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Seafair

Seafair. South-End Style.

August 3, 2011

in Arts/Living,News,Traffic Alert

It’s that time.

Love it or hate it, Seafair is here.

The Hydroplane Races and Air Show will run Friday through Sunday from 8: 30 am to 6 pm on the shores of Lake Washington, and we’ve got your south-end shuttle information, park closures and road closures.

Shuttle to the Hydro Races – Ride a free Metro shuttle between the Othello light rail station and the hydroplane races on Lake Washington this weekend. Shuttle service to the Albert Lee Cup races will be provided Friday through Sunday from Martin Luther King, Jr. Way and S. Othello St. to Stan Sayres Pit near Genesee Park.

Seward Park Closures – In the interest of public safety, Federal Regulations require the closure of Seward Park during performances by the Blue Angels, including Thursday, 9 am-2:30 pm; Friday, 10 am-2:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am-2:30 pm and Sunday, 10 am-2:30 pm.

Rainier Avenue South = Construction-Free – SDOT’s paving contractor will “button up” their work on Rainier Avenue South and have all lanes open from Thursday through Sunday. Next week, weather permitting, the contractor plans to work on paving the section between Genesee and Alaska streets, as well as continuing work on street base repair, drainage systems and sidewalk repair.

I-90 Closures – During the practice flights and air show, all lanes and several ramps of I-90 between I-5 in Seattle and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island will be closed several times from Thursday through Sunday. Drivers should expect congestion and plan ahead. No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridge.

  • Thursday: 9:45 am –12 noon and 1:15 – 2:30 pm
  • Friday: 12:45 – 2:40 pm
  • Saturday: 12:45 – 2:40 pm
  • Sunday: 12:45 – 2:40 pm
  • In addition, the bicycle and pedestrian path on the I-90 floating bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times.

Photos/Seafair

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Cool, Cloudy Seafair Weather Trims Crowds, Arrests

August 9, 2010

in News

Seattle Times (RVP news partner):

A daylong rain Saturday and cool, cloudy weather Sunday kept the crowds down for the final weekend of Seafair.

It also reduced the number of boaters on Lake Washington arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

On hot, 80-degree days during past hydroplane-race weekends, as many as 148 boaters were arrested in cases of boating under the influence, a misdemeanor. Through mid-afternoon Sunday, only 54 had been cited. Read more.

Photo/do communications

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Traffic Alert: 40k+ Expected for Seafair; Take Free Shuttle From Othello Station

August 6, 2010

in News,Transportation

2008_Hydros_TwoTurnCount on heavy traffic in and around the valley this weekend as more than 40,000 people are expected to convene on our side of Lake Washington to celebrate Seafair 2010.

Metro will operate a free shuttle from Othello Station starting at 7 am both Saturday and Sunday.

For traffic on major city streets, check out SDOT’s real-time traffic Traveler’s Information Map.

Photo/Seafair

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Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em, the Blue Angels Are Here; I-90 Closed Off & on Thru Sunday

August 5, 2010

in Arts/Living,News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

blueangels

For many across the Pacific Northwest, summer and Seafair reach their pinnacle as the six pilots behind the yokes of the “Blue” Boeing F/A-18 Hornets make their thunderous and spectacular appearance. Blue Angels demonstrations will take place daily from Fri., Aug. 6 through Sun., Aug. 8, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Bridge Closures: The Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of Interstate 90 across Lake Washington several times from Thur., Aug. 5, through Sun., Aug. 8, to accommodate air show practices and performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels for this year’s Seafair festivities:

Thursday – 9:45 a.m. – noon & 1:15-2:30 pm: I-90 bridge closed both eastbound and westbound, mainline and express lanes – between Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island. All I-90 bus service will be rerouted to State Route 520 during the closures.

Friday – 12:45-2:40 pm: I-90 bridge closed both eastbound and westbound, mainline and express lanes – between Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island. All I-90 bus service will be rerouted to State Route 520 during the closure.

