The current storefront of Shiga’s Imports
The 40th annual Seattle University District Street Fair took place on May 16 and 17 in the U-District. The fair is the longest running of its kind in the nation and was founded by Asian-import shop owner Andy Shiga in response to the volatile politics of the 1960s.
“Andy thought that an arts and music festival might help bring the various groups closer together,” said Shiga’s widow Toshima.
At the time, the University of Washington and its surrounding neighborhood were at the center of Seattle’s anti-war and anti-establishment culture. Protests, rallies, police action, broken shop windows, and other activities made it difficult for merchants to conduct business. That is why Shiga organized the street fair.
This year, in addition to various vendors, the fair included a Dragon Steps fire show, balloon artists, face painters, street performers, and plenty of live music. ♦