Seafair is Back!

Seafair in Seattle is Roaring to Life!

Yes, it’s that time again Seattle, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back in town.  And, if you haven’t heard already, the

Fun in the Sun at Seattle Seafair

thunderboats are back on Lake Washington.  It is truly a spectacular time of year.  Seafair is a celebration in Seattle that is truly the highlight of the year.  The City is shown off like no other time and it is family oriented to boot.  The torchlight parade is always a kid favorite as floats are all lit up and really are amazing.  If you’re a runner, there’s the seafair triathalon or the torchlight run.  Or if you’re into speed…try watching the Blue Angels and the Seafair Hydroplanes, which are my personal favorite.  There’s also a concert and fireworks Saturday Night.

Hydros jet around Lake Washington during the Seattle Seafair.

Last year, I made the trek down to south Lake Washington to see first hand what goes on at the hydroplane pits and see the Blue Angels up close.  Well as close as you can from the shore with them overhead.  They really try to make it

Flying Blue Angels delight crowds at the Seattle Seafair.

easy to get there with shuttles from the Seattle Center to the park so you don’t have to fight parking or the crowded streets.  This was a blessing in disguise as we boarded the 2nd bus and made our way there.  It took about 15-20 minutes to get there and they drop you off at the park.  There are lines to get into the main area at a cost of around $20 unless you’re in the military or work for the sponsor then you get a cut rate.  Remember family friendly, if you

Hydros pass in front of the floating bridge on Lake Washington during Seattle's Seafair.

don’t want to pay to get in there is a hugh lawn that is free for those who want to watch the festivities.  Once you buy your ticket and get in, you have several choices, eat, visit booths, or find your space by the water to get both a good look at the air and the lake.  Some purchase tickets for the beer garden and pit area but we chose to just sit by the lake.  A hint–be sure and take something to sit on and take shifts going to get food and beverages so that you don’t lose your space.  The people, locals and visitors alike, are all very friendly and know that we’re all there for the same thing…to see the show unfold.  We were treated to an amazing performance in the air first by several other types of aircraft, then a demonstration by the Coast Guard dropping a rescue specialist in the water from a helicopter to simulate a rescue, then the Blue Angels made their appearance.  What a sight, the speed and manuverability of the planes is tremendous, these pilots are truly a great demonstration of who we have in the military to defend our country… and bring everyone to the realization that the planes are how they will do it.  And of course, I took the opportunity to purchase a Blue Angel hat and backpack…Go Navy! 

Then a while later, the thunderboats took the water.  Luckily they sped around the course without any crashes and it was fun to watch.  These boats can go extremely fast kicking up roostertails from their propellers and still turn corners all the while fending off challengers trying to pass them.  Whew, what a job. 

Two hydroplanes battle deck to deck on Lake Washington in Seattle during Seafair.

After all was said and done, we made our way back to get picked up and taken back to the Center to get the car, already thinking about how next year we’ll do it all again.  Go Seafair!