pm, music runs later
METRO BUS ROUTE CHANGES: Direct links to all route revisions are in the WSB transit/traffic report
MUSIC LINEUP: See it here
VENDORS/EXHIBITORS: Here’s the directory (use the column titles to sort alphabetically or numerically)
MAP TO BOOTHS: Vendors/exhibitors map is here (PDF; we’re not listed because you’ll find WSB in the Information Booth for the 6th consecutive year)
KID ZONE: It’son Alaska WEST of California, where the food used to be
FOOD ZONE: It’s on Alaska EAST of California (sort the vendor list by “location” and click ahead to the pages starting 151 and 176 for the “F” as in “food” entries – earlier in the list, note a few “Sidewalk Cafes” too)
GREENLIFE DEMO SCHEDULE: Find GreenLife on the south side of the festival zone; see the demonstration/event schedule here
ART DIVE: North side of the zone

Other events of West Seattle note:

ELLIOTT BAY’S 16TH ANNIVERSARY: Being celebrated tonight at its West Seattle Junction location in connection with Summer Fest. Festivities start at 5 pm; details here.

LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Three West Seattle Little League teams already have won their respective divisions’ district championships, and one more goes for it tonight, the 10/11 All-Stars, who face Rainier at 6 pm at PacWest Field #1.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Greenstage presents “Twelfth Night” at High Point Commons Park, 7 pm, free!

‘THE WAY OUT’: The Acrobatic Conundrum‘s show continues tonight at 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Details in the calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for that photo of a black-capped chickadee having a blast in the birdbath. Remember to keep your birdbath(s) full – cloudy today but still dry and they evaporate fast!

WATER TAXI EXTENDED SERVICE: Just as we got ready to publish this, King County issued a reminder that the West Seattle Water Taxi will run late tonight to serve the soccer crowds.

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST EVE! Though the festival doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, the fun starts when the streets close tonight, including: Bret Wiggins‘ Elvis stylings outside La Romanza Bistro (WSB sponsor); The Bubbleman outside Elliott Bay Brewery; Yada Yada Blues Band outside West 5; plus music at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), too – 44th and Morgan featuring Alex, Maya and Conor, 6-8 pm.

SUMMER FEST STREET/BUS CHANGES START TONIGHT: See the details in the traffic/transit tracker we published this morning.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Happening tonight too, not only in The Junction, but in other venues around the peninsula! Check out the summer-quarter poster:

The list/map of more than two dozen venues is here. And you can preview some of the artists and venues on the official Art Walk website.

SPRAYPARK REPAIRS: As reported here yesterday, the Highland Park Spraypark is closed until a valve problem is fixed – crews were scheduled to start work this morning, and we’ll have an update when it reopens.

DESIGN REVIEW FOR TWO PROJECTS: It’s another doubleheader for the Southwest Design Review Board at the Senior Center of West Seattle – at 6:30 pm, they look at 4745 40th SW; at 8 pm, they look at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW. Both were previewed here yesterday; our report includes links to the meeting “packets.” The meetings will include public-comment opportunities. (2nd floor, California/Oregon)

CLASSES FOR CAREGIVERS: “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a free six-week series of classes, starts tonight at 6:30 pm at Providence Mount St. Vincent. (4831 35th SW)

‘THE WAY OUT’: The Acrobatic Conundrum‘s show opens tonight at 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Details in the calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

And to our south …

RATCITY ARTCITY: White Center’s monthly art walk features live painting tonight starting at 6 pm – venues and artists listed here.

Even more on the calendar!

