West Seattle Blog…

WestSide Baby already making history with expected Tea turnout

Glass-art “babycakes” like that one, created and donated by Avalon Glassworks, will be part of the fundraising fun on Sunday, when WestSide Baby takes its annual Benefit Tea to the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center for the first time. WS Baby executive director Nancy Woodland confirms there’s still some room left if you haven’t already procured your ticket – but she also says the expected turnout so far already has made history – more than 500! Want to join them, 2-4:30 pm Sunday, for tea, treats, auction fun, and guest speaker Kathy LeMay? The WestSide Baby website has ticket info. (Never been before? Here’s our coverage, with photos and video, from last year.)

West Seattle 5K (& car-free day) May 20th: 5K registration open!

(May 2011 photo by Debra Salazar Herbst)
Again this year, the West Seattle 5K and “car-free day” Seattle Summer Streets events will be on the same day at Alki – and this year, that day is May 20th. May sound far away, but registration for the fundraising run/walk is open now! Denise Lathrop shares the news:

West Seattle High School PTSA is proud to sponsor the fourth annual West Seattle 5K Run/Walk on May 20, 2012 at Alki Beach. Funds raised from the West Seattle 5K will support music, arts, communications and other emerging needs at West Seattle High School. This is a great community event and provides an opportunity for everyone to participate.

Online registration is now OPEN! For more information or to register for the West Seattle 5K or donate go to: http://westseattle5k.com/

If you are interested in helping to plan or sponsor our event contact Denise Lathrop at: delathrop@comcast.net or 206-941-3924

(WSB is a 5K co-sponsor again this year.)

Video: West Seattle’s 2012 Polar Bear Swim on Alki … plus one

Here’s one good sign for the year ahead: The hale and hardy of West Seattle, White Center, and environs were graced with sunshine for the second consecutive New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim on Alki (after two preceding years under cloud cover). Of course, as evidenced on the beach this morning, it’s not the weather – it’s more about the chance to, shall we say, chill with friends – like this group identifying themselves as the “Dunkins“:

And this one, the “Libres“:

Then there was the pirate, and friend …

No costume for organizer Mark Ufkes, just a big smile:

And as the crowd (biggest one we’ve ever seen!) lined the beach, ready to run into Puget Sound, one guy went first – everybody else counted down, and ran in, shortly thereafter:

(added) And from the WSB Flickr group pool, Henrik‘s really-close-up view:

P.S. Turns out that wasn’t the only Polar Bear Swim today. Dave Meucci shared this video of his friends-and-family dip:

Though this year and last year had sunshine in common, the air temperatures were different – we noted it at “freezing” on New Year’s Day 2011, but at 10 am today, it was 48 degrees!

Something to do with the kids: Free ‘story times’ at local libraries

Here’s a potential New Year’s resolution for parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers of young children – take advantage of Seattle Public Library story times! Children’s librarian Amy LaVare shares a list of what’s scheduled at the Delridge (Brandon/Delridge) and High Point (35th/Raymond) branches the next few months:

JANUARY 5 and all Thursdays through MARCH 8: Preschool Story Time, 11:15 am, Delridge Branch (5423 Delridge Way SW)

JANUARY 10 and all Tuesdays through MARCH 20: Family Story Time, 7 pm, Delridge Branch (5423 Delridge Way SW)

JANUARY 12 and all Thursdays through MARCH 29: Toddler Story Time, 11:30 am, High Point Branch (3411 SW Raymond St.) No story time on March 15.

JANUARY 23 and all Mondays through MARCH 26: Family Story Time, 7 pm, High Point Branch (3411 SW Raymond St.)

JANUARY 28 and all Saturdays through MARCH 31: Vietnamese Story Time, 11:30 am, Delridge Branch (5423 Delridge Way SW) This story time is offered entirely in Vietnamese.

FEBRUARY 1 and all Wednesdays through MARCH 28: Somali Story Time, 5 pm, High Point Branch (3411 SW Raymond St.) This story time is offered entirely in Somali.

Story times are open to the public. Everyone is welcome. No registration is required. Free parking is available at each location. For more information, call the High Point Branch at 206-684-7454, the Delridge Branch at 206-733-9125 or Ask a Librarian.

