West Seattle, Washington
08 Sunday
(WSB photos by Tracy Record)
As highlighted in today’s event list, the Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) is on until 2 pm. And if you stop to talk with the artists, you’ll find everyone has a story. For painter Cleopatra Cutler, this is her first time at the fair:
For painter Jennifer Carrasco, it’s her last time. She is offering cards, as well as prints of fanciful scenes showing horses she had painted on a Spokane carousel come to life, from an unfinished children’s book she wrote – telling the story of their wild times after hours:
Angie Marcelynas from The Little Merle has jewelry that’s recycled art, transforming tidbits of items that once had another purpose:
Corie‘s Hello Image wood art is created with lasers:
And Molly Donovan‘s Cashmere Creatures are billed as “emotional support” – eminently huggable:
Other artists are there too – with holiday gift possibilities, or maybe just something to treat yourself to.
The first version of our 2024 WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide is now live! It’s a work in progress all season long, with additions as we get them, and removals after events are over, so check it often. It starts with Thanksgiving-related info – ordering deadlines, etc. – and continues through lists including holiday bazaars and open houses, Santa photo ops, Christmas Ship stops, holiday concerts and plays, light shows, donation drives, church services, Small Business Saturday sales, more. Thanks to everyone who’s already sent information on what’s happening … if you have something planned but haven’t sent that info to us, hurry! Whatever you want the community to know, westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to reach us so we can get it into the guide (and if time/date-specific, into our year-round calendar too) – thank you! One more note – if you have a bookmark from years past, it’s a new link this year, so please change it – you’ll find the guide this year at westseattleblog.com/holiday.
(Photos by Sharonn Meeks)
The first day of the Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) holiday bazaar saw a good turnout – and not only holiday gift ideas, but also holiday decor. Plus history:
As mentioned here last night, the contents of the time capsule opened earlier this year – The Mount’s centennial year – are on display. And you can contribute ideas of what should go into the new one that’s going to be hidden away to await its opening in another hundred years. Or, you can go just to browse the many items from many eras:
The bazaar, and its bake sale, are happening just inside the east entrance at 4831 35th SW, continuing tomorrow (Saturday, November 16) 10 am-4 pm.
Want to make this a happier holiday season for kids? Donating new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots is a great way to do that – here are updates on two local drives, first from Denis Shapiro at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle:
Industrious has volunteered to be a Toys for Tots collection site, joining C & P Coffee (5612 California SW) and Northwest Art & Frame (4733 California SW, collection box shown above). Two carloads of toys have been sent to the Marines’ warehouse. Toy collection is slower than last year because there were no donations in October. Unwrapped toys can be taken to these businesses or to the Kiwanis booth on the south end of the Farmers Market on Sundays. Last day to donate is December 10th.
And here’s another Toys for Tots dropoff spot in West Seattle:
NORTHWEST INSURANCE GROUP: This longtime WSB sponsor at 5431 California SW is again collecting toys too. John Moore at Northwest Insurance Group says you can stop by before December 11 to drop off your toy donation(s) – their office hours are 8:30 am to 4 pm, Mondays through Fridays.
(added Friday night) We’ve heard from one more!
HARBOR INSURANCE: You can donate here until December 18th – 3922 California SW. Just look for the sign in the window!
Just about time to seriously get into the holiday previews. We’re working on this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, as noted the other day – thanks to everyone who’s sent info for that! Meantime, if you’d like to sing “The Messiah” without leaving the peninsula, West Side Presbyterian Church will be the place. Music director Anthony Spain asked us to publish this call for singers to join the choir:
The choir of West Side Presbyterian Church will be singing Christmas sections of the Messiah in December, and is welcoming singers of any age in our community to join us. The choir sings in the beautiful sanctuary space at WSPC, and will be joined by members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra for this Messiah. For more information, please reach out to Music Director Anthony Spain at anthonys@wspc.org
(Bald Eagle at Alki Point, photographed by Gary Jones)
Today’s list of what’s happening also includes what’s not happening because of the Veterans Day holiday.