(Photo by Mark Wangerin)
Six community meetings are in the West Seattle spotlight for today/tonight:

WEST SEATTLE ROTARY: Noon at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), King County Executive Dow Constantine is the featured speaker at today’s meeting of the Rotary Club of West Seattle. Public welcome. (1936 Harbor Ave. SW)

GREENWAYS MEETING IN HIGHLAND PARK: 6 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, this SDOT-hosted meeting features more information about proposed routes for “greenways” in southeastern West Seattle – here’s our background story from last month, including a map. Come find out more and offer your thoughts on which option(s) would work best. (12th/Holden)

WESTWOOD-ROXHILL-ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 6:15 pm, Southwest Library. As noted on the WWRHAH website, the agenda includes safety on SW Roxbury and adopting bylaws for this new council. (35th/Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE SEE DOGS: 6:30 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor). Find out what it’s like and what it takes to raise a guide puppy. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church. Got a question about your property-tax assessment? County Assessor Lloyd Hara is the featured guest at tonight’s ANA meeting, which will also include updates on ANA’s participation in last week’s 4th of July Kids’ Parade post-parade event and the plan for the upcoming Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series. (California/Hill)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Agenda includes followups on a wide range of community concerns, including traffic and park issues and the public-safety meeting that’s being planned for fall. No meeting in August, so tonight’s the last one until September 10th. (9131 California SW)

More on the calendar!

This time of year – if the sunrise light is just right – downtown skyscrapers’ shadows can be seen against West Seattle, as Martha Sidlo noticed last Wednesday (thanks for sharing the photo!). No sun yet today but we have hopes for later – here’s what’s coming up for today/tonight:

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Not registered yet? Today’s your last chance to sign up in time for participation in next month’s primary. King County Elections‘ voter-registration page has all the info/links you need.

HIGH POINT SAFETY MEETING: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center, local leaders and law-enforcement reps will meet with community members to discuss safety concerns and solutions. Details in our preview from last week. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

TOMBOY EXCHANGE LAUNCH: This West Seattleite-created clothing line (featured here earlier this year) is throwing a launch party at Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) at Seacrest tonight, 6:30 pm – details in our calendar listing. (1660 Harbor Avenue SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUPS: Two meet at local libraries tonight, both at 6:45 pm. At Southwest Library (35th/Henderson), “The Song of the Lark” by Willa Cather is this month’s book; at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), “Mornings on Horseback” by David McCullough is this month’s book.

(Click image for larger view)
“Our island at 9,000 feet” is how pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen captioned that view shared with us this week. Here are highlights for today/tonight on “our island,” from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SCOOTER INSANITY: Red Cup Espresso in The Junction is hosting this big scooter rally for a brunch stop, 11 am until 3 pm – here’s the rally schedule, in case you wonder what they’re up to before/after.

BLOOD DRIVE: The Puget Sound Blood Center Bloodmobile is at Westwood Village until 3:30 pm, and walk-up donations are welcome – holiday weekends are too often a time when the supply runs low. Details in our calendar listing.

MAYOR AT SOUTHWEST PRECINCT: Not a public event, but FYI, the mayor’s tour of Seattle Police precincts, with media updates on the Safe Communities Initiative, brings him to the Southwest Precinct at 1:30 pm today. We’ll of course be there and report here.

CORNER BAR CELEBRATES A YEAR: One year for the pop-up “first Fridays” bar at Highland Park Improvement Club! To celebrate, tonight’s theme is “reunion” – explained here. 6-9 pm it’s all ages, then at 9 it’s 21+. (12th/Holden)

LIVE MUSIC AT SKYLARK: 8 pm, Knut Bell and the Blue Collars, Sourmash Stevedores. Details on the Skylark calendar. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

FLAT FIVE AT FEEDBACK: R&B, soul, rock, and funk, live at 9:30 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) with the Flat 5. (6451 California SW)

More on the calendar!

(Blue heron photographed by Bill Bacon, shared via the WSB Facebook page)
If you’re not leaving town for the holiday – speaking of which, our 4th of July page is here – three calendar listings to note before today gets too much further down the road:

POP-UP SHOP @ BIRD ON A WIRE: The first in a series of shopping events at Bird on a Wire Espresso (WSB sponsor) dubbed “Clothespin on a Wire,” described as being focused on “local arts, crafts, and foods,” 6-9 pm; details on this Facebook event page. (SW Henderson just west of 35th SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Relax and get into the holiday mood with a beverage and live music by Jim Page at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: Yes, there’s a community meeting tonight – Southwest District Council meets at 6:30 pm at Southwest Teen Life Center. Agenda highlights:

6:40 p.m. West Seattle school capital projects – Joe Wolf, K-12 Planning Coordinator, Capitol Projects and Planning, Seattle Public Schools

7:10 p.m. Surplus substation properties in West Seattle — Dave Barber and Effie Moody, Seattle City Light

7:30 p.m. Night Out – Mark Solomon, Seattle Police Department

All are welcome. (2801 SW Thistle, lower-level meeting room on south side of building)

(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen – looking south on California SW from north of The Junction)
Blue sky, sunshine, very warm temperatures – that’s why we’re splitting the daily highlights into the “keep cool” section and the “what else is happening” section for the third day in a row:

WHERE TO KEEP COOL

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Day FOUR! Hours 11 am-8 pm. (11th SW/SW Cloverdale)

TODAY’S WADING POOL SCHEDULE: Hiawatha and Lincoln Park wading pools are open – see the addresses and hours here.

COLMAN POOL OPEN: See the schedule here. (On the Lincoln Park waterfront – reachable via walking or biking)

SOUTHWEST POOL OPEN: See the schedule here. (2801 SW Thistle)

AIR-CONDITIONED LIBRARIES: Delridge, High Point, and South Park Libraries all have A/C. For addresses and hours, see the Seattle Public Library website.

BOAT RIDE: This is our favorite cooling-off tactic when we can spare the time. Short ride? West Seattle Water Taxi (schedule here). Longer ride? Walk onto a Washington State Ferry from Fauntleroy and ride to Southworth and back (schedule here).

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING

The calendar’s fairly quiet since it’s a holiday week, but here are a few things of note:

PEGASUS ANNIVERSARY: Today is the 20th anniversary for Pegasus Pizza‘s ownership on Alki, and they are offering everybody a 20 percent discount, today/tonight. (

BLOOD DRIVE: 1-7 pm at Peace Lutheran Church – walkups welcome. More info here. (39th/Thistle)

BIKE COUNTER CELEBRATION: The city’s second bicycle counter is up and running on the east side of the West Seattle Bridge, and you’re invited to a celebration during today’s afternoon commute, 4-6 pm; details here.

LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT CONTINUES: District 7 9-10 and 11-12 All-Star teams are in tournament play all week at Alki’s Bar-S Playfield all week, hosted by West Seattle Little League. According to the brackets on the WSLL site, tonight’s games start at 6 pm. (6425 SW Admiral Way)

FIGHTING FORECLOSURES: Washington Citizens Action Network is presenting a public forum tonight at Delridge Library “to discuss the foreclosure crisis in our communities.” 6:30-7:30 pm. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

‘DIG INTO MAGIC’: Magician Jeff Evans will “unearth subterranean secrets” for ages 5 and up at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 6:30-7:30 pm tonight. (2306 42nd SW)

(Young belted kingfisher emerging from burrow to be fed; photo by Mark Wangerin)
Yes, yes, we know the 80s aren’t THAT broiling, but even those of us who spent many years in way hotter climes have a lower tolerance level … so again today, we’ll start with the “keeping cool” info.

KEEPING COOL

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Day three! Hours 11 am-8 pm. (11th SW/SW Cloverdale)

TODAY’S WADING POOL SCHEDULE: Delridge and Lincoln Park wading pools are open – see the hours here.

COLMAN POOL OPEN: See the schedule here. (On the Lincoln Park waterfront – reachable via walking or biking)

SOUTHWEST POOL OPEN: See the schedule here. (2801 SW Thistle)

AIR-CONDITIONED LIBRARIES: Delridge, High Point, and South Park Libraries all have A/C, and all are open 1-5 pm today. For location and other info, check the Seattle Public Library website.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

In addition to some every-Sunday events you’ll find on our calendar, here are a few more highlights:

LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT CONTINUES: District 7 9-10 and 11-12 All-Star teams are in tournament play at Alki’s Bar-S Playfield all week, hosted by West Seattle Little League, and our tipster Teresa tells us the local teams are playing at 10 am and 4 pm again today. Details and links in our Saturday update. (6425 SW Admiral Way)

WEST SEATTLEITES IN PRIDE PARADE: The parade runs through downtown, starting at 4th and Union at 11 am and heading north, but it will have even more West Seattle flavor than ever, with its grand marshals including history-making couple Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete-e Petersen as well as The Seattle Lesbian founder Sarah Toce; the list of participants also includes OutWest Bar.

