What’s Happening for July 20
Thursday
Native plant walks: Native Plant Salvage Foundation plant experts lead a walk along Olympia’s McLane Creek Nature Trail. All ages. Plant walks are on the first and third Thursdays of every month, 6-7 p.m. Sliding-scale donation of $5-$20 suggested. Go to nativeplantsalvage.org for more information
Friday
Purple Martin Lollapalooza: The Stream Team, Black Hills Audubon and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife needs volunteer bird watchers to drop in and help monitor the purple martin nest boxes throughout the day. Experts will be on hand from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions. Bring your binoculars and a picnic to the corner of Marine Drive and Olympic Avenue in Olympia. No registration necessary. Info: www.streamteam.info.
Saturday
Volunteer with DERT: The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team will host a volunteer orientation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harbor House on Percival Landing. Admission is free and food will be provided. Space is limited to 25, so register at bit.ly/2vipJI3. DERT is organizing teams to help educate the public about the effects the dam at the mouth of the Deschutes River has on water quality and the importance and benefits of Deschutes estuary restoration.
Monday
March for Medicare for All: Those opposing the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act will rally from 6 to 8 p.m. in Olympia’s Sylvester Park.
July 28
Books by the Bay: This South Sound Reading Foundation fundraiser runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Port Plaza, 701 Columbia St. NW, Olympia. The outdoor event will feature authors Jim Lynch and Peter Stark, live music by Red & Ruby, food by Ramblin' Jacks, drinks, silent auction, and games. Tickets are $60 and available at southsoundreading.org.
July 29
Desert War Veterans Day: Taya Kyle will be the guest speaker at the annual Desert War Veterans Day event at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis. Kyle is the wife of “American Sniper” Chris Kyle, who was killed in 2013 while trying to help a veteran. She will be at the museum at 1 p.m., where she will be selling and signing books. She will speak at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Information: 360-740-8875.
Classic rock at Lacey in Tune: Seattle cover band Spike and the Impalers will rock Huntamer Park in Woodland Square from 7-9 p.m., then the city will screen “School of Rock” when the sun goes down. The event is free and for all ages. On-street parking around the Woodland Square Loop is permitted during concerts to accommodate park visitors. Information: 360-491-0857, http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/living-in-lacey/
Northwest author talk: Author Charlie Sheldon will share passages from his novel, “Strong Heart,” set in the wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula, at 2 p.m. at Brilliant Moon, 116 W. Railroad Ave., Suite 104, Shelton. Free. Books will be available for sale and signing. Info: 360-868-2190 or info@thebrilliantmoon.com
July 29 and 30
Thurston League of Women Voters Treasure Sale: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bonnie and Bob Jacobs’ home, 720 Gov. Stevens Ave. SE, Olympia. The event is a fundraiser for the league. Items include art work, collectibles, dinner ware, household items, books and CDs, and furniture and fabric.
Aug. 2-6
Thurston County Fair: Admission hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the fairgrounds at 3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey. Tickets are $7 for general admission, but can be purchased in advance at a discount. Info: www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair/
Aug. 3
Panorama Republicans: Meet at 2 p.m. in the Quinault Auditorium at Panorama in Lacey. Jami Lund, senior policy analyst for the Freedom Foundation, a think-tank based in Olympia, will present a review of the Freedom Foundation's purpose and accomplishments, update progress on education funding, and recount public employee union's influence on citizens and government service recipients. The public is welcome. Refreshments will be provided in the Quinault Coffee Room following the meeting. Info: doddsbpan@gmail.com.
Aug. 5
Stories in the Park, Stories in the Dark: Listen to folktales told in the oral storytelling tradition by members of South Sound Story Guild starting at 7 p.m. at Priest Point Park, 2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia. Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Family friendly first half, spooky tales in second half. Info: 360-753-8380
Capitol Land Trust Summer Gala & Auction: The trust's summer gala runs from 5-9 p.m. at Triple Creek Farm in west Olympia. Event includes live music, drinks and appetizers, silent and live auctions, and dinner. All support land conservation and education programs. Must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets are $85/person until July 24, then $100/person after. Info: CapitolLandTrust.org/gala, 360-943-3012.
This story was originally published July 18, 2017 at 3:54 PM with the headline "What’s Happening for July 20."