Yelm recreation coordinator highlights upcoming summer events

The City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department will be busy over the next 100-plus days as 42 activities are set to be held by the city through the end of summer.

Line Roy, the City of Yelm’s communications and recreation coordinator, described summer as a boom period filled with activities for residents of all ages to participate in. Without the help of local businesses and organizations, Roy firmly believes the frequency of free city events would be severely diminished.

“Summer in Yelm is the best time of year, especially for the recreation team. Between now and the end of August, we have 42 events scheduled — with more still in the works. That’s 42 events in 117 days, or roughly one event every 2.7 days,” Roy said. “We couldn’t make this happen without incredible partners, including Yelm Timberland Library, YARD, Graham Auto Repair, Yelm Arts Commission, Yelm Lions Club, among many others. They help and step in when we want to do an event, but I don’t have the manpower, bandwidth, supplies to make that happen.”

Roy highlighted several of the 42 events set throughout the next several weeks in Yelm, including the opening of the splash pad on Thursday, May 22. In addition to the splash pad returning, the City of Yelm will also celebrate the opening and debut of the wheelchair-accessible “We-Go-Swing.”

“That’s a day many of Yelm have marked on their calendars. You may see it running earlier as our public services team does testing and maintenance,” Roy said.

Then, four days after the long awaited return of the splash pad and opening of the “We-Go-Swing,” the City of Yelm will host a Memorial Day celebration at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26, at Yelm City Park “in the corner near the tree and city garden,” Roy said.

The event will be in collaboration with the local VFW and American Legion groups and will include a presentation of colors, a rifling ceremony and a live rendition of the national anthem and Taps, as well as moments of reflection.

She also highlighted Dinosaur Day, which is set for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Yelm Community Center. Roy noted this event is part of the “STEAM” centered program, and is grant funded by the PARC Foundation.

According to Roy, attendees will be able to excavate “dinosaurs,” view real fossils, build LEGO dinosaurs and much more.

One of the busiest weeks of the summer in Yelm kicks off from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at the Yelm Community Center, as the Yelms Lions Club will host Prairie Days Bingo Night. Bingo games are free for community members to participate in, and prizes will be given away to winners of each round.

Then, at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13, the fun continues at Yelm City Park as the second annual Party on the Prairie summer concert event returns. Several hours of live music will be performed by local artists Dakota Poorman, Olson Brothers and country music star Adam Craig. Additionally, several food trucks will be on-site and attendees can enjoy refreshments inside of a beer garden.
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, the Yelm Chamber of Commerce’s annual Prairie Days Parade will return and feature a new theme: Rockin’ Through the Ages. The organization invites parade participants to theme their floats based on their favorite band from any era.

Prairie Days weekend will conclude on Sunday, June 15, with the annual charity mushball tournament, which Roy noted is one of her favorite events of the year. Last year, the Jager Bombers took home the championship and donated over $1,000 to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

“As you can see, summer in Yelm is going to be packed with opportunities to connect, create memories and celebrate everything that makes our community special,” Roy said. “Whether you’re cooling off at the splash pad, dancing at Prairie Days, or cheering on a Mushball team — we hope you’ll join us in making this the best summer yet.”