You’ll also find Story Times at the Southwest, South Park, and West Seattle branches; we’ll be adding these, and those, to our ongoing WSB West Seattle Events calendar, and you can check on daily/weekly events through the calendar on the library website.

West Seattle New Year’s Eve/Day: 3 outdoor celebrations

This morning’s inbox included a question about “family-friendly” ways to celebrate the New Year. In other words – what’s up besides the bar (etc.) parties? Here are three things — all outdoors — from the WSB West Seattle Holidays page:

NEW YEAR’S EVE ‘NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT’ PARADE: As previewed here last week, this will be the third annual edition of the cheery noisemaking neighborhood walk, and having covered the first two (our video above is from a year ago), we can tell you it’s an all-ages event, and a whole lot of fun, from the first steps to the Start gathering in the parking lot outside the historic Highland Park Improvement Club HQ (where the “Sage Comet” finale outside and a NYE party inside will follow) at 6:15, 11th/Holden.

NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY WALKS: You’re invited to join the Emerald City Wanderers on walks providing “a healthy and entertaining way to bid adieu to 2011 and welcome to 2012. And, there’ll be good, hot soup to warm you up afterward.” Both start from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church at 3050 California SW – time’s flexible; start between 4 and 7 on New Year’s Eve, between 9 am and 1 pm on New Year’s Day. (The full announcement is on the Holidays page, along with e-mail addresses for questions, or see the brochure on the ECW website.)

NEW YEAR’S DAY POLAR-BEAR SWIM: It’s not January 1st without a chance to jump into Puget Sound and symbolically wash away the old year. Last year (photo above), we even found “Elvis”!

Who knows who might turn up this time? As per the announcement published here last week, it’s happening on Sunday morning at 10 am on Alki, across from Duke’s/Christos.

We’re still collecting events – like these, and special restaurant/bar events too – for the Holidays page; let us know what’s up!

3 ways to help: Helpline, Killer Whale Tales, Furry Faces

HELP THE HELPLINE: Tomorrow night at 6 at the Duwamish Longhouse, it’s the fall fundraising gala for West Seattle Helpline. Executive director Tara Byrne says one of the highlights will be “award-winning Native American flutist and storyteller Paul ‘Che oke ten’ Wagner performing.” You can still get a ticket online by going here, no later than tomorrow morning.

KILLER WHALE TALES: Also at the Longhouse, West Seattle-headquartered Killer Whale Tales plans a dinner and auction – with special guest Tucker the whale-research dog! – on Saturday, November 12th, starting with drinks and appetizers at 6 pm. Tickets are available online, here.

‘THE ART OF LOVE’: Furry Faces Foundation‘s silent auction and wine tasting event, featuring Stomani Cellars, is set for Sunday, November 13th, 3-6 pm at Ola Salon. No admission fee; all ages are welcome. Read on for the official news release: Click to read the rest of 3 ways to help: Helpline, Killer Whale Tales, Furry Faces…

West Seattle Halloween 2011: Admiral Treats and Treasures

The trick-or-treating, and treasure-seeking, has begun! 45 stops on the map for Admiral Treats and Treasures this year (printable PDF here). Make as many stops as you can – then drop off your map as a drawing entry for one of two “treasure chests” (worth more than $300) at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California SW).
ADDED 4:54 PM: The trick-or-treaters continue to run wild. Well, actually, they’re crossing in an orderly fashion (there’s even a crossing guard!):

As the Material Girl, it’s Admiral Neighborhood Association president Katy Walum:

West Coast Entertainment has one of the best props on display – a Segway from the tours they’ve been giving around the area:

Outside Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys Shop-O-Rama, we found co-namesake Max with parents Parris and Kent Sadow:

It’s the first Halloween in business for West Seattle Fabric Company (WSB sponsor):

Fresh off helping bicyclists navigate “Viadoom,” it’s Alki Bike and Board‘s Stu Hennessey:

And inside the historic Admiral Theater, you can get caramel corn from boss Dinah Brein:

