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SATURDAY: ‘Ham radio’s open house’ returns to West Seattle for Field Day 2023
June 22, 2023 1:06 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | Preparedness | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Field Day 2018)

For 24 hours this weekend, 11 am Saturday to 11 am Sunday, the north side of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus will again become a ham-radio hub for the annual Field Day. And it’s all open to the public – you can stop by, observe, participate, and, as organizers explain, “learn more about emergency preparedness, community engagement and service through communication, and the wide world of ham radio!” This is an annual event known as “ham radio’s open house” – and it’s nationwide, as organizers explain:

Field Day is part show-and-tell, part preparedness exercise, and part nationwide contest, aimed at sharpening technical skills and growing the hobby of amateur radio generally. Members will join thousands of other stations set up in fields and remote locations across the country for a weekend of on-air operation. This event is meant to mimic operations in an emergency situation, like an earthquake, where power, internet and cellphone service might be interrupted.

Look for antennas, trailers, and tents in and around the SSC north parking lot and field (6000 16th SW). Field Day is organized locally by Puget Sound Repeater Group and West Seattle Amateur Radio Club. You can see the detailed schedule of events by going here.

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SUNDAY PREVIEW: What’s been added to Morgan Junction’s 2 big events
June 17, 2023 8:32 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Tomorrow’s forecast has improved from “rain” to “chance of showers” – but both of Morgan Junction’s big Sunday events are “rain or shine,” and we have extra info about both.

PRIDE MARCH: The first big event is at 11 am Sunday, the Pride March presented by Autumn and Monica, owners of Youngstown Coffee, HeartBeet Organic Superfoods Café, and Launchpad. Here’s their update:

Our 4th annual Pride March in Morgan Junction is happening rain or shine on Sunday, June 18th Meet up at the starting point Morgan Junction Park (next to Beveridge Place) at 11 am. Our first-ever grand marshals – Stacy and Jolie, founders/organizers of Alki Beach Pride – will lead the way on this easy 3-block walk up to Findlay and back down California, where we’ll end at Youngstown Coffee for a Pride celebration. We’ll be offering specials on our menu and special treats to raise funds for Alki Beach Pride.

We’ve partnered with Paper Boat Booksellers for a Pride Edition story time led by local nanny Ms. Lacey. Story time starts at 12:30 inside the bookstore. Bring your little ones for story time.

MORGAN JUNCTION COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: 1-4 pm Sunday, also at Morgan Junction Park, presented by the Morgan Community Association. We’ve previewed the entertainment lineup; here are three more things you should know about:

Seattle Parks continues to work on the adjacent new Morgan Junction Park plan. The design firm Board & Vellum along and Parks’ project manager are excited to be participating in the Morgan Junction Community Festival. Be sure to stop by their booth to reconfirm the park design and provide input on additional features. After the Festival, Seattle Parks will host an online survey to gather input from people unable to attend the event.

Also, Let the Kids Skate Morgan Junction will offer basic skateboard instruction during festival hours and will hold a Best Trick Contest starting at 4:00 pm. Look for the signs.

The festival’s participating nonprofits plan interactive kids’ activities, including this one from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:

(Photo by Clay Eals; inscriptions by Shari Sewell)

SWSHS’s Clay Eals explains, “The activity is for kids to paint decorated stones that promote the Save the Stone Cottage campaign. Kids will be able to paint the reverse side of the rocks.” SWSHS and other participating organizations will all have booths/tables in the park. See you in Morgan Junction on Sunday!

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Student-organized car show at WSHS
June 17, 2023 1:39 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

As noted in our daily preview, the second annual West Seattle High School Car Show organized by the car club calling themselves the Greasy Peeps is happening today.

Lively scene despite the weather! 46 cars as of 1 pm. Among them – the hearse from Emmick Family Funeral Home (WSB sponsor):

It’s on until 3 pm outside the northwest side of the school at 3000 California SW.

