J.P. Patches made his final public appearance, arriving at noon today at Fisherman’s Terminal for the Fall Fest there. He has appeared at the Fest annually, but had been cutting back appearances due to health reasons. He has been an annual participant in the West Seattle Grand Parade but did not appear this year.

Although Julius Pierpont Patches, the alter-ego of Chris Wedes, 83, was diagnosed with acute myeloma in 2007, he seemed to still have a spring in his step and sass in his shtick. He playfully taunted kids and adults on stage playing "Simon Says" and other games in front of a cheering cast of thousands, well, several hundred easily. Many sported round red clown noses and wore T-shirts with his likeness. After the show, he marched over to a booth selling bobble heads, bumper stickers, coloring books and t-shirts of Gertrude and him, and he patiently autographed these items, plus vintage novelty items Patches pals brought. At least two hundred fans stood in line to say "Hello", "Goodbye", and "Thank you" to a Seattle icon and father figure and hero to many.

"He's been a fantastic mayor of the city dump for all these years," said King County Council member Joe McDermott, a West Seattle resident, waiting in the long line for J.P.'s autograph. "Not only did he inspire me to get into politics, he inspired me to mind my mom and dad, to make my bed, and to comb my hair." McDermott was wearing a J.P. Patches T-shirt that appeared brand new. "I had this shirt for years," he said. "This is the first time I've worn it. I broke it out just for today."

The West Seattle Herald spotted Pat Cashman, well-known Seattle comedian, and television and radio personality, standing behind the stage, and asked if he was here to honor J.P. Patches.

"The name is not ringing any bells with me," he quipped wryly.

"There's nothing like a local hero to get us all believing in the fact that we're in a great place to live," Port Commissioner Gael Tarleton told the West Settle Herald just before introducing J.P.