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Lakefair Parade tradition returns to Olympia’s Capitol Way, bringing floats, cars, clowns

By Cayli Yanagida

The Capital Lakefair hosted its traditional parade on Saturday, bringing together the community after two years without either the fair or the parade.

Long before the 5 p.m. start time, spectators were setting up chairs and lining Capitol Way from the South Capitol neighborhood to downtown Olympia to see floats, local organizations and beautiful cars pass by.

The fair and parade are well-known by Olympia residents, but the event also attracted people from different parts of the state.

Spectator Carolyn Frazier said her family came from Chehalis because they had always loved the parade during previous years and were excited to see it happen again after two summers without it.

“It’s a good memory of past times,” Frazier said.

Frazier said her family hadn’t been to see the Lakefair’s array of vendors, rides and games yet, but planned to after the parade.

The Olympia Dance team makes their way down the parade route while dancing and interacting with the attendees of the Lakefair Grand Parade in Olympia, Wash. on July 16, 2022
The Olympia Dance team makes their way down the parade route while dancing and interacting with the attendees of the Lakefair Grand Parade in Olympia, Wash. on July 16, 2022 Clare Grant cgrant@thenewstribune.com

The parade included performances from local cheer and dance teams such as the Johansen Olympia Dance Center, Olympia High School, Elma Youth Cheer and Capital High School. Local politicians such as Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia and Olympia City Council members also made appearances.

Brothers Ashton, 8, and Mason, 5, Bernard wave to the floats in the parade while trying to pop the bubbles that come their way during the Lakefair Grand Parade in Olympia, Wash. on July 16, 2022.
Brothers Ashton, 8, and Mason, 5, Bernard wave to the floats in the parade while trying to pop the bubbles that come their way during the Lakefair Grand Parade in Olympia, Wash. on July 16, 2022. Clare Grant cgrant@thenewstribune.com

Corvettes, Mustangs and vintage vehicles drove by. A bus stopped in the street so kids could run out and play with the bubbles that came out of the windows and doors. The Thurston County Fair brought its cow truck that mooed and produced fake cow patties for participants to scoop up and roll in a wheelbarrow.

The Lakefair Grand Parade begins along Capitol Way at 20th and continues down the 5th Ave in Olympia, Wash. on July 16, 2022.
The Lakefair Grand Parade begins along Capitol Way at 20th and continues down the 5th Ave in Olympia, Wash. on July 16, 2022. Clare Grant cgrant@thenewstribune.com

As has been the tradition for decades, Afifi Shriners from Tacoma brought their dummy to shoot out of a cannon and into the arms of parade participants.

Associations from all across the region also participated. Floats featured the Royal Rosarians from Portland, Oregon and Lakefair royalty. The Hyack Festival Association from Canada, Wenatchee’s Apple Blossom Festival and the Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival also marched in the parade.

One of the many floats in the Lakefair Grand Parade in Olympia, Wash. on Sat. July 16. This is the first year since the COVID-19 Pandemic that the parade has happened.
One of the many floats in the Lakefair Grand Parade in Olympia, Wash. on Sat. July 16. This is the first year since the COVID-19 Pandemic that the parade has happened. Clare Grant cgrant@thenewstribune.com

This story was originally published July 16, 2022 at 8:05 PM.

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