CLICK AHEAD FOR EVEN MORE PHOTOS! Click to read the rest of West Seattle Halloween 2011: Admiral Treats and Treasures…

West Seattle weekend scene: ‘Pumpkin Seed Roast-Off’

This event wasn’t on our calendar – too bad; we suspect they could have charged admission! Karen White shared the photo from the annual “Pumpkin Seed Roast-Off” this afternoon in her neighborhood near The Junction. We sent a followup question and got a reply from Karen’s daughter Kerry, reporting the results:

She won 1st place with candied jalapeño pumpkin seeds. Paul won 2nd with pumpkin spiced dark chocolate sea salt seeds and Reese won 3rd place.

The White’s are the undefeated champs. My Dad and I are both previous winners.

Oh, and Brady got the “special” award for his burnt seeds. We had 22 entries this year!

So if you’re making a jack-o-lantern, think twice before you just toss the seeds!

Skylark’s ‘Come As You Aren’t’ is coming… tomorrow night!

There are costume parties … and then there are COSTUME PARTIES. Once again this year, Skylark Café and Club invited local bands to not just costume themselves … but also perform as … somebody else! The clip above is from last year, when Noddy portrayed the B-52s. This year’s “Come As You Aren’t” is coming up tomorrow (Saturday) night – no cover! Check the lineup, from the Skylark website:

Set times are approximate:

8:00 pm Willow & Kevin Wood as GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS
8:20 pm Perish The Island as GOBLIN (Suspiria soundtrack)
8:40 pm Julia Massey & The Jesus Rehab as ARCADE FIRE
9:00 pm Bone Cave Ballet as BJORK
9:20 pm Supernauty as THE RAMONES
9:40 pm To The Sea as R.E.M.
10:00 pm The Mangles as HUSKER DU
10:20 pm The Stevedore & Mannequin BBQ as THE SUPREMES
10:40 pm Hobosexual as CREAM
11:00 pm Clutch Douglass as SALT ‘N’ PEPA
11:20 pm D.evolution.Aires as ZZ TOP
11:40 pm Sweet Secrets as THE CURE
12:00 am Like Lightning as THE PRETENDERS
12:10 am Hotels as THE MISFITS

KEXP DJ and founding member of the Young Evils Troy Nelson, two-time Golden Cowbell winner Lori Campion, Seattle Subsonic writer Dave O’Leary, and Skylark owner-booker Jessie SK will judge the bands.

Then on Sunday morning, you’re invited to “Halloween Hangover Brunch,” 9 am-3 pm at Skylark … followed Monday night by a costume karaoke party – with prizes! – at 9 pm on Halloween (Facebook event page here; 21+). Haven’t been to Skylark? West side of the northern end of Delridge, 3803 Delridge Way SW. (Or, if you’ve been there before but it’s been a while, check out the new interior paint – “a nice dark blue,” says owner Jessie SK – and refinished bar top “down to the wood.”)

Halloween on the water: ‘Haunted’ Duwamish tour setting sail again

(‘Slip 4′ Duwamish cleanup area, photographed in 2010 by Christopher Boffoli)
What could be spookier than toxic trouble that’s invisible as a ghost, but much more real? Once again this year, the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition is offering its “Haunted Halloween Toxic Boat Tour” – 1-3 pm next Sunday afternoon. The death-defying description:

Several spooky guides will lead you on a two-hour boat tour of the Duwamish River Superfund Cleanup Site. You’ll hear stories of local Native American supernatural legends, early settler stories from Georgetown and South Park neighborhoods, and learn about the terrifying realities of toxic chemicals in the Duwamish! Also learn about the natural and human history of the Duwamish Valley, environmental health and (in)justice, and the future of Seattle’s very own Superfund cleanup site on this guided boat tour.

Tour happens rain or shine. Participants must RSVP through Brown Paper Tickets (go here). Space is limited and we cannot over-book the tour. The tour is appropriate for people of all ages and it is ADA accessible. You may bring a snack to eat on the tour. This year we are requesting a $25 fee ($15 for kids). 100% of your proceeds will go to our ongoing Education and Outreach Programs. Please e-mail contact@duwamishcleanup.org or call (206) 453-9803 if you have questions.

