West Seattle, Washington
12 Wednesday
When the West Seattle Grand Parade ends, the final phase of that group’s work begins – deciding the winners in a dozen categories, as well as the overall grand-prize winners. They are the parade’s volunteer judges, and along with that photo, we’ve received the list of their decisions about today’s ~90 parade entries! We’ve already published images of some of them, and will be adding more to this list in the hours ahead as we continue processing all the video and photos we have:
OVERALL GRAND PRIZE WINNERS:
1st Place: Seattle All-City Band
2nd Place: Electronettes Hi-Steppers Drill Team & Drumline
3rd Place: West Seattle Mrs. Ropers
CHEER TEAMS:
1st Place: West Seattle High School Co-Ed Cheer Team
2nd Place: Chief Sealth International High School Cheerleading
COMMUNITY DANCE TEAMS:
1st Place: Joyas Mestizas
2nd Place: Comerford Irish Dancers
3rd Place: West Seattle Irish Dance
MARCHING BANDS:
1st Place: Seattle All-City Band
2nd Place: The All-Star Drumline
3rd Place: Kennedy Catholic High School “Lancer” Marching Band and Color Guard
PERFORMING ACTS:
1st Place: Hi-Liners Musical Theatre
2nd Place: Seattle Chinese American Chamber of Commerce
3rd Place: Rain City Ropeworks Jump Rope Team
CARS AND ANTIQUE CARS:
1st Place: Corvette Marque Club
2nd Place: STS Construction
3rd Place: 1942 American-LaFrance Fire Engine
COMMUNITY YOUTH:
1st Place: Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby
2nd Place: Endolyne Children’s Choir
3rd Place: Highline Premier FC
COMMERCIAL:
1st Place: Dragonfly West Seattle
2nd Place: Airport Towing, Burien Towing, & Columbia Towing
3rd Place: Can Doo Pet Waste Service
COMMUNITY ADULT:
1st Place: West Seattle Mrs. Ropers
2nd Place: F3 Seattle
3rd Place: West Seattle Lions Club
DRILL TEAM SENIOR:
1st Place: Electronettes Hi-Steppers Drillteam & Drumline
2nd Place: Rhapsody Winterguard
3rd Place: Evergreen Drill Team
DRILL TEAM JUNIOR:
1st Place: Babynettes Drill Team (Jr. Electronettes team)
2nd Place: Daughters of Royalty Drill & Dance Ensemble
CONVEYED FLOAT:
1st Place: Holy Rosary School
2nd Place: Calvary Chapel West Seattle
SEAFAIR:
1st Place: Seattle Seafair Pirates
2nd Place: Seattle Seafair Clowns
3rd Place: Seattle Commodores
Again, we’ll be adding photos and video for as many of the winners as we can – and we have more parade scenes to come beyond this list, too! (We should note that the Rotary Club of West Seattle Foundation presents the parade, and community sponsors help cover the costs, which are considerable; volunteer power is vital, too.)
Photo credits: Most by Oliver Hamlin for WSB. A few photos, plus the videos, by Tracy Record. Others as credited.
You don’t generally see individual Seattle Public Schools bands in summer parades because musicians from schools around the city join forces for the All-City Band, which not only appeared in today’s West Seattle Grand Parade, as shown in our video above, but also is practicing on the peninsula this year – at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex – since Memorial Stadium is out of commission for its overhaul. This also means ACB will host Band Jam here this year, next Friday (July 25) – a showcase of bands as well as a practice for those who are in the Seafair Torchlight Parade – more on Band Jam later. Other school groups in today’s Grand Parade included, up from Burien, the Kennedy Catholic High School Marching Band:
Our area’s two largest high schools both had cheer teams in the parade – here’s West Seattle High School:
And Chief Sealth International High School:
When Holy Rosary School went by with its float, we noted about 100 people walking alongside!
And Hope Lutheran School brought along its eagle mascot:
Next up – the parade judges’ winning picks!
