JOIN US ON A ROADTRIP THAT'S SURE TO BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT.

This year, PEMCO Insurance is sending teams of genuine Northwest-loving people to community events and activities across the state. Some are in support of a good cause, some just sound like a good time - but either way, we hope you'll stop by and say hi. Look for us wherever you see the big green PEMCO van. And if we miss each other, drop us a note here and tell us what's on your mind.

Remember, there's no place quite like home, especially this time of year. So get out there and enjoy!

Fun With The Fuzz 5K - Running for the Law

April 26, 2010 5:41pm
We've all heard of running from the law, but a new Northwest tradition promotes running for the law!  This weekend, Peter, Steven and I visited Bellingham to help local police in their effort to kick-start the first annual "Fun With The Fuzz 5K Race."   

Police officers from Bellingham, working in conjunction with the Behind The Badge Foundation, created this distinctive road race to raise money and offer support to families of fallen officers.  The race organizers were astounded by the turnout and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community support.  It certainly made us proud to say "We're a lot like you."

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Event organizer Kyle Nelson welcomes all the participants by the PEMCO registration booth

We parked WALLY1 squarely next to the starting line and conducted race registration, while offering racers shelter from the sprinkling, gray skies.  As soon as the runners lined up at the starting gate though, the sun peeked out behind the clouds and offered racers a refreshing glimpse of sunshine as they heard "On your mark, get set, go!"

An astounding number of officers came out for the race, and many even strapped on their running shoes and ran beside their civilian neighbors.  A father-son duo of officers from Bellingham chatted with us before the race.  Rich and Chad both exclaimed that they had been looking forward to this for weeks.  They said that despite their police officer backgrounds, their goal was to "just finish the race!"  They both accomplished their goal, and completed the course in under 30 minutes.  

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Rich and Chad show off their official 5K running shirts

The race was an overwhelming success with over $13,000 raised for the Behind The Badge Foundation.  It's apparent that "Fun With The Fuzz" will become a Northwest staple with its commitment to such a worthy cause.  We can't wait until next year's event, so we can have even more "Fun With The Fuzz!"  

Sounders vs. Kansas City Wizards: True Sounders Supporters

April 19, 2010 1:40pm
What does it take to be a Seattle Sounders fan?  Do you have to be decked out head-to-toe in rave green?  Should you decorate your face with paint and temporary tattoos?  Or do you have to play a vuvuzela and march alongside the Sound Wave Band?  

Peter, Steven and I visited Qwest Field on Saturday morning to find answers to these difficult questions and to mingle with our favorite "I Know I am, I'm Sure I am, Sounders FC Fans."

The responses we received were resounding, and we quickly learned that to be a true Sounders fan means staying a supporter no matter what.  Sure, being decked out in rave green is a bonus, but it's not essential. Face paint and temporary tattoos are an excellent addition to any fan's face, but they don't make the fan.  And lastly, the vuvuzela is certainly music to a supporter's ears, but you can be heard in many other ways.  What truly makes a Sounders fan unique, we've found, is their unrivaled support and complete commitment to the team. As the Seattle skies unleashed flurries of rain throughout Saturday's match, the fans never wavered, and it became clear that there is no such thing as a fair weather fan in this city!

As always, the best part of Sounders matches for us is the chance to interact with some of the team's finest supporters.  Take a look at a few of our favorite snapshots of the day:

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Ross, Christine, Andrew and Trevor enjoy the "atmosphere of the stadium on match day."  Trevor was at his first match and couldn't wait to see Kasey Keller live!

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Kathy says, "We absolutely love this tradition before every match because it helps us record the occasion."

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The PEMCO booth was a popular spot before kick-off, where fans snagged a free souvenir photo and stayed dry in the pre-match drizzle! 

The Sounders needed every bit of that fan support they could muster, and all that cheering paid off as Michael Fucito scored an exhilarating game-winning goal in the 92nd minute.  We had a blast at the game, and with such boisterous energy from the local supporters, we're sure to experience a similar feeling all season long.  

West Seattle Art Walk: Art With a Side of Bacon

April 9, 2010 10:23am
Seattle was hit with just about every type of inclement weather on Thursday – from ominous gray clouds unleashing hail to wind gusts of epic force.  Fortunately, the skies cleared up just as Steven and I headed over to the West Seattle Art Walk to join our fellow NW Profile #81 "Art Gallery Crawlers" for an evening of beautiful Northwest artistry, tapestry and photography.  