Happening now: Halloween Art Jam at Feedback Lounge

What could be scarier than creating art in front of an audience? The Halloween Art Jam is happening right now at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction. When WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli stopped by about an hour ago, three artists were busily working – and a fourth was on the way, according to Feedback proprietor Jeff Gilbert. Above, that’s Eric Osborne; next, Steve Klinkel:

He told Christopher they’re expecting to keep going until at least 11 pm – so if you’d like to see the works in progress … which will eventually be available for sale, by the way – head on over to 6451 California SW – Vblast is part of the lineup too:

Jeff, ever the impresario, says he has another art event in the works — 10 artists, 10 easels, they all paint a portion of each one. But first – The Feedback has more Halloween fun to scare up – check out the calendar to see what’s up.

Drumming and running: New Fitness for Vitality series starts

Live music in Lincoln Park this morning for … a 5k/10k run/walk! It’s the first of personal trainer Annette Herrick‘s latest three-run/walk Fitness for Vitality (WSB sponsor) series, and this time, inviting people to “Run with Drums,” she has live music planned for each one. They start with a kids’ dash – among this morning’s participants, above from left, Emma, Jack, Morgan, Megan, and Ryden. Below, first adult across the finish line – Rich Camacho:

Yes, these are chip-timed runs! Today’s drumming, by the way, was courtesy of Arturo Rodriguez and his Latin Ensemble (we’ll add video later); next two runs are October 23 (accompanied by the Hamana Don Band) and November 20 (accompanied by Vamola), both also in Lincoln Park. You can register (and/or find out more) here.

New after-school program launching at Alki Community Center

Registration starts this week for a new program called “Enrichment on Alki,” for kindergarteners through fifth graders, at Alki Community Center. ACC’s Angelica Boyden explains, “Currently for the Fall quarter we have between 40 and 45 after-school enrichment classes that will be available to the youth from Alki Elementary as well as the greater West Seattle community. Some of these programs include, but are not limited to: Drama, Dance, Art, Creative Writing, Origami, Chess, Legos, Zumba, Yoga, and Academics. The program for the fall quarter is set to start the week of October 17th and run for 8 weeks through the week of December 16th, with no classes being held Thanksgiving week, Nov 21st-25th. The program also consists of a winter and spring quarter as well.” Here’s the flyer with more information.

New event coming up in West Seattle: ‘Fall Food Swap’

Jill from Seattle Swappers just sent word that her group’s Fall Food Swap will be in West Seattle, 2-4 pm at High Point Neighborhood Center (6400 Sylvan Way). It’s free, but you’ll need a ticket, and there’s a limited number available. Full announcement (and ticket link) ahead: Click to read the rest of New event coming up in West Seattle: ‘Fall Food Swap’…

Food trucks in West Seattle: Highland Park to follow ‘Chowdown’

If you are a food-truck fan, you no doubt are counting down the days till Sunday, when the Mobile Chowdown will take over the heart of The Junction with more than 20 food trucks (listed here), 11 am-5 pm, all ages, no admission fee. Turns out that the Mobile Chowdown will be something of a preview for what the Highland Park Improvement Club hopes will be a weekly, growing food-truck gathering! On the following Saturday, October 8th, what you might call a new West Seattle node of food trucks will debut. You probably already know that Marination Mobile and Parfait Ice Cream, both of which will be at Mobile Chowdown, have been at 35th/Graham on Saturdays. Now, HPIC is inviting food trucks to use its spacious parking lot on Saturdays – and the first two official takers are Lumpia World and I Want Curry Now, both of which will also be at Mobile Chowdown this Sunday. So to review:

*Mobile Chowdown in The Junction this Sunday (October 2nd), 11 am-5 pm, California SW from Edmunds to Oregon, one-time event
*HPIC food-truck Saturdays start October 8th, 11 am-3 pm, 12th/Holden, recurring

P.S. On October 8th, you can make a day/night of it at HPIC – they are having a Harvest Dinner potluck that night at 6 pm, asking participants to “bring their own homemade food to share, plus a plate to leave behind, which will become part of the community kitchen we are building.” Cabaret and musical entertainment and a no-host bar. (If you’ve never been to HPIC, maybe this reference will help – a few blocks east of where Zippy’s used to be.)

