The performer "El Vez" performed as Elvis with a Latino flair under the hot Ballard sun at SeafoodFest Saturday. It continues Sunday. CLICK ONTO PHOTO FOR SLIDE SHOW. Photos by Steve Shay, Eating Contest Photos by Michael Harthorne
During the first day of the 35th Annual 2009 Ballard SeafoodFest weekend, more than just the salmon fillets got cooked. The thousands who attended were getting baked as well.
Their reward? Listening to a rare performance by the Squirrels, which included their unique take on Michael Jackson's hit "Ben."
There was also El Vez, the Hispanic Elvis impersonator, who was sweating in his bright red overalls and the eclectic Manooghi Hi, all on the Ballard Avenue mainstage.
The ubiquitous Warren Aakervik of Ballard Oil was cooking the salmon and baking the bread loaves with many volunteers including the Ballard High School Sea Scouts, all in the midst of smoke and fire on this hot day with temperatures in the high 80s.
After a few handfuls of Simply Sinful Caramel Corn, cotton candy and other sweets, it was lemonade, beer, or just plain water to the rescue.
Rain sprinkled down starting at 7 p.m. but few seemed to complain on day-one of the traditional Nordic festival.
CLICK ON PHOTO FOR SLIDESHOW
