Seafair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seafair |
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| Location(s) | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Years active | 1950–2019, 2021– |
Seafair is a big summer festival in Seattle, Washington. It includes many fun events all over the city. While there are small parties and parades, most people know Seafair for its exciting Torchlight Parade, fast Seafair Cup hydroplane races, and amazing Blue Angels air show. Seafair has been happening every year since 1950. Its history goes back to the 1911 Seattle Golden Potlatch Celebrations.
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Seafair's History
Seafair has been a summer tradition in Seattle for many years. It started in 1950 and has grown a lot since then.
In 2020 and 2021, Seafair events were cancelled. This was due to health concerns and rules about large groups. The organizers decided it was not safe to hold such big events.
Exciting Seafair Events
Seafair starts in the middle of June with some unique events.
Pirates and Milk Boats
- Seafair Pirates Landing: Since 1949, the festival kicks off with the Seafair Pirates arriving at Alki Beach. They make a grand, noisy entrance!
- Milk Carton Derby: This fun boat race happens on Green Lake. All the boats are made from empty milk cartons! Some boats are built for speed, while others are just for laughs. This event also has many activities for kids and families.
Running and Racing
- Seafair Half Marathon and Marathon: These races were added in the early 2000s. People can run or walk distances of about 13 miles (21 km) or 26 miles (42 km). There is also a shorter 5 km race. These events are a great way for people to get active and enjoy the city.
- Seafair Summer Fourth: Since 2013, Seafair has hosted a big Fourth of July fireworks show. It takes place over Lake Union. This event brings the community together to celebrate with a dazzling display of lights.
- Seafair Triathlon: This event is held at Seward Park on Lake Washington. It includes swimming, biking, and running. Participants can race alone or in teams. It's a challenging and popular event, usually held in mid-July.
Torchlight Festivities
The last weekend of July is all about the Torchlight Parade and Torchlight Run.
- Torchlight Parade: Many local groups join this parade through downtown Seattle. A special person called "Miss Seafair" (or "Seafair Queen" before 1972) has an important role.
- Torchlight Run: This short 5-mile (8 km) race happens before the parade. Many runners wear fun costumes, making it a lively event.
Seafair Weekend: Hydroplanes and Air Show
The first weekend of August brings the most popular events: the Seafair Weekend. It takes place at Genesee Park.
- Seafair Cup: This is a major hydroplane racing event on Lake Washington. Fast boats race across the water. Thousands of people watch from the shore and from boats on the lake.
- Seafair Air Show: This amazing air show happens at the same time as the hydroplane races. World-class teams perform incredible stunts in the sky. The most famous performers are the Blue Angels from the US Navy and the US Army Golden Knights.
The Blue Angels have been a big part of the Air Show since 1972. They have only missed a few years. Sometimes, the noise from the jet engines bothers local residents. Also, some people worry about the low-flying planes. In 2013, the Blue Angels could not come due to budget cuts. The Patriots Jet Team performed instead. Since 2019, the flight area has moved to avoid closing major bridges.
Seafair Groups
The Seafair Pirates
The Seafair Pirates are a special group involved in Seafair. They entertain children in hospitals and do other good deeds for the community. During Seafair, they act like playful pirates. While some of their antics can be loud, most people who love Seafair see them as a key part of the festival.
Images for kids
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The Blue Angels performing over Lake Washington in 2007, with the Bellevue skyline in the background.
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Seafair Pirates Moby Duck at the Torchlight Parade with Seattle's landmark Space Needle in the background (2013)
