Summer Fest welcomes all
Summer Fest welcomes all
MAJOR WESTSIDE FESTIVAL. A view of the crowds at last year's Junction Festival sets the bar for the 2006 edition. Referred to in the past as the Junction Festival, the West Seattle Street Fair, the Sidewalk Sale among others, the 24th annual event has been recently renamed the West Seattle Summer Fest. File photo by Tim Robinson.
Tue, 07/11/2006
It's that wonderful time of year again when West Seattleites of all ages come out of the woodwork and spill onto the Junction streets for three fun-filled days of shopping, feasting, mingling with neighbors and toe tapping to tunes.
Referred to in the past as the Junction Festival, the West Seattle Street Fair, the Sidewalk Sale and HiYu among others, the 24th annual event has been recently renamed the West Seattle Summer Fest for 2006.
"The decision was made by the festival committee in an effort to better incorporate all of West Seattle, not just the Junction, and the new name also highlights the fact that this is the summertime community festival here - the one weekend each year where the entire neighborhood comes together, " says festival spokeswoman Danielle Bennett.
So from July 14 to 16 all the mini neighborhoods in our friendly little peninsula are invited to come together to celebrate summer (and each other) like never before.
In addition to the ongoing tradition of two stages with live music, outdoor beer and wine gardens, merchant sales, resident restaurants, visiting food court vendors, and a plethora of arts and crafts, there is also a host of new family-friendly activities - truly something for everyone from age 2 to 102. Here are a few festival highlights:
For The Whole Family
This year the festival has created a full block of family activities for you to enjoy. Come to the Next to Nature Animal Education Park (on 42nd and Alaska) to find all kinds of neat info on non-profit animal organizations such as Friends of the Animals, Greyhound Rescue USA, the Woodland Park Zoo, and Citizens for Off-leash Areas. But leave the pups at home - part of the education here is teaching people how crowds and pets don't always mix.
For you late-night party animals (well, not that late), the Annual Saturday Night Street Dance begins at 8 p.m.
Sunday also welcomes the Farmer's Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For the Youngin's
Bring the wee ones to the Family Fun Zone where kids of all ages will love a carnival created just for them. Check out the antics of Clowns Unlimited, try out the climbing wall, see the 36-foot long crocodile, or go on a Jurassic Adventure.
For Teens and Tweens
Is that a half pipe I see in the parking lot? That's right, The End Zone hosted by 107.7 The End is doing skateboard demos with local pros in the Wells Fargo parking lot. The End's DJs will be onsite playing tunes while onlookers witness skate tricks on both Saturday and Sunday.
For Westside Adults
Seattle is known for its great music scene and West Seattle should be too. Music-lovers will appreciate the impressive new line-up of local and international acts including 50 Foot Wave, Carrie Akre, John Doe, Kristen Hersh, Green Pajamas, Gypsie Soul, Jonathan Kingham, Korby Lenker, Ian Moore, the Spoils, the West Seattle Big Band, and much more.
The Beer and Wine Gardens (one at the north end of the festival in Eagles parking lot and one located at the south end off Edmunds) also beckon those of age to enjoy a beverage in this festive outdoor setting. No pups in the pubs please.
The Senior Center is also a very happenin' place all weekend long with Rainbow Bingo on Friday at 7 p.m. featuring Sylvia O'Stayformore and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (drag nuns encouraging fun wherever they go) and the West Seattle Big Band concert Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m.
So whether you're looking for hip housewares at Capers, ready to graze on a plate of Vietnamese noodles, wanting to catch up on the latest skate tricks or the latest local tunes by big name bands, head to the West Seattle Summer Fest.
Parking is limited, so try to walk, ride your bike, take the bus or at least carpool with neighbors.
(Information Box)
What:
West Seattle Summer Fest
Where:
West Seattle Junction
(the fest runs south to north from Edmunds to Oregon, and east to west from 42nd to 44th)
206.935.0954
When:
Friday, July 14 from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (plus Street Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight)
Sun. July 16 from 10am-6pm.
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Meet the Author of "West Seattle 101"
Visit Lori Hinton at her West Seattle 101 booth during this summer's festival to purchase your very own signed copy and a chance to win the West Seattle 101 gift basket filled with quintessential Westside gifts and activities.
