RAINIER BEACH - Seafair's big weekend is upon us with the arrival of the Blue Angels, the hydroplane races at the Stan Sayers pits, and the inevitable crowds. So how does a South End resident survive the influx? Some recommend arriving early, others stay late, and some advocate getting out of town. Here are some tips from a few souls with strong Seafair experience:
EMBRACE IT
To get the most out of the weekend, residents need to make their decision about how they will enjoy Seafair or avoid it.
"I've lived three and half blocks away for 20 years and you embrace it or you leave. I've done both. You just figure out what year to do which, it's the only way to live here and enjoy yourself," said Margie Alhadess.
Alhadess also advises people to use Seafair to introduce themselves to their neighbors.
"Join in, get to know your neighbors," said Alhadess. "It's a great opportunity to get to know all the people on your block, and there's great music sometimes, too."
After 20 years of living right next to Seafair, Alhadess said the only problem she has ever had with Seafair was when she could not get back to her own neighborhood afterward.
For this reason, Alhadess recommends to "come early and find a place to park, or carpool from wherever they have the shuttles. That's even better, though, the shuttles."
CHECK OUT PRACTICE
Rochelle Vinson enjoys Seafair from her home where she can see the Blue Angels fly right in front of her deck. It's one of Vinson's tricks to save money and some of the crowd grief.
"I have always tried to get down to the [Stan Sayers] pits on Thursday, as you don't have to pay and can sit in the stands or right by the water," said Vinson. "It's great because all of the hydro[plane boats] are practicing their time trials, and the Blue Angels practice as well. It's like having a VIP pass without having to pay. Of course, they are still setting up, so none of the food booths are open. It's the perfect opportunity for a picnic."
Although Vinson conceded that traffic will always be the big drawback of Seafair, she offered one piece of commuting advice: "Steer clear of Genesee [Street]."
And for those who don't want to enjoy Seafair, Vinson advised them to "go visit the lavender fields in Sequim."
GOOD TRAFFIC TIPS
Leilani McCoy is another resident living close to Seafair, and she throws quite the party Friday through Sunday. Actually, according to McCoy everyone on her block throws a huge party, except one neighbor who leaves town.
It seems that the general consensus from the neighbors is to leave town if you don't want to take part in the activities.
After hosting the party for so many years, McCoy counsels to adhere to the following directions or risk being stuck in bad traffic:
"I tell people that you have to go a long way around, across Beacon Hill. You cannot, absolutely cannot get on or get off at the Columbia exit. That is a mess," asserted McCoy.
As for the traffic leaving the event, McCoy offers specific instructions again.
"When it's over, have your picnic ready, spread out and stay. Then leisurely drive home, but if you have to drive home, then drive all the way south down to South Center and take 509 back."
According to McCoy, people can find places to park and get in south of the Lakewood marina, which tends to be less crowded.
McCoy said that the crowds weren't as much of a problem anymore either.
"The biggest problem is [Seafair officials] keep it so controlled," McCoy noted. "It's not as crowded as it used to be, and it used to be a lot more fun. So, I actually think that's kind of a problem in a way."
But generally, when it comes to Seafair, she said, "you're either in it or your out."
And even though all the noise is in McCoy's backyard, it doesn't bother her.
"You enjoy it, you survive," McCoy said. "There's nothing like waking up at three in the morning and hear someone laughing because they are still having fun on the water."
THINK, THEN RELAX
Carol Pencke, also a long time resident near Seafair for 25 years said people simply need to think ahead and relax.
"There are two ways to do it. If you know someone in the neighborhood, then go there and hang out all day. If you don't, park somewhere and take the shuttle," said Pencke.
Another part of the planning, Pencke said, has to do with the access points of Seafair, for not all of the areas of Seafair cost money for entrance.
"People need to know the areas that are off limits if you don't want to pay before you park, because sometimes, after they've parked they realize they're on the wrong side. Then they can't get in without going all the way around," said Pencke.
Even if you can't plan ahead for some of the hiccups of Seafair, like traffic, Pencke has her own take on it.
"Just live through it, enjoy it, and relax. Say you get stuck in traffic for an hour, so what? What else would you be doing on a Sunday afternoon anyways?" said Pencke.
MORE ENTERTAINMENT
This year, according to Seafair public relations director, Dan Wartelle, Seafair offers more entertainment in order to bring more people to the event.
"Seafair worked hard to make it an all encompassing event. We now have a concert in Genesee Park, fireworks Saturday night, and a kid zone. There's something for everybody, it's not just hydroplane races," said Wartelle.
And Wartelle also advises people to use the shuttle system.
"The best way to enjoy Seafair, and everything it has to offer, is to take one of our shuttles down to the event site. The smoothest access is through the shuttle. They run all day, it allows you the ease of not having to worry about parking or traffic," said Wartelle.
But apart from parking instructions, Wartelle also said there are many ways to take part in Seafair events without spending a bunch of money.
"Friday is free and you can get a two-day pass at Union 76 gasoline stations for $25, or purchase tickets on site. Saturday tickets are $25 and Sunday tickets are $30," said Wartelle.
So if saving money is important, make it to a Union 76 gas station to save $30.
"Also, Saturday after 6 p.m. tickets for the concert and fireworks show area are only $10," added Wartelle.
Other than figuring out which days to go to the event, or buying tickets, Wartelle agreed with all of the residents that people should plan to stay the entire day to get the most out of activities.
Aug. 1 begins the Seafair Fleet Week with the hydroplane races and air show slotted for the weekend. For more information about ticketing and events can found on www.seafair.com.
Jessica Van Gilder may be reached via editor@sdistrictjournal.com.
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