West Seattle, Washington
27 Sunday
Thanks to Al for sending the photo and report on West Seattle Bike Connections‘ “Little STP” ride today:
Here’s the photo from the end of today’s WSSTP … 27 people, 26 pedalers, and one fantastic time!
As previewed here, the “little STP” is WS Bike Connections’ annual riff off the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride that’s also happening this weekend – this one goes from SW Seattle Street in North Admiral to SW Portland Street in Gatewood, with the option for riders to then go back to The Junction to visit West Seattle Summer Fest.
(WSB photo, July 2023)
If you are planning on going to the beach to stay cool on Saturday afternoon, here’s your reminder that you might find yourself in the middle of a high-seas showdown – tomorrow brings the annual Seafair Pirates Landing, with the “Pirate Kings of the Northwest” approaching from offshore, barging onto the beach, and declaring this summer’s regional party officially under way. Announcements have listed their expected arrival time as both 1 pm and 1:30 pm, so our advice if you don’t want to miss the spectacle is to be there on the earlier side. Once ashore, the Pirates bluster, mingle, showboat, and become the Pirate Kings of Photo Ops – and then climb aboard their shore-going “ship” Moby Duck, rolling away to other stops on their itinerary (which, two weeks later, will include the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 20th. Tomorrow, look for all this toward the west end of the sandy beach, by Alki Bathhouse. (If you haven’t been before, here’s our coverage from last year.)
(‘Little STP’ group; file photo, courtesy Don Brubeck)
A unique way to get to the final day of West Seattle Summer Fest on Sunday, July 14, is via the annual “Little STP” bike ride! We just got confirmation that it’s on again this year – riding a route starting on California Avenue SW at SW Seattle in North Admiral, continuing south to SW Portland in Gatewood, and doubling back to the festival in The Junction. Here’s the announcement from West Seattle Bike Connections:
West Seattle Little STP Bike Ride
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – 9:15 am to 1:00 pmMeet at Hamilton Viewpoint Park
1318 Palm Ave SWContact: Cathy, Ride Leader
Email: ca****@******ta.comHave you ever wanted to do the Seattle-to-Portland bike ride? And forgot to sign up? Or train for it? Here is your big chance! Do it in 2 hours and end up at a huge finish line party! Same weekend as Cascade’s big STP, so you can brag and post pix like the other one-day riders.
Join West Seattle Bike Connections for a ride starting at Hamilton Viewpoint Park in West Seattle on a 10.2-mile route at a leisurely 10-12 mph pace! Register at the start. We invite and welcome everyone including people of all ages, languages, ethnicities, genders, races, and abilities. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
We will be riding from SW Seattle Street to SW Portland Street, and back north to Summer Fest at the West Seattle Junction, for a fabulous finish line party. After some time at the festival, participants can ride home independently, or ride with a leader back to Hamilton Viewpoint.
Our goal will be to stay together as a group. Be prepared for a moderately hilly route. There are a couple of hills that some may wish to walk up. That’s fine. We will regroup at the top of hills.
Restrooms are not available at the start. Closest public restrooms are at Seacrest Marina Park (the water taxi dock) on Harbor Ave. We will stop along the way for restrooms/water at mile 2.7 at the Alaska Junction.
Check brakes and tires before leaving home. Arrive in time for 9:15 ride description and safety briefing. Must be present at safety briefing to participate. Helmets required. No ear buds. Steady rain cancels. We will ride if there are just light showers.
Here in the midst – and mist! – of another not-so-summery night, we’re looking ahead to West Seattle’s two big summer parades.
(WSB photo, July 4, 2023)
FOURTH OF JULY KIDS’ PARADE: Just five days until hundreds of local families fill the streets of North Admiral for this annual “just show up and you’re in!” parade. It starts from 44th SW and Sunset at 10 am Thursday, and travels this winding route to get to post-parade fun at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (sack races, games, food/treat trucks):
The parade is a quarter-century-plus tradition, now presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, coordinated by Megan Erb, with community sponsors (including WSB). The walking and rolling starts right after the National Anthem, with a singer from Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), and a brief welcome from City Councilmember Rob Saka. Haven’t been before, as a participant or spectator? Our coverage from last year shows you what it’s like.
