The Swedish vimple is flying high at the Geeky Swedes house today, and you’ll see a few other light blue and yellow flags flying around Ballard. It’s the National Day of Sweden, also called Swedish Flag Day. “Why should Norwegian’s have all the fun?” Julie emailed us.
It’s a busy weekend in Ballard and it looks like the record-breaking heat is gone. Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. the Hi-Life (5425 Russell Ave) is hosting a benefit pancake feed for Seattle’s Bravest, a local organization that provides care for fallen firefighters and their families. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. …
The Whittier Rummage Sale is scheduled for next Saturday, June 6th, to raise money for the elementary school. And they need your help. (We didn’t take the photo, but we couldn’t resist posting it!) Here’s the info: Whether you’re an avid garage-sale shopper on the lookout for great deals or someone interested in selling your …
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.
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 big improvement over last year’s 88 degree event, which left some parade participants sweating under their Norwegian sweaters. The parade begins at the corner of …
There’s a lot going on around Ballard this evening and into the weekend, and it looks like we’re going to luck out and enjoy some beautiful weather. This afternoon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is the Seattle Summer Streets party on 22nd Ave by Bergen Place. Make your “Undriver License,” try out cool bikes …
Ballard’s biggest music event of the season, the Ballard Jazz Festival, is underway through Sunday. We stopped by tonight’s event, the Jazz Walk. Musicians played at a dozen venues across the neighborhood. One of the top names in jazz, Thomas Marriott (on the trumpet), dazzled the crowd at the New York Fashion Academy. On Saturday, …
Blue Snuggie blankets were the fashion statement in Old Ballard on Friday night for Seattle’s first-ever Snuggie pub crawl. While most wore their sleeved blanket with a rope or belt around their waist, some came decked out like the “Snuggie Princess” and the cowgirl. Event organizer Sheena Kalso says that 150 people turned out. It …
Looks like another nice weekend — not quite as warm, but Meteorologist Rich Marriott says the sun will be out on Sunday after some clouds on Saturday. The Ballard Jazz Walk is Friday night. Venue details here. Other weekend Jazz Festival events for both Saturday and Sunday can be found here. Also on Friday night …
The Ballard High School band marched up and down East Ballard streets this evening, practicing for the Norwegian Constitution Day parade. The practice march is an annual tradition and a neighborhood favorite. The Syttende Mai parade is coming on May 17th. By the way, this year’s Grand Marshall is Norwegian Ambassador Wegger Chr. Strommen. Plus: …
Sonic Boom Records on Market Street is celebrating the 2nd annual Record Store Day on Saturday to encourage people to shop local. Ten percent of gross sales will be donated to Seattle Public School’s music program, and several other Ballard businesses will be offering discounts for Sonic Boom shoppers (just show your receipt). And if …
It looks like mother nature might cooperate for this weekend’s outdoor activities. According to the write-up by UW Meteorologist Cliff Mass, Saturday will be nice for those neighborhood clean-ups and we could see 70 on Sunday! Friday night, the RE Store is hosting the Haute Trash Fashion Show at the New York Fashion Academy on …