From vintage cars and high school cheer squads to tributes to longtime residents, the 2025 Waterland Parade brought thousands to downtown Des Moines on Saturday, July 19, 2025 to celebrate the city’s people, pride and quirky traditions.
Organized by local promotion and marketing non-profit Destination Des Moines, this year’s parade was full of history, fun and love.
Among the highlights was a heartfelt tribute to longtime residents Bj and Anna Bjorneby, whose family entered restored vintage vehicles in their honor. Bj, who founded Bjorneby Auto Rebuild in 1964, passed away in April, just months after Anna’s death in 2024. He and his wife had helped organize previous parades, and were honored by family and friends.
“BJ and Anna’s legacy is one of family, community, and a lifetime of service,” the announcer said. “We remember them with gratitude and celebrate their lasting impact on Des Moines.”
Also receiving tribute was trailblazing car and hydroplane racer, custom bike builder, electric dragster innovator, and tireless cancer warrior Steve Huff, who sadly passed away in May at age 58.
This year’s Grand Marshals were Michelle Fawcett, owner of Salon Michelle, and Tony Hettler of John L. Scott Real Estate, both recognized for their volunteerism and support of city events.
The parade also honored outgoing State Sen. Karen Keiser and welcomed her successor, Tina Orwall, both applauded for their service to the 33rd Legislative District.
Crowd favorites included the Chief Sealth High School Cheer Team, the Pacific Northwest Ghostbusters, the Seafair Pirates, and a spirited performance by the award-winning Electronettes drill team.
The event mixed civic pride with playful touches — from Pacific Northwest Ghostbuster’s Stay Puft Marshmallow Man to local folklore like the Maury Island UFO encounter and upcoming Burien UFO Festival, celebrated by the MIBBBFest group.
Parade entries reflected every corner of the community, from nonprofits like Ezra’s Hands Outreach and SR³ Sealife Rescue, to schools, businesses, youth sports teams and churches.
And who didn’t LOVE the tradition of the Seafair Pirates blowing off their cannon and handing out pins and stickers to scared kids of all ages?
As the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt Team closed out the show with thrilling maneuvers, the crowd was reminded why this celebration remains a beloved South King County summer staple.
Video
Below is video of the parade, as filmed by Max Messer, edited by Scott Schaefer, and announced by local funsters Ben Anderson and Dave Markwell (running time 40-minutes, 38-seconds):
Winners of the 2025 Waterland Seafair Parade:
AUTO:
- PNW Ghostbusters
- Corvette Marquee Club
- Hammerdown Vintage Hydroplane
DRILL TEAM:
- Chief Sealth High School
- Evergreen Jr. Drill Line
- C2C Rams Youth Football & Cheer
COMMERCIAL:
- Airport Towing
- Cochran’s Guide Service
- Ezra’s Hand Outreach
DANCE:
- Electronettes
- Baby Nettes
- Vision 253
FLOATS:
- Sixgill Shark Capital
- MIBBB Fest
- Sisu Hus
NPO:
- Seniors for the Constitution/Des Moines Indivisible
- Santa with a Cause
- Mt. Rainier Pool
ENTHUSIASM:
- Airport Towing
- Electronettes
- Six Gill Shark Capital
