The neighborhood's biggest party of the year took place last weekend as the 32nd Annual Ballard SeafoodFest brought thousands of people to the area for two days of sun and fun.

With entertainment on two stages, a variety of seafood and ethnic food booths, crafts and information stands, festival goers had plenty to keep them busy.

Stan Boreson opened the festival with his ever-popular act at the Bergen Place Family Stage. The self-proclaimed "King of Scandinavian" humor was at his best and a large audience showed up to for his songs and down-home jokes.

One of his jokes was about two men who went fishing on Shilshole Bay. They spent $200 renting a boat, buying bait, fishing gear, gas, lunch and beer. When they only caught two fish they figured each fish had cost them $100.

"Sure is a good thing we did not catch anymore," Boreson said, as people laughed.

This event is known for its salmon, thanks to Ballard Oil President Warren Aakervik who has been grilling at the festival for over 30 years.

Trident Seafood donates over 2,500 pounds of salmon for the event. Aakervik and his crew slow cook the fish over alder wood.

"I enjoy doing it. It's a great community event. I get to see old friends, new friends and business acquaintances. Everyone is here," said Aakervik.

The festival could not take place without the volunteers.

"Volunteers put a face on the community for newcomers by welcoming them, offering them information and in the case of the barbecue, feeding them. But I think the spirit of Ballard at its cheerful best during the festival also imprints itself on those who take the time to give back," said Volunteer Coordinator Laura McLeod.

Volunteer Jim Black at worked the information booth to help answer questions. He was part of a team of Appreciation Station Attendants who gave their time both days.

"We do this every year. It's great. We give directions to booths. The biggest question is where are the bathrooms," said Black, the manager of Washington Federal Savings Bank.

Twelve young people from the Ballard Boys and Girls Club helped empty garbage and put up barricades. They also sold car wash tickets to pay for a trip to a Boys and Girls Club Conference in Washington D.C.

Club Director Mark Hendricks pushed a garbage cart up and down Market Street to do his part. "The kids are in the Keystone Club. It's a leadership group. They are earning money to go to the conference," he said.

A group of Calvary Lutheran Church Soup Kitchen supporters set up a table to raffle off gift baskets on Market Street.

They were led by Ballard activist Randi Hansen. She told a story of placing one of the baskets on the table early Saturday morning, only to see it disappear when she walked away.

The basket was picked up by one of her neighbors who had thought it was free for the taking. He thought so because Hansen had placed the popular "Free Ballard," bumper sticker in the package. The neighbor returned the basket after realizing his mistake.

Hansen had a smile on her face when she told the story.

The Calvary volunteers sold raffle tickets for a dollar each and had three baskets to give away. "All the stuff was donated by merchants," said Inger Josund, the mother of former Calvary Lutheran Pastor Julie Josund.

Under the leadership of Ballard Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beth Williamson Miller the last six and a half years, the SeafoodFest has grown. When the festival began in 1971, it was a two-hour barbecue.

Cindy Payne, owner of Painless Productions, the producer of the two day celebration said this is her favorite project of the year.

"This is a neighborhood festival that has a cozy feel. We bring in more than 70,000 to 80,000 people to Ballard every year," Payne said.

New to the festival this year was the Wine Garden, put together by the Wine Shop on 24th and The Lucky Dog Pet Station where pets cooled off. Wylie and the Wild West was back by popular demand, along with the Couture Coverall Contest. For the kids, The Valentine Performing Pigs, made famous on the David Letterman television show made an appearance.

Other family favorites included Mario The Funny Man, Deano the Clown and Alleyoop's Musical Games.