New West Seattle group forming: ‘Strategy’ board games

Gene sent word of a new group he’s forming in West Seattle, starting this Sunday:

This is a new group, which I hope will meet twice monthly. We play primarily “European” strategy board games, such as Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and Dominion. These games are more complex than many typical board games, but new players who don’t mind some complexity and strategic thinking are welcome.

Date: Sunday, September 25, 2011
Location: Uptown Espresso, 4301 SW Edmunds St (California and Edmunds)
Start time: 1:00 PM. There is no set end time, but Uptown Espresso closes at 10 PM.

I will be bringing around 15 games myself, but the more options we have the better, so bring what you are interested in playing if you can. If possible, most of the group should purchase at least a coffee, as we are using their space. Contact Gene at egene1@yahoo.com with any questions.

There’s also a Yahoo! group he’s suggesting you join if you’re coming on Sunday or interested in future meetings – check it out here.

If you are attending or interested in future meetings please join this Yahoo group:

Happening now: West Seattle Junction Car Show 2011, 1st report

It’s on! The fourth annual West Seattle Junction Car Show (with co-sponsors including WSB) is under way till 4 this afternoon:

California SW is lined with classics:

And look closely to see added touches:

No admission charge for the car show – but you can stop by the booths in the California/Alaska vicinity to buy a T-shirt or raffle tickets (benefiting charity). This is a judged car show, and toward day’s end, we’ll find out who gets the trophies!

ADDED 11:52 AM: Drier weather!

More to come.

Tonight in West Seattle: Movie, WestFest, “nerdprov,” more

Missed our window for the standard morning preview again, but there are a few things tonight you might want to know about if you hadn’t heard yet (and there’s even more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar page):

OUTDOOR MOVIE: The 4th grade class at Schmitz Park Elementary is hosting an outdoor movie night, featuring the movie “Rio” (trailer above), to benefit their trip to Islandwood. On the playground (unless it rains, in which case it’s in the cafeteria) at 5000 SW Spokane, doors at 5:30, movie at dusk around 7:30 pm, $3/person, kids 3/under free. Pizza will be available for purchase by the slice, along with drinks, popcorn and other snacks. All items will cost $2 or less. Bring a blanket, sleeping bag, pillow or something comfortable to sit on and plan to join us for dinner and a movie!

WESTFEST AT HOLY ROSARY: The 2-day festival kicks off with fun 6-10 pm more info here – food, beer garden, bingo, kids’ bouncy rides, entertainment (see the schedule here). 42nd/Genesee.

WINE, WOMEN, AND BIN: Weekly wine tasting at Bin 41 wine shop in The Junction with Mary Tuuri Derby from DaMa Wines, 6-7:30 pm, described by Bin 41 as one of Walla Walla’s “premiere female winemakers.”

GEEK GIRL CON IMPROV: Support Seattle’s upcoming Geek Girl Con with a night of improv theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 8 pm – full details here.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Two 7 pm games scheduled, West Seattle HS vs. O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium , Chief Sealth IHS hosting Cleveland at Southwest Athletic Complex.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FEEDBACK: One of those rare nights for live music at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, 9 pm.

P.S. ALL WEEKEND – CHEERING THE 3-DAY WALKERS: The Susan G. Komen breast-cancer-fighting 3-Day Walk isn’t going through West Seattle this year, but many West Seattle women are walking, and if you’d like to go to an official “cheering station” to root for them – here’s the list of times and locations.

West Seattle community centers: Ballroom dance; Reptile Man

As this week’s big announcement reminded us all – use your city-run community centers, or risk losing ‘em. You’ve already heard about this weekend’s biggest community-center events in West Seattle (Delridge Day and Hiawatha’s Centennial) – but there’s more:

DELRIDGE DANCING: Every month, there’s a ballroom-dancing event at Delridge Community Center, and we just got the announcement that it’s coming up again this Friday afternoon, 1:30-3:30 pm. Billy writes, “As always, you will enjoy and dance to the beautiful music of Lauren Petrie. And get a chance to win a surprise prize.”

