Seattle's Seafair takes off

Beth Knox didn't have time last week to reflect on her first year in her new job. She probably won't find a quiet moment this weekend, either, not when she's among a quarter-million spectators, thunderous hydroplanes and jets and bursting fireworks.

Knox is president and chief executive of Seafair, which will celebrate its 57th summer festival Friday through Sunday with its biggest moneymaker and several new events.

Large crowds are expected for the unlimited hydroplane races on Lake Washington, with 13 boats in the Chevrolet Cup field, the most in five years. Sunday's final race will be the next to the last in the American Boat Racing Association season, which concludes next month in San Diego.