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Feels like spring already. Welcome it officially Tuesday at Alice’s West Seattle sunset watch
March 17, 2024 4:36 pm
|    Comments Off on Feels like spring already. Welcome it officially Tuesday at Alice’s West Seattle sunset watch
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(Last year’s spring-equinox event)

After a record-for-the-date high temperature Saturday (74) and more 70-degree weather today, you might feel like spring has already arrived. But it’s not here officially until the equinox moment – 8:06 pm Tuesday (March 19) – which will be immediately preceded by an only-in-West Seattle way to celebrate: Change-of-seasons sunset watch with expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen. Alice will be at Solstice Park (uphill from the tennis courts at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) starting at 6:30 pm Tuesday; the official sunset time is 7:22 pm, but the sun is likely to vanish behind the Olympics around 7 pm. Alice has been leading these gatherings for 15+ years, and it’s a fun way both to find out what exactly “equinox” (or solstice, during winter/summer) means, as well as seeing why Solstice Park has its name (being there right at sunset – providing the sun’s not obscured by clouds – is a must).

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EGG HUNTS! This year’s West Seattle lineup (updated)
March 10, 2024 9:58 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(2022 photo of eggs awaiting Fauntleroy Community Association hunt – photo from volunteer Al)

Almost time for a spring tradition. From Fauntleroy to North Delridge, this year families have at least six West Seattle egg hunts to choose from. One even has a chaser of legendary burgers. Here’s what we have so far:

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 – FAUNTLEROY: The Fauntleroy Community Association starts the season on the playground at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 1-2 pm Sunday, March 24. This one will happen in two waves – first the little ones 4 and under, then the older kids. Eggs will contain non-candy “treasures,” promises FCA. And if you can help – “join coordinator Candace Blue and Scott Wiesemann at an egg-stuffing party or help hide the eggs. Email her at blueyvette47@gmail.com for specifics and to volunteer.”

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 – LINCOLN PARK: Eastridge Church is again promising thousands of eggs and inflatables for bouncing when it takes over the park’s south meadow, 10 am. (Fauntleroy Way SW/SW Cloverdale)

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 – CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (4001 44th SW): 10 am, “come enjoy an Easter egg hunt, spring-themed activities, and an Easter Message!”

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 – SEATTLE PARKS & REC: The city is offering three West Seattle egg hunts this year:
–Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), March 30, 10 am
–High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), March 30, 10 am
–Roxhill Park field (29th SW/SW Barton), March 30, noon

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 – OUNCES + DICK’S TRUCK (3809 Delridge Way SW): The annual Beer Garden Easter Egg Hunt is back at Ounces at 3 pm, followed by the Dick’s Drive In burgers-and-shakes truck 4-7 pm. (Update: Ounces says truck canceled – a hot-dog food truck will be there instead)

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 – CHURCHES WITH EGG HUNTS: See our services list for church-by-church specifics and locations:
-Admiral Church
-Alki UCC
-Bethany Community Church
-Fauntleroy UCC
-St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
-West Side Presbyterian Church

Anyone else? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – so we can add you to the list!

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Ever wanted to ride your bicycle on the West Seattle Bridge? Here’s your chance
March 8, 2024 1:12 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(Course map, from Emerald City Ride website)

The westbound West Seattle Bridge will be briefly bicycles-only one morning in May as part of the Cascade Bicycle Club‘s Emerald City Ride. This big in-city ride is returning this year for the first time since pre-pandemic 2019. It usually includes a stretch of major highway infrastructure – past examples have included the Highway 520 floating bridge and I-5 express lanes – and this year for the first time, that’ll be the high bridge. This is set for Sunday, May 5th, a 20-mile route that starts (at 7 am) and ends in the SODO Stadium District, outbound over the West Seattle Bridge and around Alki, to Fauntleroy, through Delridge, then returning over the low bridge. (See the course map here.)

