(WSB photo, July 2013: Hi-Yu float work behind the scenes – it’s not just about parade waves!)
The arrival of January puts us midway between the last round of summer fun and the next one. Festivals, parades, concerts … none of it happens without a lot of planning and preparation, most if not all thanks to volunteers who are busy all year long. If you haven’t jumped in to help yet – maybe this is your year. One of the first opportunities comes tomorrow night, as all-volunteer West Seattle Hi-Yu meets for the first time in 2015, with a big agenda item: Choosing this year’s theme, the one you’ll see on the parade float and benefit buttons. All are welcome, 7 pm at Admiral Congregational Church (4320 SW Hill, just west of California SW), and the announcement from new Hi-Yu president Jay Murray notes, “The new officers are excited with the possibilities of having wonderful events throughout the year for the community. Your participation will help to make it possible.”

Two other/additional ways to get involved as the new year begins:

MEMBERSHIP: Support Hi-Yu by becoming a member, $20/year. (You can even pay online.) Money raised by the nonprofit organization not only supports the events it presents, but also scholarships for the Junior Court (just chosen!) and Senior Court (see below) who serve as its youth ambassadors each year.

SENIOR COURT APPLICATIONS: Students ages 17-22 will be able to apply soon, as applications will be made available for starters via local high schools and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).

(WSB photo from 2014 West Seattle Grand Parade)
And a P.S. about the float, from Hi-Yu: “The budget for this upcoming year includes a covered trailer for the float. It will be possible to purchase one with the help of the West Seattle Service Clubs as sponsors with their logo printed on the sides of the trailer. This will allow our Hi-Yu float to be able to travel to parades more safely and with less set-up and take-down work for the parades, and advertise the service clubs.” Thanks to Hi-Yu, West Seattle is the last city neighborhood with its own float. Last year (above), the theme honored Hi-Yu’s 80th anniversary; in 2013 (top photo), it was “Alki Deep”; in 2012, “Secret Garden“; in 2011, “Sparkling Seattle“; in 2010, “Dreams Do Come True.” This year? Be there tomorrow night!