PARKS CLOSURES: Here’s the Seattle Parks list.
LIBRARIES: City and county, closed.
USPS: It’s a postal holiday.
BANKS: Most if not all closed.
One Veterans Day discount we’ve heard about (thanks to Al for the tip – any others? comment or email us, westseattleblog@gmail.com):
SPUD ON ALKI: Veterans and active military personnel can get a free 2-piece fish and fries, with regular beverage, with proof of service. Open 11 am-9 pm. (2666 Alki SW)
Regular Monday events from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, including first-time players.
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm evening group with Listening to Grief, preregistration required. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: You’re invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – Monday nights, live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm is the start time for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
With less than three weeks until Thanksgiving, we’re working on this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, hoping to launch it before next weekend. If you haven’t already sent information on your holiday-season event, bazaar/pop-up shop, donation drive, fundraiser, performance, hours, holiday food specials, etc. … now’s the time to get that info to us so we can share it with your neighbors. Whatever you want the community to know, westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to reach us so we can get it into the guide (and if time/date-specific, into our year-round calendar too) – thank you!
(2023 WSB photo)
We’re exactly two weeks away from a major pre-holiday giveaway that’s happening for the 21st year: Eastridge Church is giving away 1,500 turkeys and bags of groceries at its two campuses, including West Seattle (39th/Oregon). This year’s date is Saturday, November 23, and the giveaway starts at 9 am, continuing while supplies last. No questions asked – just show up. (People usually line up on the sidewalk along 39th.) The church’s lead pastor Steve Jamison notes that what they give away doesn’t just “provide one meal for one person … because it’s all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, it actually feeds a whole family.”
West Seattle-based nonprofit Seattle Civic Dance Theatre invites you to its holiday show “The Gift of Dance” – and wants you to know that tickets are now available:
Back in August, we told you about tryouts for the 35th annual performance of “The Magical Doll Maker.” Now it’s in rehearsals as part of “The Gift of Dance,” which will be presented at 7 pm Noveber 22nd in the Highline Performing Arts Center (401 S. 152nd in Burien). You can buy $25 tickets through the SCDT website.
4:50 PM: Three weeks until Thanksgiving. Until 7 pm tonight, you can investigate possibilities for your menu by sampling the annual “Holiday Taste” at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor). Both Thriftway’s own deli and multiple vendors are offering food and beverage tastes to help you decide what to serve visitors this holiday season. More pics to come!
5:34 PM: Thriftway’s own menu is being served up in the southeast corner of the store (near the meat/fish) – including smoked-salmon dip, herb stuffing, brined turkey, and Painted Hills beef. Near the organic produce, you’ll find apple chips and peanut butter (CB’s Nuts):
We also noted coffee, kombucha, non-alcoholic wine, chocolate, pie spice, cheese … Just go wander, and don’t miss the coupons and flyers being handed out at the door, including an order form for all or part of Thriftway’s pre-cooked holiday feast. If you order it while you’re at the Taste, you get 10 percent off. P.S. We’ll add event video later.
12:15 AM: Here it is – our videographer roamed for views of happy tasters throughout the store:
(WSB photo, Thanksgiving 2023)
Thanksgiving is three weeks away – Thursday, November 28. Once again this year, The Hall at Fauntleroy – operated by DSquared Hospitality – will offer a free feast, open to all. The announcement notes, “The delicious meal, created by Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering Sous Chef Zach Mosely, will include a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings, with desserts donated by the community.” No RSVP needed – just drop by The Hall (9131 California SW) between noon and 3 pm on Thanksgiving Day. The Hall also notes, “This event happens with the help of many wonderful volunteers. You can sign up to volunteer or bring a dessert on signup.com.” Or you can drop off donated items – gently used warm clothing, new blankets and socks, and dessert donations – at DSquared’s SODO office at 4105 Airport Way S., Monday, November 25, to Wednesday, November 27, 9 am-3 pm, or on Thanksgiving Day at The Hall, 10 am-1 pm.
