Annual Prairie Days Parade to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary

Each year, Yelm’s Prairie Days Parade aims to honor the roots and heritage of the 100-year plus history of the city.

While the celebration of Yelm at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, remains the center of the annual tradition in 2026, this year, the parade will also honor the United States of America’s 250th anniversary as a country. The U.S. will officially celebrate its semiquincentennial milestone on July 4.

Tina Richardson, Yelm Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, told the Nisqually Valley News on Wednesday, June 17, that the theme for the 2026 Prairie Days Parade is “Red, White and 250 Years.”

“It’s very patriotic, very celebratory of turning 250 years,” Richardson said. “That’s a big milestone for us as a nation and that’s what’s being encouraged for costumes, decorating floats and all of that. It’s going to be a very fun and exciting day to celebrate the U.S. and a community that loves to get together and celebrate together.”

Richardson also hinted there’s been talks of a pirate ship float being incorporated somewhere in the parade. She anticipates a morning of fun on Saturday, as participants have been hyping up their costumes and floats leading up to the event.

“We do have a pretty good lineup this year,” Richardson said. “We have a lot going on that morning so we’re kind of limited on space in the theater-area this year. We’re going to make it work. We’re working closely with the police department and the different events going on around Yelm that day. There’s so many things going on in Yelm that day.”

She added that Joseph Richardson, her brother and Yelm City Councilor, will emcee the parade on the side closest to Yelm Cinemas, while Line Roy, Yelm Communications and Recreation Coordinator, and Cody Colt, Yelm Public Works Director, will take the microphones near the end of the parade.

“We’ll have a lot of fun that day,” Richardson said. “We have about 50-ish registered right now. Just because there’s limitations on space, I might have to limit the count to that. We’re having a few events in this shared parking lot and it might be difficult to fit in any more.”

With anticipation building for the Prairie Days Parade in 2026, Richardson noted that it isn’t just residents who are looking forward to the annual event. She said local businesses are too, as 13 sponsors have contributed to the activity.

She noted that the event will typically receive six to eight sponsors.

This year, event sponsors include: Moore Designs’ Movie and a Car Show, Nisqually Indian Tribe, ACU, Northwest Chevrolet, Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, Graham Auto Repair, Castle Realty — Dawn, Emilia Young, Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, SHE Cuts It Tree Service, Standing Room Only Theater, Kaos Dance Elite, Jeeps 4 Clean Shores, Mr. Doug’s and Yelm Prairie Christian Center.

“When I first came on, one of the things I wanted to do was rebuild the Prairie Days Parade,” Richardson said. “When we do these parades, I wanted a town that would be proud of the parades they’re showing up for. I wanted a community that would be excited to participate, and just a community that would come together and bring that excitement and sense of community.”

Richardson added that it’s an honor to be able to be part of a community that responds to activities, like the Prairie Days Parade, that promote connection, togetherness and excitement in the city.

“That’s been a drive for me — trying to get people excited again, wanting to be part of things and pushing for us,” Richardson said. “We brought back the float competition. We brought back the costume participation, just to award people for their diligence. It’s been awesome to be part of that.”

Richardson was also able to complete two parade goals of hers with the planning of this year’s event, including honoring and involving the Nisqually Indian Tribe and featuring a local marching band. She noted the Nisqually Indian Tribe will participate in the parade and contribute as a sponsor this year.

Additionally, the Rainier High School marching band will lead the parade down Yelm Avenue this Saturday.

“The Rainier band has really come in and stepped up. They’ll be helping with that at the beginning of the parade,” Richardson said. “We need to make sure we’re celebrating all the hard work of floats and costumes and energy, and building off of that and honoring our community as far as different groups and participants. We always want to honor the native community. To have all of those finally happening in one parade for me is a big thing.”