Prelude

     Several major fairs and smaller events helped set the stage for the Golden Potlatch. The most important one was Seattle's World's Fair of 1909, the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, abbreviated as AYPE. The nearly six month long AYPE, three years in construction and drawing over four million visitors, included many parades on the fairgrounds (the present University of Washington campus) and in downtown Seattle. Among other things, the AYPE celebrated and publicized Seattle's ties to the Alaska Gold Rush of 1897 and Alaskan commerce and Washington State history. A great deal of Northwest Coast Native American art was displayed and purchased by visitors from around the world. Pagentry at the AYPE was extensive and covered many subjects displayed at the exposition; including many regional or historical areas of focus such as Norway Day and New England Day. The Golden Potlach was created by individuals familiar with and involved in the creation of the AYPE, who wished to keep the spirit of festivity alive in the city and continue to create notworthiness around the region and the nation.

     In 1903 the fiftieth anniversary of Seattle's founding was celebrated in conjunction with a two-week Labor Carnival. This major, two-week long event was centered on Mardi Gras festivities including a Queen and court, and a carnival ground with not only professional amusements but also demonstration of union trades, cultural amenities such as displays by noteworthy local artists and an Indian Village. A large parade included seventy unions, with many interesting floats, some demonstrating work activities. Seattle Day was an elaborate, formal affair involving the business, social, and political leadership of the city. Its parade featured many long-time Seattle figures and its pageantry illustrated Seattle history. Prominent participatory roles were given to local Native Americans, including the grandson of Chief Seattle. Programs featured a speech by Judge Hanford, and a banquet with many speaches and toasts. A commemorative booklet was published and special trains brought in visitors from other cities.

     The national Christian Endeavor Convention of 1907 attracted visitors from around the country.

     The visit of the Great White Fleet in 1908, a U. S. Navy worldwide tour, was also celebrated with downtown parades, decoration of buildings, and formal proceedings and an emphasis on the Navy that would become a staple of Seattle's summertime festivities.

     Earlier large parades include the 1898 4th of July celebration is association with victories in the Spanish American War, and the Elk's Carnival of 1902, where an arch was erected downtown and promotion regional features were incorporated into the celebration . The Elks also provided a carnvial at the AYPE and fraternities would prove to be an important part of the Golden Potlatch story.