Billy Thomas 
By Molly Walsh After encouragement from her leadership teacher and friends who were involved in past Lakefair Courts, Kim decided to take a chance and apply for a position. In addition to travel to other parades, including one in Canada, Kim enjoys the service opportunities provided by being a member of the Royal Court. A …
By Molly Walsh Roebuck, who’s lived in Olympia for over a decade, has not only attended Lakefair but served as part of the festival staff. “I actually worked at Lakefair last year, which was fun,” she says. As a Lakefair princess, Roebuck’s always looking to meet people and make connections with service organizations. A standout …
By Molly Walsh “I’ve been to Lakefair many times,” says Byerly. “It’s what you do in the summer.” A longtime Olympia resident, Byerly often saw princesses on the Lakefair Parade float, never imagining she’d one day be the person waving at the crowd. As a member of the court, she most enjoys the social aspect. …
By Molly Walsh “I’m most excited for the speaking engagements,” says Waldon. “I really, really enjoy public speaking and meeting new people and making new connections.” While speaking to such nonprofit organizations as Zonta Club of Olympia, Waldon says she enjoys getting to know club members better and learning how each organization participates in the …
ART REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The 2019 Southwest Washington Juried Exhibition at South Puget Sound Community College has opened. It is sparser this year than previous shows — and that’s a good thing. It means a larger percentage of the art is of top quality and the show does not look overcrowded. …
By Molly Walsh Hometown Olympia act WineHouse Band is a young, seven-piece, alternative-rock lineup that crosses funk with hints of rock and jazz. It recently released an extended-play album, Le Voyeur. Half the band’s members are teenagers, but don’t let that distract from their especially tight, enthusiastic performances, as on the tune “Midnight.” Dreamy vocals …
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Director Aaron Lamb and the cast and crew of Harlequin Productions’ Man of La Mancha took a calculated risk that is paying off marvelously in their production of the classical musical by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. Lamb has updated …
By Alec Clayton Writing and illustrating a children’s book has been Nancy Thorne Chambers’ dream since childhood, but her passion took an unexpected turn after she retired from a lifetime as an illustrator and family therapist. In a dramatic turn from her plans, she taught herself ceramic sculpture. “I learned by reading books and trial …
By Billy Thomas Recess Monkey is a Grammy-Nominated family music band from Seattle. These teachers-turned-rockers know how to get kids and families excited. Known for prolific, eclectic musical output and their contagiously exciting live shows, Recess Monkey strives to strike a balance between kid-centric ideas and musical authenticity. Lyrically, they weave jokes and puns together …
By MELINDA MINTON Slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, ribs; dry-rubbed or melting-honey barbecue falling off the bone and onto a fresh bun — It’s summer and the South Sound BBQ Festival is here once again. Enjoy face-painting, food demonstrations, free kids’ activities and an adults-only beer-and-wine garden. This cook-off, now in its ninth year, is sanctioned …