SEA … HAWKS!
You can be anywhere — grocery store, crowded parking lot, beach — and if you yell out “SEA,”more than likely someone will reply with a resounding, “HAWKS!”
We love our Northwest NFL team. Being a sports fan is universal. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion or creed. You can be a Seahawks fan regardless of your socioeconomic status.
It’s a common thread that weaves us together, cheering for the same team. All throughout history, we have rallied around our sports teams. During wars and recessions, we have used sports teams to distract us. We have celebrated, shared sorrow and dreamed along with our teams.
Seattle fans are known worldwide for the enthusiasm they show for their beloved Hawks. This past week, the Seahawks preseason got under way and Ocean Shores gets to kick off the season with a party that only Seahawk fans could throw.
From Aug. 18-21, Ocean Shores will become even more blue and green than it already is. The fanfare starts Thursday with a preseason game against Minnesota. You can catch the game at most bars around town. The Porthole is planning a party, and special Seahawks former players and notable “superfans” will be at Galway Bay and the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. On Friday, get up early and have coffee with the former Seahawk players Mammas at the 12th Woman coffee stand outside IGA in Ocean Shores from 10-11 a.m. Also Friday, you can spend the afternoon at the Oyhut Bay Tailgate Party mingling with the likes of Joe Tafoya, Jordan Babineaux, Norm Johnson and “Wilson the Pony. ”
The Convention center will offer music, including Radio 80 and Aaron Crawford, vendors and celebrities beginning Friday.
The Mighty Alliance fan group is bringing in so many guests and features this year. Saturday starts with a fun run at 8 a.m. (assemble by Sharky’s at 7 a.m.).
The Seahawks Fan Fest Parade through Ocean Shores will begin at 10 a.m. There will be Mr. and Mrs. Seahawk, Painted Hawk, Big Lo, and a few surprises.
Then it’s time for the raising of the 12th Man Flag at the Convention Center. Mamma Lynch will be back this year. You can play golf in the Babineaux Family Foundation Tournament at the Ocean Shores Golf Course, or Glow Bowl with the Seahawks Mamas: Lockette, Thomas, Lynch, Bennett and more. Saturday evening brings the highlight for many fans: the now-retired Ricardo Lockette will be honored in a dinner at the QBRC. After enjoying the festivities of Saturday during the day, head to the beach by the Shilo Approach and enjoy a Seahawks theme fireworks show.
Sunday gives you a chance to support the North Beach Hyak Cheerleaders by attending an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for just $5 at the Convention Center. Most of the activities are free. Some are ticketed and all of the information can be found at the Mighty Alliance Facebook page or at: http://dooceanshores.com/event/12s-fan-fest.html
Get your Seahawks gear ready, you’re going to need it. “SEA … HAWKS!”
Football fan or not, there’s always something to do On the Beach.
Submissions to beachgym@live.com
