Events

May 17 can mean only one thing in Ballard: Sytennde Mai

May 17 can mean only one thing in Ballard: Sytennde Mai

Are you ready? The Ballard-est day of them all is nearly here!

That’s right, this Thursday is the 123rd annual Syttende Mai (17th of May) Festival in Ballard. So, break out those Norwegian flags and Viking hats.

The Nordic Heritage Museum kicks things off at 10 a.m. with free admission, children’s activities, Scandinavian snacks and the return of the Norwegian Fjord horses.

After that, you can stop by Leif Erikson Lodge from noon to 2 p.m. for its traditional Norwegian lunch and special entertainment.

Three hours of live entertainment at Bergen Place starts at 2 p.m. And, the café at Leif Erickson Lodge is your Syttende Mai headquarters for food, pins, programs, flags and more from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Then, you better stake out a spot for the annual parade, which drew 20,000 people last year. It starts at Adams Elementary School at 6 p.m. before heading down 24th Avenue, Market Street and Ballard Avenue.

Talk politics with 36th District legislators Saturday

Talk politics with 36th District legislators Saturday

With a sunny weekend approaching, there is only one thing on everyone’s mind: legislative politics.

On Saturday, the 36th District legislative delegation – Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Rep. Reuven Carlyle and Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson – are hosting a town hall meeting to talk about the 2012 legislative session.

Residents from Greenwood, Phinney, Ballard, North Seattle, Green Lake, Fremont, Magnolia, Belltown  and Queen Anne are invited to come with questions and comments for the trio.

It also might be a good opportunity to say farewell to Dickerson, who is not seeking reelection after representing the district for 18 years.

The town hall takes place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. May 12 at the Greenwood Senior Center, located at 525 N. 85th St.

Public safety and major projects at Ballard District Council Wednesday

Public safety and major projects at Ballard District Council Wednesday

There are only three items on the agenda for Wednesday’s Ballard District Council meeting, but they are big ones.

First up, Assistant City Attorney Jana Jorgensen as been assigned to the North Precinct to work on public-safety issues. She’ll talk about graffiti, chronic nuisance locations, liquor-license applications and more.

Next, the Washington State Department of Transportation will give an update on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project and answer construction-related questions.

Finally, the Seattle Department of Transportation will let attendees know what’s going on with the Central Waterfront and Seawall Project and how the city plans to accommodate freight and ferry traffic once the Viaduct comes down.

The Ballard District Council meeting takes place at 7 p.m. May 9 at the Ballard Library. Everyone is welcome.

Attention, nerds: Get free comics in Ballard Saturday

Attention, nerds: Get free comics in Ballard Saturday

Ballard’s Arcane Comics is participating in the annual Free Comic Book Day Saturday, and that (obviously) means free comics.

Stop by the store at 5809 15th Ave. N.W. to pick up your free comics.

For more on the national event, click here.

Ballard’s Daddy-Daughter Dinner returns for 20th year Friday

After the city’s budget problems but the kibosh on Ballard’s annual Daddy-Daughter Dance last year, the long-running event returns to the Ballard Community Center for its 20th year tomorrow.

“The Daddy-Daughter Dinner is a festive and gala opportunity for dads to escort their daughters to an elegant evening they’ll remember forever,” according to Seattle Parks and Recreation.

This year features a masquerade ball, dancing and a pasta bar.

The Daddy-Daughter Dinner takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 27. Tickets are $60 for one daddy and one daughter and go up $10 for every additional daughter. Call 684-4093 for tickets.

Get moving to this weekend's Pedaler's Fair

Get moving to this weekend's Pedaler's Fair

This year marks the first annual Pedaler’s Fair in Ballard.

The event, sponsored by Swift Industries and Go Means Go, will feature all things bike.

Vendors from across the state will offer free workshops, music, food, there will be a beer garden and more.

According to organizers:

“Pedaler’s Fair was born of a strong belief in buying local and supporting people that make things themselves. We enjoy having a connection with the products we use on a daily basis.”

The fair runs Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22, from 11-5:00p.m. at 'The Building', 1415 NW 49th Street.

Check out the full list of activities online.

 

No joke, April Pool’s Day is all about water safety

No joke, April Pool’s Day is all about water safety

Seattle water-lovers can stop by a handful of pools around the city this weekend to learn water safety tips and participate in activities to prepare them for a safe summer during the 19th Annual April Pools Day.

“Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to learn hands-on water safety techniques, both in and out of the water,” according to Seattle Parks and Recreation. “Activities may include practicing wearing and using life jackets, learning about hypothermia, practicing reaching and throwing rescues, and learning about CPR.”

In addition to tips and activities, there will also be drawings for free life jackets and other prizes.

Here’s a list of participating pools: