It’s that time of year once again when the hot rays of the sun call for cooling off on the refreshing waters of Green Lake and Elliott Bay. That’s right, Seafair is upon us for the 60th time. It starts this coming weekend with the annual landing of the Seafair Pirates at Alki Beach from 9:30 am through 5:30 pm, featuring a battle between the pirates and King Neptune, played by Pat Cashman, swashbuckling with sword and cannon. Also upcoming: the annual Allstate Milk Carton derby. Nearly a hundred different marine craft, all made from the creative use of milk cartons, compete for $10K in prizes at Greenlake, Saturday July 11, from 10 am to 4 pm. Head down to the derby to check out the boats, food and family entertainment and don’t forget to take a can or box of non-perishable food to help Seafair sink hunger.

If this isn’t enough action for you, you can also sail with the Seafair pirates on the Lady Washington: experience a living history adventure with sailing demonstrations, maritime story telling and food and grog (in the form of quality wine) from Anthony’s and Dunham Cellars.

Information on these events and all of the Community events around the Sound (Kent Cornucopia days, July 9 – 12; Pioneer Square Fire Festival, July 11; Redmond Derby Days, July 11; Mercer Island Summer Festival, July 11; and Chinatown Festival, July 11 – 12), check out the Seafair website