The annual Prairie Days Parade rolled through downtown Yelm as spectators lined the sidewalks on East Yelm Avenue as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 24.
Following the parade, spectators made their way to Yelm City Park to enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities.
With over 20 different vendors set up, families had a wide variety of free activities to engage in. They included bounce houses, bowling and watermelon eating contests. The city also held its first “Touch-a-Truck” event, which allowed families to observe and explore different vehicles, like an ambulance, a police car and heavy equipment.
“Everyone flocked to the park right after the parade, and these amazing local businesses and organizations were ready to go and have some fun for the kids,” Line Roy, with the City of Yelm Parks and Recreation department, said.
Roy said those who came to the Prairie Days celebration were also able attend the Yelm Farmers Market, which took place on McKenzie Avenue near Yelm City Park. Through all of the different activities, games and food vendors, Roy said there was “a little something for everyone” at the event.
Performances at the Prairie Days celebration at Yelm City Park included a “mini dance party” with the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally chicken mascot, a performance by the YARD Cheer team, and a demonstration by Harai Kazoku Judo Club.
“I’d love to thank the community for coming out and always being ready to have fun. It makes events like this so much better when the community embraces it,” Roy said. “Several local organizations are offering games and activities. Nothing is for sale besides the food. Our community is so giving and so generous.”
The annual parade, which began at 9 a.m. at Yelm Cinemas, was a success, Roy said.
“The mini cement truck was so fun. I really enjoyed that aspect of the parade,” Roy said. “I liked the jazzline (and) the Tornado cheerleaders because they’re all so fun.”
Yelm City Councilor Joseph Richardson, a longtime member of the Yelm community, attended the annual celebration. Richardson said he has fond memories of Prairie Days and its festivities.
“Prairie Days to me is nostalgic,” Richardson said. “It reminds me of what Yelm has always been, what Yelm used to be, and at the same time, it has reminisce of our history. Now, we’re the adults running the games and booths for the kids, and it’s very rewarding.”
Richardson, who is also on the board of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce, said he was thankful to see the community come out to celebrate.
“All of our community came together, our local organizations came together, and everyone is working together to make something happen,” he said. “You can see the excitement on the faces of those watching the parade, or enjoying the different activities around the park.”
Like Richardson, 22-year-old Yelm resident Kyle Robinson, said he has great memories of the Prairie Days Parade from when he was younger. Robinson, who has lived in the Yelm community since he was a kindergartner, said those memories came flooding back to him when he attended the event this year.
“It’s crazy to look at the kids running around and enjoying Prairie Days, then thinking that I was one of those kids just 10 or 15 years ago,” Robinson said. “Prairie Days haven’t changed.”
Robinson said he now sees the event through a different set of lens since he is an employee of the Yelm Public Works department.
“I love seeing the community get together for Prairie Days,” Robinson said. “The Yelm employees and volunteers work so hard to get everything ready to go, and it’s really cool to see the community react so strongly to it.”
Following the conclusion of Prairie Days weekend, Roy said any residents who are interested in planning next year’s celebration can email her at liner@yelmwa.gov.
