Seafair kicks off with KOMO legend Eric Johnson crowned King Neptune

Seattle's beloved Seafair Festival celebrated its kick-off to summer on Friday.

After last year's milestone 75th anniversary, Seafair's message for 2025 is "Bigger. Better. Bolder." Under new leadership with Seafair President and CEO, Emily Cantrell, the festival has introduced significant changes this year, like moving the annual Torchlight Parade to Seattle's revitalized waterfront.

On June 20, the first official day of summer, Seafair held its first kickoff celebration since before the pandemic. Cantrell was joined by Seattle's Deputy Mayor Greg Wong and signature partners like Alaska Airlines, for a community party on Pier 62, featuring performances, special guests and the crowning of this year's Seafair Royalty.

Seafair Royalty has been a tradition since the festival's start in 1950, as a way to represent "the joy, unity, and civic spirit that define summer in Seattle."

This year's honorees include retired KOMO broadcaster Eric Johnson as King Neptune and former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best as Queen Alcyone.

Johnson quipped, "It's true what they say: 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown.' This is crazy. It feels weird, but I love it!"

New this year, the festival has introduced the Seafair Community Hero program to recognize emerging leaders. The honor also comes with a $5,000 scholarship.

Mercy Haub, a dedicated cancer advocate and survivor, was named the first-ever Seafair Community Hero during Friday's celebration.

Fittingly, Johnson featured Haub as one of his Eric's Heroes in 2021.

READ MORE | Young girl's journey from cancer avenger to survivor: The remarkable tale of Mercy Haub

Now that summer is here and Seafair is underway, here are just some of the events to watch for:

• 4th of July
• Torchlight Parade
• Seattle Fleet Week
• NEW: "Can You Ride It?" rideable watercraft challenge
• And the main event: Seafair Weekend Festival, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, hydroplane races, Boeing Air Show and more.

Learn more about the "bigger, better, bolder" look for the 2025 Seafair Festival here.