Honk! Fest West, the annual gathering of “radical marching bands” in Ballard, has received $1,200 through Seattle’s Neighborhood & Community Arts program. “Festivals and events color the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods. The arts build community, and these investments help fuel the transformative power and positive influence of the arts in our city,” said Michael Killoren, director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. The office has selected 40 groups to receive $1,200 each. The criteria is that they have been around at least one year and produce recurring festivals or events that help promote the arts.
Last year, marching bands from five states and Canada converged on Ballard for Honk! Fest West! This year’s event will be held April 9 to April 11. No details for this year have been released yet.