(WSB photo, West Seattle Yacht Club in 2023 West Seattle Grand Parade)
WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: Three weeks from today, you can stake out a spot along California Avenue SW somewhere between SW Lander and SW Edmunds to watch riders, dancers, marchers, musicians, pirates, clowns, cheerleaders, and others make their way southward in this community celebration. This parade – a tradition for almost 90 years! – is a presentation of the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation, coordinated by a team of volunteers (including amateur-radio operators who handle logistics along the route, and the judges who decide on each year’s winners). The parade starts at the north end of the route around 11 am and usually concludes about two hours later in The Junction.
(WSB photo, December 2023)
We first introduced you to West Seattle artist/author Danitra Hunter almost four years ago, as she worked on a children’s book featuring a character she created while working at the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor), Purrdie Burrdie, who encourages kids to love themselves. She launched her book a year later. And kids can get free copies during a series of events Danitra is leading in West Seattle parks for the next four Saturdays:
As shown above, her first event is at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton) tomorrow, 1-5 pm. Thanks to an Art in the Parks grant, Danitra says, these are free family events, all ages welcome.
(WSB photos, video)
They ran, they climbed, they walked, they rocked! More than 700 people – plus friends-and-family cheering sections – converged on Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point today for this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, a suite of events that fill the field with fun. The first two events of the day sent runners out onto Seattle’s only 5K obstacle course:
The 5K was offered as an option without obstacles, too. And for participants in their golden years, Loop the ‘Lupe offered a short, flat course for the Senior Saunter:
Final race of the day was the Youth Dash; you can find results for all the events by going here. Part of the Loop the ‘Lupe fun is everything happening around the field, like the live music courtesy of West Seattle School of Rock:
Community organizations and businesses supporting this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe included three WSB sponsors – Bryan, Charlie, and Zoe were there from Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction:
Mark and Jack were there for Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle on Harbor Ave:
Gene and Michele were at Loop the ‘Lupe on behalf of West Seattle Runner in Admiral:
Part of today’s fun – a memento for Loopers – these medals!
Post-race food and drink was available too:
Race organizer Brian Callanan says the turnout was a bit above last year. Proceeds go toward the extensive social outreach done by Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose parish and school are next to today’s venue.
If you’re interested in taking your little ones to organized storytimes, take note of these additions to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
READ-ALOUDS AT SEOLA POND: Isabelle, a teacher who lives in Arbor Heights, is hosting “community read-alouds” for kids and their chaperones at Seola Pond three times a month through August. The first one is tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) at 10 am. “All ages and family members are welcome – I recommend bringing a blanket to sit on and be ready to make lots of friends with other kiddos.” Other dates are June 15, 29; July 2, 16, 27; August 10, 14, 24 – all at 10 am. If you haven’t been to Seola Pond before, here’s where to find it.
PRIDE STORYTIMES: Miss Lacey, a local nanny, is hosting Pride storytimes this month and has set the first date – 4:30 pm tomorrow at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). She says all ages are welcome; dates and times for two more Pride storytimes later this month are yet to be announced.
STORIES AND MORE WITH THE REAL PURRDIE BURRDIE: Storytelling is part of four family-fun events that West Seattle artist and author Danitra Hunter – creator of the Purrdie Burrdie character – will be presenting at local parks, four consecutive Saturdays, 1-5 pm, starting June 22. We’ll take a closer look at her plan as this gets closer but you can set your calendar, for starters.
(added 10:49 pm) STORYTIMES AT THE BEE GARDEN: Thanks to Lisa for sending this after seeing our original mention of the three above! Per this announcement, Seattle Public Library librarians will be at the West Seattle Bee Garden (Lanham/Graham) at 10:30 am Saturday mornings in June for outdoor storytimes.
