That’s our video of today’s West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade in North Admiral, in its entirety, from an SPD motorcycle officer and Seattle Fire Engine 29 leading the way, to the very last young parader, as they headed westward from the starting point on Sunset. No way to formally count, but every year it seems bigger – here’s a couple photos showing just part of the crowd toward the start and end of the route:
It’s an informal parade – just show up and you’re in it, coordinated by neighborhood moms for almost a quarter-century – this year, Emily Williams, Nicole Lutomski, and Megan Erb. Costumes and decorations range from simple to lavish:
A few signs, in the spirit of the day:
It’s not a parade without a banner, although this one was mid-parade:
And at the end of the route – the post-parade party at Hamilton Viewpoint Park, where sack races are a tradition:
The final race this year took a never-before twist!
Sack races post-WS 4th of July Kids’ Parade end with first-ever round for parents! pic.twitter.com/f68UkAMEDG
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 4, 2018
Also at the park – food trucks (long lines!) and activity booths presented by parade sponsors – among them, WSB sponsors – including A Kid’s Place Too Dentistry:
And Dream Dinners-West Seattle:
Engine 29 was there for tours:
WestSide Baby‘s famous bus was a dropoff spot for diapers:
If you enjoyed being in and/or watching the parade – coordinators are still crowdfunding to cover the costs, and you can contribute here.
P.S. Next West Seattle parade: The WS Grand Parade on Saturday, July 21st, from California/Lander (10:30-ish start for the motorcycle squads, 11 am rest of the parade) to California/Edmunds, preceded this year by the PAWrade – more on that here!