The Ballard SeafoodFest is just like Woodstock, only with fish. It's Fishstock. No, wait, that's what you use to make fish soup. Can I start over?

The 34th annual Ballard SeafoodFest takes over a good portion of Northwest Market Street and Ballard Avenue this weekend. Being able to walk Ballard's downtown area without fear of being clipped by a Mini Cooper full of eager singles on their way to a mixer at the Bal-Mar is gift enough, but when you pair that blessing with crafts vendors, live music and alder-smoked salmon, you've got yourself a hootenanny.

The salmon is worth a visit all by itself. Smoked right before your eyes in an ad-hoc barbeque pit that really ought to be a year-round fixture, it's manna from fishy heaven. You've rarely had salmon that's as moist or tender as this. The street fair, while as enjoyable as any other neighborhood festival, would be unimaginable without it.

That said, there's plenty here even for vegetarians to enjoy. There's live music pretty much all day long, sidewalk sales by area businesses, a crafts fair that can only be described as vast and bits of old Ballard charm scattered here and about. The coveralls-decoration contest is a prime example: Representatives of local businesses -- Archie McPhee, Ballard Blossom and many others -- are given a pair of plain fisherman's coveralls and a theme, and told to go nuts. 

One might say that the resulting "fashion show" bridges Ballard's hardscrabble, hard-living past with its glitzy, boutiques-and-condos present. One might also say that it's a pure goof, and all kinds of fun to watch. Either way, you ought to see it. Preferably with a plate of salmon in hand.

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