(March 2011 photo from PhinneyWood.com, used with permission)
REPTILE MAN AT HIGH POINT: Saturday morning at 10:30 am, High Point Community Center plays host to the famed Reptile Man. If you buy tickets at HPCC ahead of time, it’s $3/person; on Saturday, $5/person ($15 max per family) at the door.

Another birthday celebration Saturday: Hiawatha’s centennial

(A moment in early Hiawatha history: Kids at play in 1912)
So many big events around West Seattle this Saturday! We’ve talked about the Delridge Day/Delridge Skatepark Grand Opening festivities and Holy Rosary’s WestFest (which starts Friday night; here are the newest details) – and there’s one more festival-grade celebration: the Hiawatha Community Center/Park Centennial. You’ve probably seen the posters and signs for various events 11 am-5 pm; we just checked in with Seattle Parks to get a more-specific schedule, in case you want to do some early weekend-planning:

11 am: 5k walk/run, Olmsted Presentation, Pickleball Tournament
Noon: Class Demos, Olmsted Park Tour
12:30 pm: 3 on 3 Tournament
2 pm: Mayor McGinn will welcome the crowd; community members speak; barbecue starts; face-painting; jumpy toys; Balloon Buffoon
2:45 pm & 3:45 pm; Live music

We know Trevor Ras and Boomerang Summer are on the bill (they sent their own announcement today. So while you’re enjoying all the West Seattle festivities on Saturday, stop by and wish Hiawatha a happy birthday, too. Might even be as much fun as this:

(Another moment in early Hiawatha history: Skookum Club Stunt Night, 1913)

Lafayette school-playground dedication Tuesday: Party details

Before Seattle Public Schools classes start Wednesday, some West Seattle schools have big pre-school-year events Tuesday. And we have new details tonight on one of them: The playground dedication at Lafayette Elementary in the Admiral District. It’s been a long road for volunteers and donors, and they are inviting you to help them celebrate, 5-7 pm Tuesday evening. One of the Play It Forward Project leaders, Holly Grambihler, describes it as a “fun, free event for the community,” with the ribbon-cutting set for about 5:15 pm. The Junction QFC is hosting a free barbecue – hot dogs, salads, chips – Holly explains that the store’s new manager, Jill Hamilton, “is a West Seattle native and grad of WSHS. She’s very excited to be back in our area and to get involved in our community. She stepped up and volunteered their donation and services to help our event!” Live music will be courtesy of the Toucans steel-drum band (recently seen at the grand opening of the Admiral Safeway across the street); jump-rope artistry will be courtesy of the Lafayette Popcorns team; and a Seattle Sounders FC player (TBA) is scheduled to appear. Holly says fun playground prizes are in store for a “kids’ only” raffle, and two last additions – treats from the new Safeway and from Little Rae’s Bakery. Never been to the Lafayette playground? It’s on the west side of the school, alongside SW Lander, west of California SW (map).

Last-minute invite: Stargaze tonight with NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen

Aside from the forest-fire-smoke haze, the skies are clear, and it could be a great night for stargazing. Since a comet and a supernova just might be visible, West Seattle’s NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen – whom you might know for throwing solstice/equinox sunset-viewing parties (like this one) – is inviting you to Solstice Park tonight at 9. She’ll have telescopes, and expert guidance on what to look for. Solstice Park is upslope behind the Lincoln Park Annex tennis courts (Alice’s site has an excellent map to guide you).

Star Anna concert @ Admiral this Thursday, and bring diapers!

(July 2011 photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Thursday is both the first day of September and the last show in this year’s Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series (with co-sponsors including WSB) – and one of our area’s hottest rising stars, Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs, provides the grand finale. Our photo is from her Junction-rocking performance at Easy Street Records last month. The show’s free as always BUT – go buy some diapers and bring them to donate to WestSide Baby, and ANA president Katy Walum says you’ll get a free Popsicle! 6:30 pm Thursday, east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW, but the lawn faces Walnut), bring your own chair/blanket – and a box/bag of diapers! (Who knows, you might even see a celebrity.)