(WSB photo, 2023 Loop the ‘Lupe)
If you were waiting to make weekend activity decisions – one last reminder that tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) brings Seattle’s only obstacle-course 5K, right here on the peninsula – Loop the ‘Lupe. It’s actually five events – your choice of which one to be part of – with start times staggered over two hours (11 am to 1 pm) at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle): Elite Wave of the obstacle-course 5K at 11 am, Family Wave of the obstacle-course 5K at 11:40 am, fun-run (obstacle-free) 5K at noon, Senior Saunter walk at 12:15 pm, Youth Dash at 1 pm. You can still register online – the prices and individual event signup links are here. You can also go to the field to cheer the runners/walkers and join the celebration, with live music plus food and beverages available for purchase. Loop the ‘Lupe (for which WSB is media sponsor again this year) raises money for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s community-outreach work (as explained here).
(WSB file photo from Loop the ‘Lupe)
Though it’s unseasonably cool and wet now, that’ll change in a few days, and by the time we get to Saturday, we’re expecting VERY summery weather. Perfect to get out and run, walk, maybe dodge a few obstacles … which you can do Saturday at this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe. This is your last call to register at a discount rate – you have until Thursday, but why wait? Loop the ‘Lupe is the only obstacle-course race in Seattle – and more, as organizers explain:
Loop the ‘Lupe’s Elite Wave (age 16+) features nine obstacles on a distance-certified 1K “loop,” including a wall climb, a mud pit, and more. New this year, the Elite event will be streamlined to get participants through the obstacles more quickly. Participants finish five loops for the full 5K race, and there are prizes from local restaurants and merchants for top finishers. The Family Wave features seven obstacles on the same loop and offers a challenge for athletes of all skill levels. Events begin with a staggered start at 11 a.m.
A one-loop Youth Dash with obstacles is available for kids 8 and under (with adult supervision), and there’s a no-obstacle 5K Run/Walk course for runners and walkers, too. For older participants (age 65+), Loop the ‘Lupe also features the Senior Saunter, a 100% flat, timed walk that is one of the most popular senior-focused races in Seattle.
Loop the ‘Lupe will also have live music provided by the students of West Seattle School of Rock. Plus, participants can enjoy food, drinks, and a beer garden (age 21+) for additional purchase. Proceeds raised from the event go toward the costs of social outreach work at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, which helps prisoners re-entering the community, coordinates voter registration and racial justice education, and much more. Through their partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, OLG supports food distribution and assistance for rent and utilities for low-income families.
Loop the ‘Lupe happens at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle). Register here by Thursday to beat the price increase! (Follow the link to find out about other discounts, too.) Then we’ll see you out on the Loop this Saturday (WSB is the media sponsor)!
Another free-to-see event happening right now – the third annual car show organized by West Seattle High School students. Below are Noah and Nevaeh from the WSHS Greasy Peeps Car Club, with the auto-shop class teacher Carmin Thomas:
The show was open to community participation – here are just a few of the entries:
This is all happening in the WSHS lot (3000 California SW) until about 3:30 pm. That’s immediately preceding the WSHS all-school reunion, which starts at 4 and is usually accompanied by a display of classic cars too!
ADDED SUNDAY: Thanks to Dave White for these photos!
(Rain City Ropeworks team members in 2023 world competition, photo courtesy Zack Hill)
Before they travel for national competition, West Seattle’s award-winning Rain City Ropeworks jump-rope team invites you to their show next weekend – Sunday, June 9, 2:30 pm at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee) – here’s the invitation!
Join us for our annual Jump Rope Community Show, featuring the dynamic performances of the the Rain City Ropeworks Jump Rope Team! This family-friendly event will feature exciting routines from all team members, including members of our national team who will be traveling to Utah to compete in June. Enjoy fun audience activities, meet the team, and participate in our silent auction with fabulous items from our wonderful community sponsors. Plus, there will be other fun giveaways! You won’t want to miss this event!
