Seafair

  • What Your SeaFair Pirates Arrr Reading

    When they’re not hoisting the Jolly Roger or broadsiding a parade crowd with their cannons, the Seafair pirates love to weigh anchor with a good book, just like the rest of us. When asked, they’ll admit that Readin’ is their favorite of the “Three Arrrs!” So here me hardies is a brace of the saltiest… Continue reading

  • A Little History of Seafair

    With Seafair just around the corner, ever wonder about the history? The Seafair Beginnings article on HistoryLink,org writes, “The first Seafair took place from August 11 to 20, 1950. Hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed more than 100 events throughout King County. The events ranged from a 25-mile bicycle race around Lake Sammamish to a decorated-boat… Continue reading

  • Golden Potlatch: The First Seafair

    You’re probably familiar with the Seafair festival that Seattle holds every summer in July, but have you ever heard of its predecessor — the Golden Potlatch? Started in 1911, this annual celebration served as the inspiration for the Seafair festival that we know today. Continue reading

  • There be Pirates!

    Whether it be the sight of black sails of the Black Pearl upon the horizon or the roaring sound of the amphibious landing craft Moby Duck storming Alki Beach, pirates throughout history have been feared and romanticized by myth and legend. And once again, the most famous Pirates in Seattle return for the yearly storming… Continue reading

  • Historical Fiction: World War II at Sea

    Seattle’s Seafair Fleet Week (July 31–August 4) is a 64 year annual tradition that brings military ships to the Port of Seattle for public viewing, to honor the men and women who serve their country at sea. Historical novels about World War II at sea add a vivid and exciting dimension to our celebration. Older books, like Nevil Shute’s… Continue reading

  • Explore your Inner Captain: Great Reads about Nautical Pioneers

    Ah, sailing: the full sail puffed up with pride, the wind whipping through my hair, the salty scent of brackish water. At least, for the next 89 minutes. Then I have to return the rental boat.  The beautiful waterways in and around Seattle inspire us with dreams of great voyages, whether you’ve got  Old Salty… Continue reading

  • Seafair means Pirates

    Ahoy mates! Shiver me timbers and all that pirate talk.  It’s Seafair in Seattle and for many folks that means the Pirates are in town.  With their booming cannon and boisterous pranks the Seafair Pirates give the kids of Seattle a delicious shiver and scary dreams.  Watching the Pirates kidnap shrieking kids and drag their swords… Continue reading