Saturday – 12:45-2:40 pm: I-90 bridge closed both eastbound and westbound, mainline and express lanes – between Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island. All I-90 bus service will be rerouted to State Route 520 during the closure.

Sunday – 12:45-2:40 pm: I-90 bridge closed eastbound and westbound, mainline and express lanes – between Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island. All I-90 bus service will be rerouted to State Route 520 during the closure.

Photo/Seafair

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Seafair Scenes #3: The Blue Angels Are HOT!

August 2, 2009

in Arts/Living,South-End Scenes,Transportation

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Seattle Times:

The sweltering heat has dissipated and conditions for the final Blue Angels air show over Lake Washington at 1:30 p.m. today might be perfect. The forecast calls for clear skies and warm but bearable temperatures in the 80s.

The I-90 floating bridge will close at 12:45 p.m. and reopen two hours later for the air show.

To see the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets close up, head over to Seattle’s Museum of Flight in the morning. For the show’s best seats, make your way to Genesee Park, where adult tickets go for $30. Seniors pay $5 and children 12 and younger are free. Read more.

The Blue Angels soaring over Seward Park on Seafair Saturday. Photo/do communications, inc.

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Seafair Scenes #2: Sun-Deprived Seattleites Turn Out to Get Their Seafair On

August 1, 2009

in Arts/Living,South-End Scenes,Transportation

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Compared to the relative calm seen on Friday, the waters around Seward Park began to fill with boats of all shapes and sizes on Saturday as Vitamin D-deprived Seafair fans came out in droves to get their sun on. Photos/do communications, inc.

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Seafair Scenes #1: Calm Before the Storm

August 1, 2009

in Arts/Living,Transportation

If you’ve ever wondered what Seafair looks like from the water, take a peek at the calm before the storm in this video clip shot Thursday night as the party on the log boom was just thinking about getting started…

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Seafair Starts With Hit and Run on Lake Washington

July 30, 2009

in 911,News

harbor_boatA man and woman were swimming and lounging on their boat around 10pm Thursday on Lake Washington, about a half-mile south of the 520 floating bridge, when another boat bore down on them without changing direction, colliding with their boat and going over it, damaging and disabling it. Both the male and the female sustained minor injuries from the collision. Harbor Patrol officers transported the victims and towed their boat to the Harbor Patrol station.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact the Seattle Police Traffic Collision Investigation Squad at (206) 684-8923.

The Harbor Patrol is a specialized unit dedicated to water safety and the protection and preservation of life and property on the waters within the City of Seattle. Using the latest technology in water emergency, dive response, and fire suppression equipment, the seven Harbor Patrol boats cover 200 miles of City shoreline, 147 miles of freshwater and 53 miles of saltwater. Photo Courtesy of SPD

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Weekend Traffic Alert: 400,000+ Seafairers Expected to Descend on Rainier Valley

July 30, 2009

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

2008_Hydros_TwoTurnFrom the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT):

Motorists should count on heavy traffic surrounding [the following] event sites and on parking at a distance and walking to the activities. SDOT encourages event-goers to consider other modes of travel such as walking, cycling or taking the bus.

The Chevrolet Cup at Seafair and KeyBank Air Show presented by Boeing (including concert and fireworks) will make it easier for participants to leave the car at home by providing secure bike corrals on site and shuttle buses from the Boeing lot in Renton and the Eastgate Park and Ride to the Genesee Park entrance gate.

There will also be a shuttle from the Link Rail Othello Station at Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Othello Street or people can walk the mile to the park from the Link Rail Columbia City Station at Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Edmunds Street. For information on Seafair shuttles, go here.