GRETCHEN’S GRAINS DEMO: Cooking demo today, 11 am-2 pm at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), for a West Seattleite’s line of frozen fully cooked grains. (42nd/Admiral)

SPUD/NEUTER FUNDRAISER FOR KITTY HARBOR: 5-8 pm at Ola Salon, a special event with live music, auction items, and a gourmet potato bar will raise money for Kitty Harbor, the West Seattle facility that finds homes for hundreds of cats and kittens every year. Details in our calendar listing. (2942 SW Avalon Way)

FEEDBACK GOES ACOUSTIC: A new series of charity-benefiting acoustic performances starts tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), where by the way, they have “state-of-the-art” air conditioning. Details in our calendar listing; starts at 6 pm. (6451 California SW)

WOMEN’S SOCCER – LAST CHANCE TO SEE AC SEATTLE! According to the schedule, it’s the last West Seattle home game for AC Seattle, playing Issaquah Soccer Club at Southwest Athletic Complex tonight at 6 pm. (2801 SW Thistle)

(Photo by Mark/Sagebrush Photography via the WSB Flickr Group)
With warm weather expected again today, we’ve split the highlights into two sections, starting with one directly related to staying cool:

IN THE WATER

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Day two! Hours 11 am-8 pm. (11th SW/SW Cloverdale)

TODAY’S WADING POOL SCHEDULE: Delridge, Hiawatha, and Lincoln Park wading pools are open – see the hours here.

COLMAN POOL CLOSED … for a swim meet. But:

… SOUTHWEST POOL OPEN: Here’s the schedule. (2801 SW Thistle)

ALSO HAPPENING TODAY/TONIGHT

PICKUP SOCCER GAME: West Seattle Sunday Soccer continues also having Saturday morning pickup games, 8 am at Delridge Playfield (Delridge/26th/Alaska)

MEET THE AUTHOR: West Seattle writer Molly Ringle is introducing and signing her new book “Persephone’s Orchard” at Bird on a Wire Espresso (WSB sponsor) this morning, 9 am-11 am. (SW Henderson just west of 35th SW)

SHOW SCHMITZ PARK SOME LOVE: Join the Friends of Schmitz Park Preserve work party; meet at 9 am. (Admiral Way/Stevens)

GRAND OPENING: 9 am-3 pm, West Seattle Vision‘s official grand opening in Morgan Junction. (6505 California SW)

CAR WASH: 10 am-4 pm, the West Seattle High School Cheer Squad is ready to wash your vehicle at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) – they’re coming up against a fundraising deadline and would love your support. (35th/Webster)

STEM SUMMER PLAYDATE: New or returning West Seattle STEM student(s) in the family? Join the playdate today, 10 am-noon at the Lincoln Park zipline playground. (North of the south parking lot)

SEATTLE WORLD CRUISER CHRISTENING: As previewed here earlier in the week (our story explains the West Seattle link), the public christening event is at 10 am, Museum of Flight. (9404 E. Marginal Way S.)

STORYTIME AT BARNES & NOBLE: At the Westwood Village bookstore, Melissa says, today’s 11 am plan is as follows: “In honor of our first heat wave of the summer, we’re going to stay cool with some watery stories. We’ll be reading ‘Clark the Shark’ and ‘Splish, Splash, Splat!’ We’ll also have some cool treats and a summery craft.”

