Entertainment

A fair, a procession and stories -- oh my! Make some plans for fun this weekend

By Molly Gilmore Contributing writer
West Central Park wraps up its summer events with a Luminary Procession, in which all are invited to participate.
West Central Park wraps up its summer events with a Luminary Procession, in which all are invited to participate. Courtesy of West Central Park

Story time

StoryOly, Olympia’s monthly story slam, is a dynamic combo of entertainment, education and people watching. The annual Grand Slam, happening Saturday, Sept. 16, takes the true tales to a higher level. The slam, hosted by the multi-talented Elizabeth Lord and featuring tunes by the String and Shadow Jazz Orchestra, brings the monthly StoryOly winners together to see whose short personal story — told, as ever, without notes — takes the title and a cash prize. The slam gets rolling at 7 p.m. at the Eagles Ballroom, 805 Fourth Ave. E.. Olympia; doors open at 6 p.m., and early arrival is highly recommended to get a seat. Tickets are $15-$25 at the door, with cash and Venmo accepted. Proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood of Western Washington. There’ll be a cash bar, too, provided by the Eagles Club.

Storyteller Elizabeth Lord hosts the annual StoryOly Grand Slam, in which the winning storytellers from monthly slams face off.
Storyteller Elizabeth Lord hosts the annual StoryOly Grand Slam, in which the winning storytellers from monthly slams face off. Courtesy of Elizabeth Lord

Lights on parade at West Central Park

The Luminary Procession, produced by Earthbound Productions volunteers, wowed many of those who attended April’s Arts Walk. On Saturday, Sept. 16, the whimsical handmade lanterns will make their annual appearance at West Central Park, The joyful marching band Artesian Rumble Arkestra will provide the soundtrack for a parade of illuminated lanterns — and people bedecked with lights. Some of the larger luminaries aren’t in good enough shape to be in this event, said Thea LaCross of the park board. “There will be lots of smaller ones,” she said, “and we’re putting in a push for people to make their own, bring their own and use their creativity to light themselves up — safely — for this last celebration of summer.” The festivities will happen from 6 to 8 p.m. at the nonprofit community park at 1919 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia.

West Central Park’s annual Luminary Procession, happening Saturday, Sept. 16, features music by the appropriately lit Artesian Rumble Arkestra.
West Central Park’s annual Luminary Procession, happening Saturday, Sept. 16, features music by the appropriately lit Artesian Rumble Arkestra. Courtesy of West Central Park

Llamas and singers and jokes

The Washington State Fair attracts hordes with a vast array of entertainment (plus, of course, rides and scones). Among the animals you can check out this weekend are goats, sheep, dogs, cows and, yes, llamas. There are also shows by local magician Jeff Evans and Elvis tribute artist Danny Vernon, and a new-this-season exhibition dramatically titled Survival. Grandstand shows (the ones where you have to buy a separate ticket) include comedian Jeff Foxworthy (7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15; $40-$65) and a cappella outfit Pentatonix (7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; $60-$310). The fair continues through Sept. 24 at the Washington State Fairgrounds, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup. Tickets are $12-$17, with kids 5 and younger admitted free.

Seeing the freshly born piglets is a must for many families who attend the Washington State Fair in Puyallup.
Seeing the freshly born piglets is a must for many families who attend the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. Courtesy of the Washington State Fair

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore loves a good procession. She talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.

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