SEATTLE — All major events for Seattle's annual Seafair celebration are getting rescheduled to 2021 due to coronavirus concerns.
The Fourth of July fireworks, Seafair Milk Carton Derby, the Torchlight Parade, and the Seafair Weekend Festival are just some of the big events that got canceled.
The below statement was released on the Seafair website Wednesday:
"As part of the Seattle summer experience, the non-profit Seafair has been creating lasting memories for the Northwest community for generations. Given the uncertainty surrounding public health safety, and combined with guidance from local and state governments, Seafair is rescheduling its major events to next year. If you hold tickets for any event, we will be in contact with you via email shortly. Seafair is committed to be a catalyst to reunite community and celebrate again in 2021."
Here are all the events canceled and rescheduled for 2021:
- July 4 – Seafair Summer 4th – Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park
- July 11 – Seafair Milk Carton Derby – Green Lake Aqua Theatre
- July 19 – Seafair Triathlon – Seward Park
- July 25 – Torchlight Run – Downtown Seattle
- July 25 – Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade – Downtown Seattle
- July 31 – August 2 – Seafair Weekend Festival featuring the Boeing Seafair Air Show and HomeStreet Bank Cup – Genesee Park / Lake Washington
Patrick Harrison, the organization's spokesman, said organizers tried to come up with a contingency plan, but it just wasn't in the cards.
"As things began to evolve and change, it became more of a reality, it just wasn't able to come together, be that through social distancing, sponsorships. It was not something we could pull together," said Harrison. "It would be better just to reschedule and come back even stronger in 2021."
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have already confirmed their attendance for August 6-8, 2021. Organizers also say the Fourth of July fireworks show will return "bigger than ever" next year.
Meanwhile, Seafair President and CEO Eric Corning says they will stay be active in the community this summer to celebrate online and in-person with proper health guidelines.
"We are deeply disappointed but together we will get through this emergency," said Corning. "Events will be an important part of our recovery, and we look forward to working with our sponsorship partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to produce a festival with the Blue Angels, fireworks, pirates, clowns, parades, and all of the neighborhood community events. We will stay active in the community this summer to bring people together to celebrate online and in-person, within the COVID-19 guidelines."