‘The Great West Seattle Float Hunt’ about to launch

As part of the West Seattle Best Seattle effort related to the impending reopening of the West Seattle Bridge, a scavenger hunt is about to launch. Here’s the announcement we just received:

For the first time ever, the West Seattle community will participate in what we’re calling The Great West Seattle Float Hunt! From the fiery kilns of Avalon Glassworks are born unique glass floats, each emblazoned with the spirit of West Seattle. Beginning today and going until they’re all found, these prized floats will be hidden all around West Seattle in retail stores and public spaces, secured with netting and accompanied by an instruction card. While only one per family is permitted, these floats are valuable well beyond their monetary cost since they are each singular in nature and represent the beauty of West Seattle.

Participating areas include:

Alki, North Delridge, South Delridge, Highland Park, Endolyne/Fauntleroy, South CA Ave (Edmunds and south), North CA Ave (between Admiral and AK Junctions), Avalon Way, North 35th (by the golf course), The Triangle, Alaska Junction, Admiral Junction, Morgan Junction

Organizers say they’ll be dropping hints online.

ADDED: Commenter M asked about the floats’ size. That’s part of this descriptive information just circulated by Shannon Felix of Avalon Glassworks:

Hand blown by Avalon Glassworks, the West Seattle Float is a decorative glass sphere inspired by a vintage fishing float that once buoyed a net. This sturdy ball is sealed with a Heart ❤️ WS commemorative stopper button. The design of this glass float is inspired by the West Seattle shore. Predominantly blue, the ball has spots of white creating a rocky beach foreground with ocean waves beyond. A band of transparent aqua blue represents the sky, on which sparkly blue aventurine glass shines like stars. This gazing ball is suitable for indoor or outdoor decoration and will float in a water feature, if you choose. The West Seattle Float is approximately 4.25″ in diameter.

27 Replies to "'The Great West Seattle Float Hunt' about to launch"

  • M August 19, 2022 (2:33 pm)

    Can you tell us approximately how big they are? thanks!

    • WSB August 19, 2022 (2:37 pm)

      Good question! Will ask.

      • WSB August 19, 2022 (2:41 pm)

        4 1/4 inches. Just got some descriptive info, including that point, that I’ll add above.

  • Eric Pegasus August 19, 2022 (2:35 pm)

    Heck yes!! I’ve always wanted to find one on the Oregon coast when Lincoln City did this, but we never had any luck. Can’t wait to give it a try again, closer to home.

  • hkb August 19, 2022 (2:57 pm)

    This is so cool!  Can’t wait to hunt, they look beautiful! 

  • waikikigirl August 19, 2022 (3:05 pm)

    My Dad found a real glass fishing boat float  back in 1974 on Roosevelt Beach, WA.  I was with him but in the back of the camper but remember wondering why he stopped so suddenly and looked out and saw him running and returning back with this huge (37″ round) glass ball in his hands and the biggest smile ever! My Dad has passed but I have the ball here with me. :>)Good luck to everyone who’s going to look for these ones!

    • Gibbysan September 3, 2022 (2:04 pm)

      I remember when those were still washing up on the Oregon coast about that time! So cool. 

  • wscommuter August 19, 2022 (3:36 pm)

    Coolest thing ever.  Thank you, Avalon, for a great idea.  

  • Pelicans August 19, 2022 (4:17 pm)

    So cool!  Can AG say how many floats in all will be put out?

    • WSB August 19, 2022 (4:28 pm)

      They made the floats but the overall plan is from the community coalition that had been working on bridge-reopening celebrations, The coalition member who sent the announcement said 50 over the next month.

  • Kelly August 19, 2022 (4:29 pm)

    Has anyone found one yet?? :P

  • Friend O'Dinghus August 19, 2022 (5:01 pm)

    We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious.

  • Melanie Bateman August 19, 2022 (5:42 pm)

    Can’t wait to try and find one, I have my 4yr old grandson staying with me in the junction. He would be so excited, as would I.

  • Joshua's Mom August 19, 2022 (6:36 pm)

    Link in article to event website says it doesn’t begin until September 1st?Just making sure when to start looking :0)

    • WSB August 19, 2022 (6:59 pm)

      I think that page is out of date. Not only was today cited as the start date in the announcement sent to us this afternoon, a subsequent exchange with the organizers included a mention that they’d placed some today.

  • Genius Phoenix August 19, 2022 (7:43 pm)

    If they are hidden in retail stores in West Seattle do we have to buy them from that establishment in order to participate?

    • WSB August 19, 2022 (7:45 pm)

      No, they are supposed to be free to the finders.

  • Sillygoose August 20, 2022 (2:46 pm)

    We started looking at 10:30 am walked 5 miles and and drove to all location hints and looked in several businesses until 1:30 nothing!!!

    • Birdly August 20, 2022 (4:00 pm)

      I don’t see the hints listed anywhere, where did you see them? Thanks.

    • Kelly August 20, 2022 (5:51 pm)

      Nice effort! 🤗🤗  My daughter and I spent an hour and a half last night looking and then 2 1/2 hours this afternoon 😩. Lol it starts to make you feel crazy when you are just seriously so aimlessly looking!!  But did you actually see hints listed somewhere?? Or are you referring to the neighborhoods/North/South, “near Golf course”, etc “list”??  TIA!  Luck to us all! 😅💙❤️💜

  • Hopelessly lost August 21, 2022 (4:03 pm)

    Spent Friday afternoon, as well as Saturday and Sunday looking aimlessly going to parks, restaurants and almost every small business. Super cool exploring the businesses, but it feels like you’re essentially playing hide and go seek in west Seattle….

  • Barry August 21, 2022 (8:31 pm)

    We have spent considerable time looking as well. A lot of businesses we went into didn’t know about it either so it feels like we’re on a goose chase! Super cool concept but we need more hints! Love the idea 

    • Hopelessly lost August 22, 2022 (1:28 pm)

      Not going to lie, it’s pretty frustrating as it’s not really a scavenger hunt. The clue released today was so vague and obscure it seems that it will just be complete luck for those who find them. Also, not great experiences for participants to have to continually tell business employees why they’re in their shop and makes for particularly uncomfortable experiences for BIPOC participants who get stared at even more so, since most shop owners are oblivious to this event. It’s a great idea, and I love exploring the neighborhoods and supporting local businesses but poorly executed (Yes, I am aware it is volunteer run)

  • waikikigirl August 22, 2022 (8:52 am)

    But look at all the walking/exercise you did and probably saw things you’ve never noticed before.  :>) good luck to everyone looking!!!

  • South Delridge August 22, 2022 (3:45 pm)

    Very fun. I only wish they would be transparent about how many are hidden at any given time. 50 will eventually be hidden, but they seem to be placing them throughout the week, which is confusing. 

  • Auntie September 3, 2022 (3:00 pm)

    Where are the hints/clues posted?

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