2:19 PM: From the treacherous waters of Elliott Bay, the Seafair Pirates have arrived at Alki – landing shortly after 1 pm, aboard the trusty Prudhoe Bay (once again commandeered from West Seattle’s own Global Diving and Salvage, who surely know where to find Davy Jones’s Locker). This might be the only port o’ call where people run (wade) toward pirates instead of running from them:
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand from here down, unless credited otherwise)
Even if you missed the landing, the beach festival with vendors, kids’ rides, and treats continues until 5 pm:
ADDED 4:23 PM: More photos!
The tide was low, so the required wading was a little shallower than usual. On shore, a change – no roped-off area, so pirates and fans moved about at will:
Though they were of course wielding swords, we observed more smiles than shrieks:
The traditional welcome ceremony ensued:
The welcoming party included King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seafair royalty:
From left with the KCE are this year’s King Neptune, Rich Gray; Queen Alcyone, Kim Holcomb; and Miss Seafair, Andrea Diaz. (Read more about them here.) Meantime, we’re told the Pirates have left the Bathhouse in their landlubbing “vessel,” Moby Duck:
Two weeks from today, they will be back to “sail” down California Avenue SW in Moby Duck during the West Seattle Grand Parade (which starts at California/Lander at 11 am and heads southbound to The Junction).
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