If there was any doubt as to why art walks are so popular, it became clear at the West Seattle Art Walk – we Northwesterners love events that combine art, exercise and hors d'oeuvres.  Oh, and a little bacon doesn't hurt either.  That's right, bacon!  Local artist Kathy Rose has dedicated herself to the art of the delicious breakfast food.  Her works feature bacon strips of various shapes and designs engaging in every-day activities.  She described her inspiration by simply saying, "Everybody loves bacon! I just want to make people laugh with my art."  She certainly got a chuckle out of us. Check out one of Kathy's bacon works below: 

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Kathy even convinced Steven and I to dress up in her matching bacon costumes, to the delight of many of our fellow art gallery crawlers strolling by: 

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Art Gallery Crawlers Clara and Dan strike a pose with us in our new bacon suits

After satisfying our taste buds with bacon galore, we thought it would be appropriate to treat our eardrums to some live jazz at local coffee shop Coffee to a Tea with Sugar.  Billy and the Bouncers entertained young and old alike as they played soothing classics to serenade visitors as we enjoyed the art on display.  

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Billy and the Bouncers kept the smooth jazz going all evening

Our night wasn't fully complete until we got a glimpse of the Twilight Artist Collective.  Word had spread about the collection of Washington-inspired artwork, and the place was packed with artists and art appreciators alike. One of the most popular displays featured paintings from John Osgood, the same artist who completed the "Awake to a New Aurora" mural.  We immediately recognized his work because it possesses a distinct Northwest vibe– the style looks and feels just "a little different."

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We love the quirky works of local artist John Osgood

We know it's called an art walk, but we recommend running to the next one in your area. You never know what you'll experience, which is precisely what makes the walk so special.  

We're already strapping on our running shoes for our next event – Join us this Saturday as we gear up for the Tulip Festival's 5K Run in Burlington. See you there!

Interbay P-Patch Community Garden: Growing Community Spirit

March 31, 2010 11:30am
The ringing of "The Gathering Bell," delicious soup with fresh Northwest vegetables, an impressive winter harvest, and the kinship of close friends who share a passion for gardening and giving - it's just a typical day at the Interbay P-Patch Community Garden.  On Tuesday, Steven and I ventured west to take part in the community garden's season opening and came away with a newfound sense of neighborhood camaraderie.

The Interbay P-Patch Community Garden is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and local dignitaries commemorated the occasion at the launch of the spring gardening season.  The ceremonies began with inspirational words from Ray, Deb and Jude, all active community members who have helped build the garden from the ground up.  

What makes the community garden such a unique endeavor is its focus on togetherness.  At least one plot at every P-Patch must be a "giving garden," where its harvest goes directly to local food banks.  The Interbay P-Patch donates 5,000 pounds of produce to local food banks annually, and the whole Seattle community routinely exceeds 27,000 pounds in donations each year.  Ray passionately explained, "There is something profound about growing food and giving it to your neighbors."  He added, "Culture grows and grows with this community garden."  

Check out our favorite photos from the day:

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Welcome to the P-Patch!

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Community members Ray, Deb and Jude help kick-off the celebrations

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Fresh produce harvested from Interbay Garden

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Taking a break to stay warm with our newest NW friends

We were fortunate to be a part of the year's very first harvest, and we hope to get another chance to till the Interbay soil. If you're interested in giving or gardening, join in the fun every Tuesday night from now through the end of the summer.  As Deb expressed, "You grow as a person while growing great food."  We can attest to that after just one visit!

Our next event will take us back to our soccer roots as the Sounders take on the New York Red Bulls this Saturday at Qwest Field.  We'll be planted right outside the stadium before kickoff, so get your scarf up and be sure to stop by for a souvenir photo.   

Seattle Children's Car Seat Check: Safety-Driven Families

March 22, 2010 12:01pm

On Saturday, Steven, Peter and I steered the WALLY1 van over to Seattle Children's Hospital to greet families who came out for a free car and booster seat fitting, as part of the hospital's community education programs.  

Seattle Childrens' Car Seat Checks program works to educate parents and children about car seat safety.  Throughout the event, parents stopped by with their little ones in tow for a professional car seat fitting and for tips on safe traveling with children.  It was a learning experience for all of us - even for the Seahawks' mascot, Blitz, who stopped by to learn a thing or two about buckling up. 

