Saturday’s forecast called for wind and scattered showers, and the Sunday weather report was no better. Despite the chance of thunderstorms, thousands gathered on the Ave. this past weekend for the 38th annual University District Street Fair.

“It was pouring at 6 a.m. when we were setting up,” said Teresa Lord Hugel, University Chamber of Commerce director. “But by 10 a.m. Saturday, the sun was coming out. It’s been dry, and [there has been] some sun today. You can’t beat that for Seattle.”

Although it rained most of Sunday, fair-goers appeared to agree with Lord Hugel. Steady crowds remained throughout the weekend and listened to the music, watched performers and sampled fair delicacies.

Side streets held various food vendors where elephant ears, corn on the cob and funnel cake tempted fair-goers.

“I love fair food,” sophomore Andrea Swenson said. “I had some great bratwurst with onions and ketchup. … It was amazing.”

Street performers also drew crowds. Every few feet, people sang, played instruments or stapled dollar bills to their stomachs.

“It’s the human bulletin-board game — a game where everyone wins,” street performer Kenny McKeith said to the crowd around him.

Wearing a kilt, McKeith called upon audience members to staple $1 bills to his bare chest and $5 bills to his cheek. Using dental floss, he also sewed a loop to his stomach from which he hung a loaded staple gun.

“Try this at home,” he told the audience.

Other performers such as fire jugglers, a hula-hooping guitarist and karate demonstrators also showcased their work on the Ave. Live music streaming from the three stages added to the atmosphere.

“Listening to the concerts gives you a real feel for the fair experience,” Lord Hugel said.

In addition to the music, the streets of the fair were lined with numerous booths.

Free giveaways drew many college students to booths. Crowds surrounded the GEICO booth to spin for free T-shirts, while others stood in line for free samples of Naked juice and coffee.

“It’s all about the free samples,” sophomore Stephanie Coles said. “Free is like my favorite word.”

A wide variety of merchandise lured those with money in their pockets. The majority of the booths sold various handmade creations such as jewelry, candles and paintings. Other vendors displayed items from local Seattle stores. Customers flocked to the vintage poster and art booth as well as the Humane Society’s tent, where few could pass by the litter of kittens playing without stopping.

The crowds were diverse and included not only UW students and children but also dogs and other pets. Many of the dogs were participants in the street fair’s second-annual Canine Contest. The contest ran both days and gave contestants the opportunity to compete in three categories: Owner/Dog Look Alike, Best Dressed Dog and Best Dog Trick. Prizes included money to spend at the fair, gift certificates to the Mud Bay Granary and large colorful ribbons.

For those with kids in tow, the children’s area offered a chalk area, an inflatable slide and entertainment. Throughout the fair, there were also several face-painters and balloon artists. The huge crowds also offered another activity in itself.

“I just like people-watching, really,” first time fair goer Jessica Wolf said. “It’s crazy down here.”

Crazy may have been the best adjective to describe the U-District Street Fair. The fair’s variety of games, food and events were as truly unique as the various people who participated.

Reach reporter Erika Cederlind at news@thedaily.washington.edu.