A free, self-paced walking event, the Phinney, Fremont, and Ballard Fall Frolic, will take place on October 19. The nearly 10-mile route will explore Phinney Ridge, Fremont, and Ballard, with stops at the Fremont Market, the Ballard Farmers Market, and Golden Gardens.
The fall frolic follows in the footsteps of other recent long-distance walks organized by Seattleite Holden Minor Ringer. Ringer is behind the Seattle Super Saunter and has organized past events in West Seattle and in Bellevue.
Ringer is a long-distance walker: In 2024, he walked 4,500+ miles across the country, starting in La Push, WA, a journey that took him 423 days, finishing in New Haven, CT.
“So, to make a long story short, I am a big walker. Part of the reason I did my cross-country walk was to raise attention about issues regarding walkability, while raising money for AmericaWalks,” Ringer said on his website.
Ringer describes walking as “an incredible way to build perspective concerning ourselves and the world around us,” while also supporting physical and mental well-being. The Seattle Saunter format allows participants to meet new people, spend extended time together, and see familiar neighborhoods from a different perspective.
The Phinney, Fremont, and Ballard Fall Frolic begins at 10 a.m. at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, with the main group expected to return between 2 and 3 p.m. A post-frolic gathering will follow at Urban Family. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, sun protection, and rain gear.
Here’s the suggested route:
Begin at Phinney Neighborhood Center and proceed from there. Folks will be able to join us at these stops later on in the day around these times. Also good opportunities to use the bathroom, get a snack, or say hi to someone new.
- 10:45 to 11:00 Break #1: Fremont Market (meeting spot near the intersection of N Canal St and N 35th St)
- 11:45 to 12:00Break #2: Ballard Farmers Market (meeting spot Bergen Place)
- 1:00 to 1:15 Break #3: Golden Gardens
- 2:00 to 3:00 Finish: Phinney Neighborhood Center
- Post-Frolic Function: Urban Family
“All are welcome and the event is totally free,” organizers said. “You are walking a beautiful October Sunday with 100+ other folks strolling farmers markets, along the Burke Gilman, and through quaint neighborhoods. Finally, celebrating the accomplishment with a cold bevy and some warm food.”
It’s free to join, but you can RSVP here.
Photo: The Seattle Saunter in West Seattle drew a crowd of 150. Photo courtesy Holden Minor Ringer