by Molly Walsh
As the weather grows warmer and days grow longer, the Lacey Spring Fun Fair will celebrate the season with a weekend of entertainment for the whole family. The Lacey Spring Fun Fair takes place Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Saint Martin’s University. Throughout the weekend, families can take in the fresh spring air through carnival rides, connect with community resources inside Kids’ World, enjoy performances from local musicians and browse a plethora of food and artisan vendor booths. On May 17, children and families can also learn more about the workings of the world during the S.T.E.A.M. Fair and on May 18, attendees can check out colorful and classic rides at the Lacey Spring Fun Fair Car Show.
The Lacey Spring Fun Fair has been an annual tradition for more than three decades, originally debuting in the 1980s through a growing demand for a Lacey seasonal festival. Over the years, the Fun Fair has been managed by different community organizations including the Lacey South Sound Chamber and a loyal volunteer collective who adopted different responsibilities for organizing the event. According to Jeannette Sieler, Recreation Supervisor for Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation, the Lacey Spring Fun Fair became an event hosted by the City of Lacey starting in 2020, with continued support from community partners, sponsors and longtime volunteers.
Each year, the Lacey Spring Fun Fair gathers thousands of attendees across Thurston County and neighboring communities, including military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. A defining feature of the Fun Fair is that the event’s admission and main attractions are all free to attendees, including carnival rides, live performances, Kids World and the S.T.E.A.M. Fair. According to Sieler, admission costs could potentially put a financial strain on families, and an ongoing mission of the City of Lacey is to offer events that are easily available and affordable to the widest swath of community members.
“You can meet other families,” said Sieler. “You can find out things for your kids to do, or things that you might be interested in. And it’s just, it’s just such a fun, feel-good time.”
For many families, carnival rides that swing, tilt and twirl are a favorite draw of the Lacey Spring Fun Fair, as well as the Circus Train, which Sieler said is beloved across all ages. Just in time for warmer weather, the Fun Fair will also feature an assortment of bounce houses and giant slides for young attendees. Free pony rides will also return this year through a partnership with the Thurston County-based Autumn Run Stables.
Kids’ World is a longstanding component of the Lacey Spring Fun Fair, primarily taking place inside Marcus Pavilion at Saint Martin’s University, where regional nonprofit organizations, civic groups and businesses connect with community members and host free activities, games and craft projects for children.
After initially being introduced to the Fun Fair last year, Sieler said the S.T.E.A.M. Fair will return on Saturday, May 17. Local robotics clubs, school groups and businesses may offer exciting demonstrations as well as free and family-friendly activities related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
Throughout the weekend, the Fun Fair will also present a steady stream of live performances, including volunteer school clubs, dance groups and local bands. On Sunday, May 18, the Lacey Spring Fun Fair Car Show will gather the coolest rides of the region from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will serve as a fundraiser for the River Ridge High School Band Boosters.
More than 70 food, artisanal and commercial vendors will be available for attendees to browse, shop, sip and snack. Carnival classics will be available for purchase, including burgers, fries, cotton candy, ice cream, snow cones, and much more. Craft and artisanal vendors will include handmade soaps, jewelry and woodworking for sale, according to Sieler.
The Lacey Spring Fun Fair will also feature a Sensory Recovery Room. Sierler said this is a serene space where children and families who may be overwhelmed by the varying sights, sounds and attractions can take a break and participate in more calming activities.
A small amount of free parking is available at the Fun Fair. Free shuttle service will also be available to Fun Fair attendees, between South Sound Center and Saint Martin’s University. Shuttles will operate every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Sieler said that Intercity Transit bus routes are also located alongside Saint Martin’s University and bus fare continues to be free.
WHAT:
Lacey Spring Fun Fair
WHEN:
Saturday, May 17 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:
Saint Martin’s University, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503
COST:
Free
LEARN MORE:
https://laceyparks.org/events/fun-fair/