The City of Seattle’s 2012 Summer Streets program kicks off in Ballard and Alki this weekend, providing Seattleites an opportunity to enjoy local streets in a different way.
The city is partnering with Cascade Bicycle Club to transform the heart of Ballard into a bike block party. As the first of four planned Summer Streets events, this Friday the annual Ballard Street Party carries the momentum of Bike to Work Day into the evening. Make bike art, test ride a seven passenger conference bike and say “Hi!” to KEXP, which will have a station at the event celebrating Ballard’s winning the “Hood to Hood Challenge.”
On Sunday get outside and be a part of a several thousand strong community celebration at Summer Streets on Alki Beach, which will feature a 5K run/walk, basketball, face painting, henna tattoos, recycling relays, skateboarding competitions, street bowling, live music, Alki Art Fair’s “Art Demo Block,” a kids’ bike parade, youth chess games, martial arts demos, free stand-up paddleboard demos, pet adoptions, Seattle’s Healthy Canned Food Pyramid (you can donate healthy canned food at Tully’s, Safeway or QFC) and so much more. This year’s Summer Streets on Alki Beach is going to be packed with sunny fun and entertainment for Seattleites of all ages. Check out the performance line up and times for other activities at: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/summer_alki.htm
Special thanks to our sponsors for making these events possible including: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), Waste Management, Urban Press Inc, Keeney’s, Cascade Bicycle Club and a shout out to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), Hollow Earth Radio, Alki Arts, Metropolitan Market and PCC Natural Markets for their contributions.
Ballard Street Party
Friday, May 18, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., 22nd Street NW between Market St and Ballard Ave, next to Bergen Place Park in Ballard
Alki Summer Streets
Sunday, May 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Alki Avenue SW between 56th and 63rd Ave SW.
The goal of Summer Streets is for everyone to enjoy these selected city roads in a whole new way – one that is active, healthy and embraces the local community. For more details about this great program and to learn about the August 2012 Rainier Valley and Greenwood events, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/summerstreets.htm.