(If you’re driving there, you can still park in the south part of the lot.)

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VIDEO: Laps With Lou 2023, to help make wishes come true
June 17, 2023 10:57 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

10:57 AM: In the blue T-shirt, with a bright smile, that’s Lou Cutler, the retired PE teacher who celebrates his birthday every year by raising money to help kids’ dreams come true via Make-A-Wish – one lap around the Pathfinder K-8 track for every year of his life (72 so far).

This year for the first time, Laps With Lou is happening on a weekend, so it’s open to whoever shows up rather than an all-school Pathfinder turnout. Here’s the stalwart crew out on the field with him in the early going:

We have just headed back up to Pigeon Point to check on his progress. Meantime, you’re welcome to go join him for one or more laps – and to donate via his fundraising page; Lou’s also donated time by volunteering with the organization for many years.

NOON: When we returned, Lou had already finished three-fourths of his laps, so this isn’t likely to last until 2 pm as previously projected. We did catch his planned break to express appreciation to everyone:

The young man who was with Lou in the video, Jacob Marzynski, was the recipient of what we’re told are 275 wishes – so far – in which Lou has been involved over his years of involvement with Make-A-Wish.

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COUNTDOWN: One month until Seafair Pirates Landing on Alki
June 8, 2023 2:52 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2022 Seafair Pirates Landing)

Between news updates, we’re also checking in on big summer events – many of which are happening in July. Today, we’re noting that the Seafair Pirates Landing on Alki is exactly one month away. According to Seafair, the Pirates are expected to arrive on the beach around 1:30 pm Saturday, July 8th (which is two weeks before their expected visit by land during the West Seattle Grand Parade). Just be on the beach by the Bathhouse and listen for the cannon fire offshore that usually warns of the Pirates’ approach.

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WEEKEND SCENE: Gatewood Elementary Gator Fair
June 3, 2023 12:15 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Brandy for the photo! Another event happening right now, spotlighted in our daily list, the Gator Fair at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle). Brandy notes, “Lots of booths, music, prizes, and fun. Goes until 2:30 pm. All welcome!” Indoor science fair and art walk too.

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WEEKEND SCENE: West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club fishing pond for kids
June 3, 2023 9:27 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

This morning, the fishing action at Seacrest is on the pier instead of from the pier. Until 11 am, kids under 14 are welcome to try their luck – poles provided – at the portable pond the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club has set up and stocked with trout:

This is an annual tradition that the club offers as a chance for kids to learn about fishing, free. Seacrest is at 1660 Harbor SW (home of the Water Taxi, Alki Kayak Tours, and Marination ma kai).

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COUNTDOWN: One week until our area’s only obstacle-course 5K – and more – at Loop the ‘Lupe 2023!
May 27, 2023 3:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo from Loop the ‘Lupe)

With relatively few scheduled events this holiday weekend, we’ll be previewing some of what’s ahead in June. First up, Loop the ‘Lupe is just one week away, on Saturday, June 3rd. This fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social-service community work is the one and only event of its kind – with your participation options including an obstacle course! This time, two options are offered: An “elite wave” for participants 16+, with two extra obstacles, and the “family wave.” Other options: 5K fun run, Senior Saunter, and Youth Dash. It’s one big party, also with live music, BBQ, and a beer garden, at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle, next door to OLG). Event starts are staggered between 11 am and 1 pm. Not registered yet? Go here! (WSB is a community co-sponsor for Loop the ‘Lupe.)

P.S. If you also want to run/walk the July 22nd Float Dodger 5K, you can register for both together right now and get $5 off each event’s registration fee!

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INVITATION: Show your wheels at West Seattle High School’s student-organized car show
May 24, 2023 8:54 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

They’re a student car club calling themselves the Greasy Peeps, and they’re inviting you to be part of the second annual car show they’re organizing at West Seattle High School:

Student organizers say it’ll happen noon-3 pm on Saturday, June 17th. If you’re showing a vehicle, check-in is at 11 am. Entry fee is $10 if you’re participating in the show ($5 for students); spectators are free. They’re planning to give awards this year and expecting a food truck. Motorcycles, vans, and buses are welcome too. You’re asked to pre-register your vehicle by using this form.

