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The Wallingford 2025 parade organizers would like to thank all of the community members who turned out on a beautiful Saturday morning in July to cheer on the parade participants. Over 50 groups participated and brought the pep, the paws, and the pride—helping make the 2025 Wallingford Parade an unforgettable celebration!

 

From unicycling and costumed kids to powerful drill teams, lively marching bands, neighborhood schools, and our amazing local businesses—your creativity and energy lit up N 45th Street in the best way. Inspired by Ron Petty’s Animal Storm sculpture, the participants embodied the wild wonder of local creatures—those we spot in our trees, sidewalks, and even backyard coops.

See the wild moments: Special thanks to one of the long-time parade organizers, Cynthia Payne for the excellent artwork designing the “Wild in Wallingford” logo. Check out this Google photo album, courtesy of volunteer Ron Waldman, to relive the joy, color, and community magic. Special thanks go to Blake Garfield, owner of Bedrooms & More, who, in addition to being a sponsor, has been instrumental in leading the organizing committee, ensuring the continued success of the parade.

Trophies and ribbons were awarded at the conclusion of the parade in front of Lincoln High School.

 

 

 

 

Speaking as one of the judges this year, it was quite difficult to pick our award winners, given there were so many outstanding groups in each category. However, after careful deliberation using a specifically developed judging algorithm, here are the 2025 Award Winners:

 

 

Bands

1st Prize: Seattle All-City Marching Band

2nd Prize: Kennedy High School Catholic Lancer Marching Band and Color Guard

​Drill Teams – Junior Division

1st Prize: Baby Electronettes Hi-Steppers

2nd Prize: Epitome

3rd Prize: Daughters of Royalty

​Drill Teams – Senior Division 

1st Prize: Electronettes Hi-Steppers

2nd Prize: Chinese Girls Drill Team

3rd Prize: Epitome/Evergreen

Floats

1st Prize: Hawaiian General Store

2nd Prize: 51st Street Crew

3rd Prize: Wallingford Cooperative Preschool

Costumes

1st Prize: Chinese Girls Drill Team 

2nd Prize: Dick’s Drive-In

3rd Prize: Cedarhouse Flowers

There was a special award added, Judges’ Choice, which went to the Lincoln High School Cheer Squad.

Of course, thanks go to the sponsors of the 2025 Wallingford Parade, and for going above and beyond to make it an unforgettable experience! Your financial support powered the event, but your participation made it come alive. Whether you marched with your team, captained a float down N 45th Street, or lent your insight as a judge, you helped create a celebration full of local flavor, artistry, and heart. Sponsors (several of whom also walked in the parade) included: Bedrooms & More, Dunn Lumber, Gene Johnson Plumbing, Cedarhouse Flowers, Dick’s Drive-In, Luna Kitchen & Bath, QFC, Keller Williams-Greater Seattle, Harold’s Lighting, Pacific Northwest Shop, Silver Tray Thai Cuisine, and Wallingford Community Council.

Additional thanks go out to the Seafair Marshals and the Seattle Police Department for ensuring the parade went off smoothly. There was even a local group of volunteers who cleaned up N 45th Street before and after the parade. Final shout-out goes to the parade organizing committee, comprised of Blake Garfield, Kathy Boren, Cynthia Payne, Larry and Rhonda Bush, Ron Waldman, Vanessa Chin, and Stephen Fickenscher.

Already dreaming of next year? We are too! The committee has started planning next year’s Wallingford Parade—and they would love to have your sponsorship and participation! Registration for the 2026 Wallingford Parade is open now. Secure your spot and help keep the tradition thriving. As the parade will be celebrating its 75th anniversary, your partnership uplifts the entire community, and we’re so grateful for the many ways you showed up this year.