So before the parade gets to you – whether you’ve set up a creative seating area like those folks we snapped as we walked down the parade route, or whether you’re just standing at curbside – there’s months of behind-the-scenes work, and hours of same-day setup. Participating in the West Seattle Grand Parade for the first time, we got a closer look at some of that setup – and what it’s like to be in the staging area before the fun begins.

That was the pre-parade view westward down Lander, where we were staged on the south side of Lafayette Elementary School with other “community” entries. Same street, other side of California, is where some major marching entries queued up:

The flag-twirlers are from the Calgary Roundup Band, which won first place in the Bands category (and would have won “came from farthest away” if that category existed!). More preparade scenes ahead:

If you’re in The Parade, and oh, say, about 21 units into it, as we were, there’s still time to watch some of it before you have to roll – that’s Cindi Barker and Sharonn Meeks, who joined WSB in celebrating West Seattle Volunteers. Steps away, two of the Red Hatters with the “Stewed Tomatoes” entry (which won first place in the Community Floats category) were seen heading to join their group:

Lots of mingling on the parade-start sidelines – Seafair Clown (1st place in Clowns/Comics category) and Seafair Pirate(1st place in Performing Acts) here, with Sharonn (and at right, Junior Member of the Team, who along with Sharonn handed out candy on behalf of our parade entry):

And here you see part of the Luna Park Cafe entry hanging out with the maroon-shirted Charlestown Cafe entry team members:

Just yards away, the logisticians kept everything in order – here’s parade manager Jim Edwards with one of many police personnel (from two cities, two countries!) on hand:

The man who leads the Seattle Police Department was there too: Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske put in an appearance. Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith, who we met during our three days in residence at West Seattle Summer Fest, suggested a photo for posterity, and who was I to say no:

Right behind us, a Seafair staffer prepared to give the color guard the go-ahead to start marching:

Not far behind, the Hi-Yu float rolled out of the southern Safeway parking lot – under tow – and suddenly it was all moving quickly:

Amazing how fast an hour or so goes when you’re walking down the middle of a usually busy street, smiling and waving. Yet more parade coverage to come!