Syttende Mai in Ballard

We had a parade in Ballard this past Wednesday, just a block away from the apt. Norwegian Constitution Day, commonly known as "Syttende Mai" or the 17th of May, is a celebration of the day in 1814 when Norway’s constitution was signed in the town of Eidsvoll, Norway. Apparently, the people of Ballard take this day VERY seriously. I imagined maybe an hour or so of parade at the most, but it was near two hours. Crazy, but very fun. Liv scored a ton of candy.



Snacking up and waiting for the parade to start.



The whole fam.




The parade started with the SPD Motorcycle Drill Team.



This is how close they came. Kinda freaked Livvie out.



They are too loud!


I never knew there were this many Scandies in the world, much less WA...




And, yes, there were some giant blonde inbreds. Why do you ask?

And, four different marching bands, at least.



Livvie started loosening up and really enjoying the parade as we went into the second hour.






And just a few more of our favorite moments - librarians, an old clown, gnomes, and a giant manure scooper. Man, I love Ballard.