People came out in droves to check out the bold and breathtaking high-flyers.

Some Mercer Island parks were packed for Seafair weekend, Aug. 2-4, as the dazzling Blue Angels air show once again took center stage and entertained locals and Island visitors alike.

The Reporter soaked up a view of the Angels’ action on opening day from the Interstate 90 pedestrian/biking walkway adjacent to Mercer Island. Nearby, jet watchers found their spots at Aubrey Davis Park while copious others gathered at Groveland Beach Park and additional places on the Island to glimpse the weekend’s prime entertainment.

“Absolutely incredible,” said a stoked Gabriel Ruthford, 12, of Maple Valley following the show.

It was thunderous, and that was OK with the youngster. It was his first time seeing the Blue Angels and it was worth the wait and lived up to his expectations.

“About as much loud as I can handle without the ear phones,” Ruthford said with a wide smile. “I loved it.”

Before the Blue Angels took flight, Mary McNamara of Mill Creek said she was anticipating seeing the squadron again.

“I haven’t seen the Blue Angels in years and years. Just to be outside, it feels great. Weather’s cooperating, you can’t beat it,” she said.

Seated on a bench with his laptop beaming in work mode, Pavel Samsonov from the Factoria/Bellevue College area was also psyched to see the Angels unleash their magical maneuvers in the blue sky.

“Anything that comes before the Blue Angels is nice to see, but the main thing is the 3:30-ish Blue Angels show,” said Samsanov, an air show third-timer.

Over at the unlimited hydroplane pits at Seattle’s Genesee Park, KMIH 88.9 The Bridge rolled out its Log Boom Radio broadcast over the “Seafair75” weekend. It was the fifth year that Mercer Island High School students have relayed the thrilling hydro race activity to listeners.

Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Andy Nystrom/ staff photo Marcin Lobrow of Mill Creek points toward the Blue Angels while his sons, Oliver, 3 (top), and Tomek, 7, and wife, Michelle, watch the action on Aug. 2 from the Interstate 90 pedestrian/biking walkway near Mercer Island. Also present was their son Franek, 8.

Courtesy photo KMIH 88.9 The Bridge student broadcasters Hayley Nguyen and Aaliyah Khan chat with MissMercury.com unlimited hydroplane driver Jamie Nilsen for the Mercer Island High School’s Log Boom Radio broadcast during Seafair weekend from Genesee Park near Lake Washington.

Andy Nystrom/ staff photo