OK, OK, we get it. Right before Seafair Weekend, the edit board wondered, given the yearly discussion and the letters and op-eds about the Blue Angels practices and demonstrations, if there is anything that you, our readers, suggest doing differently? Only hydros? Keep both? (“You might want to sit down: It’s time for new Seafair traditions,” July 26) We weren’t advocating for a ban on anything or anybody’s good time (although some readers took it that way), but we thought, why not ask? We received dozens of responses, most of them thoughtfully “for” or “against,” and some containing creative ideas that could be added to the fun right away. A few writers may have spent extra time partying at Stan Sayres Park and chose the profanity-laden route — and it prompted one question: How is it possible to spell every vulgarity correctly yet misspell the object of adoration, the Blue Angels? (And, to the really descriptive writer who left his phone number, you’re going to hear from my mom. None of those things are true.)
Here’s a roundup of some responses, lightly edited for space and clarity:
Offensive suggestion
The editorial on July 26 was offensive to longtime residents of the Seattle area. These are established norms ingrained in our community. I’ve lived in the PNW since July 1959. Before that, I did not have the opportunity to enjoy racing by the fastest boats on the planet or enjoy the air show theatrics by vintage airplanes as well as our armed services. If these were replaced by your referenced events of Italian horse racing or groups gathering for a fruit-pelting contest, where would Seafair turn for sponsorship? Boeing is the No. 1 sponsor of Seafair. Many employees volunteer their time during Seafair events. Boeing is one of the state’s biggest employers with over 65,000 employees. Introduce new activities, but the centerpiece of the celebration is the collection of the Torchlight Parade, Boeing Air Show, Blue Angels and the thunder boats on Lake Washington. Leave the centerpiece icons but feel free to add new festivities, celebrations and features to Seafair. — Bruce McCandliss, Tacoma
Maintain the maritime
Whatever happens in place of Seafair needs to not be a celebration of the U.S. military industrial complex. It can celebrate the maritime history of Seattle, but really why do we need a Seafair at all? Why do we need an event that privatizes the waterfront while generating a ton of emissions, polluting the lake and terrorizing South End neighborhoods?
Duwamish or Nisqually canoe demonstrations? Dragon boat races? Sailboat races? Log rolling?
Maybe one of those huge inflatable water parks, like they have in Canada, comes to town for a week or two?
Why do small businesses and house parties have to abide by a noise ordinance when the Blue Angels can create terrifying earsplitting noise for an entire week?
And while you’re at it, make Lake Washington Boulevard one way for cars and turn the lane closer to the water into a two-way bike lane. — Roxy Robles, Seattle
Better with bikes
I think it would be great if we could have a citywide bicycle ride, where we close the streets to traffic and folks can explore different neighborhoods by bike. People could decorate their bicycles if they like, but the main focus of the ride would be to explore Seattle while feeling safe in the streets without cars. Each year the route could be changed. There wouldn’t need to be an official starting or stopping point, just closed roads and a publicized route. It would be great, too, if we could encourage people to talk with someone new along the way. I take inspiration from the Riverwest 24 bike race they do in Milwaukee. — Andrea O’Ferrall, Seattle
Keep races, not the fuel
Yes, the glorification of gas-guzzling carbon-spewing hydroplane boats has reached the end of its time in Seattle. But maybe Seafair can have hydroplane races without the fossil fuels. E1 racing might be just the ticket.
As E1 organizers describe themselves: “where relentless innovation, marine preservation, and exhilarating races converge, unveiling a new chapter in water sports.” Perfect for a city like Seattle! And E1 races might even inspire new regional startup companies and an E1 circuit in the U.S. And maybe the E1 companies would like a beachhead in the U.S.? Worth exploring! — Paul Pickett, Port Townsend
Good old days
I was in the third Seafair, and compared to today’s Seafair, nothing is the same. We had a king, prime minister, queen, two ladies-in-waiting, two trumpeters, two pages, 12 guards with a captain of the guards, all in costume. Today you have a king in a T-shirt on the back of a car.
Our entourage met the ships at 6 a.m. coming in from Korea. We were present at every parade. It was a 10-day affair with a float in Lake Washington for hundreds of boats to tie up to for days so they could watch the time trials and boat races.
I realize it was expensive and was pared down, but to take it away from the region altogether — absolutely not! Some cities, Minneapolis for one, still have their “fairs” and the people come from miles to join in, loving every day of it. Let’s keep what’s left of our Seafair. — Lynn Meyer, Seattle
‘Can’t do any better than that!’
Sorry, no new ideas here! Are you kidding me!?! No one will ever be able to come up with a better suggestion for Seafair Weekend than having the Blue Angels fly over Seattle skies! The Blue Angels and thunder boats on Lake Washington IS Seafair! Without them, there is no Seafair! Seattle can’t do any better than that! — Esther O’Gara, Edmonds
