Project Runway “Frees Ballard” at Archie McPhee
Cameron August 21st, 2008
Since 1907, the citizens of Ballard have joined forces in attempt to “free Ballard” from Seattle hegemony. One store, Archie McPhee, helps us Ballardians in this everyday struggle.
A cross between a cracked-out tiki bar and the magic shop in Pee Wee Herman’s Great Adventure, Archie McPhee’s features thousands of random and quirky toys, candy, party supplies, costumes and miniatures—think yodeling pickle figurines, giant underpants, etc. Among the random shit-fest, is a “Free-Ballard” retail industry, featuring an array of wearable propaganda such as hats, T-shirts, bumper stickers, and even games and toys. McPhee’s started the modern-day “Free Ballard” movement about eight years ago, and has been promoting the liberation of Ballard with pride and a sense of humor ever since. Download your own “Free Ballard” poster, courtesy of Archie McPhees here. And if you don’t jive with the “Free Ballard” campaign, there are thousands of other reasons to go there. Temporary tattoos, counterfeit Australian coins and bills, or maybe you’ll run into Blayne from Project Runway. He looks like a sun-burnt duck. Seriously, how does he get his face like that?
2428 NW Market Street
Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sundays 11am-6pm
