Welcome to the Mercer Island Reporter’s Seafair information page. Here you’ll find useful information with regard to where to view hydroplane races and air shows, where to park/avoid parking, boating safety tips and more. For full information, visit the official Seafair Web site.
Due to the Sewer Lake Line Replacement Project, Proctor Landing and the park site under I-90 will be closed to the public for this year’s Seafair celebration. Both locations are being used as construction staging sites for the project and will not reopen until 2010.
However, there are several other parks and street ends along 60th Avenue S.E. that are open for hydroplane and Blue Angel viewing:
- Garfield Landing: S.E. 30th and 60th Avenue S.E.
- Slater Park: S.E. 29th and 60th Avenue S.E.
- Calkins Landing: S.E. 28th and 60th Avenue S.E.
- View all locations on a map
Another popular spot for viewing the Blue Angels air show is at the end of S.E. 32nd Street, where the cul-de-sac meets the steep path down toward West Mercer Way. Located on the crest of First Hill, with a clear-cut view of the lake, this special spot is a favorite with nearby residents. Get there early to save a sitting spot.
The city reminds Island residents planning to host block parties that permits are required for any street activity.
“No Parking” signs are posted south of 24th Street along West Mercer Way by city engineers prior to the races to enable emergency services access from Proctor Landing and the surrounding neighborhoods (map).
City officials ask the public to be mindful of private property and not to block driveways, mailboxes, fire hydrants, intersections or crosswalks.
The city Parks and Recreation Department recommends that spectators viewing the Blue Angels and hydroplane races to park in designated parking areas at the Park on the Lid.
Map and Key of Seafair parking and viewing areas
- Green: Suggested viewing area
- Red: Viewing areas that are closed off
- P: Designated parking areas for Park on the Lid, as per the City of Mercer Island Web site
- !: No parking
View Mercer Island Seafair viewing sites in a larger map
Boaters should be aware that extra safety and security patrols will be in effect during the four days of Seafair. Routine vessel stops will be made to ensure compliance with safety and equipment regulations.
There is a no-wake security zone in effect all day on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, until 6 p.m. each evening. The zone is strictly enforced from south of the I-90 floating bridge to the Bailey Peninsula of Seward Park.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends wearing life jackets, observing speed limits and carrying proper safety equipment. Vessels that are overloaded and have insufficient life jackets on board will be boarded, cited and taken to the nearest shore.
For more boating information, visit www.boatwashington.org.
