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VIDEO: Game on! at West Seattle Arcade’s new Alki Beach annex, Gary’s Place
December 17, 2024 6:31 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The second of two ceremonial ribboncuttings late today at Gary’s Place, the new sibling to West Seattle Arcade, was in tribute to its namesake, Gary Cichy. The plaque co-proprietor Elyssa Cichy (Gary’s daughter-in-law) held has a permanent spot on the wall by the bar in the back:

Elyssa explains that Gary’s Place – which is all ages, but minors must be accompanied by adults – complements West Seattle Arcade with features that customers asked for: More classic games, pinball, pizza, beer, and snacks, for example. Here’s the menu:

In the back you’ll also find those classic games including these (and co-proprietor Matt Cichy told us they’re on the hunt for others):

Along the front east wall, nine pinball games, with movie and TV themes from “Jaws” to “X-Files“:

If you feel like moving while you play, how about “Dance Dance Revolution“?

Tonight is technically a “soft-opening” in tandem with the ribboncutting organized by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce (a welcome event for the Alki business district after two unrelated recent sudden shutdowns). Thursday (December 19) is the official opening night. Gary’s Place hours are noon-11 pm Mondays-Thursdays, noon until midnight Fridays, 11 am to midnight Saturdays, 11 am to 11 pm Sundays, at 2820 Alki SW.

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WEEKEND SCENE: Pancakes and holiday warmth with Kiwanis Club of West Seattle and friends
December 7, 2024 8:14 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

8:14 AM: Happening right now at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), it’s the biggest breakfast event of the holiday season – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual pancake breakfast. Their kitchen crew has been busy stirring batter and flipping pancakes:

For $10 at the door – kids free! – you get pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, and coffee/tea. Volunteers powering the event include not only Kiwanians but also Scouts from Troop 284. You can bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and meet an active-duty Marine, plus enter raffles and more. This is on until 11 am, and if you’re driving on this rainy morning, parking is right by the door to the lower-level event room on the south side of the Masonic Center.

8:41 AM: Santa is in the house, as are Marine Corps Sgt. Angalina Roseberry and Gunnery Sgt. Samuel Hernandez, both based at JBLM (while Santa is of course based at the North Pole). They’re here to help with the Toys for Tots donations, which the Kiwanis Club says are going very well this morning:

They’ve already loaded out some of the donations. This morning’s volunteers also include the Key Clubs from Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS, the Circle K Club from Seattle U, and Kiwanians from the White Center and South Seattle clubs. Some are here for fundraising sales of holiday items from handpainted ornaments to candy.

P.S. A week from tomorrow – on December 15 – look for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle on the south end of the Farmers’ Market as they collect coat donations and serve cocoa as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: 3 big reasons to be in The Junction on Saturday
December 6, 2024 12:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Three quick reminders about don’t-miss events in the West Seattle Junction tomorrow (Saturday, December 7):

(WSB file photo)

KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Start your Saturday at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds, lots of free parking if you’re driving) for a tasty breakfast cooked by the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle – pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, coffee/tea … Santa’s there for photos and Marines are there to collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Drop in any time between 7 am and 11 am. $10 at the door, $8 in advance, kids under 10 eat free with a paid adult.

P.S. The Kiwanis Club also is raising money for youth and other community work right now via this online silent auction – bid for cool items donated by local businesses!

(WSB photo – Caudle Family on donation-drive day in 2023)

DRIVE-UP/RIDE-UP/WALK-UP COAT AND FOOD DRIVE: Bring your donations to the lot behind Hope Lutheran (off Oregon just east of 42nd) for the Caudle Family‘s annual drop-off drive collecting new/gently used coats and nonperishable food, 10 am-3 pm.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING: 4-8 pm Saturday, gather in the heart of The Junction! The event is centered on SW Alaska between California and 42nd, which will be closed to through traffic – here’s the schedule:

4:00 PM – Festival begins. Night Market is open. Carolers, Metropolitan Singers, and Santa will be roaming the area.
4:30 PM – Endolyne Children’s Choir Performance
5:00 PM – The School of Rock Performance
5:30 PM – Pet Costume Contest on Stage
6:00 PM – Tree Lighting with carolers (Seattle Metropolitan Singers)
6:30 PM – Christmas DJ spinning holiday tunes
8:00 PM – Night Market closes

The list of Night Market vendors is here (and glow wands will be available for kids for $3). Check out the new more-walkable layout this year! For added festive touches, you’ll also see stilt-walkers, LED hula hoops, fire pits, lots of lights in Junction Plaza Park … that’s where the stage will be this year, and Brian Callanan will be this year’s emcee. In addition to adult beverages in the Beer Garden, you’ll also find cocoa being served up by Hope Lutheran.

