Truly Something for Everyone:
Summer is filled with fun fairs, festivals and concerts. For south sound residents, one of the biggest free events is the City of Lakewood’s SummerFEST. Held this year on Saturday, August 15th, this one-day event is scheduled from 11 am to 8:30 pm at the Fort Steilacoom Park on 87th Avenue in Lakewood.
According to Sally Martinez, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Lakewood, “What differentiates SummerFEST from other festivals is that there is truly something for everyone of all ages and all cultures. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome and be able to participate in engaging activities.”
When you arrive, be sure to get a passport to maximize your day in sports, art and wellness as you visit over 40 vendors and participate in their interactive offerings. The event hosts over 35 food vendors and a beer garden. And it’s always fun to check out the 100+ farmer’s market vendors.
Some of the highlights of the day include a car show, a Kidzone with inflatables and two stages with live music. There will be performances focused on dance music from 14 different countries. The grand finale will be the incredibly popular fire dancers.
New to SummerFEST this year is a petting zoo located near the pony rides as well as Splashtime, a fun foam and bubble party with a water feature. Kids will enjoy free face painting, caricatures artists, and henna tattoos. Children and teens can participate inLego building contests, including timed builds every hour. “Remember to come to the city booth for lots of free and fun swag as we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary, “said Martinez.
Have you ever tried skim boarding? SummerFEST is your chance to glide across a 100-foot skim boarding pool. Attendees will enjoy circus acts by Vuelta la Luna circus and the Wenatchee Youth Circus. Adventure seekers will be wowed by Extreme Aerial Motocross jumpers doing flips and crazy aerial feats. Tethered hot air balloon rides will be offered by Seattle Ballooning from noon to 7 pm. Teen activities include a pop-up skate park with ramps and jumps, plus axe throwing.
This one-day festival is free for the whole family, including parking. There’s also a free shuttle that runs every 20 minutes from Pierce College parking lot D.
To learn more, visit Nearcation.com/SummerFEST