THE ‘HOOD HUNT: Free, map-based scavenger hunt, in West Seattle this time – noon start at Junction Plaza Park; details here. (42nd/Alaska)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Take a free tour, 1-4 pm. (Alki Ave/Beach Drive)

RELAY FOR LIFE OF WEST SEATTLE: 2 pm today is the kickoff for this cancer-fighting fundraiser at West Seattle Stadium, with the event continuing overnight and into midday Sunday. It’s a different schedule this year, with entertainment that’s open to the public too – here’s the schedule for the first eight hours:

2 pm: Opening Ceremony
2:15 pm: Survivor Lap (we will have a lounge with snacks for our survivors!) followed by Teams Lap
3-3:45 pm: ACS Cancer Action Network presentation
4-4:45 pm: Hair Donations
5-8 pm: Contigo Food Truck will be onsite
5-6 pm: Bubble Man
6:30-7:30 pm: Recess Monkey concert for the kids!
7-10 pm: Massages by M3 Bodyworks
7:30 pm: Squirt Gun Game
10 pm: Luminaria Ceremony

The stadium’s off 35th SW, just south of SW Avalon Way.

‘DEADLIEST CATCH’ CAPTAIN: Captain Keith Coburn of the Wizard is at the Junction QFC today, 3-4:30 pm, details here. (42nd/Alaska)

DUWAMISH TRIBE GALA: Seventh annual fundraising dinner and auction, 4:30 pm, Duwamish Longhouse; details here. (4505 W. Marginal Way SW)

SALSA DANCING ON ALKI: Starts with free Zumba at 4:45 pm, Statue of Liberty Plaza; Facebook event page here. (61st/Alki)

‘CLUTCH’ PREMIERE: Local filmmaker Jay Rowlands‘ long-running project – featured in this WSB story – premieres tonight at 7 at The Admiral Theater. (2343 California SW)

apertureSTOP! Spoken word and photography at Twilight in The Junction, 8-10 pm. (4306 SW Alaska)

More on the calendar!

West Seattle photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen shares this aerial of the Highway 99 tunneling machine in its “launch pit” – the view you can’t get while driving by. No major road projects this weekend, by the way. Here are highlights for today/tonight before we get too much further along:

SPRAYPARK OPENS: At 11 am, the Highland Park Spraypark is scheduled to open – here’s our preview from Thursday. (11th/Cloverdale)

SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH: Everyone’s welcome at Seaview Methodist Church for the free monthly soup-and-sandwich lunch. 11:30-1:30. (46th/Graham)

WADING POOLS: With sunshine and warm temperatures, it’s a bonafide wading-pool day. In West Seattle, Delridge, EC Hughes, and Lincoln Park wading pools have Friday hours – see the citywide schedule here.

COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Meantime, outdoor Colman Pool is NOT open to the public today (or the rest of this weekend) because of swim-meet activity – here’s the CP schedule.

LOLLY BOOK LAUNCH AND SAMPLE SALE: 5 pm-midnight, details here. (4112 California SW)

MOVIE SCREENING: At South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), you’re invited to a special community screening of the documentary “Barzan,” described as “a moving story of a local family torn apart by immigration and the post 911 war on terror. The screening will be followed by a discussion of the film with a panel of experts on issues concerning the current immigration system and comprehensive reform.” It premiered recently at SIFF. 6 pm at SSCC’s Brockey Center, Room A, free tickets online. (6000 16th SW)

P.S. If you have a special event for the 4th of July, or special business hours, please e-mail us ASAP so we can get it onto our traditional 4th of July page – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

That photo shared via the WSB Flickr group is by Dennis Cheasebro, who explains that it’s a phantom orchid found in Lincoln Park: “This orchid is rare and getting rarer, preferring deep, moist forests, and it’s extraordinary to find it here in the city. … If you see it, please let it be.” You can see wider views . On to the highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Thursdays-Sundays, it’s open to visitors, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WADING POOL NOTE: *If* we had sunshine and 70-plus temps, this would have been opening day for Delridge Playfield’s wading pool. So probably tomorrow if the forecast is true! Here’s the ongoing wading-pool schedule (including the hotline you can always call to check on the city’s plan).

ADVENTURE RACE: Tonight, starting from Alki, 5 pm. Read about it (and how to be part of it) here.

