Seafair to take over Seattle skies and waterways this weekend

This weekend is Seattle’s famous Seafair celebration, which means thousands will flock to Lake Washington to see the planes zipping through the sky and boats galore. Most of the events are Saturday, including hydroplane racing, an air show and festivities at Genesee Park. Many will be disappointed to know the Blue Angels won’t be in the line-up this year; budget cuts at the Pentagon mean that the planes are grounded for this year’s celebration. But, the Patriots Jet Team will still be performing, flying Czech-built L-39s, which top out at up to 500 mph, according to a Seattle Times article.

Photo from a pervious year’s hydroplane race in which a Ballard family won the trophy

There will be numerous street closures this weekend, including the I-90 floating bridge. Today, streets are closed all day at Genesee Park (Lake Washington Blvd S between Mt Baker Beach and 49th Ave S), and the I-90 bridge is closed from 1:15 to 2:40 p.m. while the air show is practicing. On Saturday and Sunday, the same area in Genesee Park are closed, and the bridge will be closed again from 1:15 to 2:40 for the air show.

Drivers can also expect the Ballard and Fremont Bridges to be raised often this weekend, as there will likely be plenty of boat traffic through the Ship Canal as people make their way to Lake Washington to join the festivities.

To see a full schedule of the Seafair events this weekend, visit their website.

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