Seattleites will get to see two very familiar faces quite often this summer as longtime KOMO News anchor Eric Johnson and former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best have been named King Neptune and Queen Alcyone for Seafair’s 76th year. Both honorees have left a lasting imprint on the Pacific Northwest—Johnson through decades of storytelling and Best through her trailblazing leadership in public service. Together, they represent the community connection, civic spirit, and leadership that Seafair aims to celebrate.
Johnson retired in 2024 after more than three decades with KOMO News, where he became one of Seattle’s most trusted voices. His reporting brought stories of the region’s people, challenges, and triumphs into viewers’ homes, building a legacy of connecting communities through journalism. His career was marked by a commitment to highlighting local issues and giving a voice to those often overlooked.
Best, who served as Seattle’s police chief from 2018 to 2020, broke barriers as the first Black woman to lead the department. She is known for her efforts to promote public safety while advancing equity and fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Her tenure reflected a deep commitment to public service, leadership under pressure, and advocacy for community engagement.
Seafair Royalty has been a beloved Seattle tradition since 1950. For the first fifty years, the Royal Court included King Neptune, his Prime Minister, and the Seafair Queen—later renamed Miss Seafair—who welcomed visiting dignitaries, took part in civic ceremonies, and encouraged community participation in the festival’s events. The Royalty served as ambassadors of the festival and champions of Seattle’s vibrant community life.
In 2000, Seafair modernized its Royalty Program to reflect the city’s evolving values. Today, one man is crowned King Neptune and one woman is crowned Queen Alcyone. Honorees are selected for their philanthropic impact, community leadership, and ability to inspire those around them. Their role extends beyond symbolic titles—they are active participants in summer events, ceremonial appearances, and community celebrations that reflect Seafair’s mission of unity and civic pride.
One hallmark of their service is presiding over knighting ceremonies, a tradition that recognizes individuals who make meaningful contributions to the Seattle community. These ceremonies highlight the festival’s commitment to honoring service, leadership, and the positive spirit that defines the region.
Over the years, Seafair Royalty has included a distinguished list of honorees from public service, the arts, sports, business, and community advocacy. Notable past royalty include former Governor Christine Gregoire, Seattle Seahawks great Marcus Trufant, actor Tom Skerritt, basketball legend Slick Watts, Herb Bridge and Dorothy Bullitt. Each has brought unique perspective and influence to the role, reinforcing Seafair’s tradition of celebrating leadership and community engagement.
With their selection, Eric Johnson and Carmen Best will continue that tradition—serving as ambassadors for Seafair and taking part in events that highlight Seattle’s spirit of service, unity, and celebration.
