by Emerald Staff
After weeks of hiding stubbornly behind gray skies and frequent downpours, the fall sun lit up north Beacon Hill in a golden brilliance for the second-annual T’Challaween parade on Saturday, Oct. 30.
This year, the South Seattle Emerald’s signature event “T’Challaween — A South End Tribute to Our Heroes” saw even more impressive turnout than its debut last year. Community turned out in droves in stellar costumes to catch candy and celebrate South Seattle.
The T’Challaween 2021 costume parade started again on the Beacon Hill Stay Healthy Street at South College Street but this year ended at Jefferson Park where festivities continued with live music and entertainment. The Emerald partnered with the Artist’s Way to livestream the event. Artist’s Way founder Shaina Shepherd cohosted the stream along with Nikki Barron, and they brought local performers like Da Qween, The Pazific, and Smokey Brights who made beautiful music in the sunny park for live audiences and those who couldn’t attend in person. The livestream was produced by Blazin’ Space, kittenteeth, and Ground Control Recording.
The South End Public Market — a project of Beacon Arts — also set up shop in the park. Hyper-local artists and craftspeople sold their goods, from lovely jewelry to charming crocheted creatures and ink-printed artwork. You can catch the South End Public Market again on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Day Moon Press, one block south of Jefferson Park on Beacon Avenue South.
The success of T’Challaween 2021 was made possible with generous support of sponsors: The Station, Beacon Arts, Boon Boona Coffee, Amy’s Merkato, Victrola Coffee, Jefferson Advisory Council, the ACLU-WA, Alaska Airlines, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and Safeway.
We look forward to celebrating with you all again next year, South End heroes!
Editors’ Note: This article was updated on 11/15/2021 to clarify that Nikki Barron cohosted the Artist’s Way event and is not a cofounder.
Maile Anderson has had the immense privilege to travel to amazing places with a camera beside her. She believes documenting the changing world, whether in the form of protests or other cultures, is important work that heightens awareness in this time of social justice. Follow her on IG: @tinypicturetaker.
Susan Fried is a 40-year veteran photographer. Her early career included weddings, portraits, and commercial work — plus, she’s been The Skanner News’ Seattle photographer for 25 years. Her images have appeared in the University of Washington’s The Daily, The Seattle Globalist, Crosscut, and many more. She’s been an Emerald contributor since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @fried.susan.
📸 Featured Image: (Photo: Susan Fried)
Before you move on to the next story … The South Seattle Emerald is brought to you by Rainmakers. Rainmakers give recurring gifts at any amount. With over 1,000 Rainmakers, the Emerald is truly community-driven local media. Help us keep BIPOC-led media free and accessible. If just half of our readers signed up to give $6 a month, we wouldn't have to fundraise for the rest of the year. Small amounts make a difference. We cannot do this work without you. Become a Rainmaker today!