WSDW HOSTS RON SIMS: The former county executive is the special guest at tonight’s meeting of the West Seattle Democratic Women, 6 pm @ West Seattle Golf Course – details here. (4470 35th SW)

AIR QUALITY MEETING: The Port of Seattle is airing a Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy update in a meeting at 6 pm tonight, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

DESIGN REVIEW DOUBLEHEADER: With the current apartment-development boom, most Southwest Design Review Board meetings are back to two projects, twice monthly. Tonight’s meetings are at the Senior Center of West Seattle (upstairs) and begin at 6:30 pm with the second Early Design Guidance session for the ~150-apartment project at 3210 California SW (here’s the official info/renderings “packet”; here’s our recent update on changes in the proposal). Then at 8 pm, the board is scheduled to move on to its first look at 4400 SW Alaska, a 37-apartment plan first reported here a month ago; here’s the official packet. Both meetings will include a public-comment period. (California/Oregon).

DESC DELRIDGE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Though it’s not listed on the committee’s official webpage, an announcement on the North Delridge e-mail group says there is a meeting tonight for community concerns/information about the under-construction homeless-housing complex that will also include the new Delridge Grocery. Meeting’s at 6:30 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

Thanks to Lynn Hall for sharing that photo of ferry traffic this morning in the Luna/Anchor Park area. The ferry under tow – M/V Evergreen State – was headed for scheduled work at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Island; the other one is the M/V Kaleetan, currently on the Seattle-Bremerton run. Activities both on the shore and inland are part of today’s list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FYI – CREOSOTE CLEANUP: Scheduled with work crews and heavy equipment today at Lincoln Park, till 5 pm, per Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (here’s our Sunday preview).

LOWEST TIDE OF THE SUMMER: -3.7 feet is as far out as the tide is going this summer, and today is the second consecutive day you’ll see that along our shore – 12:06 pm, to be specific. Beach naturalists will be out 10 am-2 pm at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, as noted in this look at the Sunday low-low tide.

COUNCIL VOTE ON ‘NICKELSVILLE’: As reported here last week, the City Council is to vote at 2 pm today on giving a not-yet-specified agency $500,000 to manage the relocation of “Nickelsville” encampment residents so the site can be cleared by September 1st. (City Hall; live on Seattle Channel)

DELRIDGE GROCERY: With a year until the co-op grocery store is scheduled to open in DESC’s new Delridge Supportive Housing building, the focus for tonight’s meeting at Delridge Library is on fundraising – details in the calendar listing. 6:30 pm; all welcome. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

QUICKSTART TENNIS: This program to help kids learn tennis fun and fast is scheduled to start tonight at community centers around the city – info here (including how to register).

(Bushtit with dried ocean spray, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see what’s new at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. (10 am-2 pm)

(added) POP-UP SHOPPING: The Fashion Bar Airstream is at the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard till 2 pm. Hotwire proprietor Lora Swift says a former employee (who worked for her while getting a master’s degree) started it “with a couple of friends.” (4410 California SW)

CAR SHOW: 11 am-1 pm at Daystar, across from Westwood Village, which is where Daystar requests you park. (2615 SW Barton)

LOW-LOW TIDE: 11:19 am, it’s out to -3.7 feet on West Seattle shores. From 10 am-2 pm, you’ll find Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists out at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.

(added) CAR WASH: Only one charity car wash that we’ve heard of today – WSHS Cheer Squad at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. (35th/Webster)

BATTERY AND CELLPHONE RECYCLING: It’s day two of the five-day collection that’s also part of a neighborhood-vs.-neighborhood competition begins; drop your recyclables off during regular daily hours at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, which is open today 1-5 pm. Find more info in our preview from earlier this week. (2306 42nd SW)

LOVE GARLIC? Make something with it and bring it to the West Seattle Cooking Club‘s meeting today, 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. (6413 California SW)

HAPPY HOUR: WSB sponsor Endolyne Joe’s is offering a “Full Moon Happy Hour” in honor of this weekend’s “super moon,” restaurant-wide from 3 pm to close today/tonight. (9261 45th SW)

ROY ZIMMERMAN RETURNS: He’s at Kenyon Hall tonight, 7:30 pm, with his new show, “Wake-Up Call,” described here. (7904 35th SW)

More on the calendar!

