(REPORT #1, published during the parade, is here)

With the anthem by Aine …

And the countdown featuring new parade coordinator Emily Williams (with son Nash) alongside King County Executive Dow Constantine (with toddler daughter Sabrina) and Mayor Ed Murray …

.. after the elected officials’ amazingly abbreviated speeches:

… this morning’s West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade was on, with the familiar blue pickup and West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court in the lead:

Everybody left from 44th/Sunset as usual, just south of the mini-stage used for the pre-parade speeches and song, and the crowd stretched for blocks:

This year we didn’t get the entire parade on video … but here’s a spirited stretch toward the California crossing:

So much creativity went into the decorations and costumes:

Plenty of variety in the parade participants’ modes of transportation:

Also on two wheels – these members of the Seattle Police parade-escort contingent:

Yet more bicycling paraders in this added bit of video:

Once the parade arrived at Hamilton Viewpoint Park, it was sack-race time:

Also concession time – while the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s popsicles and bottles of water were mostly sold from a booth, they had roamers too, including ANA past president David Whiting:

And community businesses who sponsored the parade had booths for families to visit – we caught up with three WSB sponsors, A Kids’ Place Too Dentistry:

Mode Music Studios (which offered an art activity at the post-parade festival):

And Second Gear Sports (where you can buy and consign gently used gear):

Also seen at the park – shoutout to the Hinsley Family:

Also seen at the parade: an elected official who didn’t take the stage – King County Council Chair and congressional candidate Joe McDermott:

That’s Betsy Hoffmeister with him. After the parade, he was headed to the new-citizen ceremony downtown – another patriotic 4th of July tradition.

Last but not least, Hamilton Viewpoint sightings that reminded us of what’s yet to come this summer:

That’s West Seattle-based Seafair Clown “Officer Lumpy,” who, with his fellow clowns, has many more parades ahead, including the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 23rd, where you’ll also see this bus that was on display at the park too:

WestSide Baby’s trademark diaper-drive bus was there to collect donations and to remind you this is their big month – culminating in Stuff the Bus day at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction on July 24th. In the meantime – stand by for even more West Seattle summer fun!

10:20 AM: The parade is on! Just started, heading west from 44th and Sunset. The route turns east on Atlantic, which is where SPD will stop traffic so the parade can cross to Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

10:51 AM: The parade has finished crossing California and is headed into the park for sack races.

11:25 AM: The races just started. And the Admiral Neighborhood Association’s concession sales:

Seattle Fire Engine 29, which was part of the parade, is here for tours:

More photos, and some video, later!

(West Seattle Corporate Center flag at Delridge/Andover, photographed by Shmelvin)

As usual, your “what’s happening in West Seattle on Independence Day” is all in one place – our one-page guide, here.

(Bald eagle, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

The slate starts with the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade in Admiral at 10 am (bring diapers for WestSide Baby!). That’s also when Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be out at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, until 1 pm, for today’s low-low tide:

(Octopus at Constellation Park, photographed by Vincent Della Pella)

You can also visit Colman Pool without getting in the water.

(WSB photo from Sunday)

The 75th anniversary celebration starts at 10:15 am. (It’s open for swimming at noon as usual.) And it’s a bonus day for tours of historic Alki Point Lighthouse:

(June photo by Melanie)

Tours start at 1 pm. Again, these are just part of what’s in our guide, which includes today’s transit changes, fireworks-viewing suggestions, and more. We’ll be out covering the holiday happenings, so check back for updates, and have a great 4th!