Exactly two months from today, on July 20, a huge summer doubleheader takes over California Avenue SW between Admiral and The Junction from morning through early afternoon – the West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K. Both are looking for participants right now – here’s how to be part of either or both!
(WSB photo, 2023: Joyas Mestizas in West Seattle Grand Parade)
GRAND PARADE: This year, the Grand Parade celebrates its 90th anniversary! Your business, organization, school, etc., can inquire about parade participation by emailing We***************@***il.com to get an application. And the parade is seeking sponsors – the permits, no-parking signs, and other costs add up big time, and sponsorships help the all-volunteer parade organizers cover those costs – no sponsors, no parade! Read this to find out how to become a Grand Parade sponsor.
(WSB photo, 2023 Float Dodger 5K)
FLOAT DODGER 5K: Before the Grand Parade starts down California SW from Lander at 11 am on July 20, the Float Dodger 5K sends hundreds of runners and walkers onto the route (starting at Hiawatha Playfield) at 9:30 am, raising money for the West Seattle Food Bank. This is the 10th anniversary of the Float Dodger 5K, founded and coordinated by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor). It’s preceded by a free Kids’ Dash at 9 am and followed by root-beer floats! Sponsors are welcome – email in**@*********************ny.com – and registration is open now – just go here!
(Thanks to Lora for the photos)
10:58 AM: If ever you’ve wanted to find out more about the West Seattle Bee Garden, today is THE day. The West Seattle Bee Festival is under way all day in and around High Point Commons Park (Lanham/Graham). The morning is devoted to walking and running activities, with the help of Emerald City Wanderers:
Then from noon to 4 pm, booths will be set up along Lanham Place, with a variety of organizations and vendors to visit, and you can check out activities and demonstrations – to learn about the bees, be at the Bee Garden at 1 pm for a hive demonstration. The full schedule of events is in this preview.
12:26 PM: Thanks to Lora for more photos – you can meet beekeepers and buy honey, of course, at the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association booth:
The Seattle Public Library hopes you’ll be abuzz about reading:
Seattle Police sent four-legged ambassadors from the Mounted Patrol:
The festival is on until 4 pm!
Just three weeks until this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, featuring our area’s only obstacle-course 5K. Here’s one reason to register today instead of waiting until the last minute:
Loop the ‘Lupe director Brian Callanan tells us that he’s putting in the orders for T-shirts today. So to guarantee you get the T-shirt size you’re looking for, sign up before midnight – and if you do, here’s a special one-day-only deal: Use the coupon code SHIRT5 to get a $5 discount on registration! Go here ASAP and use that code. As that page explains, you have five options for the big day – Saturday, June 8, at Walt Hundley Playfield – (34th/Myrtle) with starts between 11 am and 1 pm: Obstacle-course Elite Wave, obstacle-course Family Wave, 5K Fun Run, Senior Saunter, Youth Dash. It’s one big party, with music and food/drink. (WSB is Loop the ‘Lupe’s media sponsor – here’s our coverage from last year.)
We’ve told you before about the Skunk Works Robotics club, serving West Seattle and beyond. There’s an Info Night coming up this week for middle- and high-school students interested, with Skunk Works one of two clubs involved; they asked us to publish this invitation:
Skunk Works Robotics and Tekerz Robotics invite you to an info night on May 16, from 6-8 pm. They are looking for students who will be in grades 8-12 next year to join their competitive robotics teams. Skunk Works began competing in 2007 in FIRST FRC, while the High Tekerz got their start in 2011. Both teams build 125-lb robots that compete on a field about the size of a basketball court.
Competitive robotics teams aren’t only for prospective programmers and engineers! Our teams also need students interested in business and marketing fields like graphic design, writing, social media, photography, and outreach. We also utilize data analytics to determine game play strategy.