Thanks to Mark Jaroslaw for the video! On Saturday, La Chingona Taqueria (2940 SW Avalon Way) celebrated Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with performances including Aztec dancing and mariachi musicians, plus a procession to remember those who’ve gone before.
Halloween is segueing right into the holiday season this year. The Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show has opened its three-day run at Fauntleroy Church, and we have photos of some of the artists and their work – above, Diane Bellisario; below, Kristen Miller:
Judy Pickens provides the overview:
The 15th annual Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show will be open this evening at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW) until 8 pm to showcase the creative talents of 18 local artists and artistic crafters. Our calendar listing includes the list of artists. Show hours Saturday will be 10 am-4 pm and Sunday hours will be 11 am-2 pm in Fellowship Hall.
Here’s the work of Yuchen Lin:
Thanks to Ana Cecilia Del Claro for the photos.
(West Seattle Nursery photo)
OK, Halloween may still be a week-plus away, but the holidays are knocking on the door. West Seattle Nursery is already taking reservations for wreath-making and asked us to let you know:
Reservations are now open for wreath making at West Seattle Nursery! For many of our customers, creating a wreath at the nursery has become a cherished holiday tradition. If you’d like to craft your own festive wreath, simply reserve one of our wreath-making tables after reading through our ‘Reservation Details’ and ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ here.
Due to high demand and back-to-back sessions, we kindly ask that all participants arrive on time. If you’re unable to attend your reserved session, please cancel in advance so others can join in the festive fun! New to wreath making? No worries! Our expert team will be on hand to assist you with any questions.
The nursery is at the corner of California/Brandon.
(WSB file photo)
Thanksgiving is still six and a half weeks away, but yes, we’re ready to talk (a bit) about the holidays – with seasonal calendar listings starting to come in. One that might interest you for early planning: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship is making only two West Seattle visits this year, both on the same night – its first night of the year, Saturday, November 23. On that night, the Pacific Sound Chorus will be on board to serenade both passengers on the ship and spectators onshore. The Christmas Ship will visit Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) 5:35-5:55 pm that night, and Alki Beach Park (2665 Alki SW), 8:35-8:55 pm. Weather permitting, a bonfire is planned at Alki, with Seattle Parks.
A new American flag flies over the Alki Masonic Lodge in The Junction this afternoon, after the annual retiring-of-the-flag ceremony, with assistance from VFW reps who first lowered the lodge’s old flag:
Next, they carefully folded the old flag:
Then they presented it to the lodge’s leader, Worshipful Master Delton Johnson:
As part of the ceremony, Mary Beasley spoke about the flag’s history – now 64 years for this configuration of the Stars and Stripes:
The ceremony was followed by a free community picnic lunch (as noted in our daily highlight list).
(Early morning fishing at Lincoln Park, photographed by Lisa Ruiz)
Good morning! Holiday notes:
TRANSIT/TRAFFIC
–Metro buses are running on a Sunday schedule
–West Seattle Water Taxi is also on a Sunday schedule
–Sound Transit buses and light rail are on Sunday schedules too
-If you’re going to an area of the city with pay-station street parking, you don’t have to pay today
-Check local traffic cams here, citywide cams here
HAPPENING TODAY/TONIGHT
Last day of the season for city outdoor aquatic facilities – After today, city-run wading pools, sprayparks, and outdoor pools are all closed until next year – so it’s your last day for Colman Pool, open noon-7 pm, and Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm. (Lincoln Park’s wading pool ended its season early because of plumbing trouble.)
