Seafair hydro racing.
From the Archives: Seafair hydros and Bob Hope

From the Archives: Seafair hydros and Bob Hope

If you mention “Torchlight Parade,” “Blue Angels” and “hydro races” anywhere near Seattle, people know that you’re talking about Seafair.

This year’s Torchlight Parade has come and gone, but the planes and hydroplanes are coming up this Seafair Weekend.

Seafair hydro racing circa 1955.
Aerial view of Seafair hydro race on Lake Washington circa 1955. (Photos courtesy Washington State Archives)

The hydroplane races have been a Seafair staple since the early 1950s. Hydroplane drivers like Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer and Dave Villwock became racing legends.

With the hydro races coming up this weekend, the State Archives is getting into the mood by providing these classic photos of Seafair hydro racing from around 1955.

Bob Hope at Seafair Torchlight Parade.
Comedian Bob Hope serves as Honorary Grand Marshal at the 1959 Seafair Torchlight Parade.

To top it off, the Archives found this 1959 photo of Bob Hope serving as Honorary Grand Marshal of the 1959 Torchlight Parade. Standing behind Hope is Gov. Albert Rosellini.

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