Yes, programming, cad design, wiring and shop are also VERY important to creating a competitive robot and we welcome students interested in those areas to visit as well!
If you are interesting in attending please fill out the attached form for further information regarding the location and program. Thank you and we hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to re*********@************83.com
Spring/summer event season has begun! We’re now only four weeks away from the Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K and its companion events. Loop the ‘Lupe happens in the late morning and early afternoon of Saturday, June 8 – starting with the obstacle-course 5K’s Elite Wave at 11 am, continuing with the Family Wave, then the 5K Fun Run, the Senior Saunter, and concluding at 1 pm with the Youth Dash. (Get more info here about all the events.) Lots of fun on the sidelines too at Walt Hundley Playfield, with music, food, and a beer/cider garden. Loop the ‘Lupe raises money for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social-outreach work. If you’re not registered yet, you can fix that by going here right now! (WSB is Loop the ‘Lupe’s media sponsor.)
One of the year’s first festivals is exactly two weeks away – the West Seattle Bee Festival in High Point. Here’s the overview of what’s planned for the festival 9 am-4 pm Saturday, May 18, at Commons Park (home to the West Seattle Bee Garden) and along Lanham Place:
During the noon-4 pm festival, two dozen nonprofits, schools, agencies, and city departments will have informational booths so you can connect with your community. That and the other Bee Festival activities and performances are all free!
SIDE NOTE: You can help get the Bee Garden ready for the festival by volunteering there Sunday morning!
Tomorrow night, you can join West Seattle Runner and Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (both WSB sponsors) for a group run and spotlight on two upcoming running (etc.) events they’re both involved with (and hoping you will be too). From LWPT proprietor Mark Bouma:
Our team at Lake Washington Physical Therapy would like to highlight key events in the West Seattle community that we are supporting over the next few months!
Together with West Seattle Runner, we are once again a supporting sponsor of Float Dodger 5k and Loop The Lupe! To highlight these two community events, join us at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) ahead of their Wednesday night group run on May 1 at 6:15 pm. We will lead the group through a proper race warm-up; there will be race registration discounts, and raffles available for a free Runeasi Running Evaluation at LWPT and WS Runner swag. Stop by West Seattle Runner on May 1st to learn more about these events and mingle with other runners in the community! BONUS: Root Beer Floats will be served after the group run! Here is more info about each of these events:
·Float Dodger 5k: July 20
(WSB photo, 2023 Float Dodger 5K)
Scheduled for July 20, 2024, the annual Float Dodger 5k (presented by WSR) is a highlight of the West Seattle summer calendar, coinciding with the West Seattle Grand Parade. The run starts and ends at Hiawatha Playfield. Waiting at the finish line will be your very own Root Beer Float to enjoy why you grab a seat to watch the West Seattle Grand Parade! LWPT has supported this event for the past three years and all funds raised go directly to the West Seattle Food Bank. For more details and to register, visit Float Dodger 5k.
·Loop the Lupe: June 8
Loop the Lupe is set for June 8, 2024. This obstacle course and fun run, held at Walt Hundley Playfield, features activities for everyone. The variety of events include the Elite Wave Obstacle Course, Family Obstacle Course, 5k Fun Run, Senior Saunter, and Youth Dash. The LWPT team will be at the event to provide a warm-up for racers and to cheer on participants as they near the finish line. LWPT has supported this event for the last 4 years and all funds support the social outreach programs of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Learn more and sign up at Loop the Lupe.
One more note:
Junction FC Official Physical Therapy Provider
West Seattle has our very own USL2 soccer team — Junction FC! When you are at the matches, you’ll see LWPT on the sidelines helping the athletes perform at their best. We have put together a comprehensive injury prevention and performance program that will take Junction FC from preseason through the playoffs. Our team will be utilizing GPS player movement data during training and throughout matches to ensure that the players are performing at their peak. There are many top local college players on the roster who will be playing home matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex starting May 19! You can find more information, purchase tickets, and view their season schedule at Junction FC.