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WEST SEATTLE 5K: Updates – and a call for volunteers – as Sunday’s big event approaches
May 17, 2023 12:43 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE 5K: Updates – and a call for volunteers – as Sunday’s big event approaches
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Our weekend previews are starting early this week, because of multiple big events! First, just four days are left until the first West Seattle 5K since 2019. Sunday morning’s race is presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA as a fundraiser. As such, it’s volunteer-powered, and that’s the first update we have:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Road guards for street closures, water-table helpers, set-up and tear-down supporters are all needed. If you might be able to help, please email organizers ASAP at westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.

REGISTRATION, PACKET PICKUP, RACE-DAY SCHEDULE: Here’s the latest:

Packet Pickup – this Saturday, May 20, 12-5 pm
You may pick up your bib, shirt and timing chip on Saturday at West Seattle Runner, 2743 California Avenue SW

Last-Minute Registration – Packet pick-up and registration are also available on the day of the event, starting at 8:30 AM near the Alki Bathhouse. Cash or check accepted but using the registration website with your credit card is preferred – you can do that now here.

Race Day Schedule:
8:30-9:15 am: Day-of-event registration
9:10 am: Pre-race warm-up
9:30 am: 5K Run/Walk starts
8:30 to 11:30 am: Visit our sponsor booths and enjoy student music

STREET CLOSURES: A reminder that Alki/Harbor Avenues along the race route – 61st/Alki to Anchor/Luna Park and back – will be closed to vehicle traffic as early as 8 am on Sunday, and will reopen once the course clears (historically, by 11 am).

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COUNTDOWN: Less than 3 weeks until Loop the ‘Lupe 2023!
May 14, 2023 4:00 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Less than 3 weeks until Loop the ‘Lupe 2023!
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2019 Loop the ‘Lupe)

We’re now entering the three-month heart of major spring/summer event season. Right now, a quick reminder that Loop the ‘Lupe is now less than three weeks away, on Saturday, June 3rd. The centerpiece of this benefit for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social-service work in the community is an obstacle course – and this year, you have two options. An “elite wave” is for participants 16+ and will have two extra obstacles; then comes the “family wave.” The day is rounded out with a fun run, Senior Saunter, and Youth Dash. All the activities, plus live music, BBQ, and a beer garden, are happening on Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle). If you’re not already registered for one or more of the events, today’s a great day to do it – here’s how. (WSB is a community co-sponsor for Loop the ‘Lupe.)

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WEST SEATTLE SUMMER: Alki Point Lighthouse tour season starts later this month
May 9, 2023 5:45 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Debra Alderman)

This summer, thanks to U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, weekly tours will again be offered at a West Seattle icon – Alki Point Lighthouse. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:

Visit Alki Point Lighthouse and celebrate its 110th birthday during 2023!

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers will be offering free lighthouse tours most Sunday afternoons between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. (No tours July 2nd.).

First visitors enter the site at 1 p.m. Last tour begins at 3:45.

Address: 3201 Alki Avenue SW

Questions: alkilighthouseteam@gmail.com

You can also check here for updates, and watch our Sunday event lists.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until West Seattle 5K returns
May 7, 2023 4:35 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB file photo)

Two weeks from today, Alki Avenue will be filled with runners and walkers out for the first West Seattle 5K since 2019! Sunday, May 21st, is the day that the West Seattle High School PTSA is bringing back the scenic walk/run that takes you along the beach and shore to raise money for helping the school’s students and staff. It’ll start at 9:30 am, rain or shine, strollers and leashed dogs allowed, all ages; plan to get to the beach (61st/Alki vicinity) by 9:10 for the pre-race warm-up. You can register right now online; some registration levels still have early-bird rates in effect.