Art on the Corner – artist’s home-studio sale benefiting food banks, 8 am-3 pm at 39th/Holden
Mural-painting at Lafayette Elementary – help is welcome again today; go here to sign up for slot(s) between 10 am and 4 pm at 2645 California SW
Flag Ceremony and Community Picnic – public is welcome at Alki Masonic Lodge‘s annual event, starting with flag-dedication ceremony at noon at 40th/Edmunds
Pinball Tournament – not too late to register for fundraising tournament at Admiral Pub (2305 California SW), starting at noon – full details on the tournament website
NOT HAPPENING TODAY
-Banking (holiday)
-U.S. Postal Service (holiday)
-Libraries (closed)
-Many Seattle Parks facilities (here’s the list)
-City Council briefing meeting (they’re back from 2-week end-of-summer break tomorrow)
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET
Partly sunny, high in the low 70s. Sunrise will be at 6:30 am, sunset at 7:46 pm.
9:13 AM UPDATE: The showers were not in the forecast when we published this but the NWS has since updated to mention “slight chance of thunderstorms this morning.” They’re still saying it’ll be partly sunny this afternoon.
There’s still room for more players to register for a fundraising pinball tournament in West Seattle on Monday (Labor Day, September 2). Organizer Michael sent the announcement:
Admiral Pub is hosting a pinball tournament charity event this Monday 9/2/2024. Doors at 11 am, starts at 12:30 pm. It’s a format called pingolf. Players each play 18 holes (different pinball machines) and try to reach the target score in 1-5 balls. Getting the target score in one ball will be a hole in one, etc.
The charity is Pasado’s Animal Rescue. Interested players can pre-register or get more info here – westsidepinball.com
There will also be raffles for gift cards to local restaurants around West Seattle/White Center, prizes, etc. All proceeds from the raffle go to the charity as well as a portion of the entry fee into the tournament.
Participation is capped at 72 players, according to the tournament website, but at last check there are still spots, so sign up fast if interested!
By our unofficial measure, this was the biggest West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade yet – from the lead SPD motorcycle officers to the last stragglers, participants took more than 19 and a half minutes to pass our camera, about a minute past the previous record, 2019. So we begin with our unedited full-parade video:
We recorded from about a block west of the official gathering spot at 44th/Sunset, where the brief pre-parade program included the National Anthem, sung by Eliza Cooper from Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor):
Pre-parade speeches usually include a West Seattle-residing elected official, and this year it was District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, who told the crowd he and his wife and their three kids have participated before:
Megan Erb, who organizes the parade for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, had a few words too, including gratitude for parade sponsors:
On with the parade, whose red-white-and-blue-decked participants strolled and rolled along the traditional North Admiral route on the way to nearby Hamilton Viewpoint Park for fun and food:
Councilmember Saka wasn’t the only West Seattle elected official in the parade – we spotted State House Rep. Emily Alvarado, too:
Among other sightings, we noticed a few more parading canines than in past years:
Traffic stopped on California at Atlantic so paraders could cross over to the post-parade park fun:
Sack racing emceed by ANA president Joanie Jacobs had kid and adult groups:
Parade sponsors with activity tables/booths included Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor):
Biggest food lineup ever! Among the vendors, Triangle-based Seattle Sorbets:
SPD and SFD were at the park too, and kids got to check out Admiral-based Engine 29, which is traditionally one of the few motorized vehicles in the parade:
The parade was founded by a group of Holy Rosary moms 30 years ago; it’s gone through some coordination changes over the past decade, and this is the first year it’s been an official Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented event. ANA of course had a table at the park too – with info on what’s still to come this summer (three Admiral Music in the Parks concerts starting July 18, the Admiral Funktion block party in August).
Sponsorships matter big time to cover cost of everything from street-use permits to traffic control to portable toilets (longtime WSB sponsor Potter Construction provided those this year!) – if your business or organization can help out next year, contact the ANA!