We just talked to Cascade’s executive director Lee Lambert and media-relations manager Paul Tolmé about the ride plan. On the morning of the ride, they’ll close the bridge, plus southbound 99 from the stadium zone to the bridge onramp, from starting at 5:30. Riders start at 7, in waves, and bridge access closes at 8; all riders have to be off the bridge by 9, and the bridge will reopen by 9:30. Those are the only road closures – once off the bridge, Lambert says, it’s “rules of the road,” though he notes, “There’ll be a LOT of bicycles.” How many? Tolmé says they’re expecting at least 2,000 riders; Lambert says they’re capped at 4,000. In addition to the full 20-mile route, there’ll be shorter options, too, 7 to 10 miles. Registration opens next Tuesday (March 12) at 10 am.

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You’re invited! Be one of the ‘Instruments of Change’ celebrating, supporting West Seattle Food Bank
March 7, 2024 5:04 pm
|    Comments Off on You’re invited! Be one of the ‘Instruments of Change’ celebrating, supporting West Seattle Food Bank
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Early-bird discounted tickets are available right now for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s 17th annual Instruments of Change Gala and Auction on April 27th at The Hall at Fauntleroy. From the announcement:

Enjoy an evening of celebration and giving to support the West Seattle Food Bank in their mission to prevent hunger and homelessness for our neighbors.

The West Seattle Food Bank plays a crucial role in providing food, clothing and rental assistance to individuals and families in need throughout West Seattle. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit their programs and help the community.

Tickets for Instruments of Change Gala and Auction are available for purchase online. If you purchase “Early Bird” tickets or a table by March 15, you will save $25 per ticket and be entered into a drawing for a $100 auction credit to use at the event. The final date to register is April 16, but hurry – tickets are limited and sell out fast. If you are unable to attend, but would like to support, you can make a donation on the registration page.

Sponsorship opportunities and auction donations are also available for businesses looking to show their support and give back to the community. West Seattle Food Bank would like to thank this year’s current event sponsors Cascadia Produce and Pet Supplies Plus.

Here’s how the night will unfold:

Happy Hour will begin at 6 pm with hors d’oeuvres and drinks served while guests enjoy games, a photo booth and silent auction. During the dinner and seated program, learn about the impact and accomplishments of the organization thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, through a video by Straight8 Films. The evening will also celebrate this year’s IOC award winner, C & P Coffee, selected by WSFB for their ongoing support. Guests will then have a chance to bid on live auction items including exclusive trips and experiences, then wrap up the evening with a Dessert Dash.

For more information about the Instruments of Change Gala and Auction, including sponsorship opportunities, auction donations or hosting a table, please contact Breanna Bushaw at breanna@westseattlefoodbank.org or 206-686-4521.

We’ve signed on as media sponsor – see you there!

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Food trucks, beer, costumes @ Special Olympics of Washington’s Polar Plunge fundraiser
February 24, 2024 11:55 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

11:55 AM: Alki’s biggest post-holidays winter event is happening now – the Special Olympics of Washington Polar Plunge. The “plunging” doesn’t actually start until 1 pm, but the accompanying food-trucks-and-beer festival is happening now:

We counted 11 trucks – from west to east, Off the Rez, Thai-U-Up, Tabassum, Kathmandu MoMoCha, Whateke, The Cheese Pit, Sam Choy’s Poké to the Max, SeoulBowl, Theo’s Gyros, Alaska Weathervane Scallops.

Sorry, no lineup for the beer garden, but you can buy tokens for tastings:

And heaters are set up!

This is all scheduled to continue until around 4 pm, near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), with a costume contest coming up pre-plunge, shortly after noon.

ADDED 7:06 PM: Thanks to Robert Spears for sending photos from the costume contest and plunging!

