Of course, the Blue Angels are a wonderful ambassador of the best Navy in the world. They're always courteous to guests who stage at Boeing Field to watch their take-off routine.
What the Blue Angels don't know is that ahead of them, and behind them, are the rudest motorcycle Police Officers ever encountered. They delight in making pedestrians wait through several traffic light cycles if they think a Blue Angel team member might be coming through in the next 15 minutes or so. We've been loudly admonished to stay out of the street, even when we're safely on the sidewalk, and had police whistles blown at us because my handicapped wife couldn't get across the cross-walk fast enough to suit them.
We love watching the Blue Angels, but we won't be back this year. Even a letter to the Mayor of Seattle hasn't prevented repeated Police Discourtesy. This retired Police Officer disliked being treated rudely when we come into their city to spend money there.
We'll watch from TV this year.

GWB

As an air show, Seafair is okay. It a hydroplane race first; air show - second. Jet performers have to cope with hills during their approaches. Viewers will see the final seconds of the approach, followed by the "trick". Acts are done inbetween heats of the hydros.
The prop acts can basically perform their regular shows. Due to the shoreline of the lake an Extra is a small dot because the audience can be rather far away.
Crowds are on both sides of the performance box - boats on one side and foot spectators on the other. Parking can be a trial. Mass transit is easier.
I find Seafair a good warm-up for Abbotsford, BC.

I think the complaints about the Seattle police are unwarranted especially since Seafair occurs every year, is very widely publicized and crowd control has to start at some point!

While you might think 15 minutes before the Blues come through is too early to close the street there are others that think it is about right. And yes every so often you do meet an overzealous (Seattle) police officer.

Sure glad you have found another way to see the Blues because they are an awesome team and it would be a shame to not be able to see them!

As for Abbotsford - been there for the 40th anniversary. Parking was a big problem, there were no park & ride lots anywhere near the place and there wasn't a hydroplane in sight. Personally I 'll take Seafair any day!

I have watched the Hydroplane Races on Lake Washington since 1952 and look forward to them each year. I have watched from the Stan Sawyers Pit Area to Seward Park picnic beaches to tied up to the log boom to the remarkable TV coverages on my home TV. Every vantage point has its advantages, but the real exileration is the tremendouse live audio factor of being on scene live. My heart races every time a Hydro fires up or the Blue Angels strafe so low and close by you feel you need to get out of the way. The Police presents has always made me feel comforable in that they are protecting the strong majority of on-lookers and participants as humamly possible. That does include Boaters as well. I don't recall a roit situation or threatening stituation from the over 500,000 attendes to the Hydro Races any year. How remarkable is that. My hat goes off to all concerned to letting me have a wonderful and safe Seafair Event Day. See ya at the races!

For Barry Mendonca: If you went to St. Pat's with me, please get in touch.

Best,

Michael