That’s our traditional “everybody, start to finish” West Seattle/Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade video – but this year, #19 for the parade, the turnout wasn’t the only impressive thing about the parade: The diaper drive was, too! New co-coordinator Jackie Clough reports that attendees brought “1,327 diapers and 8 bags of clothes and quilts for WestSide Baby.” She shared this photo from afterward:

Cash donations also totaled enough to reimburse Holy Rosary Parish for the cost of the permits needed for the parade, Jackie says. Before the parade started, we photographed her with Sherri Chun (photo below), longtime coordinator who turned over the reins this year to Jackie and (not pictured) Allyson Schreck.

This year’s parade also drew two mayors – Greg Nickels, North Admiral resident, was expected; here’s his speech (introduced by Jackie), which made note of the situation in Egypt as well as the United States history marked by today’s holiday:

The mayoral surprise was an unexpected appearance by Nickels’ successor, Mike McGinn, who wound up speaking briefly at the Hamilton Viewpoint Park festival that followed the parade. He declared West Seattle to be “unbelievable …” a scene right out of a Norman Rockwell painting:

Perhaps he was inspired by sights like this:

Or this:

More photos (including the post-parade fun and games), video – and a keepsake found after the parade (is it yours?) – ahead:

The parade dignitaries included West Seattle Hi-Yu royalty – perhaps the only parade in which they are NOT accompanied by a float. No floats in this parade. Bikes, trikes, scooters, wagons and strollers – speaking of which, you know Lady Liberty – meet Baby Liberty!

How about a patriotic lawn mower?

Enterprising young neighbors offered refreshments near the start of the parade:

During the post-parade celebration at Hamilton Viewpoint, concessions were sold by the Admiral Neighborhood Association again this year:

The sun made its first appearance as the grassy hillside filled with families:

This part of the festivities was emceed by West Seattle’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who managed to work the Declaration of Independence into a logistics announcement:

The races were a hot ticket – for photographers as well as racers:

Check out the determination on those faces:

Big fun on the sidelines too – Young At Art was there:

But somebody left a special water bottle behind:

Co-coordinator Jackie says, “It says Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games and may have memories. We hope to connect with the owner and return it.” If it’s yours, let us know and we’ll connect you with Jackie.