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COUNTDOWN: Four days until Polar Plunge ‘winter beach party’ at Alki
February 20, 2024 7:59 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo, past Special Olympics Polar Plunge)

If the forecast holds, it won’t be very “polar” for Saturday’s Special Olympics Washington-benefiting Polar Plunge at Alki. But it’s good news overall for the “winter beach party” that the event promises to be, with a beer garden, food trucks, and costume contest, before all the “plunging” gets going. The party starts near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) at 10 am Saturday (February 24); the costume contest starts around 12:10 pm, and even if you’re not going in the water (that begins at 1 pm), you have a role to play, since the costume judging will be by audience acclaim. If you do want to go in, there’s still time to register online. P.S. The beer garden also offers a tasting experience – tickets are available in advance online here.

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RETURNING: Date set for 2024 West Seattle 5K. Sponsor search on now!
February 15, 2024 1:03 pm
|    Comments Off on RETURNING: Date set for 2024 West Seattle 5K. Sponsor search on now!
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(2023 photo by David Hutchinson)

Another signature springtime event has confirmed it’s returning this year – the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki. And the sponsor search is happening now. Here’s the announcement we received:

West Seattle High School and the PTSA are excited to announce the 2024 West Seattle 5K – Sunday, May 19.

All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K will provide funding for West Seattle High School to provide classroom tools, books, supplies, and much more to its students and teachers. The West Seattle High School PTSA is a 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to encourage its students’ potential.

Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K over the previous 13+ years. Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat course, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. The West Seattle 5K website (westseattle5K.com) is live.

So is the search for sponsors – the earlier you sign up, the better, so sponsors can be listed on posters, flyers, race T-shirts, etc. If you’re interested, contact Kelley O’Connor or Athena Frederick at sponsorwshs5k@gmail.com or 425-894-8641. (WSB has been a sponsor every year and expect to repeat this year too.)

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Two non-football events for Super Bowl Sunday
February 9, 2024 8:41 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Two non-football events for Super Bowl Sunday
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Both of these West Seattle Sunday events are before The Big Game, so you can go to one or both and watch football too:

FAMILY DISCO PARTY: 10 am Sunday at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center (6000 16th SW), the West Seattle Cooperative Preschools present a community “Family Disco Party.” It’s a full hour of all-ages dancing with DJ Baby Van Beezly (and glow sticks!). Tickets are $10/person; all proceeds go to the Co-op Preschool Scholarship Fund and community parent-education programming. The campus café will be open special hours before and after the dance party for breakfast/brunch treats and coffee/beverages. Tickets are available online – go here.

FAT SUNDAY PARTY: Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) invites everyone to come celebrate the Sunday before Fat Tuesday with a New Orleans lunch and jazz concert – free! Lunch is at 11:30 am, music with Tobi Stone and friends is at 12:30 pm. On the menu: make-your-own muffaletta bar, red beans and rice (sausage optional), virgin hurricanes, and King Cake. No admission charge but do RSVP here.

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Co-Op Preschools’ new family event to raise scholarship money
January 31, 2024 9:42 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

West Seattle Cooperative Preschools are launching a new event this year to raise money for scholarships so more kids can attend preschool: A community “Family Disco Party.”

They’re hoping to host hundreds of kids (and their parents, grandparents, guardians, whoever wants to come along) from 10 am-11 am Sunday, February 11, for an hour of all-ages dancing with DJ Baby Van Beezly (and glow sticks!) at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center. “Get the wiggles out before the Big Game!” is the invitation. Tickets are $10/person; all proceeds go to the Co-op Preschool Scholarship Fund and community parent-education programming. The campus café will also be open special hours before and after the dance party for breakfast/brunch treats and coffee/beverages. Tickets are on sale now – go here.

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YOU CAN HELP: 4 weeks until Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge fun(draiser) at Alki
January 27, 2024 3:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from February 2020 Polar Plunge at Alki)

Four weeks from today, Alki Beach will be the site of a daylong celebration raising money for Special Olympics Washington, and you’re invited. Here’s the latest information:

The Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge, a Seattle tradition, will take place on Saturday, February 24. The annual Winter Beach Party unites supporters from the area to ‘Get Cold for a Cause’. This year’s event promises something for everyone, whether plunging into the cold waters or joining in the festivities to cheer on participants.