These 3 events are just part of a BIG holiday lineup for this weekend – see it all in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!

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MOVIE NIGHT: Join West Seattle High School’s AAPI Club for the original ‘Moana’
December 2, 2024 9:00 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

That’s the West Seattle High School AAPI Club, and they are hoping you’ll join them for a movie night this Friday (December 6). They’re showing the original “Moana” in the WSHS Theater.

Doors open at 6:30, movie’s at 7, general admission (updated) $6, children 5 and under free. They’ll be selling concessions – cash only, same way you can buy your ticket at the door (or you can buy tickets online in advance – go here). The club says, “This event is open to the whole West Seattle community and families and children are welcome!” The school is at 3000 California SW, and the theater entrance is close to the gym entrance, off the south end of the parking lot.

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WEDNESDAY: First-ever West Seattle Runner Halloween Lights Run
October 22, 2024 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on WEDNESDAY: First-ever West Seattle Runner Halloween Lights Run
 |   Fun stuff to do | Halloween | West Seattle news

(2023 WSB photo)

The annual holiday-season runs presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) are a staple, like the Christmas Lights Run (last year’s participants are shown above, pre-run). This year, they’re adding the first-ever Halloween Lights Run, 6:15 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, October 23) from the shop.. If you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement from WSB co-proprietor Lori McConnell:

Join us for the West Seattle Runner Halloween Lights Run!! We will meet at the shop at 6:15 pm. Feel free to wear costumes! Tim says, you better wear costumes :) Put on lights and reflective to be seen and use headlamps/ flashlights to be able to see. We will map out an approximate 3-mile route to view Halloween displays in the ‘hood. This will be a nice easy-paced run, with walking and photo/viewing display opportunities, definitely not a race.

Just show up at the shop (2743 California SW) before 6:15 pm Wednesday. (And set your calendar for the Gobble Gobble Group Run on Thanksgiving – November 28 – 8 am on Alki.)

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Play cribbage? New monthly West Seattle opportunity
October 7, 2024 5:17 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Every week we feature dozens of events on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. This week, a new recurring event makes its debut – a community cribbage night! Erik Walum sent the announcement:

Starting Wednesday, October 9th at 6:00 PM, I am starting a cribbage night. The event will be every second Wednesday of the month at the West Seattle Eagles banquet room. It coincides with the club’s weekly taco dinner for the public. All ages are welcome and you don’t need to be a member to participate.

No RSVP needed – just show up. The Eagles are at 4426 California SW in The Junction.

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COUNTDOWN: Less than 3 weeks until Taste of West Seattle – plus, chance to win a ticket Saturday
August 30, 2024 9:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Got your ticket(s) for the Taste of West Seattle? The peninsula’s premier food fair – a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank – is now less than three weeks away, on Thursday, September 19th.

More than 30 food and beverage purveyors will be at The Hall at Fauntleroy that night for this event – with tastes and sips to delight you. Once you’re in, you’re in – it’s not a “one ticket, one taste” type of event (but it’s 21+). General admission is $75 and gets you in at 6 pm; VIP early admission, 5:30 pm, is $125. Along with selling tickets, WSFB has been giving away a few of these coveted tickets, including a drawing today at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor), which has been showcasing WSFB all month:

(WSFB’s Whit and Robbin, HomeStreet’s Gus and Andrew)

We’re told you can also enter a drawing tomorrow at Alki Beach Pride (12-9 pm at the beach and in the street) – just look for the WSFB booth. But however you get your ticket, don’t procrastinate – The Taste usually sells out. Here’s where to find out more.