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Scenes from second-ever West Seattle Art Hop & Shop!
May 6, 2023 12:37 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Been to any of the West Seattle Art Hop & Shop stops yet? As we’ve been previewing, you have 25 options for places to visit and see art as well as the artists who made it, with multiple artists hosted at most stops. We went to the collection of studios known as The Building in lower Gatewood – where you’ll find art throughout, well, the building – work by Stephen Rock is in this stairwell, for example:

Artists there for the Art Hop & Shop include Kelly Marshall:

And Nichole DeMent:

The Building is at 4316 SW Othello. From there, we hopped over to C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor):

Art that you can see and shop there includes paintings by Skye Shadow:

West Seattle Art Hop & Shop continues until 5 pm today, with endless opportunities to browse and buy (need a Mother’s Day gift?). You can decide where to explore via either (or both!) of these two map versions – online, here (click on any location and it’ll open bubbles with artists and samples of their work) and printable, here. This is an all-volunteer event; organizers say they “wanted to create an event that showcases every artist and everything that makes them unique.”

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COUNTDOWN: 2 days until 2nd West Seattle Art Hop & Shop, with 25 stops to hop between
May 4, 2023 4:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Art fans, you ready? Saturday brings the second-ever West Seattle Art Hop & Shop, with 25 locations around the peninsula showing and selling work by nearly 100 artists! Many are artists’ studios, not usually open to the public, so this is a rare chance to see behind the scenes. The printable map is here; the clickable online map is here; a 4-minute video preview of all the artists, organized by map stop, is here. Hop to as many stops as you’d like, even all 25 – no admission charge. Art Hop & Shop hours on Saturday (May 6th) will be 10 am to 5 pm.

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CONTINUING SUNDAY: West Seattle Rock and Gem Show
April 29, 2023 9:05 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Our two days of almost-summery weather are ending, and clouds are due back tomorrow, with a slight chance of rain. So if you didn’t go to the West Seattle Rock and Gem Show today, you might consider visiting tomorrow. The big community room off the Alki Masonic Center‘s lot is brimming with sights to see:

The West Seattle Rock Club has presented this show for more than half a century – though that’s just a blink in the geological time that many of these specimens represent:

Demonstrations, activities, and a chance to learn about rocks are all part of the event. If you want to take home a souvenir, here’s one option:

The venue is on the northeast corner of 40th and Edmunds. Admission’s free, and show hours are the same tomorrow as they were today – 10 am to 5 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: YMCA brings back Healthy Kids Day
April 29, 2023 10:35 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

10:35 AM: All ages are welcome at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) Healthy Kids Day celebration that’s happening right now – even prehistoric! The free mini-festival is on, full strength with indoor activities, until 1 pm, on the West Seattle Y’s main campus at 3622 SW Snoqualmie in The Triangle. More photos later!

ADDED 12:24 PM: More of what’s happening:

Healthy Kids Day is an annual event held at multiple Y locations around the region.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: A gem of an event
April 28, 2023 5:38 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

The World’s Fossils and Minerals – which had show/sales in a local driveway during the pandemic, and has since opened a SODO shop – sent us the pic because they’ll be part of this weekend’s West Seattle Rock and Gem Show. All ages are invited to come see the rocks and gems on display, plus demonstrations and kids’ activities, during this annual event at Alki Masonic Center, 40th/Edmunds in The Junction. This is a long-running West Seattle attraction – the 55th presented by the West Seattle Rock Club! Admission is free.

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RETURNING: Healthy Kids Day brings free fun to West Seattle YMCA on April 29
April 21, 2023 9:48 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Before we get to today’s preview list, a reason to set your calendar for next Saturday (April 29th) – the fun, free Healthy Kids Day is back at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor). From 10 am-1 pm, kids are welcome on the Y’s grounds in The Triangle for activities including face painting, a bounce house, a quiet area, and a special appearance from the UW Huskies football team, plus healthy snack demonstrations, water safety activities, prizes, summer camp crafts, and sports challenges. No membership required – this is open to all.