Attendees can expect a full-on beach party with DJs, beach games, a beer garden, food trucks, costume contests, and more! Individual and team registrants are encouraged to raise donations in support of Special Olympics Washington athletes. As they raise funds, they can also earn prizes including airline vouchers and pizza party gift cards for the top individual and team fundraisers.

Proceeds from the Polar Plunge support Special Olympics Washington’s Beyond Gold Initiatives, enabling life-changing and inclusive programs for thousands of Washington athletes while ensuring their participation comes at no cost to them.

Get an inside look into the lives of Special Olympians by exploring the story of Brook Ayers, a local athlete from the Seattle area. Brook is one of over 11,900 participants in Special Olympics Washington, directly supported by funds raised through the Polar Plunge. Her journey embodies the spirit of the games and highlights the significant impact of these donations. Discover her inspiring story here.

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 24 at Alki Beach & Bathhouse. The costume contest will begin at 12:10 p.m., with winners awarded based on crowd response. Polar Plunging starts at 1:00 p.m., with soup and hot chocolate stations to warm up afterward. For more information, and to register, visit PolarPlungeWA.com.

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Got little one(s)? Three places to play indoors, free
January 8, 2024 7:37 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

If you’d like a dry indoor place for your little one(s) to play this winter – here are three West Seattle options:

That’s the sanctuary at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau), which is restarting its first indoor playspace program tomorrow, for the first time since pre-pandemic. Pastor Shaun Mattson sent the photo and the announcement:

Essentially we are inviting Moms, Dads, caregivers to come on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-12 pm to bring their little ones, and to have a place to play and connect with others in the cold and rainy seasons. It’s free to anyone and everyone. Just hoping the space can be a gift to the neighborhood. One change for now is we will be opening the sanctuary up as the play area as we are still trying to rebuild and repair things from the fire last spring.

That’s one of three West Seattle places offering free indoor drop-in playspaces open to the entire community. One of the other two, at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), reopened today:

The Salvation Army Seattle White Center Community Center will be hosting a Toddler Gym again this winter! This service will be free to the community and will provide a space for little ones to run around outside of the rain with some toys, mats, and slides.

What: Toddler Gym Playtime for ages 1-6 years old. Parent supervision is required.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3 pm-5 pm. Monday 1/8, currently planned to end at the beginning of April.

The third opportunity has been ongoing once a week for a while, Friday mornings 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), for kids 5 and under and their caregivers. These programs are all drop-in but NOT drop-off – caregivers must stay with the kids. Others? Let us know!

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VIDEO: Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim 2024, brief and brisk
January 1, 2024 12:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

There’s no simple way to count the number of people who join in the Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim – but this year just might have been the biggest yet by one measure: As we arrived in the area by car about 25 minutes before the 10 am start, parking was bumper-to-bumper further out than we’ve seen it before. And even after the official “swim,” some were still showing up belatedly and plunging in on their own. Above, our view from the center of the lineup, including the countdown; below, our view from the east edge:

Some lingered in the water for a photo op:

It was also a way to close out the holiday season:

We saw dinosaurs:

Dalmatians:

And politicians:

(That’s former U.S. Attorney and current State Attorney General candidate Nick Brown with 34th District State Senator Joe Nguyễn, both West Seattleites.) Organizer Mark Ufkes counted down the crowd by bullhorn and then joined them in the water:

His invitation to write down what you’re letting go for 2023 and your hopes for 2024 had some takers:

After all, today’s the day to retake the wheel and be the captain of your destiny:

Final note – this year’s air temperature was 41 degrees, 10 degrees below the water temperature.

