Friday, May 9, 2008 - Volume 36 Issue 19
SYTTENDE GAY 2008

On Saturday, May 17, Kwanchai - jonathan mathews design group presents Seattle's third annual Syttende Gay, Seattle's first Gay Scandinavian celebration, hosting two events in celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day (aka Grunnlovsdag). Bal Mar, 5449 Ballard Ave. N.W., hosts the first event from 2-6 p.m. (doors at noon) with an inspiring contemporary Norwegian decor provided by Kwanchai. Bal Mar will be a great place from which to view Ballard's Syttende Mail Parade that kicks off at 3 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hour Scandinavian drinks specials and Scandinavian-inspired appetizers. DJ Randy Schlager will be spinning energetic club hits from Norway and Sweden.

Purr Cocktail Lounge, 1518 11th Ave. E., hosts the second event, starting at 9 p.m. Kwanchai - jonathan mathews design group will also be transforming this venue with a Norwegian decor. Enjoy Scandinavian inspired drink specials throughout the evening and Purr's resident Saturday Night DJ will be spinning Scandinavian club hits to entertain the crowd late into the night. www.kwanchai.net

Syttende Mai, the 17th of May Festival, has been celebrated in Seattle since 1889 with proclamations, speeches and a parade. The parade and related activities are held in Ballard each year with recent turnouts of over 15,000 people, This year's Grand Marshall is Norway's top song vocalist Hanne Krough, who performed at Oslo's Pride 2007 Festival. For complete information on the Ballard parade and festivities, visit www.syttendemaiseattle.com.