Friday:

  • Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival:  10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 4,000 people expected to attend, Judkins Park
  • Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Qualifying:  8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. 75,000 expected (Streets closed: Lake Washington Blvd from Mount Baker Beach Park to 49th South) from 6 a.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Monday. Expect heavy congestion in the vicinity of Genesee Park during the events from Thursday through Sunday, Mt. Baker/Lakewood/Seward Park
  • Blue Angels Air Show:  I-90 Bridge closed 12:45 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. from Island Crest Way to I-5, the center reversible lane is closed from 10a.m. – 3 p.m.; Seward Park will be closed to the public from 10 a.m. -2:30 p.m. (FAA required), Mt. Baker/Lakewood/Seward Park

Saturday:

  • Umoja Fest Parade March: 12 to 3 pm. 4,500 expected. Streets closed: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Staging on 23rd Avenue from Union to Cherry streets; parade heads south from 23rd Avenue and Cherry Street to Norman Street, then west on Norman to Judkins Park, Central District
  • Umoja Fest African American Heritage Festival:  10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 4,000 expected. To be held at Judkins Park. Expect congestion on streets surrounding the park, Judkins Park
  • Blue Angels Air Show: I-90 Bridge from Island Crest Way to I-5 closed from 12:45 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.; the center reversible lane closed from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Seward Park will be closed to the public from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (FAA required). Mt. Baker/Lakewood/Seward Park
  • Seafair Hydroplane Qualifying, Fireworks and Concert:  8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. 50,000 expected. To be held in and around Stan Sayres Memorial Park/Genesee Park on Lake Washington. (Streets closed: Lake Washington Blvd from Mount Baker Beach Park to 49th South) from 6 a.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Monday. Expect heavy congestion in the vicinity of Genesee Park during the events from Thursday through Sunday. Mt. Baker/Lakewood/Seward Park

Sunday:

  • Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival:  10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 4,000 people expected to attend, Judkins Park
  • Blue Angels Air Show: I-90 Bridge closed from Island Crest Way to I-5 from 12:45 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.; the center reversible lane closed from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Seward Park will be closed to the public from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (FAA required)
  • Seafair Hydroplane Race:  7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. 300,000 expected (Streets closed: Lake Washington Blvd from Mount Baker Beach Park to 49th South) from 6 a.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Monday. Expect heavy congestion in the vicinity of Genesee Park during the events from Thursday through Sunday. Mt. Baker/Lakewood/Seward Park

For traffic on major city streets, check out SDOT’s real-time traffic Traveler’s Information Map.

The Chevrolet Cup at Seafair is the culmination of the month-long Seafair Festival and the “Seafair” weekend that thousands look forward to each Summer. The action-packed weekend includes the fastest powerboats in the world, the Unlimited Hydroplanes and the Lights class with its high-intensity, deck-to-deck racing. Photo Courtesy of Seafair

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Blues Bring Big Week to Boeing Field

July 30, 2009

in News,Transportation

tt072709ph2.ashxFrom King County:

When the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron takes to the air over Lake Washington each summer for the Seafair air show, thousands of spectators marvel at the precision of their airborne maneuvers.

But, the split-second timing and attention to detail are not just limited to the skies. Similar logistics are happening on the ground at King County International Airport (KCIA) at Boeing Field, where the Blues are headquartered for their annual Seafair visit.

“This is a busy time for us each year,” KCIA Operations Manager Chris Hall. “Just hosting the Blue Angels for their practices and performances adds more than 100 takeoffs and landings in a single week at Boeing Field.”

Hall said in addition to the Blue Angels, other performers in the annual air show also increase traffic at Boeing Field during Seafair Week. This year, many civilian aviation performers have opted to participate in a show in Wisconsin, so the Key Bank Air Show at Seafair will feature more military planes – some of which are locally stationed at either McChord Air Force Base or NAS Whidbey. Read more.