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Laughing for Leopards: Comedy show January 11 to benefit Lafayette Elementary PTA
December 29, 2023 10:23 am
|    Comments Off on Laughing for Leopards: Comedy show January 11 to benefit Lafayette Elementary PTA
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Cozy Comedy, run by two West Seattleites who produce shows here and around the region, has big news:

We have our FIRST charity comedy show coming up on January 11, 2024, benefiting the Lafayette PTA! Cozy Comedy will not be making a penny of profit from this show; all proceeds are going to the Lafayette PTA. Otter on the Rocks has graciously agreed to let us have an additional evening of entertainment in their business for this great cause!

Tickets are available at this link – eventbrite.com/e/laughing-for-leopards-comedy-fundraiser-for-lafayette-pta-tickets-759136446547
Date and Time – Thursday, January 11, 7 pm show start!
Where: Otter on the Rocks, West Seattle
Benefitting the Lafayette PTA

Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral) is one of the venues where Cozy Comedy – whose backstory we told last year – presents shows each

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FOLLOWUP: Winter Wander 2023 congratulations, gratitude – and clues/solutions revealed
December 21, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Winter Wander 2023 congratulations, gratitude – and clues/solutions revealed
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Again this holiday season, we told you several times about the Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, organized by Alice Kuder as a fun community event and a boost for local businesses. Alice has sent us her report on how it all turned out:

Now that the snowflakes have settled from this year’s Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, I’d like to thank the 128 teams of West Seattle Wanderers who sneered at the rain and rejoiced in the sun to embrace the challenge.

Over the course of the 10 days, players scouted out 15 local businesses and 10 decorated homes (above, the Berkowitz-Vargas home) to snap and submit 733 selfies! Altogether, Wanderers racked up 1,407 entries into the prize bag drawing.

Prize donations from local businesses filled four duffle bags with approximately $200 worth of merchandise in each one. The three lucky teams to win the duffles by means of random drawing are: (including those shown above and below) Team Murray, Tata Tochter Time, and Puzzling Pete.

Many teams donated to the local food bank and Toys for Tots to earn extra entries into the prize drawing.

The $100 Grand Prize went to Paxton Phillips (above) for earning the highest number of entries. He accumulated 81 points by solving all 25 clues, submitting a team selfie, and donating 23 cans of food.

This was the fourth year for the Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt. REALTOR® and owner of Just in Case, LLC, Alice Kuder, is the originator and orchestrator of this free annual event. She hopes it is already becoming a West Seattle holiday tradition for all community members to anticipate and enjoy. Winter Wander 2024 will run from December 6-15.

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped make Winter Wander a reality, including Randy Winn, Shelley Barouh, Dora-Faye Hendricks, Malu Santos, Robert Peckyno, Alyssa Granlund, Mic Christian, Laura Berkowitz, Nathan Rasmussen, Pam Phillips and the many community members who hosted yard signs in their front yards.

Following is a list of the 15 local businesses who enthusiastically participated in Winter Wander 2023 and the associated clues. How many could you have solved?

Clue: Feathered flyers daily roam, for carbs and coffee at this home
Solution: The Birdhouse

Clue: Shop online, shop in store, consign your goods for sports galore
Solution: Second Gear Sports

Clue: Fine French pastry you will see at this Junction patisserie
Solution: Panterelli Patisserie

Clue: Surfing and cycling never stop at West Seattle’s oldest bike shop
Solution: Alki Bike and Board

Clue: We shall bake with gluten no more, at the sign of the aerial pinafore
Solution: Flying Apron Bakery and Cafe

Clue: Your morning drink, we will prepare, no need to stop and brush your hair
Solution: Bedhead Coffee

Clue: This Junction restaurant is sure to please, its haute cuisine is classic Lebanese
Solution: Phoenecia

Clue: If you don’t like your flab, and you want to get fit, then our awesome lab is the place you should hit.
Solution: HIIT Lab