(First and third photos by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
For more than a decade, we’ve photographed Lou Cutler walking or running. Today, he was riding … in a convertible from the Corvette Marque Club, as Grand Marshal of the 2025 West Seattle Grand Parade. Lou, a retired P-E teacher, was honored primarily for his many years volunteering with and raising money for Make-A-Wish, which grants wishes to seriously ill children.
Lou’s “Make-A-Wish Friends” walked behind his car to raise awareness that you can help too (here’s how to volunteer, and here’s how to support MAW through Lou’s latest fundraiser).
Also riding in a convertible as parade honorees, Joanie Jacobs and Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association (as well as many other community endeavors):
The West Seattle Grand Parade Committee chose them as this year’s recipients of the Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Community; Mr. Rummel was the parade’s founder, and our story about last year’s honorees includes a list of those who’ve received it dating back to 1984 (including WSB in 2010). The Jacobs’ focus has been on community connections, and that was in evidence during this stop along the parade route:
They also got two turns riding in today’s parade, turning up toward parade’s end atop the Seafair Pirates‘ Moby Duck.
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
More parade reports ahead!
Three days after the break-in at Alki Coffee Company, would-be burglars tried to get into neighboring West Seattle Arcade, whose proprietors Matt and Elyssa sent this report with security-video images:
wWe had an attempted break-in at West Seattle Arcade this morning around 4:20 am.
Three men pulled up in a gray Hyundai with no plates, and attempted to pry open our door and pick our lock. They were unsuccessful and scared off by people that were out and about.
Our wonderful neighbor saw the attempt and called the police and then notified us.
Here some shots of the suspects:
If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 25-203483.
The West Seattle Grand Parade is happening now, with SPD’s motorcycle unit – eight officers this year – having just headed south on California from the parade starting point at Lander, by the north end of Hiawatha. The rest of the 90+ entries will start walking, rolling, etc. soon too. If you’re not settled in to watch the parade, remember that California is closed from Admiral to the south end of The Junction, and buses are rerouted, until the parade is over – we’re covering it from our usual spot near the start (with team members elsewhere too) and will update when it wraps up here and elsewhere; usually the street is reopened section by section.
12:20 PM: After an hour and a half, the parade is over in Admiral – with parade coordinator Michelle Edwards riding down the route at the end – but it continues southbound to The Junction for a while longer – we’ll be following so we can update when it’s concluded there too. And then – lots more coverage to come, with photos and video.
1:15 PM: Done in The Junction too,
FIRST REPORT, 9:54 AM: Again this year, the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s “wheel” parade float is what runners and walkers in the Float Dodger 5K are “dodging” at California/Alaska. The race, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank, precedes the West Seattle Grand Parade, which is just about an hour away. Development director Robbin and volunteer Michelle were at Hiawatha selling $5 tickets to the WSFB’s raffle of Taste of West Seattle (September 25!) tickets:
More than 550 participants were registered as of pre-5K:
(Photos from here by Dave Gershgorn for WSB unless otherwise credited)
My Team Triumph started the race, as has become a tradition.
As for the first finishers – we’ll add coverage later – participants will be off the parade route in time for the parade’s start with SPD motorcycles around 10:45! And if you’re in or near Admiral, West Seattle Runner is hosting a beverage garden and parade-watch party to raise even more for WSFB; you can buy raffle tickets there too.
