What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Monday, Aug. 11
Meet Children’s Author Ellie Peterson: Ever wondered how to hug a pufferfish? Or what a geoduck is? Or how long a sandcastle lasts? Come find out when children’s book author and illustrator Ellie Peterson visits the Olympia Timberland Library at 3:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11. Ellie will read one of her books, take questions from the audience, and give her insights about publishing and illustrating children’s books. Next, you’ll become the expert with a fun writing prompt and drawing exercise led by Ellie. Admission is free. All ages are welcome, and children are particularly encouraged to join in. The library is at 313 Eighth Ave. SE.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Puppy Snuggles with Caring Heart 4 Paws: Come visit puppies with the Department of Veterans Affairs at 11 am Tuesday at 1102 Quince St SE, Olympia. While you’re there, help a dog find a new home. Meet the organization’s available dogs and puppies. To bring one home on the same day, get pre-approved for adoption at caringhearts4paws.org. If you want to play with the puppies for hours, volunteer to help at the event.
Wednesday, Aug. 15
Lacey in Tune Wednesday concert with Platinum Soul: Head to Lacey’s Huntamer Park for a midweek evening concert. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Platinum Soul will perform R&B sweet soul music and funk. Admission is free; snacks are sold on site. Bring your own chairs or blankets. The park is at 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Petting zoo at Lacey in the Parks: Head to Woodland Creek Community Park to get up close and personal with some amazing animals like an alpaca, a camel, sheep, goats and more. The fun begins at 11 a.m. and runs until noon. The free event is put on by Old McDebbie’s Petting Zoo. Don’t forget to bring your own seating. Woodland Creek Community Park is at 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey.
Billy Nation – A Tribute to Billy Joel: Olympia audiences will have a chance to relive the magic of Billy Joel’s greatest hits when Billy Nation – A Tribute to Billy Joel performs live on the main stage at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14. Led by pianist and vocalist Adam Shapiro, Billy Nation delivers a high-energy concert. Shapiro’s resume includes performances with musical icons such as James Brown, Huey Lewis & The News, and Kool & The Gang. The Washington Center is at 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $43 to $73 and available at www.washingtoncenter.org, 360-753-8586 or in person at the box office from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Memorial service for Retired Fire Chief Lyall Smith: A memorial service has been planned to remember the life and service of Chief Lyall Smith, who died in a house fire July 14. Smith served his community for more than 44 years with McLane Black Lake Fire Department, Tumwater Fire Department and the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office. He was known for his musical talents and was often present at area schools, doing performances as the “Singing Fireman.” The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Evergreen Christian Community Church, 1000 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia. Smith was a longtime member of the fire apparatus restoration group known as Olympia Fire House 5. Although there will not be a fire apparatus procession, agencies are welcome to bring apparatus to the memorial service. A designated area is established for public safety vehicle parking at the venue as part of a display area. Please register all apparatus at https://forms.office.com/r/RavazYjZVN. Smith also was an avid motorcycle rider, and the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Patriot Guard will be performing a motorcycle and trike procession from McLane Black Lake Fire Department Station 95 to the church. For more information, email ChiefSmith-Memorial@mclanefire.org. Donations in memory of Lyall Smith may be made to Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Sunflower Festival at Rutledge Family Farm: This annual festival kicks off Saturday and runs until Sept. 1 at the farm at 302 93rd Ave. SE. Wander through acres of vibrant blooms featuring over 40 varieties of sunflowers and more than 400 dahlia plants in 15+ colors. There will be photo opps, a grilled cheese stand, strawberry lemonade slushies, ice cream and kettle corn. Learn more and get tickets at the Rutledge website.
Tumwater Artesian Brewfest: Over 100 beverage selections (beer with some cider and spirits too) plus food, games, live music and more at the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest. This year’s musical headliner is Hell’s Belles, paying tribute to AC/DC. The festival runs from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. Taster glass and 10 tokens are included with taster tickets. (Attendees must drink responsibility. Washington law prohibits serving alcohol to anyone who appears intoxicated.) For 21 and older humans only, no exceptions. There are NO refunds on presale tickets available at the website. Bags will be checked at the entry gate. Outside alcohol, pets of any kind, glassware (other than a water bottle), fireworks, infants (or anyone under 21) are not allowed.