The Arbutus trees on 8th Ave. have become victims of our snowy, cold winter. Shawn, one of the neighbors living on 8th Ave., is concerned about the dying trees lining […]
Bear spotted in Shoreline again
The bear that ran through Ballard was spotted on the track at Kellogg Middle School up in Shoreline early this morning. Somehow, the bear made it across I-5. We’ve updated […]
Soundview wading pool closed all summer
The Soundview wading pool at 1590 NW 90th won’t open this summer. Seattle Parks and Recreation is being forced to close eleven wading pools this summer, and modify the open […]
Ideas wanted for the East Ballard Walking Tour
East Ballard has some great things – a p-patch, local art and new parks. Saturday, June 13th is the June Day Out Event and organizers are planning a Walking Tour […]
Bear heads north to Shoreline, disappears
Update 10 p.m.: The black bear that ran through the middle of Ballard early this morning made a stop Monday afternoon in Twin Ponds Park in Shoreline, temporarily closing the […]
Black bear runs through Ballard
Updated 11 a.m.: Seattle Police and Department of Fish and Wildlife officers spent most of the early morning hours trying to capture a small bear roaming the neighborhood. As first […]
Hamburger Harry’s opens patio
Hamburger Harry’s is the newest spot in town with outdoor seating. The restaurant applied for outdoor seating in February and put up the fence last week. Today the umbrellas are […]
Thousands enjoy sunny Syttende Mai parade
Beautiful costumes, a restored Viking ship, marching bands and Norwegian Fjord horses were among the attractions at this year’s 17th of May parade in Ballard. Thousands of people enjoyed the historic festivities in perfect weather.
Of course, the traditional Norwegian costumes, called bunads, are always a crowd favorite. We talked with one couple who are longtime parade marchers. While they were warm in their wool sweaters today, it wasn’t as hot as last year when the mercury hit 88 degrees. “We’ll suffer for the 17th of May,” they exclaimed. “We’ll do anything for the 17th of May!” Syttende Mai celebrates the day in 1814 when Norway’s constitution was signed.
And the kids, as always, were adorable.
After the parade, we talked to Heidi Larsen who walked with her 11-week-old, Elsa. Heidi has been in the parade since she was Elsa’s age, and she says that marching today is important to “celebrate our heritage and introduce her to it.”
The Nordic Heritage Museum unveiled the Nordic Spirit, the newly-restored 200-year-old replica of a Viking ship. The ship had been sitting in storage until the museum and Pacific Fishermen Shipyard carefully restored the vessel. The Nordic Spirit will also participate in the Alaskan Yukon Pacific Exposition this summer, and it will be put on display at the Nordic Heritage Museum.
Several thousand people lined Market St. and 24th Ave. to watch the hour and a half celebration. Over 100 groups participated in the parade, but the Ballard High School band did not participate this year. According to one of the organizers, they’re at Disneyland playing in a parade down there.
But a big crowd favorite was the Hellvik Mannskor mens choir, which had flown in from Norway. As they marched, many spectators joined in song. This year’s Grand Marshal was Norwegian Ambassador Wegger Christian Strommen (who was seen snacking at Olsen’s Scandinavian Foods after the parade.)
Besides chasing all the candy, the kids loved to watch the Norwegian Fjord Horses. One of the oldest breeds on earth, the horses were on display earlier today at the Nordic Heritage Museum.
And Norwegians can’t have all the fun. The Swedish Pancake Drill Team entertained the crowd with all sorts of patented pancake moves, including the toss, which frequently landed on the pavement. Click through below for a few more photos, and we’ve posted a ton more on My Ballard’s Facebook page here. Plus, My Ballard reader Nina posted her photos here.
Mysterious ‘Seagle’ creature vandalized
Ballard’s proud Seagle, the creature that mysteriously appeared in the pond at the construction site at 28th and Market St., has been, well, slaughtered. It looks like vandals cut it […]
Parade forecast: sunny and spectacular
It’s a beautiful day for a parade! The forecast for today’s Syttende Mai festivities — the parade kicks off at 4 p.m. — is a perfect 75 degrees. That’s a […]
After 61 years, Ballard Camera is closing
One of Ballard’s longest-running businesses is closing. Ballard Camera on Market St. will be calling it quits on June 30th, owner Bruce Cozens told us today. He said the photo […]
BHS selling organic veggies
Today’s a great day for gardening! The students at Ballard High are holding a plant sale today (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They’re selling all organic vegetable starts […]
Recent Comments