ADDED 3:46 PM: The results are here. First finisher, timed at 16:10, was 22-year-old Jonathan Grothe:
Next was 17-year-old Mason Murison, timed at 17:04:
First female finisher was 43-year-old Megan Heuer, timed at 19:02:
Second female finisher was 22-year-old Adeline Roza, timed at 19:35:
One more Float Dodger 5K note: There was a moment of silence before the race for Christi Rohlena, sister of WS Runner co-proprietor Lori McConnell; she died in a car crash this past February, Lori explained when we stopped by the shop post-parade to find out more. Lori said many family members were visiting from out of town and showed us the special race bibs they had made in Christi’s memory:
Our Saturday list begins with three big events in West Seattle today:
(‘Live’ SDOT camera at California/Alaska, which closes for 5K and parade)
WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: More than 90 entries! The parade presented by the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation starts from California/Lander with SPD’s Motorcycle Drill Team around 10:45, rest of parade at 11, proceeding southbound to California/Edmunds. As we’ve mentioned all week, parking restrictions on and near the route start at 7 am; street closures start not much later. Buses are rerouted too. See all our previews by scrolling here.
FLOAT DODGER 5K: Before the parade, the 5K run/walk presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank starts from Hiawatha at 9:30 am. You can still sign up on site and join in! Afterward WSR hosts a beverage garden and parade watch party (2743 California SW).
ALKI ART FAIR, DAY 2: Biggest day of this art and music festival on the promenade and green by the Alki Bathhouse, 10 am-5 pm booths, 11 am-7 pm live music. More than 90 artists! Kids’ Zone and Emerging Artists areas too, plus a silent auction inside the bathhouse 11:30 am-3:30 pm. (Here’s our Day 1 coverage.)
Here’s what else is on the Saturday schedule – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GARAGE/YARD SALES: Here are the newest listings in the WSB Community Forums.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Not today, since West Seattle Runner is presenting the Float Dodger 5K this morning!
STEM IMPROVEMENT DAY: Volunteer cleanup/beautification/etc. work at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW), 9 a-5 p.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.
WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: Free guided hike, this month leaving at 9:30 am from Pathfinder K-8 (1901 SW Genesee) on Pigeon Point.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this walk in which you can participate even if you didn’t take the introductory stroll. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more!
COURTYARD YOGA: 10 am at WEND Jewelry (3278 California SW).
MASTER GARDENERS: Got a garden-related question? They’re ready to answer! Saturdays this summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.’
CHROME AND COMMUNITY: Eazy Duz It Car Club‘s annual show in White Center, also featuring performances and vendors, 11 am-7 pm on 16th Avenue SW between Roxbury and 100th.
WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME WITH AUTHOR: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time, with a special guest this week: “Join us for Family Reading Time as we welcome local author Corinn Reinhard to read her book ‘My Brother Has Two Houses’.” (4522 California SW)
WADING POOLS: City-run wading pools that’ll be open in West Seattle today are Lincoln Park (12 pm-7 pm) and Hiawatha (12 pm-5:30 pm).
COLMAN POOL CLOSED: Second and final day of scheduled swim meet at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool means it’s closed to the public.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new exhibit about Seattle Teriyaki! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area. Come support our student winemakers and join us for a student tasting.
‘HER INK, HER VOICE’: 2 pm free community event at Washington State Black Legacy Institute (2656 42nd SW):
Her Ink, Her Voice brings to life the extraordinary journey of Susie Revels Cayton, daughter of the first Black U.S. Senator and co-editor of The Seattle Republican. Set against the backdrop of the Reconstruction Era and early 20th-century Seattle, Cayton’s story is one of defiant optimism, community journalism, and unyielding advocacy.
The program will be followed by an interactive Q&A and audience discussion, encouraging dialogue around Cayton’s enduring impact and the historical relevance of her work in today’s social and political landscape. Light refreshments will be served.
OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE #1: 3 pm, Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), GreenStage presents “Richard III.” Free.
FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.
ALSO AT NEPENTHE: Summer mini-market starting at 3 pm!
DUB SEA FISH STICKS: 6:05 pm home game vs. the Blackfins at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center). Get tickets here.
OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE #2: 7 pm, Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), GreenStage presents “Much Ado About Nothing.” Free.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm (doors at 6), catch It’s All Happening, Oscar Warnersmith, 11:59, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Shonuph at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: For Saturday night singers, 10 pm karaoke awaits you at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
| 4 COMMENTS