Seafair: Seattle's Iconic Summer Tradition
Blue Angels fly overhead Photo: Dale Cunning
Nothing is more synonymous with summer than Seafair. Some of my most vivid childhood memories are spending summer nights with my mom, dad and sister watching the Torchlight Parade downtown Seattle and summer days watching the Blue Angels fly overhead. As I’ve grown up, those memories have stuck with me as I made new ones with friends and now my own little family. And, little did I know I’d end up having a career in communications and marketing at Seafair.
Something I love about being a parent in the summer is all the fun activities with my kids. We go to the beach and play at spray parks, but I struggled with continuing their learning during summer break from school. Having the opportunity to teach my children about science and math during summer through a fun activity like building a boat for the Milk Carton Derby has become an annual project in our household. We have even gotten my kids grandparents involved in the building!
Torchlight Parade in full swing Courtesy: Seafair
Another highlight of my summer is the Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade and Torchlight Run. My friends and family arrive early to get good seats for the best view. First, we wave and cheer for “Dad” as he runs down the parade route in the Torchlight Run 5K, then later we watch all our parade favorites. From the dancing horses to the marching bands and military troops, there is something for everyone in our family to enjoy and create new memories to last a lifetime.
Wakeboarder practicing between heats Photo: Gary Breedlove
Seafair isn’t just for families, it’s for friends too. Whenever our out-of-town friends ask when they should visit, we always tell them Seafair Weekend. Everyone has such a cold, rainy vision of Seattle, so I love being able to show them around town during our city’s most iconic weekend. We wander Genesee Park, watching wakeboarders between heats of the hydroplane races zooming along the shores of Lake Washington then laying back on the grass as we watch the Blue Angels fly overhead. It’s weekends like this that make everyone realize why we love Seattle so much.
Hydroplanes racing side by side at Seafair’s Weekend Festival Photo: Rod Mar
They say April showers bring May flowers, but I’m ready for that Seafair fun in the sun. For us, Seafair defines summer.
For more information and event details, visit seafair.com.