Stay tuned for additional partnerships and events coming up later in the Summer and Fall! For more information about our clinic and to book an appointment online, click here. We are located at: 1309 Harbor Ave SW, Suite A, 206-906-9207.
Looking for something to do indoors now that the weather’s turned drippy? From our very long Saturday highlight list, this is the first day of this weekend’s West Seattle Rock and Gem Show. Every year, members of the West Seattle Rock Club spend the weekend at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds, enter off the parking lot) showing and selling treasures from the Earth:
Admission is free.
The show continues until 5 pm today and again 10 am-5 pm on Sunday!
Summer break is now two months away, and it’s been a while since we reminded you about some local options for camp. When last we spoke with Erin Rubin from Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and Mode Music and Performing Arts, she said they still have some openings, so check it out if your summer’s not yet all booked:
ARE YOU READY TO ROCK WITH MODE MUSIC STUDIOS?!
It’s time for a summer of Rock Bands with Mode Music Studios! We’re offering camps for ages 6-11 and 12+ this time around. Camps run 9-12:00 for our 6-11 crowd and 12:30-2:30 for our 12+. Finish up the week with a Saturday live performance at our favorite neighbor venue, The Skylark, next door!
Turn it into a full day of camp for our 6-11’s by signing up for an afternoon of music and theatre classes at our nonprofit MMPA – keep scrolling for more info and sign up for a rock band at the link below!
MMPA PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN MUSIC AND THEATER SUMMER CAMPS – LET’S GET CREATIVE!
All of our MMPA camps are offered as half and full days at a pay-what you can rate, so they’re accessible to everyone. Half-day camps run 9-12:00 and 12:30-3:30 and are available for grades K-5. Hang with us for lunch in-between and double up for a full day of fun! Don’t miss out on another creative summer with us. Click the link below to sign up!
modemusicandperformingarts.org/camps
10:27 AM: It’s playtime at the West Seattle YMCA (36th/Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) until 1 pm – this year’s Healthy Kids Day is on! The Y’s offering a variety of free activities, membership not required – just show up!
11:42 AM: More photos from our visit! You can take a pic with Pikachu:
Bouncing, too!
Again, the Healthy Kids Day free fun continues until 1 pm.
As school fun(draising) season continue, tomorrow’s your last chance to get a ticket to Prom Through the Ages, an April 27 celebration benefiting cooperative elementary The Bridge School! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Step back in time and dance through the decades with us at The Bridge School Auction: Prom Through the Ages!
Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, fun, and philanthropy. (Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm)
Your ticket includes:
-Admission to the event
-A delectable dinner from Centro Neighborhood Kitchen, featuring a taco bar buffet with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans
-A complimentary alcoholic or specialty beverage courtesy of your drink ticket
-Dress to impress and compete in our prom costume contest (optional)
-Gain exclusive bidding privileges in our electrifying live auction
-Additional drinks will be available for purchase, ensuring the party never stops! Secure your spot now and join us in supporting our school while reliving the magic of prom night. See you on the dance floor!Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm
What: Prom Through The Ages: Live Auction Event to support The Bridge School
When: Saturday, April 27th 6-9 PM
Where: Explorer West Gymnasium
10300 28th Ave SW
We are less than two weeks from the annual Instruments of Change dinner and auction to help the West Seattle Food Bank carry on with its work fighting hunger and homelessness – not just filling bellies, but also providing emergency assistance to keep people from losing their homes.. If you don’t have your ticket(s) yet, last call – today is the deadline! The event is happening Saturday, April 27, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 6 pm, with delicious dinner options (see the menu here) and an inspirational program, including your chance to celebrate this year’s IOC award recipient, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). This is the 17th year for the benefit; if you buy a whole table of tickets (10), you get them at $25 off the $150 price. Whether you want one or 10, you can get your tickets online here. (WSB is media sponsor for IOC.)
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