(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dharyian Christian) VIEW ORIGINAL
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. — The Seattle Seafair Festival Board is hosting its 75th annual Seafair from July 27 to Aug. 4, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. This iconic summer event features over 30 sanctioned activities and attracts over 2 million attendees. Soldiers of America’s First Corps are attending this event again this year and are excited to greet the community.
“This is a great opportunity for us to really appreciate I Corps,” said Lauren Carter, the marketing director for Seafair. “People should know how grateful Seafair is for the support from I Corps; all the work that they do does not go unseen. I think it speaks volumes on what the core values are for I Corps and it really shows how invested they are in the community.”
Since its inception in 1950, Seafair has become synonymous with summer in Seattle. Launched to celebrate Seattle’s centennial in 1951, the festival sought to attract national attention and showcase the city’s maritime heritage, aligning with Seattle’s reputation as the “boating capital of the world.”
Seafair continues to captivate both the community and the Armed Forces. The U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels provide thrilling aerial performances, while I Corps units and the Seattle Recruiting Battalion present military equipment on the ground.
With high-energy hydroplane races, spectacular airshows, and vibrant cultural events featuring food, art, and performances during the festival, which is staffed by nearly 3,000 volunteers, Seafair promises a memorable experience for families and friends throughout the region.
A major highlight was the Torchlight Parade, which took place on July 27, 2024, at 3 p.m. Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, First Corps deputy commanding general, was accompanied by America’s First Corps Band near the front of the parade. The parade began at Seattle Center and followed a mile-long route, ending at Seneca Street and 5th Avenue.
Seafair Weekend will run from Aug. 2 to Aug. 4. During this time, the Seattle Recruiting Battalion (SRB) and JBLM units will showcase U.S. Army equipment and vehicles at Genesee Park. Seafair offers an opportunity to celebrate our Nation’s independence by viewing the fireworks on Lake Union, listening to musical performances by the 56th Army Band, witnessing the Golden Knights streaking through the sky, interacting with displays of the latest military equipment, or experiencing the fastest boats in the world thundering along Lake Washington.
“Seafair is vital to the Seattle Recruiting Battalion and, by extension, to us,” said Maj. Justin Padua, First Corps’ Deputy G9. “It is the SRB’s largest recruiting event of the year, and we see tremendous success in engaging with the community through this event. First Corps is proud to support by showcasing our Army’s capabilities with a range of static displays.”
Each event during the festival weekend brings us together to celebrate summer living and the vibrant community spirit of the Puget Sound.
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