Ballardites, you know the time of year. It's the 38th annual SeafoodFest. Prepare your feet, your stomach (for lutefisk) and any other muscles you use to have fun.
One thing of note: In honor of longtime SeafoodFest opener Stan Borenson's retirement, every band on the Ballard Ave Main Stage will feature an accordion. "It's all accordions, all the time."
Saturday, July 14
Ballard Ave Main Stage
Noon – Pickled Herring
1:30 p.m. – The Legendary Oaks
3:00 p.m. – Matt the Hoopla
4:45 p.m. – Two Scoops Combo
6:00 p.m. – Renee de la Prade
7:45 p.m. – DJ Riz
Ballard Commons Family Stage
Noon – Johnny Moses Native Storyteller
1:00 p.m. – Clay Martin’s Punch & Judy
2:00 p.m. – Mario the Funny Man
3:00 p.m. – Clayton Green’s Roving Reptiles
4:00 p.m. – Caspar Babypants
5:00 p.m. – Mario the Funny Man
Bergen Place Park
1:00 p.m. – Lutefisk Eating Contest
Sunday, July 15
Ballard Ave Main Stage
Noon – Orville Johnson Goes Gospel
1:15 p.m. – Pearl D’Jango
2:45 p.m. – Miles & Karina
4:15 p.m. – Juan Barco
5:30 p.m. – Wylie & The Wild West Show
Ballard Commons Family Stage
Noon – Deano the Clown
1:00 p.m. – Clay Martin’s Punch & Judy
2:00 p.m. – Clayton Green’s Roving Reptiles
3:00 p.m. – Clay Martin’s Punch & Judy
4:00 p.m. – Alleyoop’s Musical Games
Salmon Barbeque
This is where it all started. Before SeafoodFest was SeafoodFest, 38 years ago it was a salmon barbeque. “Some say that the best barbequed salmon is served right here at SeafoodFest,” the website says.
Salmon is delivered fresh the day before the festival and is cooked by hard working Ballardites from Ballard Oil, Pacific Fishermen, Camco Electric and the Ballard High School Football Team. Of course, a secret recipe is involved.
Adult Beverages
La Senoritas Beer Garden
SeafoodFesting can be an intense activity that really knocks a person out. For the hot and the tired (and the of age), there is La Senoritas Beer Garden. So take a break, pop a squat, have a refreshing beer from Maritime Pacific Brewing Co., and enjoy entertainment from the nearby Main Stage. Patronage supports La Senoritas, a local, young women’s drill team.
Salmon Bay Eagles Wine Garden
Advertised as the more “mellow” of the adult venues, the Salmon Bay Eagles Wine Garden boasts nice shade, a revitalizing breeze and fancy tables. Patronage supports the Salmon Bay Eagles and the Ballard Chamber of Commerce.
For the pets
SeafoodFest is fun for both humans and for animals, so organizers have been careful to accommodate man’s furry friends.
Two pet stations can be found, offering treats, water, shade and puppy pools, sponsored by All the Best Pet Care and Sunset Hill Veterinary & Rehabilitation Center.
If you don’t have a pet, or want another one, there will also be organizations to provide information on adoption.
Vendors
As usual, SeafoodFest will be crawling with delicious food, arts and crafts, non-profit booths and all sorts of local businesses trying to make you happy. Buy yourself some crawfish, delicious salmon dogs, or the mainstay of any festival anywhere – elephant ears. Help support your local businesses, and in return they’ll help fill your stomach and provide you with fun.
Raffle
To help with costs, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce and Salmon Bay Eagles are hosting a raffle. At $2 a pop, a ticket gives you a chance to win a Caribbean or Mexican cruise for two (Grand Prize), VIP box tickets for two to the Dave Matthews show at the Gorge (First Prize), and Sailing lessons from Windworks Sailing Center (Second Prize). Whew.
