The threat of rain didn't keep the exhibitors away from the Morgan Junction Festival on June 23 as booth after booth dutifully set up and got ready for the annual neighborhood celebration. At first it was pretty smooth sailing with people arriving to visit with folks from the West Seattle Food Bank, Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation, and many others.

The Bubbleman got off to a great start and the crowd formed at Morgan Junction Park, with toddlers and youngsters all chasing his amazing soapy displays. But the first few drops of rain began to fall shortly after 11:30 am and the light sprinkle was tolerable. Umbrellas and hooded coats appeared and people ducked into doorways and under exhibitor tents to stay dry. But by 12:30 it was clear this was not a passing rain squall and most people sought better shelter. By 1:30 booths began to come down and it was obvious the Morgan Junction Festival was a victim of the rain.

One element of this years festival was interestingly enough also shelter for people at times. The Rapid Ride articulated hybrid bus was on hand to demonstrate it's capabilities (it "kneels" at the curb) and it's driver was in superhero attire. Willie Middleton Sr. was in bright red and yellow, with a cape no less, there to show off the bus. These vehicles are designed especially for RapidRide service, they are high capacity, low-emission hybrid-powered vehicles with three doors for easy, fast boarding.

Gerald Freeman with King County Metro marketing and promotions department was on hand to explain to people the benefits of Rapid Ride and explain the changes coming for commuters.

They explained that RapidRide shelters and signs look different from those at regular Metro bus stops. The Rapid Ride stations have ORCA fare card readers so riders with ORCA cards can pay before boarding. They also include electronic signs that will tell how many minutes it will be before the next bus will arrive.

For more information visit Metro's Rapid Ride information page