Despite July slipping by with only a handful of days sunny enough

Despite July slipping by with only a handful of days sunny enough to be considered summer, the month was action-packed enough to almost distract from the lack of sun. Almost. July kicked off with the Guinness World Record breaking Zombie Walk on the third, followed quickly by the spectacular pyrotechnic show at the Gasworks Family Fourth. Through the middle of the month, arts fairs and blast from the past nineties-era concerts (Britney Spears and New Kids on the Block with Backstreet Boys in one month??) helped distract Seattleites from gray skies. The end of the month brought neon-haired fans to see Katy Perry, Eddie Vedder playing at Benaroya Hall and proud owners racing their wiener dogs in the Kent and Alan Red Carpet Wiener Dog Rally despite damp weather. Such a creative, action-packed month would seem to support the hypothesis that rain really does build character.Published on July 25, 2011

The namesake of Burning Beast 2011, a celebration of local food and wood-fired flavor.

The namesake of Burning Beast 2011, a celebration of local food and wood-fired flavor.

The Seafair Milk Carton Derby at Greenlake brought out the most ferocious pirates. The floats were pretty crafty too, see them here.

The Seafair Milk Carton Derby at Greenlake brought out the most ferocious pirates. The floats were pretty crafty too, see them here.

Willows Inn head chef Blaine Wetzel sprinkles flour in bowls for bread dough.

Willows Inn head chef Blaine Wetzel sprinkles flour in bowls for bread dough.

A Warrior Dash contestant celebrates his victorious run through the perilous tires.

A Warrior Dash contestant celebrates his victorious run through the perilous tires.

The Warrior Dash, a three mile course through rope, wood, mud and fire, brought out the adventurous side in everyone.

The Warrior Dash, a three mile course through rope, wood, mud and fire, brought out the adventurous side in everyone.

Artopia had a line out the door, and those lucky enough to get in not only enjoyed free appetizers and drinks from the bar, but a fire dancing display by Womanipura.

Artopia had a line out the door, and those lucky enough to get in not only enjoyed free appetizers and drinks from the bar, but a fire dancing display by Womanipura.

Models Brittany Hartman, Morgan and Ayako at Seattle Weekly's Artopia in dresses made from Seattle Weekly newspapers.

Models Brittany Hartman, Morgan and Ayako at Seattle Weekly’s Artopia in dresses made from Seattle Weekly newspapers.

Despite July slipping by with only a handful of days sunny enough

Models Brittany Hartman, Morgan and Ayako at Seattle Weekly’s Artopia in dresses made from Seattle Weekly newspapers.

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys also played at Tacoma Dome. Where did Backstreet Boys come to party after? Yep, Seattle. Check out what happened.

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys also played at Tacoma Dome. Where did Backstreet Boys come to party after? Yep, Seattle. Check out what happened.

Despite July slipping by with only a handful of days sunny enough

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys also played at Tacoma Dome. Where did Backstreet Boys come to party after? Yep, Seattle. Check out what happened.

Sara Lanzillotta and her woodland creatures at Urban Craft Uprising.

Sara Lanzillotta and her woodland creatures at Urban Craft Uprising.

A nonchalant zombie couple at the Red, White and Dead Zombie Walk in Fremont. Want to see more of the Guinness World Record breaking walk? Check it out here.

A nonchalant zombie couple at the Red, White and Dead Zombie Walk in Fremont. Want to see more of the Guinness World Record breaking walk? Check it out here.

Hanna Raskin wasn't so impressed by Little Water Cantina. Why? Find out here.

Hanna Raskin wasn’t so impressed by Little Water Cantina. Why? Find out here.

Langhorne Slim played at Tractor Tavern, bringing starry-eyed fans like Molly to swoon in the sweaty crowd.

Langhorne Slim played at Tractor Tavern, bringing starry-eyed fans like Molly to swoon in the sweaty crowd.

The International District's Dragonfest featured traditional dragon dances, martial arts and a food walk.

The International District’s Dragonfest featured traditional dragon dances, martial arts and a food walk.

This year's Rat City Roller Girls winner: Grave Danger!

This year’s Rat City Roller Girls winner: Grave Danger!

At the Rat City Roller Girls Championship bout, Throttle Rockets faced Grave Danger for the win. Vito and Kayley, daughter of Grave Danger's Carmen Getsome, came to cheer on mom.

At the Rat City Roller Girls Championship bout, Throttle Rockets faced Grave Danger for the win. Vito and Kayley, daughter of Grave Danger’s Carmen Getsome, came to cheer on mom.

Model Lillian Afful shows off Lady Liberty, that she, Kira Richards, Dita Olson, Bradley Reed and Mallory Benston helped design.

Model Lillian Afful shows off Lady Liberty, that she, Kira Richards, Dita Olson, Bradley Reed and Mallory Benston helped design.

July's

July’s

A Perfect Circle surfaced at ShoWare Center in Kent after six years of laying low.

A Perfect Circle surfaced at ShoWare Center in Kent after six years of laying low.

Families gathered to enjoy the festivities at Gasworks Park on the Fourth of July.

Families gathered to enjoy the festivities at Gasworks Park on the Fourth of July.

Gasworks park put on another family-pleasing light display for the Fourth this year.

Gasworks park put on another family-pleasing light display for the Fourth this year.

Seattle's Zombie Walk beat out the New Jersey walk that had stolen the World Record last fall.

Seattle’s Zombie Walk beat out the New Jersey walk that had stolen the World Record last fall.