Spectators anxious to stake out the best seat along the Strawberry Festival parade route can begin placing their chairs at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19. This is a change from previous years, when residents placed seating several days in advance.

At the request of festival organizer Maryfest and several local businesses, any seating placed on public sidewalks or at intersections prior to 5 p.m. Friday, June 19, will be removed and held at the city Public Works Department.

“We appreciate how excited spectators are to watch the Grand Parade each year,” said Parks Director Jim Ballew. “Having chairs blocking sidewalks and intersections for several days before the parade is a challenge for anyone walking or cycling along State Avenue, and for that reason we’re asking folks to hold off on placing their seats until the Friday before the parade.”

Any items removed from public sidewalks or intersections will be held at the Public Works Department, 80 Columbia Ave., and returned to owners from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 360-363-8100.