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COUNTDOWN: Six weeks until first West Seattle 5K since 2019!
April 9, 2023 8:15 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2019)

One of the biggest spring events we’re counting down to is the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki, returning for the first time since 2019. It’s happening Sunday, May 21st, presented by and benefiting the West Seattle High School PTSA, and it’s offering new features this year, as announced when registration opened last month:

New this year is a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade-level ASB.

Other new 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5K if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk.

Registration is open at westseattle5k.com, and you get the lowest rates if you sign up by the end of the month. (WSB is a community sponsor of the WS5K.)

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Egg hunt in Fauntleroy tomorrow
March 31, 2023 6:03 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

We photographed that display at the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s annual Food Fest last week – it was set up to promote tomorrow’s FCA Spring Egg Hunt. All are welcome to come to the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) Saturday, 1-4 pm, to look for eggs with (non-candy) treats inside. Bring your own baskets. The eggs are plastic but intended for reuse, so you can either take them home for your own use or drop them at the schoolhouse after the treats are retrieved, or at a later date. The egg-hunt format is different from past years – one location – so the FCA and volunteer helpers are hoping it’ll be even more fun. P.S. If you can’t get to this one, here’s our list of other upcoming egg hunts, all free.

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Got plans for Friday night? Madison Music Boosters invite you to go dancing
March 27, 2023 4:47 pm
|    Comments Off on Got plans for Friday night? Madison Music Boosters invite you to go dancing
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Your next chance to get up and dance – while helping local students – is just four nights away! In case you haven’t seen it the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar listing yet, here’s the invitation:

The Madison Music Boosters would like to invite students, their families, and community members to a Swing Dance & Auction on March 31st, 2023, from 6-9 pm at Madison Middle School! We have a lively event lined up, featuring performances by our very own Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Choir, and Orchestra, with a special performance by guest West Seattle Big Band! Tickets include a free Swing Dance lesson. Pizza and drinks available for purchase as well as an abundance of bake-sale treats, thanks to our Madison parents! The silent auction and Raise the Paddle will fund most of the Music Department expenses throughout the school year. Tickets are $15 presale or $20 at the door. Ticket link here.

An ADA accessible entrance is on the south side of Madison Middle School, nearest to the U-shaped parking lot outside of the gym structure. Elevators will be made accessible for the event, which will be held in the Madison Commons, one level below the main floor.

If you already know you can’t attend OR you’d like to simply donate to the Madison Music Program, please do so here.

Questions? Email the Madison Music Boosters at madisonmusicboosters@gmail.com

The school is at 3429 45th SW.

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EGG HUNTS: Here’s the West Seattle lineup so far
March 21, 2023 11:03 am
|    Comments Off on EGG HUNTS: Here’s the West Seattle lineup so far
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2022 Delridge Community Center egg hunt)

This spring’s lineup of egg hunts in West Seattle starts this weekend. Here’s a quick look at what we have so far:

MARCH 25: The West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints(4001 44th SW) invites kids from throughout the community, 10-11:30 am; event includes egg hunt and cookie decorating.

APRIL 1:
-The first city-presented egg hunt in our area, at South Park Community Center (8319 8th Ave. S.), 10 am.
–Fauntleroy Community Association Egg Hunt, 1-4 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).

APRIL 8: This is the big date.
–Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), 10 am
–Eastridge Church at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, south meadow), 10 am
–High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), 10 am (the city brochure time is wrong, we’re told)
–Ounces Beer Garden (3809 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm

APRIL 9: If you’re attending an Easter Sunday service, check with your church – several hold them in conjunction with services. (added) So far, we have one announced by Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11:15 am, community welcome.

Are we missing any? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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