Clue: Looking to sell? Looking to buy? Her groovy clothes are hip and fly
Solution: Funky Jane’s Consignment

Clue: Whether you’re a lefty or not, these guys will cut your hair right.
Solution: Southpaw Barber Shop

Clue: Roses are red, violets are blue, the lights on our cars are red and blue, too
Solution: SW Precinct, SPD

Clue: If you’re going round in circles, and you don’t have time to think, those funny shoes should clue you in, you’re at the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Solution: Southgate Roller Rink

Clue: Work at your own pace in our flexible office space
Solution: West Seattle Coworking

Clue: For food and drink, when you want to go out, find the sign with the bird and umlaut
Solution: Locol Kitchen and Bar

Clue: If on cider you are focused, head to Alki to the _ _ _ _ _ _
Solution: Locust Cider

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REMINDER: Pancakes and Santa on Saturday morning!
December 1, 2023 8:39 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

One more reminder that a longtime local holiday tradition returns tomorrow morning – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle looks forward to serving you pancakes on Saturday morning! Their Community Pancake Breakfast is back, 7-11 am at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), with pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, coffee, at a bargain price – $8 online (go here), $10 at the door, kids under 10 free when accompanied by a paying adult! Santa will be there for photos, and you can bring Toys For Tots donations if you have new, unwrapped toys to give. It’s a Kiwanis Club fundraiser for their youth programs. They’re also having an online silent auction through Tuesday – items include some cool local business gift cards.

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COUNTDOWN: One week until 2023 Winter Wander scavenger hunt
November 23, 2023 7:02 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One week until 2023 Winter Wander scavenger hunt
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

While you’re hanging out with family and/or friends tonight, you might ask if anybody wants to join up with you on a team for this year’s Winter Wander scavenger hunt. It starts one week from tomorrow – 5 pm Friday, December 1st. But there are incentives to signing your team early! Here’s how “scavenger hunt architect” – Winter Wander’s inventor/coordinator – Alice Kuder describes it:

The fourth annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt will run from 5 pm Friday, December 1st to 7 pm Sunday, December 10th. While intended primarily as a gift to the West Seattle community, the event is free to everyone of all ages. Instructions for this year’s hunt are available for download at bit.ly/winter-wander (full url is wondersinaliceland.com/winter-wander). Clues to the locations of 15 local businesses and five private homes are provided in a Bingo-style clue sheet which will be posted at the same online location at 4 pm December 1st. Wanderers who submit selfies in front of the correct solutions will be entered into a drawing for duffle bags filled with gift cards and swag from local businesses. A $100 Grand Prize will be awarded to the team that earns the most points during the hunt. Extra points are awarded for donations to West Seattle and White Center Food Banks, as well as Toys for Tots. Register your team at bit.ly/winter-wander. Registration before noon on December 1st to earn extra points.

77 teams signed up last year – more than triple the year before; here’s Alice’s 2022 Winter Wander recap.

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COUNTDOWN: Four nights away from tropical fun at ParrotHeads Rainbow Bingo
November 13, 2023 8:55 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Four nights away from tropical fun at ParrotHeads Rainbow Bingo
 |   Fun stuff to do | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

It’s at the very least an excuse to wear an aloha shirt here in the heart of almost-winter. Friday night, get tropical with the Rotary Club of West Seattle at their fall fundraiser, playing ParrotHeads Rainbow Bingo with legendary bingo leader Sylvia O’Stayformore, plus music paying tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett. All are welcome, not just club members. Yes, there will be margaritas (among other cocktails). It’s happening at the West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), 5:30 pm, and you can buy ticket(s) here. Proceeds support the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation‘s many community projects, including scholarships.