P.S. Attendees get to vote, too, choosing the best taste or sip in multiple categories. (WSB is media sponsor – see you there September 19th! The Hall is at 9131 California SW.)

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Not a trivial matter: 2024 West Seattle Trivia Championship open to more hosts/teams!
August 26, 2024 7:27 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Trivia is big in West Seattle. Every week we feature a dozen or so regular events in our calendar and daily highlights list. So what happens when the various venues’ regulars go head to head? That’s what the West Seattle Trivia Championship is about – and we were asked to share this call for hosts/teams to sign up:

Last year, players from around West Seattle participated in the first annual peninsula-wide trivia championship. As co-host of the 2023 championship and host of the winning team, The Good Society and host Will Drewry have been putting together the 2024 Trivia Championship! Last year was a huge success, and last year’s winners look forward to taking on all contenders. If your team is interested in participating in this year’s event, talk to your local trivia host and have them message Will (willdrewry@gmail.com) to sign up!

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WEEKEND SCENE: Lucha Libre and more at SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party)
August 17, 2024 4:26 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND SCENE: Lucha Libre and more at SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party)
 |   Fun stuff to do | South Park | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

If you’re a fan of Lucha Libre (the showy masked wrestling style that originated in Mexico) but you missed the 2 pm bouts at SOPASUPA, good news – luchadores from Lucha Libre Volcánica will be back in the ring at 6 pm. This is part of the South Park Summer Party festival, happening in multiple spots at and around the 14th/Cloverdale intersection in the heart of South Park.

In the first bout, Sniper (wearing the black and white shirt) was victorious….

In the second bout, Red Dog (in pink and black) was the last luchadore standing.

The ring – as well as the main music stage – is behind the building on the southwest corner (right behind The Scene coffee shop). You can even buy your own luchadore mask:

Behind the building on the northwest corner of 14th/Cloverdale, you’ll find the Kid Zone, with bouncy toys:

And a coloring table:

Across 14th at the northeast corner, art and food vendors:

And a few blocks west on Cloverdale, next to the Highway 99 overpass, South Park’s skatepark is hosting festivities too. The festival’s on until 9 pm; the stage schedule is in our calendar listing.

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FOLLOWUP: Summer Scramble winners find treasure in West Seattle
August 13, 2024 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Summer Scramble winners find treasure in West Seattle
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Winning teams: The Admiral Pie Rats; Lucy & Annie’s Big Adventure; Bean House; and, We’re FINE!)

The annual Summer Scramble treasure hunt is over, after a fun four days for searchers and participating businesses. Organizer Alice Kuder shares this wrap-up announcement:

Eighty-one teams participated in the second annual Summer Scramble Treasure Hunt, which ran from Aug. 1st-4th here in West Seattle. Scramblers searched for twenty-five locations, following clues provided by the hunt orchestrator, Alice Kuder. Hunters who sent in selfies showing themselves in front of the correct locations qualified for prize treasure chests filled with booty donated by generous local businesses.

Eleven teams solved all twenty-five clues, and 510 selfies were submitted in all. A drawing determined the four teams that won treasure chests. They are: The Admiral Pie Rats; Lucy & Annie’s Big Adventure; Bean House; and, We’re FINE!

As with the annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, Summer Scramble is designed to provide fun for everyone and to promote lesser-known local businesses spread across West Seattle neighborhoods. Both annual events are orchestrated by Alice Kuder, Preparedness Coach with Just in Case, and REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, as her gift to the community.

Please show your appreciation to the following businesses that helped make this event happen. West Seattle is the best Seattle!

Shug’s Soda Fountain, Dumplings of Fury, Alki Aloha Style Salon, Mis Fit Strength Studio, Rush Hour, Alki Beach Academy, Meat the Live Butcher, Banh Mi XO, Nacho Mama’s Fry Bread Café, Center Sign Shop, Swedish Automotive, Good Day Donuts, West Seattle Bowl, West of Chicago Pizza, West Seattle Wonder Dogs, Ounces Taproom, Admiral Theater, Kenyon Hall, The Kenney, Seattle Sorbets, The Birdhouse, and Avalon Glassworks.

Reema Rafii, REALTOR® with eXp Realty, and Randy Winn also provided valuable assistance with this year’s Scramble.

