SEATTLE — After missing last year’s Seafair because of federal budget cuts, they returned to the skies above Lake Washington and drew big crowds.
“Now they're back, you can feel the vibe-- you really can,” Nick Vacca said. “I didn't come last year because of the fact that they weren't here.”
The Blue Angels aren't the only thing differentiating this Seafair from last year’s. More than 700 Marines are in Seattle for Marine Week, a celebration held in a different city every year that features the latest in equipment and technology as well as combat demonstrations.
The Blue Angels' return this year is why the Mangrum family brought 2-year-old Manuel.
“He's waiting for the Blue Angels,” Sara Mangrum said. “He keeps saying 'Blue Angels, Blue Angels!'”
“I heard about it on the news last night,” Lenzie Mangrum said. “My biggest thing that I want to see is the Harrier… I've heard about it. I've never actually seen one.”
KIRO 7 was there as crowds lined the lakefront to get a look at the Harrier jet, as well as other aircrafts featured in the U.S. Marine Corps show.
Seafair CEO Beth Knox said the organization also added another feature: the North Beach Food and Wine Festival.
“We'll have some of the chefs from our visiting fleet week ships- they're going to be coming off the ships to do a cook-off on the Albert Lee Appliance stage,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to have a different kind of experience at Seafair.”
The event features beer, wine, and liquor, and cooking demonstrations from local chefs as well Navy chefs.
Knox said Seafair has also added a night concert on Saturday featuring Seattle musicians, beginning at 7 p.m.
It wraps up with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. over Lake Washington.