We're pretty sure they don't make car seats for birds, but that didn't stop Blitz from making friends with Rowan, one of the many kids who stopped by for the fitting:

Car Seat1

Rowan and her mother, Amber, came by to ensure Rowan's car seat was properly installed in their car and to pick up some car-travel safety tips. Blitz and Rowan quickly became inseparable, and they practiced buckling up together in the demonstration car seats:

Car Seat2

Amber expressed sincere appreciation for the event and all that she learned.  "I wasn't sure if our car seat was installed correctly, and I don't want to put anything to chance, especially with Rowan," she said.  We couldn't agree more!

We had a blast helping out at the car seat safety program and hope that everyone left with a greater understanding of the importance of buckling up, no matter what your size.  Next up, we're headed over to Qwest Field this Thursday to cheer on the Sounders as they take on the Philadelphia Union in their first regular season match. Be sure to stop by the North Lot before the game to say hello and get your souvenir picture snapped!

Fremont Sunday Market: The Best Things in Life are "Fremont"

March 1, 2010 5:43pm
This weekend, Peter and I spent a sunny afternoon exploring the colorful and quirky Fremont Sunday Market.  The sun was shining and the air smelled like spring as we strolled through the vendor stalls and began our search for one of our favorite Northwest Profiles: The "Fremont `60s Holdout." 

Since 1990, Fremont has been home to a weekly gathering of vendors and performers who come together in rain or shine to enjoy the neighborhood's culture and strong community spirit. Inspired by European street markets, there are upwards of 150 booths lining the busy Fremont street.

The Market is open year-round, and I can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful Northwest afternoon than browsing the stalls, sampling the local food and keeping our eyes peeled for the plethora of Northwest Profiles in their natural habitat! 

Here are a few of our favorite shots from the day:

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Welcome to the Market!

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The Fremont HyperMarket Scrabble Tile Pile

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Street musicians rock out in their "Too-Late-For-The-Grunge-Party" flannel shirts

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We even found enough clogs for every "P-Patch Person" in the Northwest!
    Peter, Steven and I will make our next appearance this Tuesday at Magnuson Park.  Rain or shine, we look forward to seeing you there.  As always, feel free to leave us a comment and let us know which Northwest event we should check out next.

    The Green Lake Valentine's Day Dash – Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em!

    February 15, 2010 10:13am
    Love 'em or leave 'em: that was the question at the 5th annual Valentine's Day Dash around Green Lake this weekend.  Peter, Steven and I arrived early Saturday morning to mingle with the hundreds of runners sporting everything from matching pink outfits to huge heart-shaped suits.  The idea behind the 5K race is to dress exactly like your Valentine's Day sweetheart, with prizes awarded for exceptional costumes.  Once the race begins, you have the choice to stay with your running partner or "leave 'em" behind.    

    We spent the morning surrounded by energetic runners and cute couples who stopped to get their picture snapped and share their Valentine's story.  Many of the runners seemed eager to set personal-best times, while the couples seemed to be more fixated on finishing the race hand-in-hand with each other.  

    Here are some of our favorite costumes of the day:

    Vday1

    Vday2

    Vday3

    Vday5

    While it wasn't quite the dog days of summer at Green Lake, we did meet some excited canines and their human companions.  Mo brought her pack of pooches, Walter, Shasta and Betty to join in on the fun.  They all raced across the finish line with impressive times, but more importantly, they finished in impressive fashion - The dogs donned matching pink bandanas in celebration of Valentine's Day.  

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    Canine competitors Walter, Shasta and Betty show off their V-Day style

    Our day wasn't truly complete until we spotted a pair of "Green Lake Power Walkers."  Admitting that they did indeed fit the bill, Ty and Britt proudly showed off their Northwest Profile T-shirts during the run.  Unfortunately, we noticed that Britt left Ty during the race as she cruised to the finish line in under 33 minutes.  Ty showed up about 10 minutes later, and they happily reunited.  Though they may have opted for the "leave 'em" route, Ty and Britt blissfully left Green Lake together to enjoy the rest of their Valentine's Day weekend.

    Vday6
    Northwest Profile #64 never looked so good!

