Seattle Sea Fair

Seattle neighborhood parade still underfunded, but organizers determined

The 1955 photo caption read: Pioneer Days celebration, which starts this Wednesday in Lake City, brings together six pretty girls. They are (left to right) Sandra Bell, Pioneer Days princess; Hazel Corbet, Toppenish princess; Pioneer Days Queen Darlene Smith; Toppenish Pow Wow Queen Yvone Musmisto; Pioneer Days princess Mary Devine and Toppenish princess Phyllis Miller.

The 1947 P-I photo caption read: Admiring the whiskers of Jack White is Miss Marjorie Lester of Lake City. Attired in Pioneer Days costumes White and Miss Lester are pictured with a pioneer Model T flivver owned by A.W. Trudeau. The Pioneer Days celebration in Lake City calls for whiskers for the men, early-day costumes for the women and all the atmosphere of a by-gone era.

Lake City Pioneer Days has been saved, organizers say, though the annual neighborhood celebration still has to raise thousands to pay debts from last year and to pay for this year's festival.

Diane Haugen, Lake City Chamber of Commerce executive director, said a television broadcast incorrectly said the event wouldn't happen, causing concern among residents.

“We have every intention of having our annual celebration!” she wrote in an email. “And yes, we need more financial support to make it happen.”

Through Wednesday afternoon, the chamber had raised $449 – far short of the $30,000 goal.

But, Haugen added, “It will happen.”

Last week, seattlepi.com reported that for the first time in nearly 70 years, Lake City Pioneer Days might not happen. Organizers of the Aug. 5-6 event, one of dozens affiliated with Seafair, said they had no major sponsors and last Friday launched savelakecity.com to raise money.

"Instead of going after the few, we're going to approach people to get $5," Lake City Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Heims said last week of the neighbor-to-neighbor approach. "Lots of businesses that have graciously donated in the past haven't donated."

Though savelakecity.com , Heims said 75 percent of donations will go to the community event, while 25 percent will be donated to North Helpline , which provides food and emergency services to Lake City homeless and low-income people.

If the goal of $30,000 is reached, the donation percentages will switch, with 75 percent going to North Helpline, Heims said. Haugen said until the website is launched they're trying to raise money through their office at 206-363-3287.

Seattle Seafair, largest festival in the Northwest | The Berkshire ...

Immerse yourself in Seattle tradition this summer by paying a visit to Seafair . The more than 50-year-old tradition is the largest festival in the Northwest. Seafair has also been called one of the top events to attend in the country.

Seafair began in the 1950’s, and was designed to keep Seattle on the map as the boating capital of the world. Today, the festival is still marked by a month of entertainment, athletic activities and celebration of Seattle history. Signature events include the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon and half Marathon to benefit the American Cancer Society . You can also participate in the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade or the Seafair Pirates Landing. 

Whatever you end up doing at this year’s festivities, Seafair should prove to be an unforgettable experience. If you’re in the area (less than 15 miles from The Berkshire ), gather some friends and enjoy what Seattle has to offer at Seafair this summer. 

To learn more about Seafair call 206-728-0123 or email info@seafair.

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