Watch for word of Winter Wander when the holiday season approaches!

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3 quick Sunday previews: Zucchini racing, bRUNch, Jazz Picnic
August 10, 2024 7:27 pm
|    Comments Off on 3 quick Sunday previews: Zucchini racing, bRUNch, Jazz Picnic
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

If you haven’t browsed the calendar for tomorrow yet, three one-time West Seattle events of particular note:

(WSB photo, August 2023)

ZUCCHINI RACING: Late summer every year, the Farmers’ Markets provide zucchinis, material to turn them into racing vehicles, and a track to “race” them on. Tomorrow’s the day for West Seattle – 11 am tp 1 pm at the market.

bRUNch: Sundays usually include a fun run from Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW). This time, they’re combining a free fun run at 11 am with brunch afterward – Sully Eats is popping up (see the menu here) – or you can just run, OR just have brunch.

JAZZ PICNIC: Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) invites everyone to visit for a free picnic lunch at noon and jazz concert 1-3 pm, on the church lawn.

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Three notes from Center for Active Living: Open house, mural update, call for volunteers
August 6, 2024 12:05 pm
|    Comments Off on Three notes from Center for Active Living: Open house, mural update, call for volunteers
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The Center for Active Living (ex-Senior Center) in The Junction has three things to share:

OPEN HOUSE AND DANCE PARTY THURSDAY: Haven’t visited the center lately – or ever? 5-8 pm Thursday (August 8) you’re invited to a community open house, with tours and refreshments. Then 8-10 pm, stay for an ’80s dance party – no charge, beverages (beer, wine, non-alcoholic) available for purchase, along with “throwback-themed snacks.” Dress ’80s-style if you want to!

MURAL UPDATE: We’ve reported previously on the center’s plan for an exterior mural, and the choice of artist Brady Black to paint it. The center says he “will present his final design for The Center’s mural this Thursday at the Community Open House … He’ll be available to chat with community members and answer questions about his process. He is planning to begin painting the week of August 18.”

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: The center is a nonprofit powered in large part by volunteers. Maybe you can help? Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

The Center for Active Living is currently in need of volunteers to fill the following positions:

Retail Sales Clerk/Cashier: provide general customer assistance in the retail thrift shop

Chef Assistant: help prepare meals for Community Dining Program; chop, bake and general commercial kitchen help

Kitchen Dishwasher: load and unload a commercial kitchen dishwasher

Café Attendant: Take customer orders and prepare sandwiches and salads in The Center’s onsite café

Westside Friends: provide companionship and support to seniors in their home location in West Seattle

Must be 18 years of age or older, and shifts are generally weekdays during the day, and can be two to three hours in duration. Flexible scheduling options are available. To apply, click this link to complete a volunteer application or email dannyp@wscenter.org

The center is at 4217 SW Oregon.

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VIDEO: Last 2024 Admiral Music in the Parks concert – ABBAgraphs at Hamilton Viewpoint Park
August 1, 2024 6:51 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

6:51 PM: For three consecutive Thursday night, the Admiral Neighborhood Association has brought music to local parks that aren’t often used for sizable events. Tonight’s the final Admiral Music in the Parks show, featuring The ABBAgraphs playing the hits of Swedish supergroup ABBA, at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California SW).

Most of the band members are West Seattleites, they’ve told the crowd.

The city skyline’s in the background, there’s room to dance in the foreground, and all the fun will continue until at least 8 pm, so there’s still time to bring your chair or blanket and join the crowd!

8:04 PM: Show’s over – lively enough that most of the crowd (counted by ANA as 500+) were on their feet dancing to the last song, “Dancing Queen.”

11:56 PM: Video and more photos added above.

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THURSDAY: Final Admiral Music in the Parks concert
July 31, 2024 1:24 pm
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Final Admiral Music in the Parks concert
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Love ABBA? Don’t miss the third and final concert in the Admiral Music in the Parks series, tomorrow (Thursday) night, 6:30 pm at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California SW). The band in our 2019 clip above, The ABBAgraphs, will be performing hits from the Swedish supergroup. The Admiral Neighborhood Association is presenting the free concert series again this year, this time at three different locations since the original site (Hiawatha) isn’t available due to construction. Bring your own chair/blanket and picnic dinner (or order one for park delivery!) and feel free to dance. Here’s our coverage of this year’s first two AMP concerts – July 18 and July 25. (WSB is the series media sponsor.)

