This is not strictly Magnolia news, but many of us grew up with J.P. Patches and his zany on-screen antics.? It would almost be a crime not to mention the celebration of the life and legacy of?a Seattle icon, beloved by children and adults across the?Pacific Northwest.? According to the official J.P. Patches website:
Chris Wedes as J.P. PatchesThe Emmy winning J.P. Patches Show aired for 23 years on KIRO TV and at one time had an viewership of over 100,000. When it? left the air in 1981, it was the longest running, locally produced children’s program in the country.
Chris Wedes played J.P. Patches for more than 50 years.? He died July 22 after a long battle with blood cancer.? He was 84.
A free public celebration of of J.P. Patches?will take place this?Saturday, September 8, at 11:00 am at McCaw Hall (the Opera House) at the Seattle Center. The event will be hosted by?Chris’s longtime friend Pat Cashman, who?will be joined onstage by family members and other? Patches Pals to honor Wedes and remember his unique spirit.
Doors open at 10- seating is first-come, first-served and there is a $5 suggested donation.? All proceeds go to Seattle Children’s Hospital, (a favorite charity of J.P. and the Wedes family).
The celebration will be streamed live here, and rebroadcast on channel?7?at 8pm that night.