News

Get Ready to Hootenanny with the Thurston EDC

On July 22, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) invites the community to join them for an old fashioned BBQ & Hootenanny! That’s right – delicious food, drinks, hay bales, a Cornhole Tournament, Bluegrass music with the Oly Mountain Boys, and a few surprises. “This year at the EDC, we are doing things differently—instead of our more…

Music in the Park 2021 Season is Cancelled

The Olympia Downtown Alliance regrets to announce that they are canceling what would be the 41st season of Music in the Park, the annual free concert series that takes place in July and August at Sylvester Park.   The announcement comes after event organizers learned the Department of Enterprise Services will not issue permits for…

Thurston Chamber Holds 116th Annual Meeting in June Keynote Speaker is Laura Choi

The community is invited to join the Thurston Chamber for its 116th Annual Meeting and the beginning of its 147th year on June 16, 2021, at the Hotel RL Olympia. The program will include a brief report out and a glimpse at an exciting program of work for 2021. Our keynote speaker is Laura Choi and her…

Auditor’s Office Seeks Citizens to Serve on “For” and “Against” Committees for Ballot Measures in the August Primary Election

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office seeks “For” and “Against” committee members for the August Primary Election. “For” and “Against” committee members are needed for: Thurston County, Medic One, Proposition No. 1, Levy Lid Lift “Against” committee members are needed for: Fire Protection District 12, Proposition No. 1, Bonds to Construct New Fire Station Fire Protection…

Experience Olympia & Beyond Names Annette Pitts as CEO

Experience Olympia & Beyond’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce they have selected Annette Pitts as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer beginning June 7, 2021. “Annette is bringing the energy, skills and experience to kickstart our hospitality sector and she will help Experience Olympia & Beyond continue to grow and thrive. She will…

NAMI Thurston/Mason Invites Community to Annual Meeting with ‘Navigating a Mental Health Crisis’ with presentation/panel and discussion

Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Across the country, many people just like you work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love and inspire every day. In May, NAMI Thurston/Mason joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for…

SPSCC Artist & Lecture Series Presents Author Merritt Long

Former WA State Governor Gary Locke will interview Merritt Long, author of ‘My View From the Back of the Bus’, as part of South Puget Sound Community College’s (SPSCC) Artist & Lecture Series on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. As part of their conversation, Long will share stories from his early life in…

Commerce and ArtsFund partner to offer over $10 million in grants to help nonprofit community organizations

The Washington State Department of Commerce is partnering with ArtsFund to provide over $10 million in grants to help community organizations across the state that have been impacted by the pandemic. The Nonprofit Community Relief grant program focuses on arts, culture, science and heritage nonprofits, as well as organizations whose primary mission is to serve…

Panowicz Jewelers Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week with Donations to Local Classroom Projects

Panowicz Jewelers fulfills two local teacher donation requests for classroom  projects totaling $2,600 in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. In partnership with Frederique Constant,  the Swiss watch manufacturer, the classroom projects were fully funded.  With the many changes that took place this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Panowicz Jewelers  seeks to support and…

Love Oly, Shop & Dine Week 2021 May 24 – 31, 2021

The Olympia Downtown Alliance created the Love Oly Shop & Dine Week in 2020 to bring more business to restaurants and shops during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Following the success of the Love Oly event last September, and the Love Oly Shop & Dine campaign during Downtown for the Holidays, Love Oly is back this…