The Blue Angels are a staple of the Seafair air show. Photo Courtesy of King County

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Traffic Alert: I-90 to Close for Annual Blue Angels Seafair Show

July 29, 2009

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

i-901From the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT):

Drivers should plan ahead for this week’s annual closures of I-90 across Lake Washington for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Seafair air shows. WSDOT will close all lanes of I-90 between I-5 and Island Crest Way several times between Thur., July 30 and Sun., Aug. 2.

No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridge. By closing I-90, WSDOT is complying with Federal Aviation Administration rules to create a safer environment for motorists and Blue Angels pilots by reducing distractions to both.

General closures:

  • Thur., July 30: Crews will close the bridge from 9:45 a.m. to noon and again from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the Blue Angels practice sessions. The center roadway will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Fri., July 31: Crews will close the bridge from 12:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. during the Blue Angels’ practice sessions. The center roadway will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Sat., Aug. 1 & Sun., Aug. 2: Crews will close the bridge from 12:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. for the full shows. The center roadway will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Note: The bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times

Express lanes and ramp closures:

  • Northbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp
  • Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp
  • Southbound and northbound Rainier Avenue ramps
  • 76th Avenue to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
  • Island Crest Way to westbound I-90
  • Eastbound I-90 to West Mercer Way (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show)
  • East Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show)
  • West Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to one hour prior to show or practice)

The exits from westbound I-90 to Island Crest Way and East Mercer Way on Mercer Island will remain open, although drivers should expect heavy congestion.

Drivers who want to get across Lake Washington via I-90 should plan to get to the bridge an hour ahead of the closures. The SR 520 bridge will remain open to vehicle traffic during the I-90 closures. Marine traffic will be delayed.

For traffic information, go here.

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Countdown to Seafair: The Big Build Begins + Logboom Filling Fast

July 22, 2009

in News,Sports

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With a little more than a week before Seafair starts south-end style (think Hydroplane Race, Air Show & Fireworks at Stan Sayres and Genesee Park on Lake Washington), the big build has begun and a cadre of people are working diligently to secure the otherwise public parks from the unpaid.

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The Saturday Night Seafair Concert, Fireworks and Nighttime Air Show takes place at Genesee Park on Sat., Aug. 1, from 6:45 to 10 pm. Tickets are $10 and available here.

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The Chevrolet Cup at Seafair runs Fri., July 31 through Sun., Aug. 2, on the south side of Lake Washington, Stan Sayres Pits. Tickets for reserved grandstand seats are $20 for Friday, $40 Saturday, $40 Sunday or general admission for $25 either Saturday or Sunday. Add a single-day pit pass for $10. More info.

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Not content slumming it with the rest of us? No problem! For the low, low price of just $90 a day (that’s “a” day as in “one” – Saturday OR Sunday – double the cost for both days) the Seafair Machine offers The Oasis – an “exclusive beachfront area nestled at the south end of the park at the Chevrolet Cup and KeyBank Air Show– right in the thick of the high-speed action” (read: Booze aplenty and no kids allowed).

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And if all that seems like chump change, go for the logboom! It’s filling fast, but – as of 9 am Wednesday – there were still spots available starting at $325. More info. Photos/do communications, inc.

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More Than 2,000 Participate in Annual Seafair Triathlon

07.20.2009 News
rocknrollmarathon

The Seafair Machine says that close to 2,000 participants took part in the ninth annual Benaroya Research Institute Triathlon at Seafair on Sunday morning at Seward Park. The “sprint distance” triathlon includes a half-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run. The Kids Triathlon attracted nearly 350 participants. Last month’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon was [...]

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The Blue Angels Are Coming & It’s Gonna Get Noisy

07.12.2009 News
blueangels

From King County International Airport: Seattle/Tukwila/Renton metropolitan area residents may experience temporary increases in aircraft noise levels from SEAFAIR celebration events during July-August 2009.  Please note the following dates: Wed., 7/29: Blue Angels Arrive Thur., 7/30: Blue Angels practice times: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Fri., 7/31: Blue Angels performances: 1:20 p.m.-2:30 p.m. [...]

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