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Before Thanksgiving, you’re invited to Friendsgiving with Mode Music & Performing Arts!
October 23, 2023 9:22 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Thanksgiving is one month away. The week before, you can make sure more kids have access to arts education by showing up for Friendsgiving, a party benefiting Mode Music & Performing Arts. This invitation explains what it’s all about:

Join us for a Friendsgiving Fundraiser on November 17th with live music, delicious dinner, local libations, and a heartwarming live auction to support Mode Music & Performing Arts‘ accessible arts programs!

Friendsgiving will be hosted on Friday, November 17th, 2023, 5:30 pm – 10 pm, at SoDo Park, located at 3200 1st Ave S. Our evening, emceed by KEXP DJ Troy Nelson, will be filled with Herban Feast catering, local drinks, student and teacher performances, plus a live musical performance by Tio Nacho’s House.

Mode Music & Performing Arts (MMPA) was founded by Erin Rubin in 2017 to provide accessible arts education programs for students in the greater Seattle area, from West Seattle and beyond. MMPA’s programming includes after-school arts enrichment, in-school arts programs, pay-what-you-can group classes and camps, and private-lesson scholarships for music instruction.

“I’ve always known there was a need for accessible arts education in our area as I saw the inequity in private one-on-one music lessons over the years as a music instructor. My goal in starting MMPA was to meet the students and families where they are, whether that be financially with scholarships and pay-what-you-can classes and camps, or meeting them directly after school to bridge transportation limitations,” Erin says. “Our team works hard to provide quality education taught by local, professional artists with little to no barriers. We are so happy to have the support of the community in our outreach so far.”

Want to make an immediate impact? We are actively recruiting both event sponsors and donors for auction items. Sponsor and donor information as well as tickets can be found at www.modemusicandperformingarts.org.

Mode Music and Performing Arts is a nonprofit arts organization offering innovative arts education programs promoting confidence, social awareness, equity, and empathy in our students and community.

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COUNTDOWN: One week until The Junction’s Halloween celebration, with costume parade and candy
October 22, 2023 11:56 am
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One week until The Junction’s Halloween celebration, with costume parade and candy
 |   Fun stuff to do | Halloween | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

One week from today, while the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be in its usual spot on California SW between Alaska and Oregon, an extra block will be closed for The Junction’s Halloween celebration. To recap, the West Seattle Junction Association decided, starting this year, to split what had been the Harvest Festival into two events – the Fall Festival, with a variety of games and activities, happened four weeks ago, and Halloween in The Junction, with a costume parade and trick-or-treating, happens next Sunday (October 29th). It’s set for 11 am-2 pm, kicking off with the costume parade starting at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), led by the West Seattle High School Band as in years past. Then at noon, the Seattle Thrillers will perform. An extra block of California SW, from Alaska to Edmunds, will be closed to vehicle traffic; you’ll find trick-or-treating and activity booths there (as well as treats offered throughout Downtown West Seattle by businesses). See you in The Junction next Sunday!

P.S. This and other business-district-trick-or-treat events – along with other Halloween-season events – are listed on our West Seattle Halloween Guide page.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Log House Museum ‘Family Day’ on Saturday spotlights Longfellow Creek’s beavers
October 20, 2023 7:41 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Log House Museum ‘Family Day’ on Saturday spotlights Longfellow Creek’s beavers
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Among the many options you have this weekend – the Log House Museum welcomes you to a special event Saturday afternoon – in case you haven’t seen this in our calendar, here’s the announcement:

This Saturday we celebrate Fall by celebrating the beaver families that live along Longfellow Creek – the subject of our ongoing exhibit t?awi: Creek of Hope! Stop by the Log House Museum from 12 – 4 for free, family-friendly crafts, complimentary cider, build your own dam, and enjoy an interactive display of a beaver lodge!!

The Log House Museum is at 61st and Stevens in Alki.

