The thought that this coming weekend marks the close of SIFF makes me feel bittersweet. On the one hand, parting is always such sweet sorrow (on the bright side, I’ve seen the calendar of programming for SIFF Cinema post-festival and it’s rather impressive). On the other hand, by the end of the festival I find myself very, very tired of sitting and prefer activities that allow me to move around at least a little bit more.

If I weren’t going to be spending the weekend saying goodbye to the festival, I’d totally be moving myself down to these events:

• The Bell Harbor Classic Weekend takes place in Bell Harbor Marina here in Seattle from June 13 through June 15 and is one of the biggest gatherings of pre-war motorized yachts that there is. On Friday the 13th, many of the boats will gather on the waterfront and parade into the harbor as a group starting at 5 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, members of the public are welcome to go down and visit the boats up close and personal. Some boats even allow visitors to board. (Wear soft-soled shoes, please). These boats are all really interesting and cool and admission is free!!
• The Central Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Juneteenth Freedom Festival & Parade 2008 which takes place from June 13 through June 15 at Pratt Park at 20th & E. Yesler in Seattle. Juneteenth is a celebration that commemorates the enforcement of the emancipation proclamation in Texas, the last state to free its African American slaves. The celebration includes a parade, food and entertainment including a petting zoo for kids.
• The Bat N Rouge softball extravaganza pits the drag queens versus the dykes in a lively sporting event that raises funds in support of drug and alcohol addiction recovery services. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Knights of Malta and the Rainbow City Renegayde Pep Band are among the special guests who add some oomph to the already exciting game. Washington State Rep. Jamie Pederson throws out the first pitch. Saturday, June 14th, 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Call Anderson Park’s Bobby Morris Play Field at 1th & Pine in Capital Hill.
• Head north of Seattle for the Edmonds Arts Festival. Edmonds is an awesome town; sure, you could argue that it’s just another suburb, but Edmonds has its own unique and artsy vibe. Their arts festival starts June 13 and ends June 15 and encompasses visual arts, performing arts, a food court, a wine bar and a very fun kids creative corner.
• Head south of Seattle for the 30th annual Super Saturday at Evergreen State College, a festival featuring arts and crafts of all sorts and live music and dance. (It might be worth noting that The Whole Bolivian Army, who are playing the Edmonds Arts Fest on Friday are playing Super Saturday.) I know ALL the summer festivals offer handmade and artisan jewelry but this one has some of the very best.
• As long as you’re in Olympia anyway, head over to the Olympic Flight Museum for the Olympic Air Show (June 14 and 15) giving you an exciting upclose look at seventy years worth of aircraft, three hours of aerial performances, a USO show, and the beer garden you will need to utilize to cool yourself down from all the hotness.