J.P. Patches tributes planned

A public celebration of the life and legacy of J.P. Patches, aka Chris Wedes, is set for 11 a.m., Sept. 8, at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center.

Wedes died July 22 after a long illness.

Wedes and friends entertained children of all ages for 50 years, most notably on the local Emmy award-winning J.P. Patches Show on KIRO television from 1958 until 1981.

J. P. was the “Mayor of the City Dump,” thought to be the Montlake Landfill, which was a real city dump from 1926 to 1966, but since 1972 has been athletic fields, a parking lot, and now a natural area at the University of Washington.

According to the J.P. Patches website, Pat Cashman will serve as the master of ceremonies and will be joined by family members and other notable Patches Pals for a fond look at what Wedes and J.P. Patches will always mean to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

“A Celebration of J.P. Patches” is free, and seating is first-come, first-served. The suggested donation at the door is $5, with all proceeds going to Seattle Children’s Hospital, a favorite charity of J.P. and the Wedes family.

Wedes, who lived in Edmonds, will also be honored this Saturday with a “moment of laughter” during the Seafair Torchlight Spectacular at the Seattle Center.

The Seafair Clowns will honor J.P. at 4:30 p.m. at the Fisher Pavilion lawn stage.

 

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Staff Reporter Staff at editor@mi-reporter.com.

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