Each summer brings festivity
To the Emerald City by the sea
And Torchlight Parade in diversity
Of folks who live in harmony.

The people line the streets and cheer
As the Chinese dragons writhe and rear
Their heads, from which comes flaming fire,
While dancers prance in bright attire.
Then comes the dancing Vietnamese.
Are any more richly adorned than these?

The Koreans and the Filipinos
Come by in their flamboyant clothes,
And all the while the floats arrive,
Each one that follows more contrived.
A streamered car holds Miss Seafair
As pretty girls wave back and stare
And each one dares to hope that she
Next year the Seafair Queen will be.

Children laugh and parents cheer
As clowns and pirates now appear,
Tossing candy and tshirts too
Just as the whole long year they do,
Visiting hospitals and other places,
Bringing smiles to sweet, sad, faces.

The parade on wide Fourth Avenue
Ends, but each day there's something new
To fill the days with joy and fun.
The Blue Angels will perform for one
Anticipated thrill and then
The boat races will begin.

Have you ever seen a hydroplane
In a race at speeds that are insane?
The month is one long barbecue
With exotic foods cooked just for you.
In July and August, the place to be
Is the Emerald City by the sea.

By: Joyce Johnson 7/28/08