Wallingford Parade 2025: Wild In Wallingford is Fast Approaching!

We are less than a month away from the Wallingford Parade, happening Saturday, July 12th, starting at 11:00 am at N 45th Street and Bagley Avenue N. This annual Seafair event is supported financially by many Wallingford businesses. The organizers thank all the sponsors, including Bedrooms & More, Dunn Lumber, Gene Johnson Plumbing, Luna Kitchen & Bath, Keller Williams, Dick’s Drive-In, Harold’s Lighting, QFC, Wallingford Community Council, and Pacific Northwest Shop, for their support in continuing this community tradition, now in its seventh decade!  Many of these businesses have been past sponsors, and we thank them for their continued support.

There is still time to participate! Go to the parade website to sign up.

This year’s theme is Wild in Wallingford, celebrating 40 years of Ron Petty’s best-loved sculpture, Animal Storm, located outside the Wallingford Center at N 45th Street and Wallingford Avenue N. On Thursday, May 28th, there was a gathering at the sculpture for a community photo shoot, which will be featured in the July 6th edition of the Now and Then column of the Pacific Magazine in the Seattle Times. Thanks to all the community members who turned out for this photo shoot. Pictured at the Animal Storm sculpture (how appropriate) are some of the parade organizers and volunteers, and also the Grand Marshall, Ron Petty, and his wife, Marjan.

Nearly three dozen schools, businesses, bands, local organizations, and drill teams are participating in the parade, and the organizers would love your group to join the fun. A special note of thanks to those groups participating in the parade for the first time!

Details are being finalized, but here are the basics:

• Parade route will be along N 45th Street from Bagley Avenue N to Interlake Avenue N
• Muster/Registration Location: Meridian Park/Playfield, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue N
• Registration: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
• Muster/Lineup: 9:30 am – 10:45 am
• The parade ends on Interlake Avenue N in front of Lincoln High School

Groups of ten or more, or those with a motorized vehicle, must register using the online form. Although registration is recommended, everyone else can simply show up at Meridian Park and muster. However, by registering in advance, your group will be assured of getting a special mention by Feliks Banel, Master of Ceremonies, and optimal placement in the parade marching order.

If you can’t participate, but would still like to support the Wallingford Parade, please consider becoming a sponsor or making a donation. Your generosity helps keep this neighborhood tradition alive.

This year, the parade organizers are excited to partner with FamilyWorks to collect donations of food and other essential items along the parade route.   In talking with Shana McCann, Food Bank Manager, items especially in need include:  shelf stable alternative milk, canned soup, canned protein (i.e. tuna), cereal, pasta, juice/drinks, diapers, wipes and kids clothing.    They would love to see you on the sidelines helping to support this incredible local organization!

We can’t wait to celebrate Wallingford with you and support a Wallingford tradition seven decades long and going strong!