    Though we've experienced our fair share of Northwest runs, this one was by far the sweetest. If you were at the race, drop us a note in the comments section and tell us about your favorite Valentine's Day Dash moment.  Until next time, be sure to stay on the lookout for Peter, Steven and me coming soon to a neighborhood near you!

    Seahawks vs. Titans: Signing Off Until Next Season

    January 4, 2010 10:36am
    The Seahawks season may not have gone according to plan, but we enjoyed our incredible year with the 12th Man!  As the season came to a close, Peter, Steven and I eagerly greeted Seattle's faithful for one last hurrah.  Our photo program proved once and for all that Seahawks fans are the NFL's finest.

    Game-day is always a special occasion at Qwest Field, but the Seahawks took it a step further on Sunday.  The team hosted its annual Fan Appreciation Day to finish the year on a high note.  Our PBA Team let the loyal fans know how much we appreciated their presence all season long, and everything came full circle when the first "Supercharged Seahawks" photo contest winner of the year paid us a final visit. 

    Mark, a season ticket holder for 15 years, has really earned his stripes.  He had one ultimate goal to cap off the 2009-2010 season – he vowed that he would make it onto Hawk Vision during Sunday's game!  We were confident that he would make that goal a reality, considering he was decked out in a green and blue dreaded cap and referee uniform emblazoned with "Official Seahawks Fan." 

    Referee2

    We have grown accustomed to mingling with "Supercharged Seahawks Fans" every Sunday, and we will certainly miss our experience as we head into the off-season.

    Here's what we'll miss the most:

    - The pre-game soundtrack of 'Hawk jams

    - Seahawks superhero costumes (including Hawk Daddy, Mr. Mohawk, Mama Blue, and Sea Rooster)

    - Children attending their first Seahawks game and getting a souvenir photo to prove it

    - Proving that, like all of us in the Northwest, Seahawks fans are proud to say "We're a little different!"

    Thank you to everyone who visited our booth throughout the season.  You made every Sunday special.  Until next time…Go Seahawks!

    Westlake Center Tree Lighting: A Winter Wonderland of Fun

    November 30, 2009 1:08pm
    The weather outside may have been frightful, but the atmosphere at Westlake Center was oh-so delightful this weekend. Peter, Steven and I made a visit to the bustling mall on Friday night to celebrate the start of the holiday season and we spent all day on Saturday greeting festive shoppers as they got a jump start on their holiday shopping.

    Westlake1

    On Friday night, Westlake Center was bursting with holiday spirit as the tree lighting ceremony took center stage.  Hundreds of people showed up for the popular seasonal event that included a parade and Christmas carolers.  The festivities were capped off with a magnificent fireworks display in the chilly night sky.

    Early Saturday morning, we nestled the PEMCO WALLY1 van up close to the mall's south entrance and had a wonderful view of King 5 Wonderland featuring the popular Holiday Carousel, a small holiday-themed amusement park for children.  We were wowed by how many families came out to do some shopping while talking time to enjoy the spirited entertainment.  Jane and Marcus from Shoreline brought their two children, Evan and Amelia, to Wonderland, and they raved about Westlake Center's family atmosphere.  "We couldn't think of a better way to spend our Saturday.  We got our shopping done yesterday, so today the kids get their chance to play," Jane said.

    Here are a few of our favorite shots from the weekend:

    Westlake2


    Westlake3


    Westlake5

     

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    The holiday spirit is in full swing now, and we couldn't be more excited to share the season with all of you!  We'll make our next appearance at the Seahawks vs. 49ers game on Sunday, Dec. 6 and we hope to see you there.  All we want for Christmas is another chance to hang out with the 12th Man -- Oh, and a Seahawks win would be nice, too!


    Goodwill Glitter Sale: Kicking off the Holiday Season in Style

    November 16, 2009 5:56pm
    People always say that good things come to those who wait.  Well, that adage took on a whole new meaning this Saturday at the annual Goodwill Glitter Sale.  Anxious shoppers seeking stellar fashion finds camped out at the Dearborn Seattle Goodwill store as early as 4 a.m.!  Peter, Steven and I were on-hand with coffee and doughnuts to reward them for their dedication to shopping for a great cause.

    We could hardly believe our eyes when we first showed up.  Hundreds of Glitter Sale shoppers gladly braved the elements to get their hands on the finest in Northwest fashion.  The line extended all the way around the store with excited shoppers trying their best to stay warm.  

