THE MAURY ISLAND UFO INCIDENT & THE MEN IN BLACK BIRTHDAY BASH

Here is our interview with filmmaker/producer Steve Edmiston ("The Maury Island Incident", Youtube) regarding the Maury Island UFO incident which occurred in June 1947 in the Seattle/Tacoma area. For all of you who live within a day's drive of Seattle WA you really need to consider attending the 4th annual,MIBB- the Men in Black Birthday Bash-to honor the event which all began with the alleged sighting of three UFO's by Harold Dahl, son, and boat crew in 1947, just a few days before. Come dressed in black. Aliens welcome.

This is one of the craziest UFO stories out there, and it doesn't get much attention because there was no early report or investigation and the initial facts were blurred by Dah's friend /partner who was possibly tyring to profit by magnifying an incident which may or may not have been a legitimate otherworldy visit.  

Flaming metal shards, according to Dahl's account, were released by one the disc-shaped crafts that flew by his boat, striking the boat, landing on the deck, killing his son's dog, and burning his son, panicking the crew and causing the boat to be beached on Maury Island. It was later suggested that the power source for one of the craft had exploded, causing the shrapnel.

Dahl and Crisman reported that "men in black" visited their homes and workplaces askling questions about the event, of which they were already aware, and telling they and the families to be quiet about what had happened.  Later Dahl retracted his story. Both the Air Force and the FBI labed the story a hoax. 

Every year for the past three years the area celebrates the event with week long festivities and calls it 'The Men in Black Birthday Bash" and visitors can attent multiple events as well as a hike along the Southside UFO Trail. 

Holy flying saucers! The Men in Black Birthday Bash (aka MIBBB Fest) is landing again starting June 13, 2025, bigger, funnier and quirkier than ever in 2025.

This year’s celebration of the Washington State origins of the mythic Men in Black will boast nine days of events.

The festival commemorates the historic Maury Island Incident. This 1947 UFO sighting prompted the first reported encounter with a Man in Black, right here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Alien Abductee Look-Alike Contest is Friday, June 13
The festival kicks off on Friday, June 13, 2025 with an alien abductee look-alike contest inspired by the recurring SNL character Colleen Rafferty (Kate McKinnon).

Alienvitation Scavenger Hunt Starts Friday, June 13
Friday the 13th also launches seven days of an Alienvitation Scavenger Hunt at the Westfield Southcenter Mall, where you can solve clues, collect prizes, experience new museum-quality Maury Island Incident and Men in Black interactive exhibits. You can even use a phone booth to invite the 1947 aliens back to see what’s new.

The Maury Island Incident Film Screening June 20
Immerse yourself in our region’s UFO history and mythology at Saucers and Sass. This big-screen showing of the multiple award-winning The Maury Island Incident film will be followed by a drag queen-hosted sci-fi trivia contest and party.

Men in Black Birthday Bash is Saturday, June 21
The festival’s signature cosplay event, the Men in Black Birthday Bash, happens Saturday, June 21. Guests come dressed in variations of black and white for an evening of music, entertainment and quirky traditions that celebrate the origin story of the iconic Men in Black. The Waterland Arcade hosts an afterparty with DJ’d, space-themed music. Bash attendees and cosplayers will receive a discounted entry.