As soon as last year’s Lakefair Week ended, Capital Lakefair organizers started planning this year’s events, which kicks off today with rides, games, a car show, vendors, a parade, and more.
The 2024 iteration of the annual event at Heritage Park and ends with the traditional fireworks display over Capitol Lake on Sunday night.
“It’s a place for community to come, hang out, enjoy some fun and activities,” Karen Adams-Griggs, Capital Lakefair co-president, told The Olympian.
This year, Les Schwab and Washington’s Lottery joined Lakefair’s sponsors. The former is sponsoring the car show, and the latter is sponsoring the Grand Finale Fireworks.
But none of the events would be possible without Capital Lakefair’s all-volunteer team that works full time in the weeks leading up to each Lakefair, Adams-Griggs said.
“We do it for people to enjoy,” Adams-Griggs said.
Here are the details on the main events.
Funtastic Traveling Shows carnival
What: The Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival has rides and games for all ages. Participants must be 2 years old or older for most rides, and there may be height and other safety restrictions.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, July 17-18; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 19-20; noon to midnight on Sunday, July 21.
Where: Heritage Park on the east side of Capitol Lake
Admission: Tickets are only available on site and cost 60 cents for one ticket, $20 for 34 tickets, $40 for 68 tickets, $60 for 120 tickets and $115 for 250 tickets. Children’s rides are 12 tickets, “major” rides are 13 tickets and games are between 9 and 18 tickets. Using a credit card adds a service fee.
Entertainment main stage
What: Capital Lakefair’s main stage has live performances from local, regional and national groups.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Where: Heritage Park
Admission: Free
Vendor booths
What: About 60 arts and crafts vendors sell both locally created artwork, crafts and commercial items.
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Where: Heritage Park
Food concessions
What: More than a dozen food vendors, many of which are local non-profit organizations, sell food to raise money to fund their operating costs.
When: Noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Where: Water Street
Seniors Day
What: Seniors Day, also known as 50+ in the Park, has live entertainment, vendors, giveaways and other activities.
When: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: Heritage Park by the main stage
Admission: Free
Car show
What: Sponsored by Les Schwab, the Car Show will display vehicles from various categories, including custom cars, vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Begins at Marathon Park with cars lined up north on Deschutes Parkway
Admission: Free
Grand Parade
What: The Grand Parade has entries from all over the Pacific Northwest and as far away as Canada. Pre-parade festivities are 15 minutes before the parade.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: Begins on Capitol Way at 20th Avenue, goes north to Fifth Avenue and ends near Fifth Avenue Bridge
Admission: Free
Grand Finale Fireworks
What: Presented by Washington’s Lottery, the Grand Finale Fireworks are visible from Heritage Park, Deschutes Parkway, the state Capitol Campus and other locations with a view of Capitol Lake.
When: 10 p.m. Sunday
Where: Capitol Lake
Admission: Free
Most Popular
Comments / 0