It used to be that I spent a lot of time down in Pioneer Square. I worked there in the late 80s and early 90s and more days than not I would end up spending happy hour at the Central Tavern (now officially the Central Saloon), often staying on to see the local bands who would go on the grace the covers of magazines like Rolling Stone and Time. The Elliott Bay Book Company has always been one of my favorite stores in Seattle and there are a whole bunch of other great shops, bars, galleries, and restaurants in the area.

I just don’t have much reason to go down that way anymore, though; it’s been ages since I’ve been to Pioneer Square. Something that might tempt me back that way is this weekend’s Pioneer Square Fire Festival.

The festival is 30 years old and gives visitors a chance to check out our local firefighters in non-emergency action. Events include the Firefighter Combat Challenge: Competitors must climb a 5-story tower, hoist, chop, drag hoses and rescue a life-sized, 175 lb. “victim” as they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock ; other events include a kids’ version of the challenge, a hot dog eating contest and the Mascot Challenge: Mascots from Northwest Colleges face off in a rally to see who can get the crowd the most pumped up. The mascot who gets the crowd most excited will win $1000 for their school’s scholarship fund. College mascots include: University of Washington’s “Harry the Husky”, Gonzaga’s “Spike the Bull Dog”, Washington State University’s “Butch”, Seattle University’s “Redhawk”, Western Washington University’s “Viking”, Eastern Washington University’s “Wildcat”, Montana University’s “Monte the Grizzly”, Bosie State University’s “Buster Bronco”, Oregon State University’s “Benny Beaver” and University of Oregon’s “Duck”. Other mascots stopping by include Seahawk’s “Blitz”, Emerald Down’s “Ed”, Seattle Thunderbird’s “Cool Bird”, Seattle Sounders “Sammy”, Tacoma Rainer’s “Rhubarb”, Wells Fargo’s “Jack the Dog” and Ivar’s “Clams”. (Can you tell I like mascots?)

There are a ton of other events and historical displays, plus food and drink and live music and special deals from local vendors. The events kicks off Friday at 4 with an opening ceremony that pays tribute to fallen firefighters and kicks off the weekend’s events.