Ahoy, mateys! The big one kicks off by land and "sea"

Colorful boats racing across the lake to the cheers of thousands are one of the highlights of Seafair. You're thinking of the hydros racing in Lake Washington? That's spectacular, too, but this weekend it's all about creative craft made of milk cartons racing at Green Lake.

It may look like fun and games, but it takes a lot of thought and planning to build these vessels, and $10,000 worth of prizes are at stake for the winners at this event, the traditional kick-off of the Seafair season. Entertainment, kids' craft activities, and a petting zoo are featured all day, plus there's a Humane Society Canine Fashion Show with local celebrity guests from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by an adoption event for the show's pups.

And what would summer be without those ever-popular scalawags, the Seafair Pirates, arriving for the summer Saturday at Alki. Music starts at 10 a.m., the first 500 kids get free toy pirate kits starting at 10:30 a.m., and activities and kids' inflatable rides go on all day. The pirates are scheduled to storm the beach sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Seafair kicks off Wallingford-style at Saturday's Kiddies Parade and Street Fair. All kids are invited to join in — costumes encouraged but not required — joining with bands, clowns and drill teams in the 11 a.m. parade. After the parade, music, crafts, food and rides for kids take over for the day.

Bike or bus is a great way to get to these popular events. For information on bus service, call 206-553-3000 or see tripplanner.metrokc.gov/.

The details

Seafair Milk Carton Derby

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Racing starts with parade of boats at 1:30 p.m., finals at 3 p.m.

Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle, at the southwest corner near the crewhouse.

Cost: Free.

Getting there: From Interstate 5 (southbound or northbound), take the 50th Street exit, go west on 50th Street Northeast, then turn right on Green Lake Way North and continue to the lake.

Parking: Very limited on-site parking; several public lots in the area.

More information : 206-728-0123 or http://www.seafair.com/.

Wallingford Kiddies Parade and Street Fair

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., parade at 11 a.m., registration starts 9:30 a.m.

Location: Street fair, Wallingford Avenue North between North 43rd Street and North 45th Street; parade on North 45th Street from Corliss Avenue North to Woodlawn Avenue North, Seattle.

Cost: Free.

Getting there: From I-5, take the Northeast 45th Street/University of Washington exit, go west on Northeast 45th Street to Wallingford Avenue

North.

Parking: Street parking and pay lots.

More information : 206-632-3165 or http://www.wallingford.org/.

Seafair Pirates Landing

Hours: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Location: Alki Beach, along Alki Avenue Southwest in the area of 60th Avenue Southwest, Seattle.

Cost: Free. All-day inflatable rides, $6 per child or $10 for two children.

Getting there: From I-5, take the West Seattle exit and cross the West Seattle Bridge. Take the Harbor Avenue/Avalon Way ramp, turn right onto Harbor Avenue Southwest, which becomes Alki Avenue Southwest.

Parking: Limited on-street parking.

More information : 206-728-0123 or http://www.seafairpirates.com/.

Madeline McKenzie: mmckenzie@seattletimes.com or 206-464-8245