On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Waterland Festival & Parade marched a new route through downtown Des Moines, packing the streets and sidewalks with summer fun.
This Seafair-sanctioned event featured Pirates, Clowns, Men/Women in Black, marching bands, dazzling dancers, creative local businesses, and proud community groups.
It was followed by the first-ever Waterland Block Party, with a DJ, beer garden, activities for kids, special performers, and appearances from some parade participants.
A huge “well done!” to organizers Kristin Steinmetz, Michelle Curry, Karen Hynes and Doreen Harper, along with a team of volunteers for producing such a great event!
Video
Below is full, raw video of the parade and part of the Block Party, as filmed by Max Messer:
Parade Winners
Community Service
- First Place: Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle
- Second Place: Ecto-360 & the Pacific Northwest Ghostbusters
- Third Place: Des Moines Lions Club
Dance/Drill/Cheer
- First Place: The Electronettes HI Steppers Drill Team and Drum Line
- Second Place: The Electroniettes Hi-Steppers Drill Team and Drum Line
- Third Place: Elegance Drill Tram
Float
- First Place: Seattle Chinese American Chamber of Commerce
- Second Place: SR3 & Mast Center
- Third Place: MIBB
Sport
- First Place: Mt Rainier High School Wrestling Team
- Second Place: Parkrun
- Third Place: Mt Rainier High School Volleyball
Auto
- First Place: Airport Towing, Burien Towing, Columbia Towing
- Second Place: Classic Swagger
- Third Place Maple Valley Street
Commercial
- First Place: Ages in Stages Childcare
- Second Place: Burien Cooperative
- Third Place: KidsPark
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