Torchlight Parade

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The Torchlight Parade is the finale in a long series of parades around the greater Seattle area under the auspices of Seafair, a Seattle summertime celebration. The parade is one of the original Seafair events dating to the 1951 centennial celebration. The first parade was actually held on August 12, 1950, in the afternoon, as the Seafair Grande Parade.

The Torchlight Parade is usually on either the first Saturday in August or the last Saturday in July. The parade starts in the evening, close to dusk which gives it the name. Because of the dark, participants are encouraged to include creative uses of light and luminescient devices in their display. The parade draws an estimated crowd of over 300,000 people each year. Some of those wanting a prime viewing location arrive the night before with couches, rugs, and portable refrigerators.

The parade has had several route changes in its history. The first year it was held in a loop on 2nd and 3rd Avenues. It was later changed to start at 4th and Madison and make its way to Memorial Stadium. The current parade route begins by Seattle Center, follows 4th Ave through Downtown Seattle and ends at the north parking lot of Qwest Field, a distance of about 2 to 2,5 miles.

Participants include, among other things:

  • Seafair Pirates
  • Seattle All-City Band
  • Multicultural floats, including floats and participants from around the world
  • Award Winning Drill Teams such as the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team
  • Dragon dances
  • Seafair Clowns
  • Blue Angels Float
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There are also torchlight parades held in Dorset towns in the UK in August.