    At the very front of the line sat Natasha and Polina, a bundled-up mother-daughter duo from Redmond.  They've made the Glitter Sale an annual event to kick-off the holiday season in style.  Natasha boldly claimed that the weather would not prevent her from adding a little pizzazz to her wardrobe, and Polina agreed, saying, "I can't wait to get in there and find some vintage or designer clothes!"

    Those two weren't the only Glitter Sale veterans in attendance.  Courtney, a California native, has made the Glitter Sale a part of her holiday shopping for four years now.  She plans her trips to the Northwest to coincide with the Glitter Sale because there's no other event that combines shopping and giving in such a fun and stylish way.  Courtney was in search of some jewelry and accessories to complement the mink fur coat she found at last year's sale.

    Goodwill's early estimates suggest that this was the event's most successful year.  Because of the Northwest's love of fashion and support of the Glitter Sale, Goodwill has been able to offer job training programs to help low-income people become self-sufficient through job training and educational programs.

    This event proved to us that the Northwest certainly has a style of its own.  From the sequined dresses to the personalized leather jackets, we saw it all at the Goodwill Glitter Sale.  Take a look at some of the best finds of the day:



    Now Peter, Steven and I can't wait for next year!

    We are also looking forward to our next festive event, the Spokane Jingle Bell Run taking place this coming Saturday.  We can't wait to see all of the great "NW Male and Female Action Figures" on the run!

    Sounders vs. FC Dallas: A FAN-tastic Fan Appreciation Night

    October 26, 2009 2:42pm
    On Saturday, Peter, Steven and I had the chance to work at the Sounders' final regular season game, and it was a match to remember - not just on the field, but off it as well. The match was not only a celebration of the players and their outstanding inaugural season, but also "thank you" to the hoards of dedicated fans who've passionately supported their team in the past year. The evening's Sounders vs. FC Dallas match was dubbed "Fan Appreciation Night," and it gave the Sounders a chance to recognize the fans who have cheered faithfully from the beginning.

    Similar to weekends past, we snapped photos of hundreds of Sounders faithful and printed out "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" souvenir pictures.  The sights and sounds in front of our booth were spectacular.  From Sounders cowbells to vuvuzelas (stadium horns) to the Sound Wave Band, our ears were buzzing with excitement right up to kickoff.  

    We were also treated to a magnificent display of talent by a young soccer extraordinaire. Nineteen-year-old Khoa Nguyen juggled for hours, performing moves we've never seen - even on a soccer field.  Don't believe us?  Take a look for yourself. We might have a future Sounders player on our hands!



    To show appreciation to the best fans in MLS, the Sounders unveiled a larger-than-life scarf with every inaugural season ticket holder's name forever ingrained.  This was a very special moment, one that Sounders fans will never forget. Take a look at the unveiling below:



    Though this was the final home match of the regular season, the Sounders aren't finished.  The postseason awaits, and the fairy-tale season will continue.  The Sounders first playoff match is this Thursday, Oct. 29, and you can bet we'll be there to capture the enthusiasm. Come find us in the North Lot of Qwest Field before the game - we'll see you there!

    Supercharged Seahawks Fan Contest: Show Us Your Hawk Face!

    October 20, 2009 1:50pm
    Matt Hasselbeck throws, Julius Jones runs, Lofa Tatupu tackles (or did), and you cheer!  Isn't it about time you were recognized for your talents?  We feel the same way, so we're searching far and wide for the most passionate "Supercharged Seahawks Fans."

    If you have a pseudonym like "Mr. Mohawk" or "Sea Rooster," we want to meet your alter ego and hear why you are the perfect representative of Hawk Nation.  To enter the PEMCO "Supercharged Seahawk Fan" photo contest, stop by the PEMCO booth before every Seahawks home game and get your picture snapped at Touchdown City. Bring your "Sea-Fense" signs, wear your throwback Steve Largent jerseys, paint your faces and wave your 12th Man flags for the camera!  

    Each week, five super fan photos are posted here, and then it is up to Seahawk fans everywhere to vote for the most spirited, supercharged photo of the week.

    For every vote cast online, PEMCO will donate $1 to Seattle Children's Hospital up to $10,000. Your fandom always supports the Seahawks, but now it can help children in need! The weekly winner not only wins the title of "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" but also gets their photo displayed on the HawkVision screen at the next home game.