West Seattle from the sky, courtesy of Aaron Tate, who went up in the “Nine Oh Nine” B-17 with his dad on Friday and says it’s at Boeing Field/Museum of Flight for ground and aerial tours this weekend (more info here). Back here on the ground, here’s what’s going on:

ROAD CLOSURES, BUS CHANGES: We’ve been talking about it all week, and now it’s here – good luck and have fun if you’re running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon/Half-Marathon; even if you’re not, the road closures and bus changes might affect you, most notably, the northbound 99 closure 5 am-3:30 pm. Road closures are detailed here; bus changes, here.

BENEFIT CAR WASHES: The Chief Sealth International High School Cheerleaders are at John L. Scott (5242 California SW) 10 am-3 pm, details here; Girl Scout Troop 40766 is washing cars at West Seattle Autoworks (35th/Webster; WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm.

BATTERY AND CELLPHONE RECYCLING: The five-day collection that’s also part of a neighborhood-vs.-neighborhood competition begins today during regular daily hours at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, which is open today 10 am-6 pm. It’s explained in our preview from earlier this week. (2306 42nd SW)

WEST SEATTLE KIWANIS BENEFIT SALE: The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is raising money for its administrative fund with a 20-family yard sale today, 10 am-4 pm. “Something for everyone, some vintage,” reports Shari Sewell. (5637 42nd SW)

MAYORAL CANDIDATES TALK PUBLIC SAFETY: 10 am candidates’ forum today at City Hall, sponsored by the Precinct Advisory Councils around the city (including Southwest PAC), all welcome; here’s our original preview.

MORGAN JUNCTION COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: 10:30 am-7 pm, at multiple sites north of California/Fauntleroy – come say hi to us and other businesses/organizations in the lot behind Feedback Lounge/Zeeks Pizza (WSB sponsors); kids’ activities and more next to California Federal; the Bark of Morgan pet parade and other contests, along with music and other performances, in Morgan Junction Park; food trucks in the lots behind the future home of The Bridge (where you can go play “cornhole” too!) and the building north across California/Graham, as well as in the food venues participating in the Bite of Morgan food sampling (from Harry’s Chicken Joint [WSB sponsor] southward). See the schedule on the Morgan Community Association webpage and the updates in our Friday story.

LOW-LOW TIDE: 10:32 this morning, it’s out to -3.2 feet. Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out on Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park (near Colman Pool) beaches from 10 am-1:30 pm.

WADING POOL SEASON BEGINS: The first of West Seattle’s city-run wading pools to open is Lincoln Park, starting at 11 am today. Here’s the full season schedule for all wading pools citywide.

TRAVEL TRENDS AND PACKING WORKSHOP: Big trip on the horizon? AAA-West Seattle has some advice for you at today’s workshop, 11 am in their Jefferson Square HQ; details in our calendar listing. (East side of inner Jefferson Square, 42nd between Alaska and Edmunds)

FIELD DAY/DISASTER READINESS FOR AMATEUR-RADIO OPERATORS: 11 am today till noon Sunday, the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club is in action as part of a big exercise with other operators; they’re on the south side of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus, and you are invited to stop by and see what they do and how they do it, any time. Details in our Friday night preview. (6000 16th SW)

WEST SEATTLE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES: Come picnic with this new group seeking to connect adoptive families in West Seattle! Roxhill Park, 12:15 pm – details here. (9244 29th SW)

JUNCTION 5 LAUNCH PARTY: 1-4 pm today, you are invited to tour the newly complete Junction 5 project, certified 5-star green-built view townhouses. See photos on Facebook. (45th/Oregon)

NO ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS TODAY: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, whose volunteers staff the summertime tours at the Alki Point Lighthouse, announced earlier this week that there would be no tours today. Tomorrow, though, they’ll be back! 1-4 pm.

‘DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE’: 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, Rowbes Puppet Productions presents this rabbit tale for ages 2 and up. Details on the library website. (2306 42nd SW)

MARLEY’S GHOST: Returning to Kenyon Hall! So much musical variety, you’ll have to read about it in the calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

WEST SIDE GLORY: Doors for this “queer variety show” open 8 pm, showtime 9 pm at Skylark Café and Club. (3803 Delridge Way SW)