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FAUNTLEROY NOTES: Festival recap; pumpkin search Saturday; salmon drumming Sunday
October 18, 2023 10:49 pm
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 |   Fauntleroy | Fun stuff to do | Halloween

Three Fauntleroy notes:

(WSB photo, cake-contest entries, last Sunday)

FALL FESTIVAL RECAP: On behalf of the volunteer organizers of the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, held this past Sunday (WSB coverage here), Ben Weagraff tells us the light rain didn’t get in the way of a good time:

This year, we estimate that the crowds were comparable to the year before. We feel comfortable saying that we had over 1,000 people. We built almost 500 birdhouses and painted almost 800 pumpkins. We also welcomed more than 100 community volunteers to help make the event possible.

The most noteworthy thing was from 24 Carrot Parties (the bunny people) – she said that she had never seen such well-mannered children at a community event this large. Usually at an event like this, they have some “behavioral challenges” and are worried about their bunnies — but that wasn’t the case with our children and our neighbors.

To make planning easier for all of our vendors, we agreed to Save the Date for October 20, 2024 for next year’s festival.

PUMPKIN SEARCH: This Saturday (October 21st), the Fauntleroy Community Association invites you to this year’s Great Pumpkin Search. Volunteers will hide pumpkins around the Endolyne Triangle area: “There will be little pumpkins, easy to find for the little ones, and larger pumpkins for the grown-ups who come. As a bonus, there will be special pumpkins and holiday gifts to find in various locations. This is a first-come, first-served event so don’t wait too long.” This is set for 1 to 3 pm.

(WSB file photo, youngest participants in past salmon-drumming event)

SALMON DRUMMING SUNDAY: It’s almost time for the coho to come home. Every fall, the Fauntleroy Watershed Council gathers community members to drum and sing by the creek to welcome them. The more voices, and drums, the better. It’s a short, fun, memorable gathering – bring whatever you want to use for a drum, or just bring yourself (and family members neighbors …). This happens 4 to 4:30 pm Sunday (October 22); just go to upper Fauntleroy Way at SW Director and follow the drumbeats down a driveway to the gathering spot.

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COUNTDOWN: 11 days until West Seattle Monster Dash 2023
October 17, 2023 8:46 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | Halloween | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(West Seattle Monster Dash photo – this is its mascot ‘Monster’)

If you haven’t already seen this year’s West Seattle Monster Dash in the WSB Event Calendar, organizers want to be sure you know you’re invited to this truly fun run! Here’s the reminder they asked us to share with you – still time to get a pre-race-day registration discount:

Join us this year for the 12th annual Monster Dash fundraiser to benefit South Seattle College’s Cooperative Preschool Program! This event is a costumed 5K trail run/walk, Kids Dash, and Kids Zone featuring games, activities, and prizes. Paid registration includes a T-shirt featuring our iconic Monster (all races) and bib with timing chip (5K only). Jogging strollers welcome; please leave pets at home.

Monster Dash 5K and Kids Dash
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
9:30 am 5K/10:30 am Kids Dashes

$40 Adult 5K Registration ($45 on race day)
$15 Kids Dash Registration ($20 on race day)

Register: runsignup.com/Race/WA/Seattle/WestSeattleMonsterDash
Donate: runsignup.com/Race/Donate/WA/Seattle/WestSeattleMonsterDash

Packet Pickup Event:
Thursday, October 26, 3-6 pm
West Seattle Runner
2743 California Ave SW, Suite 101

All funds raised benefit the SSCC Parent Advisory Council’s program-wide initiatives, including outreach, equity, and tuition assistance.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Got something for our guide?
October 8, 2023 4:09 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Got something for our guide?
 |   Fun stuff to do | Halloween | West Seattle news

As usual, we’re assembling a Halloween guide, with info on events between now and The Big Night, as well as decoration displays. So if you haven’t already sent us info on your event/display, here’s your invitation! Best way is via email – westseattleblog@gmail.com. If that doesn’t work for you, texting is OK too – 206-293-6302. We’re publishing the guide in a few days, and we’ll continue adding to it – in the meantime, Halloween events also can be found in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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