West Seattle New Year’s Eve 2012: Highland Park’s big party

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
It’s not loud – and no explosives are involved – but the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s New Year’s Eve “Sage Comet” always puts the fireworks to shame. That’s Chris Huson spinning the briefly blazing display tonight outside HPIC, following the fourth annual “Not-So-Silent Night Parade“:

Highland Park’s big party is actually still under way right now – since midnight hasn’t arrived yet – with a special edition of HPIC’s “Corner Bar,” which usually happens the first Friday of the month – and you’re welcome to go join the fun at 12th/Holden:

Meantime, more of WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams‘ photos from the parade and show that started the night are ahead:

Monica Cavagnaro led the parade in style:

It is a spirited, cheery march through Highland Park neighborhoods, with drumming and music and more.

Participants are always invited to bring whatever they want to say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new one:

All ages are always welcome:

Families join in – here’s 3-year-old Jo Russo looking up at mom Celia:

8-year-old Owen Murray drummed along the way:

It’s also a chance to get one last look at the lights of the season:

We showed you Monica leading the parade – check out the other side of her outfit!

Once the paraders returned to HPIC, that’s when the “Sage Comet” was swung around its lot … that’s Billy Stauffer at left with Chris (who was in this story’s top photo)

…then inside for beverages warm and cold, to await 2013’s arrival:

P.S. We also have a reader-shared photo – Eileen Dey‘s photo of boyfriend Richard Schilling drumming in the parade:

Eileen explains that’s a “little Irish drum.”

5 Replies to "West Seattle New Year's Eve 2012: Highland Park's big party"

  • cj December 31, 2012 (11:04 pm)

    Just herd the first gun shots of the night going off near Lincoln park on Fauntleroy. Please lets try to keep this one safe.

  • Neighbor January 1, 2013 (12:14 am)

    I’m in highland park-hearing lots of fireworks and big sounding explosions, they sound close. I’m wondering if they are being set off at the elementary school park on Trenton.

  • WSB January 1, 2013 (3:21 am)

    So far – as of quarter past 3 – no major incidents in West Seattle; we’ve been watching the 911 log and also listening to the scanner. Fireworks all over, though – we heard many here in Upper Fauntleroy, and while I was down on Harbor east of Salty’s to watch the Needle fireworks, heard more than a few mega-booms there too. Back to the subject of this story – it’s a fireworks-free, festive way to celebrate, all ages! – TR

  • Julie January 1, 2013 (11:59 am)

    Thanks to the WSB for great pics and coverage of our neighborhood New Years Eve.

  • M Flash January 1, 2013 (12:03 pm)

    This Parade is mostly for the kids….for them to participate and enjoy the evening. We had a safe night and wish HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

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