The Thursday evening before the weekend Summerfest takes over the West Seattle Junction has become a kind of tradition now with some vendors showing up, usually those with more complex booths, and others just there to enjoy a walk through the Junction with no cars and enjoy the Thursday night shopping, now that many of the merchants are open until 9:00 pm.

In mid block south of Alaska Street the Bubbleman (otherwise known as Gary Golightly) parked his van and dozens of kids arrived and were delighted as his blend of silly jokes, odd sounds and amazing bubbles amazed and entertained them.

Out in front of the West 5 restaurant a band called The Diminished Men played for the crowd seated on the sidewalk area performing what they call 60's Italian film noir surf-psych instrumental music, a sign announcing the new happy hour for the Tuscan Tea Room went up, and last minute decorations and preparations were completed.

Jed Crawford, one of the partners at the new Bang Bar restaurant (which just expanded its menu) worked on assembling a fence to project their new flower garden around a tree out front.

For an overview of the Summerfest, including a printable music schedule go HERE.