WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE 2023: Report #3 – the people!

Today’s West Seattle Grand Parade was much more than floats and boats and bands – hundreds of people were part of it. That included honorees, like Grand Marshal Whitney Moore, executive director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, above, and Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Community Service recipient Erik Bell, founder of A Cleaner Alki, below:

Accompanying his company’s entry was Gary Potter of Potter Construction (longtime WSB sponsor), whose “Our New Home” banner celebrated their recent headquarters move (the Potter truck started the parade blasting the Starship classic “We Built This City”):

And with voting under way for the August 1st primary election, no surprise that eight candidates were represented in the parade, including four of the eight running for the open City Council District 1 seat – Maren Costa:

Mia Jacobson:

Phil Tavel (with The Bubbleman)

Rob Saka walked with the 34th District Democrats, as did School Board District 6 Director candidate Gina Topp:

One of the other two School Board candidates, Maryanne Wood, also was in the parade.

So were entries supporting two County Council District 8 candidates – Sofia Aragon:

And Teresa Mosqueda:

(If you need an election refresher, here’s ours.)

This parade even had a Sasquatch sighting:

And a shout-out to the Adopt-a-Street cleanup crew who walked – with grabbers – down the parade route as the last entry:

9 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE 2023: Report #3 - the people!"

  • Katie July 23, 2023 (7:48 am)

    It was great to be at the parade yesterday! Kids come for the candy and the pirates, not the politicians.  No one was throwing candy!  Bring back the sweets!

    • WSB July 23, 2023 (10:04 am)

      Maybe they ran out before they got to you – I was near the start of the route and the kids sitting near me were deluged with candy. (You can’t throw candy but you can walk the sidelines with it. Also stickers, beads, and other tchotchkes.)

      • newnative July 23, 2023 (12:18 pm)

        There was candy throwing where I was. A couple people (without kids) were pelted with it. 

    • N. July 23, 2023 (2:59 pm)

      Phil Tavel had the bubble man just for that reason, something for the kids! His campaign handed out candy and bubbles as well. 

  • WestsideCurt July 23, 2023 (6:50 pm)

    Yes, Phil Tavel’s group was handing out candy and dog treats! They also had a really fun theme song playing and a fun group of dancers and basketballers! Super fun! I hope he does well in the election.Did anyone get video of the Phil Tavel song?  It was super fun and catchy!

  • Kathy July 23, 2023 (9:51 pm)

    Phil, you would have to ditch the planet burning mode of transportation if you want my vote.

    • Phil Tavel July 24, 2023 (6:43 am)

      Kathy…that’s actually a great point. You should know, that is my friend’s truck, which he keeps solely as an emergency vehicle which is set up to be a mobile emergency hub. He works with the emergency hub network and the truck is outfitted to communicate via radio in case all other communication goes down in an emergency situation. His main vehicle is a full electric Hyundai Ioniq. We also wanted the Bubbleman to join us for the parade and he is recovering from surgery that makes it impossible for him to stand while performing, so we needed a place for him to sit and entertain. He actually came out of retirement to join me (on his 70th birthday). That all being said, you are totally right. I drive a hybrid because of wanting to start getting away from fossil fuels. Next time, I will make sure to go electric. And thanks for the reminder. 

  • GinaT July 24, 2023 (10:45 pm)

    Phil rolls through with a giant self promoting flag and gas guzzling truck…I forgot what kind of rally we were at for a minute!  Yikes!

    • Mel July 28, 2023 (10:16 am)

      Only in Seattle would you hear this…eye roll. 

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