MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seafair to go virtual again in 2021 over ‘challenges with social distancing requirements’

Apr 21, 2021, 11:59 AM | Updated: 1:58 pm

Seafair Pirates...

Seafair Pirate landing from 2015. (Stephanie Klein, MyNorthwest)

(Stephanie Klein, MyNorthwest)

Seafair announced Wednesday that for the second year in a row, it will take place “largely in a virtual format.”

Canceled and alternate local events in spring, summer 2021

Despite Phase 3 rules still allowing for smaller outdoor gatherings — and the return of live sports at T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field — the popular summer festival cited ongoing concerns over logistics.

“Open-air, large-scale community gatherings without designated access and reserved seating, unlike the Mariners and Sounders, have different challenges with social distancing requirements to follow in order to keep our attendees safe,” Seafair spokesperson Patrick Harrison said in a written release.

Harrison went on to note that Seafair remains “eager to bring back events” next year, and is “heartbroken fans must limit social gatherings for a second summer.”

Virtual events for Seafair’s 2021 iteration will include a July 4 hour-long presentation of the festival’s past fireworks show on KING 5, an at-home boat-building contest, and online Fleet Week activities.

A look back: History of Seafair in Seattle

The annual Boeing Air Show will also be going virtual for a second time, featuring a “fully-simulated performance by the U.S. Blue Angels.”

Seafair does plan to hold a small handful of hybrid in-person events, including the Seafair Triathlon and the Torchlight 5K run, which both will operate as “a combination of live and virtual participation, based on the competitor’s comfort level.”

The Torchlight Parade will be scaled down as part of a “We Bring Seafair to You” program, sending a caravan of clowns, pirates, parade marshals, and more to individually selected neighborhoods.

Online activities will kick off on Friday, June 18, while ticketholders for the 2021 event will be contacted for more information on refunds.

MyNorthwest News

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

6 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

7 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

9 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

9 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

10 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

13 hours ago

Seafair to go virtual again in 2021 over ‘challenges with social distancing requirements’