Seattle kicks off 67th Seafair festival in high style



SEATTLE -- It's hard to believe we'll soon be hearing the roar of the hydros and the Blue Angels soaring overhead.

On Wednesday, Seattle kicked off Seafair in grand style.

At Westlake Park, the Seafair Pirates and Commodores, the Seafair Clowns and Princesses, all  helped kick off the 10-week summertime festival.

At the same time, Seafair announced it's adding a Water Ski Race Expo to the hydro races.

With Starbucks on board as a sponsor, some took the opportunity to get a  photo with a live version of the company logo, a mermaid decked out in green.

Earlier in the day, the Seafair Pirates served up Starbucks drinks.  A Starbucks worker even planted a big kiss on one of the charming fellows.

Never shy when it comes to mugging for the camera, the pirates brought their Tom Foolery behind the counter of several Starbucks and played pranks on baristas.

“It’s the event, when the pirates come take away the city for a year,” declared Seafair Pirate Captain Kidd, who on any other day would be known as Marvin Davis.  “OK, we’ll give it back in August.”

It’s the time of year seasoned pirates wait for all winter long.

"From the hydro races, and the Pirates' Landing, next Saturday, the 25th.  All the way to Torchlight Parade on August...  July...  July 30th!"

"Whatever,” said a fellow buccaneer.  "You've been drinkin' too much rum captain!.  Yeah, too much ale this morning!"

We also learned that the Torchlight Parade’s Grand Marshal will be actress Anna Faris, who grew up in Edmonds.