The green markers bookend the route the West Seattle Grand Parade will take down California SW starting at 11 am from SW Lander; the periwinkle marker, the starting point for the Rotary Club of West Seattle-presented Kiddie Parade that precedes it, same time (but signups start at 10, all kids welcome). Parade co-coordinator Jim Edwards says (via @WSParade on Twitter) that they’re now up to 78 entries. Motorcycles, marching musicians, drill teams, clowns, pirates, singers, dancers, politicians, Scouts, schools, businesses, churches, and of course, floats, including the multiple-award-winning West Seattle Hi-Yu “Dreams Do Come True” float. We’ve published seven previews in the past few days; browse them here. And if you have photos/video to share afterward, let us know! (You can also add your favorite pics to the West Seattle Blog group on Flickr.) P.S. Remember California SW from Admiral south to Edmunds is closed till after the parade; there are bus detours and also parking restrictions on some side streets being used for staging. Another big event today is happening at the beach:

(WSB photo from 2007 Alki Art Fair)
Today’s the first of two days for the big Alki Art Fair, stretching along the promenade past the Alki Bathhouse, 10 am-6 pm both days. In addition to the artists’ displays and booths, which are free to browse, you may want to bring some money for the food booths and the kids’ bouncy toy. Here’s our preview from earlier in the week, including the full schedule and lineup for live music both days. Then tonight in The Junction, it’s movie time!

That’s the courtyard at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) before it finished filling up (and then some!) for last Saturday’s first-of-the-season West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation. Tonight, along with our co-sponsors Skylark Café and Club, Nicholson Kovalchick Architects and Pagliacci Pizza, we co-sponsor “War Games,” with Skylark proprietor Jessie SK leading a round of ’80s trivia (we’re bringing the prizes) before the movie. You’ll want to arrive early (a few dozen people were there as early as 5:30 last week, Hotwire’s Lora Lewis tells us) to stake out your spot!

What else is up today/tonight? See the full list in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup!