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Thousands of people swarmed SeafoodFest this weekend, filling up the streets of Ballard Ave, Leary Way and Market St. It was the 38th annual SeafoodFest, and especially marked by the retirement of Stan Boreson, accordion player and "The King of Scandinavian Humor," who has opened for SeafoodFest for several years.

Ballard News Tribune was on the scene, too, and had the chance to speak to several SeafoodFest goers. Here are just a few people BNT spoke to:

Rep. Reuven Carlyle, D-36, was spotted early on near the big fish statue, campaigning and carrying a sign over his shoulders. This year two competitors, Leslie Klein and Robert Canamar, have filed against him in the race for the 36th District. Though Klein and Canamar have not been doing much in terms of fundraising and campaigning, Carlyle still thinks it is important that he campaigns and connects with the community. "I want people to know I don't take it for granted."

www.reuvencarlyle.com

The RapidRide Man was standing outside of the new RapidRide bus, which is coming to Ballard, handing out information and being a transit superhero. He said he designed the costume himself. His super-powered blinking red LED sunglasses was from a collection of 4th of July toys he and his wife sells.

www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/MetroTransit/RapidRide/DLine.as…

The Howlin' Hobbit was singing and playing his ukelele outside of the shoe repair store. He said he has been busking for 28 years, is a longtime Ballard resident, and a lifelong Seattle-area resident. He plays old-skool jazz, hokum and novelty tunes, as well as more original music. You can see him play at Ballard Farmer's Market and Pike Place Market.

www.howlinhobbit.com

Johnny Moses was telling stories in the Family Stage tent. Moses is a Tulalip Native American raised in the remote Nuu-Chah-Nuulth village of Ohiat on the west coast of Vancouver, B.C. His stories are often light-hearted, and his speaking has a sing-song, lulling pattern.

www.johnnymoses.com

Renee de la Prade was playing her accordion on the Ballard Ave Main Stage. She is a punk diva from the Bay Area of California, and, according to the SeafoodFest guide, possibly the only punk artist who wields an accordion. "She blew everyone away," said Cynthia Payne, a consultant for SeafoodFest who did introductions for bands on the Main Stage.

www.squeezeboxgoddess.com

The Keystones are Seattle residents now, but they all hail from Pennsylvania, they said. They were spotted playing their horn instruments at the main intersection of Market St and 22nd Ave NW.

People not pictured

Catherine Weatbrook, chairperson of the Ballard District Council, was running the Emergency Preparedness booth as part of the campaign "Ballard Prepares." She is looking for volunteers to help become part of an effort to prepare Ballard for major disasters.

www.ballardprepares.blogspot.com

Central Ballard Residents Association members were helping host the Ballard Emergency Preparedness booth. The Association just started in February and hosts monthly meetings, to which anyone in the Central Ballard area are welcome to join.

www.centralballard.org

James A. Manning, Ballard's new community outreach officer, was talking to Seafoodfest goers and hanging out near the Salmon Barbecue. He hosts "Living Room Conversations" around town and listens to people's public safety concerns.

www.seattle.gov/police/community/livingroom.htm

Warren Aakervik was master chef at the Salmon Barbecue Pit, where he directed volunteers and members of the Ballard High School football team in cooking SeafoodFest's famous, delicious salmon. Aakervik is the owner of Ballard Oil.

www.ballardoil.com

Julie D. Pheasant-Albright, a fourth generation Ballard resident and author of "Early Ballard," stopped by to chat at the BNT booth. She talked about the neighborhood's history, including stories about early brothels, of which there were two, and taverns such as Hattie's Hat and Ballard Smoke Shop.

Cynthia Payne, a consultant for SeafoodFest, also stopped by the booth. She was the one who put together the program, organized the successful Kickstarter campaign and did introductions for the Ballard Ave Main Stage.