Over the coming weekend, July 29-31, there are Seafair events taking place around the city and in downtown Seattle. Motorists should allow extra time for possible traffic delays associated with the events, particularly on Saturday.

Saturday evening the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed from 5:30 – 8:30 northbound for the 6:30 Torchlight Run.

And some 300,000 people will be coming into downtown Seattle to watch the Torchlight parade. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the 62nd annual Torchlight parade offer something for everyone, including giant helium balloons, precision drill teams representing local communities, equestrian units, comical clowns, swashbuckling pirates and heart-pounding bands playing all your favorite tunes.

Renowned comedian, actor and producer Drew Carey has been named Grand Marshal of the 2011 Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade.

The parade moves through down Fourth Avenue from Broad to Washington Street starting at 7:30 p.m.

Motorists should also be aware that the southbound lanes of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed from 11:59 p.m. on Saturday evening until 5 a.m. on Monday morning for utility installation work on the south end of the viaduct.

To help reduce traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and frustration, the Seattle Department of Transportation encourages event-goers to consider parking the car at home and trying one of the many alternate modes of transportation available - Metro Transit, the West Seattle Water Taxi, the Sounder commuter train, Link light rail, car pool, bicycle or even walking, if feasible.