‘Alki Overlook Stairway Walk Adventure’: Are you up for it?

(1937 city photo of Schmitz Park Bridge, one of the sights planned for the “adventure’)
Turns out there are two Alki events this Sunday potentially involving you and your feet (etc.): Along with the Alki Beach 5K benefit run/walk, there’s also the “Alki Overlook Stairway Walk Adventure“:

This Sunday at 10 AM, everyone’s invited to the first of three West Seattle stairway walks happening between now and mid-October. Jake and Cathy Jaramillo, authors of a blog and an upcoming book on Seattle stairway walks, will take you on a scenic byway loop along four major stairways between Schmitz Park and Alki Beach. The walk features vistas over Alki, a stroll next to Alki Beach, and a meander through shaded, old-growth Schmitz Park. It will cover 3.4 miles and take about two hours. There will be an elevation gain and loss of 300 feet, with some short but moderately steep sections near the end. For all the details, go to the Feet First website.

Bonus – it’s free! P.S. Jake and Cathy’s website Seattle Stairway Walks is here.

Video: LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends @ Hiawatha

LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends have made some new friends tonight on Hiawatha Community Center‘s east lawn, and there’s still time to get here before 8 pm and be part of the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s weekly Summer Concerts at Hiawatha show. Video:

Music’s great, and the PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) Kid Picks van is here as usual with samples of healthy treats:

As much fun as the music is, it’s also fun to watch neighbors and friends catching up with each other – it’s like one big neighborhood party, with many families bringing dinner, kids running around, etc. Tonight’s guest emcee, West Seattle-residing City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen:

Two more shows in this year’s series (with co-sponsors including WSB) after tonight – Caspar Babypants next Thursday, and be sure to have the kids bring coins for the Wellspring drive (donors get the chance to win a custom CB song, as noted here earlier this week), and Star Anna for the final show on September 1st – ANA president Katy Walum says that night will include a diaper drive for WestSide Baby (early warning, get some before then and have them ready to bring along)! P.S. If you have any questions about the new Umpqua Bank branch coming to the Admiral District, Umpqua had reps here tabling tonight and they say they’ll be back next week. So far, it’s looking like a mid-October opening for the branch, they say.

One more upcoming event to mention – signs around the field are promoting the 100th birthday celebration for Hiawatha itself, coming up 11 am-5 pm Saturday, September 17th, with festivities including a 5K, basketball and pickleball tournaments, a barbecue, and concert.

Ahead: West Seattle Rainbow Bingo; South Park ‘Lucha Libré’

2 lively local events up ahead, in West Seattle and South Park:

After a few months on hiatus, Rainbow Bingo returns to the Senior Center of West Seattle one week from tomorrow – Friday, August 26th, with Sylvia O’Stayformore (“Seattle’s Effervescent Hostess“). The night starts at 6 with Mariner Dogs, Teriyaki Chicken Burgers, Sloppy Joes, and cold drinks; 6:30 pm, music and entertainment; 7 pm, Tropical Rainbow BIngo! Admission by donation, and prepaying early gets you a discount – check out the Senior Center website at sc-ws.org.

Before then – South Park has a larger-than-life street party this Saturday:

The “Lucha Libre” Mexican-wrestling spectacular will be shakin’ the street 4-8 pm this Saturday (August 20th) at 14th and Cloverdale in South Park (map) – kids’ activities start at 4, the wrestling starts at 6. South Park is alive and kickin’, bridge or no bridge – construction’s starting to rev up, and you can check that out while you’re there – and they’re inviting their West Seattle neighbors (and the rest of the region!) to come join the party. Check out their new catchtheculture.org website, too.

Happening now: Endolyne Joe’s pig roast; Festival of India

Two events continuing till 8 pm: At Endolyne Joe’s in Fauntleroy – the pig roast is under way (and if you don’t like pork, they’re offering chicken too – live music there, and at another event continuing till 8:

At Alki, it’s the Festival of India, which continues tomorrow, noon-8 pm, if you don’t see this till later tonight.