There's a buzz in the Junction... Get within in a few blocks' radius of California Avenue and you can almost feel the energy and excitement. And it's not just about fireworks, sunshine or the official start of summer, but rather a special time of year when West Seattleites come together for three days to truly celebrate the community we all call home.

Announcing the 2007 West Seattle Summer Fest-the Westside's biggest neighborhood gathering and one of Seattle's only free community events.

With a long standing 25-year history as the summer "thing to do" in West Seattle, the festival has been known to draw nearly 30,000 attendees over the three-day duration, including area residents as well as visitors from afar.

And for good reason - the festival features two stages with dozens of high caliber local musicians, shopping and outdoor "cafes" up and down the sidewalks of your favorite Junction Merchants, additional outside crafts and food vendors, beer and wine gardens, information on area clubs and organizations, fun activities for kids, and notable happenings for kids at heart.

"For 2007 we have continued to focus on greater West Seattle and the community as a whole," says Junction Association president and West 5 Lounge co-owner Dave Montoure. "It's important to recognize everything from our local bands to neighborhood non-profits."

For details and a complete schedule of events, look for the West Seattle Summer Fest insert in next week's issue of the West Seattle Herald. But while you're waiting, here are a few highlights to get you revved up for the '07 lineup:

Summer Fest kicks off early at Elliott Bat Brewery on Thursday evening with their traditional kids' night plus a 10 year anniversary celebration (congrats!).

Friday, July 13

Are you up for a Friday the 13th freak out? Join the Rat City Roller Girls and their junior partners from Pathfinder, the Derby Brats, as they host a classic hot rod car show and all kinds of funky, punky, retro-inspired activities from a traditional fair-style dunk tank and kissing booth to arm wrestling contests and a sassy (and sweet) cake walk. Then, top it all off with an evenin' of country-style twang on the North Stage with rockabilly veterans Billy Joe Huels and The Dusty 45s.

Saturday, July 14

Saturday is a day to show your West Seattle community pride. Welcome the Hi Yu parade float in all its glory. Both weekend days feature two wine and beer gardens, a West Seattle Community Engagement area with a thoughtful gathering of local non-profit organization booths hosted by Megawatt, an expanded Family Fun Zone with a carnival and a new kids' craft tent offering all kinds of creative activities, and Next to Nature's Animal Education Area with information on things like pet adoptions, animal rescue groups, and more.

In addition, Saturday night also brings in local, nationally-recognized rock band, The Blakes, who will be followed by the Retros, an 80s style cover band, for the famous Annual West Seattle Street Dance.

"All of West Seattle will be there," smiles Montoure.

Sunday, July 15

The fun continues on Sunday with the addition of the weekly Sunday Farmer's Market. And to wrap up the festival on a good note, Seattle band Downpilot will take the South Stage for a mellow pop set while the ornery Snakes Bites (described as "psychedelic bubblegum garage rock") will go out with a bang on the North Stage.

"A lot of these bands have roots and ties to this community," explains Montoure. "It's a real showcase of talent in our backyard."

So get ready for a weekend of elephant ears, frosty cold beers, face-painted kiddos, a little punk rock and a lot of old fashioned fun at the 2007 Summer Fest. See you there, West Seattle!

(Information Box)

What:

West Seattle Summer Festival

Where:

West Seattle Junction

(from Edmunds to Oregon on California Ave., and from 42nd to 44th on Alaska St.)

www.wsjunctionfestival.com

206.297.6801

Parking:

Parking will be extremely limited. Please walk, ride bikes, take the bus (#54 or #55), or carpool.

When:

Hours are Fri & Sat 10am-8pm

(Saturday Night Street Dance 8-11pm)

Sun 11am-7pm

Price:

FREE

Have column ideas or comments?

Please send e-mail to:

WestSeattle101@yahoo.com

And have you heard about "West Seattle 101"?

Visit author Lori Hinton on Fri & Sun of the Fest at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Information Booth (at the intersection of California & Alaska) to get your very own signed copy of Seattle's one and only neighborhood guidebook-West Seattle 101.