Float Update and Parade Reminder

On Saturday, June 22, a work party of Kerry Ryan, Deb and Mike Drake, and Ric Hedman met at Al Smiths house to clean up the Seattle Base float.

Seattle Base float ready for another parade season

It was perfect weather for painting. First the float had its first bath in years. The whole hull of the submarine was washed, roughed up with sandpaper, and then washed again. The sail was painted first using a brush and all the edges were painted likewise before rollers were used for painting the main body of the sub. The same technique was used for painting the bottom.

Al fixed lunch for the group, (tuna sandwiches, Yum!) and then it was back to work.

They painted about 80% of the float. All that was left to do is the gray decking, which Ric will paint once his back recovers.

Parade Reminder

Seattle Base and the Silent Service Motorcycle Club will be participating in the Kirkland parade on Thursday, July 4. Seattle Base member and World War II veteran Ralph Sterley will be the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade.

To get to the assembly area from I-405, you take Exit 18 off of 405, head west toward Kirkland. This road turns into Central Way. Follow Central until you reach Market and turn right to find parking at Heritage Park. You’ll pass Heritage Hall while looking for parking. Parking is available north of Heritage Hall in the boat ramp parking area and at Waverly Park.

You can start arriving around 9:00 AM. The city will start closing down streets near the parade route around 9:30. If you are arriving after that time it is best to plan to get to the parking areas from the north heading south down Market Street.

We will meet near Heritage Hall, the large white two-story building on the north side of the corner of Central Way and Market Street. The Seattle Base float will be in place in the assembly area around 9:30 and all submarine veterans and motorcycles can meet near the float. We will be near the start of the parade.

Refreshments will be served around 11:00 and we will gather for a veterans group photo shortly after that. The main parade starts at noon.

We hope to see you there!