Daily news for Seattle's Ballard neighborhood

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Big crowd for J.P. Patches statue unveiling


Hundreds of Patches Pals flocked to Fremont today for the unveiling of the J.P. Patches statue, “Late for the Interurban.”

There were lots of people who grew up in the Seattle area who loved watching JP Patches during the show’s run on KIRO from 1958 to 1981.

Governor Gregoire, Congressman Jim McDermott, King County Executive Ron Sims were among the politicians on hand for the ceremony.

The crowd was filled with Patches Pals who wore red noses to honor JP (chris Wedes) and Gertrude (Bob Newman).

The statue was designed by a local artist Kevin Pettelle. And… here it is…

JP and Gertrude were mobbed by the crowd as they unveiled the statue while the news media and the rest of us tried to get a photo of the pair. The permanent statue is located just east of the Waiting for the Interurban statue on 34th Ave in Fremont and is a collection site for donations to Children’s Hospital.


Hours after the ceremony crowds were still milling around and taking pictures at the statue.

  • mom
    wonderful public art!
  • m
    It was a little bit of wonderful to see 45 - 50 year old kids getting just a little misty....
  • Wish I could have been there. We had the best clown in the whole world! Newcomers just don't understand.
  • m
    silver - I see you in the ICU2 TV set - look in the dryer....

    yup - they just don't get it.
  • Barbara Aqua
    He is so great. We will always love him and Gertrude!!
  • JM
    This must have been a super event. I am glad JP and Gertrude are still around to enjoy the party!
  • DM
    Wish I could have been there. I was on the JP Patches show with my Brownie troop. Good memories never die. JP and Gertrude live on in our young hearts.
  • otheriver
    I'm so glad they are still around to see how much we love them. I can't imagine my life without J.P. & Gertrude [ or Ms. Smith!].
    Thanks for the pix.
  • Joel Niemeyer
    Yeah, I can see where folks that didn't grow up with him (them) might wonder what all the fuss is about!
  • Smelter
    I'm in Lincoln, Nebraska now.... 50 years old.... And I will ALWAYS be a Patches Pal! Celebrated my 11th birthday at KIRO... and will never forget! JP just rocked!
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