The Seattle Traveler

Enjoy Seattle’s Waterfront at the Maritime Festival

by Mary Jo on May 8th, 2007

Seattle is located on Puget Sound, and is a deep water port with a thriving economy surrounding the maritime industry. The upcoming Maritime Festival celebrates our location as a port, our economic ties to the industry, and the fun it is to work, live, and play on Puget Sound.

While there are a variety of industry specific events, most of the real fun stuff happens on the Family Fun Day (Saturday, May 12th, 11 am - 5 pm).

Here’s an idea of what you can expect:

• 11th Annual Chowder Cook-off features most of the prominent seafood restaurants from the city competing for the title. A Chowder Passport costs $5. Chowder in Seattle differs from that in many parts of the country, so this is a great chance to taste our version of the soup, as well as see how area chefs put a new spin on an old menu item.
• National Fisherman’s “Stories of the Seas” feature a poetry competition. This is the real stuff, not salty limericks.
• Tugboat Races, with over 40 boats expected to compete, are the highlight of the weekend. It’s part racing and part choreagraphed boating. Kids love the spouting fireboats, and everyone has a good time.
• Fireboat Fire fighting is always a fun event for families. It’s also a good reminder that this specialized fire department is one that not every city has.
• FREE Harbor Tours on Argosy Cruises. These one-hour rides give you an up close look at the working harbor.
• Boat tours offered include tugboats, Coast Guard patrol boat, Port of Seattle Police boat, and a variety of others.
• FREE admission to Odyssey - The Maritime Discover Center (May 12th, 10 am - 5 pm).

There are lot of other activities scheduled, appropriate for adults and children of all ages. If it’s a nice day, the waterfront will be packed, so you may want to plan on getting their early. Even if it’s not sunny, this event always has a large turnout.

Location: Waterfront Park and Pier 66/Bell Harbor Marina

Dates & Times: May 10-12th. Check the Maritime Festival brochure for details of dates and time of various events.

Admission: Most activities are free, others have a small admission fee.

Photo Credit: Don Wilson, Port of Seattle

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Tags: b5media, family travel, festivals, museums, Seattle, Seattle tourism, Seattle Traveler, The Seattle Traveler, travel, vacation, Washington, Washington State, Maritime Festival

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POSTED IN: Events, Family Fun, Getting Around - Local Transportation, Museums, People - Interesting Local People, People Watching