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Tens of thousands attend Seattle's largest outdoor arts, crafts fair

Organizers estimated more than 50,000 visitors attended the 53rd annual U District Street Fair.

SEATTLE — Tens of thousands of people made their way to Seattle’s largest outdoor arts and crafts fair, the 53rd annual "U District Street Fair."

"As somebody who's lived here for quite a long time, it's so great to see a certain spirit of Seattle that I love," said Kathy Fawthrop, who visited the fair on Sunday. 

It's a love that can be felt throughout these Seattle streets as the neighborhood hosts its U District Street Fair.” 

This makes it one of the longest-running street fairs in the country. 

"It's something that's been going on since the 1970s and so it's a muscle memory thing,” said Don Blakeney, the executive director of U District Partnership which organized this weekend’s event. “People expect us in the third week of May every year. But it's fun to see it continue to blossom in new ways that you don't even expect every year."

Organizers said they expanded the event this year, closing off about a mile of city streets. Featuring more than 250 artists and craft vendors, and offering dozens of food options. Organizers said it made for a much larger spectacle since it first began decades ago.

"The length, there's so many more people,” Fawthrop said. “All the food booths and everything. Which is wonderful. I'm glad to see it. That it draws a lot of artisans and a lot of people."

Organizers estimate more than 50,000 visitors attended the two-day event. Marking another record-breaking year for the long-time tradition. Hoping to reinvigorate the businesses throughout the area.

"They're coming into the restaurants, they're coming into the businesses,” Blakeney said. “They're getting a great impression of the neighborhood to come back next year or between now and next year. So, we're just glad to see a lot of people coming here to enjoy the U District."

Organizers are thrilled with this year's turnout and hope to continue giving this joy to the community for another 50 years. 

"Wonderful," Fawthrop said. "I hope it continues for years and years and years."

    

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