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The Wallingford Parade is fast approaching, happening on 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, Pacific Northwest Shop, Cedarhouse Flowers, and Key Bank, for their support in continuing this community tradition, now in its seventh decade!

There is still time to participate! Go to the parade website to sign up. Groups of ten or more or those with a motorized vehicle must register using our 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 the Master of Ceremonies and optimal placement in the parade marching order. 

This year’s theme is Wild in Wallingford, celebrating 40 years of Ron Petty’s best-loved sculpture, Animal Storm. On Thursday, May 28th, there was a gathering at the Animal Storm Sculpture for a community photo shoot, which will be featured in the July 6th edition of the Now and Then segment in the Seattle Times.  Thanks to all the community members who turned out for this photo shoot.

Nearly four dozen schools, businesses, bands, organizations, and drill teams are participating, including many returning participants. A special note of thanks to those groups participating in the parade for the first time!

Below are the parade 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 Ave N
• Registration: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
• Muster/Lineup: 9:30 am – 10:45 am
• Parade ends on Interlake Avenue N in front of Lincoln High School

As a reminder, this year the parade organizers are excited to be partnering with FamilyWorks to collect donations of food and other essential items along the parade route. Food collection bins, similar to the one pictured with Shayna, Food Services Manager, and volunteer Sophia, will be placed along the parade route.

More about FamilyWorks:

FamilyWorks serves families in North Seattle who have been marginalized by food, economic, and racial injustice. With a Food Bank, a Family Resource Center, a growing list of mobile and satellite service locations, and a vast network of community partners, we provide meaningful and culturally responsive services to nearly 6,000 households each year. 

For 30 years, FamilyWorks has worked in equal partnership with families to co-create programs that truly make a difference in families’ lives. Read more about our history.

We intentionally hire and recruit staff whose identities and lived experiences reflect those of our community. We make every effort to offer meaningful, accessible, and culturally responsive programs where families live, learn, and grow.

Through our physical service locations, mobile services, and partnerships with trusted community institutions, we meet families where they are to:

• Build supportive community connections to strengthen social capital and networks

• Increase economic well-being, stability, and food security

• Access foods that meet nutritional needs and reflect their cultural heritage

• Successfully access social services and other resources, and build capacity to meet their family’s goals

We would love to see you on the sidelines helping to support this incredible local organization!   

Thank you, and we can’t wait to celebrate Wallingford with you!