P.S. The ANA has more outdoor music for you on August 24th too, when they present the third annual Admiral Funktion block party – watch for the lineup soon.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Soulfest Block Party 2024 on Saturday
July 25, 2024 9:55 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Before we get to what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, we’re previewing a weekend event whose organizeRs are sponsoring WSB this week to get the word out – Saturday’s Soulfest block party, back for another year!

Soulfest began on Capitol Hill in 1997 and has since evolved into a unique music festival that celebrates talented artists, soulful tunes, and an electrifying atmosphere. Join us on July 27th, 2024, in the heart of West Seattle for an unforgettable experience filled with live music, delicious food, and great vibes.

Featured Artists
Aurora Avenue Band
A Seattle-based Indie-pop rock band formed in 2020. Known for their catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and J-pop influences, Aurora Avenue is set to bring an energetic performance.

Harmonious Funk
This 7-piece band from Seattle blends classic funk, soul, and R&B. With over 10 years of experience, they have performed all over the Pacific Northwest, delivering groovy tunes that get everyone dancing.

DJ Kipprawk
Seattle’s own DJ Kipprawk will take over the turntables. With over 25 years of experience, DJ Kipprawk is known for his eclectic mix of music and his ability to get the crowd moving. Expect an exciting ’90s Dance & Singalong session!

DJ Derek Moon
Owner of Revelry Room, Derek’s blend of talents and knowledge brings a unique energy to any event. He loves West Seattle, and Revelry represents the achievement of a long-held goal. Get ready for a fantastic set that showcases his passion for music and community.

On the Menu
Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary experience crafted by our friends and family. Indulge in Southern favorites like:
● BBQ Pork Shoulder
● Joe’s Fried Chicken
● Mac n Cheese
● Hotlinks
● Cornbread
● Tater Tots
● The original Seattle Dogs from Hotdogjoe’s

Get ready to savor the best party food ever!

Gates open at 4 pm in the 6300 block of 46th SW; food starts at 4:30. The full schedule is in our calendar listing. Tickets are available at soulfestblockparty.com.

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WEEKEND SCENE: More cars, more everything @ 2024 White Center Low Rider Block Party
July 20, 2024 3:11 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | White Center

From its beginnings on a stub of 17th north of the city-limit line, the White Center Low Rider Block Party has grown in a big way this year, moving to the other side of the line and spreading across multiple blocks of 17th between Roxbury and 100th.

You’ll also find art/vendor booths, two DJ stages (with live music 5-8 pm), community groups, and a food court, but the cars are the stars:

Some with accessories:

A few motorcycles and bicycles too! The Low Rider Block Party, presented by Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (9414 Delridge Way SW), is on until 8 pm.

ADDED: WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen shared this highlight from an evening dance performance:

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VIDEO: Admiral Music in the Parks’ first concert, featuring Troy Aylesworth and The Potholes
July 18, 2024 6:37 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Admiral Music in the Parks’ first concert, featuring Troy Aylesworth and The Potholes
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

6:37 PM: Happening right now at Belvedere Park, the first of this year’s three summer concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. They’ve given a new name – Admiral Music in the Parks – to what was for many years Summer Concerts at Hiawatha (which isn’t a viable venue currently because of the community-center overhaul). Each of this year’s concerts will be at a different park in Admiral. Tonight’s series-opening show is a double bill, Troy Aylesworth (who’s up first) and The Potholes. Get here before 8 pm if you’re not here already – bring a chair and/or blanket and/or picnic.

7:17 PM: A bit of Troy Aylesworth’s music (more video when we get back to HQ):

He is wrapping up his set now – classic Seattle-style sound (you won’t be surprised to hear he’s part of a Stone Temple Pilots tribute band). Meantime, the crowd has grown – lots of young families, some kids romping around even some bubbles if you look closely at this view:

Potholes up shortly.

