CIWA organized more than 40 students, teachers and volunteers to participate in the Chinatown Seafair Parade July 22 with the Northwest Chinese School. These volunteers came from a variety of Washington state schools and social groups  — the youngest participant only 5 years old — all with a common love of Chinese culture and wish to share it with a wide audience.

Throughout the parade, the Confucius Institute team was welcomed by both sides of the street, calling out “你好!” “Hello!”, interacting with the audience and handing out Chinese candy and small souvenirs.

The group won applause and cheers, with friendly greetings echoing across the neighborhood.

The Confucius Institute of the State of Washington was established in 2010 and has been building awareness and understanding throughout the community in greater Seattle and the state of Washington. Through the event, the Confucius Institute its shared its message, offering its support for parade host, the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and helping build relations with the local Chinese community.

Seafair is hugely popular summer festival in Seattle, held annually for more than 50 years. Its events include block parties, city-wide celebrations, parades, the Seafair “Pirates,” sports competitions, hydroplane races and the Blue Angels.