    Ready to check out this week's top five fan photos?  Take a look at these super-fans from Sunday's game at www.werealotlikeyou.com.  Then, vote for who you think deserves to be in the spotlight at next week's home game.  So start voting, Hawk Nation, because this week's "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" winner is up to you!

    Here's a peek at some of the most spirited fans around:

    Seahawk1  Rooster 1
                                       Mr. Mohawk and Mohawk Jr.                                                       The Rooster

    Children’s Hospital Bike Helmet Event: How Fitting!

    October 19, 2009 3:13pm
    Rainfall may have dampened the Northwest on Friday, but it couldn't soak our spirits at the PCC Natural Market in Redmond.  Steven and I spent the afternoon fitting bike helmets at the local market, and we met children of all ages eager for the chance to strap on their helmets and take their bikes out for a wet ride around the parking lot.

    Seattle Childrens

    In partnership with PEMCO, Children's Hospital offers discounted bike helmets and free helmet fittings to ensure that young "NW Male and Female Action Figures" stay safe on the roads.  We witnessed some special moments as many youngsters tried on their very first bike helmets.

    Kendra stopped by with her sons, Daniel and Paul.  Daniel and Paul have been riding tricycles up and down the hill by their house for years, but now they're ready for their first bikes.  After waiting patiently for their fitting, the two boys rushed off, excited to show off their new helmets. Daniel exclaimed, "I'm going to wear mine all day!"

    Helmet1  Helmet2

    Another young family stopped by later in the day with the same wide-eyed excitement.  Alice visited the booth with her daughters, Madeleine and Sanne, and the little girls beamed with anticipation for their new helmets.  Once they were fitted, the sisters clutched their brand new helmets closely and proudly showed off their Children's Hospital temporary tattoos.  

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    Steven and I even had a chance to get our own helmets fitted!  

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    The rain never seemed to die down at the event, but neither did the children's enthusiasm for new bike helmets.  It was a treat for us to take part in such a great cause.  

    If you missed us in Redmond, you can catch us again this Saturday, Oct. 24 as the playoff-bound Sounders take on FC Dallas.  Why not hop on your bike and ride over to Qwest Field?  Just don't forget your helmet!   

    Seahawks vs. Bears: The Faces of Hawk Nation

    September 28, 2009 2:03pm
    Face it, Seahawks fans are one-of-a-kind! On a day when the Seahawks unveiled their new, shockingly lime green jerseys, Hawk Nation fans were even more colorful. The PBA team – this week made up of  Alyssa, Kristi and I – hunkered down in Touchdown City before kickoff and snapped photos of excited 'Hawk fans. With the Chicago Bears in town, the crowd was extra boisterous in cheering on their beloved Seahawks.  

    There isn't much that can surprise us at the PEMCO booth anymore, but this week proved that Seahawks fans are always out-doing themselves when it comes to fan-wear. Fans flashed their blue and green pride at the photo booth, wearing everything from Seahawks sneakers to gleaming green facepaint. We all agreed, Qwest Field has never looked better!

    Here are our favorite snapshots of the day:

    Cute fans  Fans

    Fight  Shoes2
    Chime in and let us know which pictures show the most passionate and animated Seahawks fans. If you spot yourself, take pride in being one of the Seahawks' premier enthusiasts. You can also check out www.werealotlikeyou.com to vote for the "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" of the week. The winner gets their picture broadcast on HawkVision at the next home game. 

    Could you be next?

    The WALLY1 van will be back at Touchdown City on Oct. 11 when the Seahawks take on the Jaguars, so start practicing your best game day pose.  

    In other non-football news, the PBA team and WALLY1 will be at this weekend's Issaquah Salmon Days, and we can't wait to catch the Grande Parade, sample the delicious Foods of the World and enjoy the live entertainment – see you there!

    Seahawks vs. Rams: Kicking off the Season with a Smile

    September 14, 2009 2:22pm
    And away we go!  Football season is finally under way in the Emerald City, and it's time to dust off those blue wigs and fly those 12th Man flags proudly. This weekend, the Seahawks kicked off the 2009 season with a 28-0 blowout victory over the St. Louis Rams, and the PEMCO Brand Ambassador team of Peter, Steven and I joined the fans in giving the Hawks a mighty "welcome back."