7:26 PM: While The Potholes set up, ANA president Joanie Jacobs is talking about next week – at California Place Park, next to Admiral Church (which she says is providing power and restroom access for the concert – bring donations for the church food drive if you can). Next week’s music is another double bill – Michael Pearsall and Westside Pretenders.

7:36 PM: The Potholes are performing now.

Miles, Mitch, Hugo, and Jimmy, with Lucy singing.

8:22 PM: The Potholes concluded their set with the Hendrix classic “Fire,” and that’s it for the first Admiral Music in the Parks show. See you at California Place Park (we’re the series media sponsor) next Thursday (July 25), 6:30 pm!

11:50 PM: Added two more photos and two more videos.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until 2024 ‘Summer Scramble’ West Seattle scavenger hunt begins
July 17, 2024 7:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

In addition to being a disaster-preparedness coach and realtor, Alice Kuder is also the queen of West Seattle scavenger-hunt organizers. Her next one, the 2024 edition of Summer Scramble, is just two weeks away! In case you haven’t seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the full announcement:

Discover hidden treasure in West Seattle with friends, family or all by yourself. Whether you are a new-comer or longtime resident, Summer Scramble is a free community treasure hunt designed to introduce you to parts of West Seattle you may not have discovered. Even better, by playing, you will discover some awesome local businesses and historically significant public sites, AND compete to win the booty from of one of three treasure chests.

How do you play? It’s so easy! Go to wondersinaliceland.com/summer-scramble to register, then download the instructions today. Then, on August 1st, download the bingo-style clue sheet and map and hit the streets to solve as many of the 25 clues as you can. When you solve a clue, go to that location and take a selfie in front of it. Send your selfies to me at bit.ly/SSselfies. Participating businesses will display a Summer Scramble sign in the front window that includes the phrase, “You’re clued in!” Each team that solves at least 15 clues, qualifies for the treasure chest drawings. That’s all there is to it!

Summer Scramble is orchestrated by Alice Kuder, Just in Case, because she loves scavenger hunts, small businesses, West Seattle, and creating opportunities for free fun!

The hunt is open to everyone of all ages. It begins at 12:01 AM on Thursday, August 1st and ends at 7 PM on Sunday, August 4th. Registration is open now, but you can register and send selfies anytime during those four days. Questions? Contact Alice Kuder, 206-708-9800, Alice@JustInCasePlans.com, wondersinaliceland.com/summer-scramble

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Run the route! Parade-preceding Float Dodger 5K, starring you, just four days away
July 16, 2024 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on Run the route! Parade-preceding Float Dodger 5K, starring you, just four days away
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB file photo, Float Dodger 5K)

Saturday brings the 10th anniversary of the 5K that’s the opening act for the West Seattle Grand Parade – the Float Dodger 5K. You can run or walk the parade route, from Admiral to The Junction and back, and then enjoy a root-beer float as parade time approaches. Costumes welcome for Float Dodger, too (but not mandatory). Best of all, your entry fee supports the West Seattle Food Bank – the 5K’s organizers at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) set it up as a fundraiser, so the more people are in it, the more $ for WSFB in its work providing not only food but also emergency assistance to keep people from becoming homeless. The Float Dodger 5K starts at 9:30 am Saturday, with a free Kids’ Dash before it, at 8:45 am. Register for either or both here!

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: The peninsula’s own STP ride
July 14, 2024 6:59 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: The peninsula’s own STP ride
 |   Fun stuff to do | Transportation | West Seattle news

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.

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PREVIEW: Seafair Pirates Landing takes over Alki on Saturday afternoon
July 5, 2024 6:18 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(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.)

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RIDE TO SUMMER FEST: West Seattle’s ‘Little STP’ set for July 14
July 4, 2024 3:05 pm
|    Comments Off on RIDE TO SUMMER FEST: West Seattle’s ‘Little STP’ set for July 14
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

FullSizeRender (25)(‘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 pm

Meet at Hamilton Viewpoint Park
1318 Palm Ave SW

Contact: Cathy, Ride Leader
Email: cathyd@tutanota.com

Have 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.

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WEST SEATTLE SUMMER: Two parades coming up!
June 29, 2024 9:16 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUMMER: Two parades coming up!
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

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.

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