(WSB photo, Delridge/Andover flag, photographed on Flag Day last month)
As usual, we start the holiday with a list of potentially helpful information:
TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION
Metro buses – Sunday schedules with extra late-night service
Water Taxi – West Seattle route is on a Sunday schedule today; Vashon route is on regular weekday schedule
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth on holiday schedule
Sound Transit – Here’s the holiday plan
Parking – No charge for street parking in neighborhoods where the city charges for it
Traffic cameras – Here’s the citywide map; here’s our West Seattle-relevant page
WHAT’S HAPPENING/NOT HAPPENING
West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade – Starts at 10 am – details in our preview. (44th/Sunset)
Art on the Corner – 8 am-3 pm, artist Bonnie Bennedsen (featured here last year) sells her work at 39th/Holden to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.
Avalon Glassworks’ Art-Glass Sale – 10 am-2 pm, annual holiday sale. (2914 SW Avalon Way)
Low-low tide – Out to -2.8 feet at 10:22 am; see when and where to find Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists, here.
Highland Park Corner Store cookout – 4-8 pm, HPCS is grilling up burgers and veggie burgers, with outdoor seating, the weekly wine tasting (5 pm), ice cream, more. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
WHAT’S OPEN/CLOSED
Aquatics – Highland Park Spraypark (11 am-8 pm), Delridge and Hiawatha (12 pm-5:30 pm) and Lincoln Park wading pools (12 pm-7 pm), and Colman Pool (12 pm-7 pm) are all open today.
Other Seattle Parks facilities – here’s the closed/open list
Seattle Public Library – All locations closed
Businesses – We don’t have a list but will add anyone who sends word if they’re open, closed or changing hours. Comment below or text us (206-293-6302)!
Post Offices and banks – closed
WATCHING THE OFFICIAL FIREWORKS SHOW: The Seafair Fourth of July show is over Lake Union, but much of it is usually partly visible from north-to-northeast-facing West Seattle, and crowds generally gather along Harbor Avenue, at the Admiral Way Viewpoint, and certain street-end overlooks. They’ll be broadcast on KONG.
OTHER FIREWORKS YOU MIGHT SEE FROM HERE: If you’re in southwest West Seattle with a view toward mid-Vashon Island, tonight’s fireworks show there will be over Quartermaster Harbor.
LOST/FOUND PET?
Furry friends might run off on the Fourth if fireworks spook them. If you need it, WSB has long had the only all-West Seattle lost/found-pets webpage – email or text info/pic (with your contact #), westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302.
(WSB file photo)
Just 13 hours to go untili the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. It’s actually a two-part event – first the parade, leaving from 44th/Sunset in North Admiral at 10 am, ending at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for a celebration with sack races, activity tables/booths, and food/treat trucks/pop-ups (bring $ for those – everything else is free). For details, see the preview we published Tuesday; one addition since then, according to parade coordinator Megan Erb – Admiral’s own Arthur’s has joined the food lineup. Here’s one more look at the route map:
Police will stop traffic on California SW at SW Atlantic as the parade crosses. There will also be more pedestrian traffic than usual in the area as families leave the park when they’re ready (the activities usually wrap up by noon). WSB is one of the parade’s community co-sponsors – see you there!
(Reader photo of fireworks debris collected post-Fourth at Walt Hundley Playfield park)
The annual announcement is just in – Seattle Parks will turn on the lighting at fields around the city for two nights in hopes of discouraging fireworks use. The list includes the same four as last year – two of which have since received new turf:
Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Ave. SW
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW
Parks’ announcement says the lights at those fields (and most others on its list) will be on from “approximately” 9 pm Wednesday and Thursday (July 3-4) nights and turned off at 11 pm, with roving security then monitoring fields until 2 am. The list does not include Seattle Public Schools-owned fields (which include West Seattle’s Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex and Madison Middle School); the district has historically just had roving security monitoring its fields.
(WSB file photo)
As is customary on the Fourth of July, the West Seattle Junction Association will place dozens of American flags in the heart of the business district – with volunteer help. WSJA’s Stacie Woods tells WSB they have enough help in the morning but need more in the afternoon to remove the flags, 4-5 pm. All ages welcome – sign up to help out by going here!
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