by Lauryn Bray, photos by Susan Fried

Thousands of people flocked to Seattle Center from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18, arriving as early as 5:30 a.m., to receive free vision, dental, and medical care at the annual Seattle/King County Clinic. The clinic, run by a team of about 3,000 volunteer medical professionals, interpreters, and support staff led by founder Julia Colson, has served over 27,000 patients over the last nine years.

“It’s really unbelievable,” said Chelsea Riddick-Most, director of programs and events at Seattle Center. “Patients start at Fisher Pavilion where they get a ticket. Our doors open at midnight but what we’ve seen is people start getting in line around 8 o’clock.”