(West Seattle Hi-Yu in Monday’s Burien 4th of July Parade – photo by Murray’s Photography)

Summer is the busiest time for West Seattle Hi-Yu – an all-volunteer organization – and that includes participation in West Seattle Summer Fest, where you can see this year’s traveling parade float (“Around West Seattle”) and more. From Hi-Yu’s Gloria Teves:

July is a busy month for West Seattle Hi-Yu with parades (Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade and Burien on the 4th, the West Seattle Grand Parade, Des Moines, Chinatown, Greenwood, and of course the Seafair Torchlight Parade!), participating in West Seattle Summer Fest and attending the West Seattle Big Band Concert in the Park at Hiawatha on July 19th. Hi-Yu is the last volunteer organization in Seattle that builds a traditional parade float that includes royalty and participates in a number of area parades.

These activities, and others, wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers. Through the years, Hi-Yu has benefitted from the guidance of two of its most dedicated volunteers, Jay and Joanne Murray. At the end of September, the Murrays will be retiring from their many years of service to Hi Yu. Stop by the Hi-Yu booth during Summer Fest to say hello and wish Jay and Joanne well as they begin their travels this fall.

On Friday, July 8, Hi-Yu’s 2015 Senior Court Queen and current Seafair Princess Kelly Jean Crum will be at the booth to answer questions about Hi Yu and how it’s associated with the Seafair Foundation for Women scholarship program. Other past Senior Court Queens may be available throughout the weekend to answer similar questions.

On Saturday (July 9th) at 11:30, Haley Beebe will be crowned the 2016 Senior Court Queen on the California Stage at the north end of the festival). After the coronation, come meet the new queen, as well as the 2016 Junior Court, at the Hi-Yu booth. While at the booth, you can take pictures on the float (we’ll have a sash and crown available for you to wear during your pictures (using your own device), and learn more about Hi-Yu and how you can get involved. Hi Yu’s booth will be on Alaska Street between California and 42nd SW. There is no cost for taking pictures on the float but donations are greatly appreciated.

2016-2017 will bring big changes to Hi-Yu as it moves forward as an organization. There is a chance that this could be the final year of Hi-Yu if we don’t see an increase in involvement. We need (and welcome!) your input. If you can’t make it to Summer Fest, please feel free to send Jay and Joanne a note to thank them for their service, or inquire about how you can help Hi-Yu. You can reach Hi Yu by email at: info@westseattlehiyu.com or via the Hi-Yu Facebook page.

You are also welcome to join us at our regular meetings. In July, we meet each Monday at 7:00 pm at Admiral Congregational Church, 4320 SW Hill.