Seafair to host community programs in lieu of large-scale summer events
Jul 1, 2020, 1:10 PM
Blue Angels at Seafair 2018. (KIRO Radio/File photo)
(KIRO Radio/File photo)
Seafair previously announced the cancellation of all its major events for 2020 due to concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, organizers had said the cancellation didn’t necessarily mean that all celebrations would have to wait until 2021.
Organizers said they were planning for other ways to keep the festival’s spirit alive and well this summer, including finding a way to bring celebrations to the people and to local neighborhoods.
COVID-19 is ‘not the death of Seafair’ this summer, say organizers
The iconic summer festival, cancelled for the first time in 71 years, will go on in limited forms. Though current health guidelines do not allow for the large-scale events, Seafair developed a variety of programs and events to engage with the Puget Sound community in summer 2020.
To start, the celebrations could be coming directly to you. Five neighborhoods will be nominated each week on Mondays on participating iHeart radio stations to win a Seafair caravan featuring the clowns, pirates, commodores, vintage hydro, and “other surprises.” Voting will take place during the week, with the winner to be announced on Fridays. These events will take place Saturday mornings starting July 18, through Aug. 8, 2020.
KING TV will also be re-broadcasting Seafair memories from years past, including the Seafair Summer 4th Fireworks on Saturday, July 4, at 10 p.m. More highlights will be featured on the festival’s website and social media platforms in July.
Even though the big events are not taking place this summer, Seafair also wants to celebrate community by giving back. The Seafair Summer of Service will highlight a community partner each week, starting with BloodworksNW. Anyone who is able is encouraged to donate blood for local hospitals through July 5, 2020. Make an appointment with BloodworksNW and say the code “SEAF” on arrival for the chance to win a Family 4-pack of tickets to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. There will be one winner chosen each day.
Check Seafair’s social media platforms to learn more about each week’s community partner and what you can do to help. Plus, stay tuned all summer as Seafair hosts a series of virtual events and pop-ups including the Boeing Seafair Air Show at home, Virtual Fleet Week, a virtual triathlon, and virtual Hydroplane racing. Find more details online here.
