VIDEO: West Seattle Grand Parade 2015, report #1

And it's on! pic.twitter.com/O2RZeXobbJ

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 18, 2015

10:47 AM: The West Seattle Grand Parade has begun, with the motorcycle drill teams – Seattle Police and Vancouver (B.C.) Police – on their way from California/Lander. At the Junction end of the route, you’ll see the Kiddie Parade first (leaving California/Genesee at 11 am). California between Admiral and Edmunds is closed until the parade’s over in early afternoon. We’ll have lots of video and photos afterward! (Also some along the way on Twitter at @westseattleblog.)

12:29 PM: At the start of the parade route, in The Admiral District, it’s just wrapped up, after an hour and a half. We have a crew at the Junction end of the route too, so we’ll update you when it ends there. Meantime – as paradegoers walk past us, we’re hearing their reviews. Including, “That was a nice little parade.” And: “I wanna be in the parade next year!” Here are a couple clips we uploaded along the route – the Seafair Pirates:

And the first drill team on the route, the Lady’s Of Elegance and Princesses of Elegance:

This year’s Grand Marshal, King County Executive (and lifelong West Seattleite) Dow Constantine, tweeted this photo as he showed daughter Sabrina how to do the “parade wave”:

Now the road’s fully open here on the north end of the route. But be careful till it’s all over. Now on with the rest of a big day – more parade coverage (photos and video) to come later.

1:14 PM: Our crew in The Junction says the parade is now all over.

CannonHater July 18, 2015 (12:26 pm)

I’m all for the parade and community spirit, but that cannon – really, why is it necessary?!

joann July 18, 2015 (12:31 pm)

Why is ms seattle walking? Where is her float?

WSB July 18, 2015 (1:02 pm)

I’ve never seen an official Miss Seattle float – but we did see Taryn at the royalty-and-pirates breakfast at Brookdale earlier and will have a photo in another report!

Diane July 18, 2015 (1:05 pm)

the cannon is my favorite part of any Seattle parade

Diane July 18, 2015 (1:30 pm)

did you get a photo of local hero trophy winner Donn Weaver?

WSB July 18, 2015 (2:28 pm)

Yes, we photographed pretty much everyone. And of course we did an advance profile of him AND covered the Concert in the Park. Had to run immediately from parade to Cove Park/Barton Pump Station event, just going through pix now.

Al July 18, 2015 (3:14 pm)

Like to see the photos.thanks

WSB July 18, 2015 (3:31 pm)

We’ll have separate stories, as usual. Takes a ton of time. Working on it now, as well as the other events we’ve covered today (with more to go). Gotta take a break for a little lunch too. (3:30 pm)

dina July 18, 2015 (3:27 pm)

I agree the cannon on the seafair pirates boat is too loud, video show everyone plugging ears. Is there no noise ordinance in West Seattle? hmmmm it was loud on this video as well

AdmiralAreaGuy July 18, 2015 (4:31 pm)

The cannon is a long standing tradition here in west Seattle, both during the Sea Fair Pirates landing on Alki and during the Hi-Yu, oops I mean West Seattle Grand Parade.

There always have been and will be a few in the crowd that take exception to its volume and harmless-ferocity, however you will see a vast majority with ear-to-ear smiles after every blast of the cannon.

To those with small children, people who startle easily and the “Cannon Haters” and ‘dinas” along the parade route, once you see the ship heading towards you either cover your ears and enjoy or simply walk far enough away until its past so it won’t bother you.

My only negative observation: Where the heck were the “Lake City Western Vigilantes”???!!!

This was my first year in 16 NOT getting a lapel-pin to add to my collection, plus we missed seeing their fun wagon and shoot-out shenanigans this year!!!!

WSB July 19, 2015 (12:23 pm)

Got an answer from parade co-coordinator Dave Vague re: Lake City Vigilantes – their paddy wagon had a last-minute breakdown, or else they would’ve been here. Next year!

Lacey July 18, 2015 (7:04 pm)

i remember watching the drill teams in awe as a kid during the west Seattle parade– anyone know of anymore videos? And is it me or have drill teams diminished over the years?

George/Diane Keplinger July 18, 2015 (9:24 pm)

As cousins of Dow, his mother Lois and Sabrina we are very proud of Dow and and all that he has done for the citizens of King County.

George and Diane Keplinger
Laguna Beach Ca,

Anne July 19, 2015 (8:17 am)

Love the parade- love the Pirates- love the cannon .
Years ago you never knew when they were going to shoot it- now- when you hear the siren- cover your ears.