    At the PEMCO photo booth, fans may come and go, but some leave a lasting impression.  This week we had the chance to capture three memorable moments at the PEMCO booth, all before kick-off!

    First we met a group of enthusiastic ladies who dropped by to share their "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" story.  Clad in matching Seahawks T-shirts, Jacqueline, Brielle, Tawny and Haley belted out, "Hawkaaw, Hawkaaw!" and explained how the chant is a tribute to their late friend Gordy Hawkes who used the chant as a pump-up rally cry before every Seahawks game. 
    Hawkaa Girls

    That catchy chorus wasn't the only memorable line we heard in Touchdown City. We witnessed a marriage proposal as Aaron from Olympia dropped to one knee and popped the question to his girlfriend Danielle. Aaron said he knows how much Danielle loves the Seahawks, and so he planned out every detail of the surprise proposal – from the question outside Qwest Field to their stop by the PEMCO booth for a photo to commemorate the day. Danielle's heartfelt "I do" made the moment unforgettable. Aaron professed that he is the luckiest man (and fan) alive!

    Proposal

    It must have been our lucky day too.  The PBA team got a magical surprise as Ralph, a renowned magician, astonished and dazzled the Seahawks faithful during the pre-game festivities.  He amazed us with some simple - although head-scratching - card tricks.  I still don't know how Ralph managed to deceive us, but he certainly convinced us that there is magic in the air at Qwest Field on Seahawk game day!

    Magician

    All in all, I can't think of a better way to spend my Sunday morning than with Hawk Nation.  We're ready to do it all over again in two weeks when the Seahawks host the Chicago Bears on Sept. 27.  As for WALLY1, he'll make his next appearance this weekend in Wenatchee for the Taste of the Harvest.

    Seahawks vs. Raiders: Supercharged Fans Show Us Their Supercharged Spirit

    September 4, 2009 1:45pm
    They say the early bird gets the worm, but in Touchdown City, early Seahawks fans get something much better - a "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" photo and a chance to check out PEMCO's WALLY1 van.  

    Yesterday evening, Peter, Steven and I headed over to the Qwest Field Event Center to capture fan photos during the much-anticipated pre-game festivities.  The Seahawks took on the Oakland Raiders, and there's no doubt about it – we Seattleites take our football seriously!  We were blown away by the fan's raucous energy, despite the fact the game was a pre-season chance for some friendly competition.  Before the game, we spotted fans adorned with face paint, sporting colored wigs and wearing customized jerseys to showcase their "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" personalities.  

    The most memorable fan of the night was a man who dubbed himself the "Sea Rooster" – complete with a personalized jersey, beak, and feathers galore.

     Rooster 1    Rooster 2

    We thought we had seen it all until a young lady by the name of Tabitha paid us a visit.  She caught our eye with a gregarious grin of green and blue braces that she proudly showed off with each smile.  Tabitha, a native of Redmond, has been a "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" for years and decided to show her Hawk spirit in a very unique way!  

    Braces

    Manning the PEMCO booth is always entertaining, and Thursday's game was no exception.  We kept our ears open all night and captured our top three fan quotes from the pre-game celebration:

    • "What the heck is a Raider?"  – We heard quite a few hecklers chime in with this question as we snapped photos of diehard Raiders fans who had road-tripped all the way up to Seattle from Southern California for the game.
    • "Oh, they're priceless"  - One dedicated Seahawks fan told everyone in line at the PEMCO booth that his collection of "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" photos are priceless mementos of a great time.  "I get my picture taken at every game," he said.  "They're the best!  I pin them up in my office at work and all of my coworkers are jealous!" 
    • "This is why I'm the better half." - A Seahawks fan gave this excuse as she apologized for her husband, a decked-out Raiders fan, who was adorned with a spray painted wig, Raiders jersey and face paint in his team's colors.
    As the new trio of PBAs, we relished the opportunity to meet the legions of "Supercharged Seahawks Fans" – and some Raiders fans too! - and we look forward to the Hawk's season opener on Sept. 13 against the St. Louis Rams. 

    Peter, Steven and I are making our next appearance in Walla Walla this Saturday for the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days.  We've heard Walla Walla is so nice that you have to say it twice, so with that in mind: "See you there" and "See you there!"

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