86th Annual Pet Parade

Above: Yelm Prairie Elementary students won the Best Group award today at the Pet Parade in downtown Olympia.

By Janine Unsoeld

www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

The weather cooperated for the 86th annual Pet Parade, which got underway this morning with music performed by the American Legion Band in downtown Olympia. 

Costumed chickens, dogs, cats, turtles, and horses walked, were carried, or rode on decorated floats related to this year’s theme of “Under the Sea.” 

It’s all about having fun, appreciating our pets, and receiving a little bit of local recognition that can last a long time in a person’s memory. A woman sitting near me on the corner of 5^th Avenue and Washington Street with her grandson recalled that she won the Pet Parade’s award for having the Smartest Cat in 1961.

After the parade, everyone went to Sylvester Park for free ice cream, pet-related goodie bags and awards in special categories. The Best Group entry was won by Yelm Prairie Elementary schoolchildren. They received a $250 gift certificate from Mud Bay Granary.

Angie Patton said she and her family, including her daughter, Ashleyn Colten, have been participating in the Pet Parade for over 20 years.

Today, they won the Judges Choice award in the Wheels Category with their float called Finding Nemo. Their toy poodles, Lexi, 3, and Sophie, 5, were Dori and Nemo, respectively, while Lola, their three year old mastiff, was Bruce the Shark. Colten said they worked about two weeks on their float and were up until 3 a.m. this morning finishing it.

As for Lexi and Sophie, the special dye used to color their fur will last for about two or three months, so if you see them out and about in the community, be sure to congratulate them on their award!

The annual event is sponsored by The Olympian newspaper, the Olympia Downtown Association, and many local businesses.

Above: Ashleyn Colten, left, with Lola, a mastiff, and Colten's mother, Angie Patton, with toy poodles Lexi and Sophie in Sylvester Park after the Pet Parade today.

First Day of Spring 2015

Above: Jamal Briscoe, Olympia, shows off his two-fisted bubble blowing technique.

By Janine Unsoeld

www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

As predicted, the first day of Spring brought almost everything, especially wind, rain and smiles. Undaunted by the weather, some were silly enough (of course!) to continue a 22 year tradition by greeting Mother Nature on her terms. Welcoming the day at noon on Percival Landing, passersby were encouraged to take a wand and create bubbles. Of course, the weather cleared just as folks packed up their wands.

Above: Dave Loyie, of Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada, was the first to stop by “The Kiss” statue in Olympia this morning. Representing the Aboriginal Alliance of Alberta, Loyie will be speaking at a conference called, “The Future of Railroads: Safety, Workers, Community and the Environment,” at The Evergreen State College this weekend. For more information about the conference, go to www.railroadconference.org.

Above: A good time was had by all!

 

 

Polar Bear Plunge 2015

Above: Chris of Lacey, center, took the Polar Bear Plunge today at Long Lake Park.

 

By Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

“Do one thing every day that scares you,” a quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, could challenge folks to do a variety of different things. For some, it meant doing the Polar Bear Plunge today at Long Lake Park in Lacey.

“I can’t feel my toes!” a kid exclaimed after taking the New's Year's Day plunge.

Lacey city councilmember Michael Steadman said this was his second time taking the plunge and quickly put on a blue robe.

Hundreds of participants and spectators gathered this afternoon for the 30^th annual Polar Bear Plunge, held at Long Lake for the past seven years. Prior to that, the tradition was held at Capitol Lake in Olympia. A note posted on a polar bear sign said the water temperature was 42 degrees. Silly costumes and regalia, hot cocoa and fire pits added to the festivities. Santa and Bigfoot were also in attendance.   

Scantily clad folks weren’t up for much conversation in the 34 degree weather before or after the plunge. Making her way to the water, Paula of Olympia said she had never done it before.

Above: Paula of Olympia was super excited to take the Polar Bear Plunge today.

 

“I woke up this morning and decided I needed to do something new!” laughed Paula of Olympia with a big smile on her face.

Chris of Lacey said a friend talked him into doing it. Asked after his plunge if he’ll do it again next year, he laughed and said, “No way!” He added that it did change his life. His teeth were audibly chattering.

City of Lacey Parks and Recreation staff, lifeguards, police officers and junior explorers, and Lacey Fire Department #3 ensured everyone's safety, and donations were accepted in support of Lacey’s summer lunch program for kids.

ROXY 94.5 radio announcer Jerry Farmer said that today was the second coldest temperature for the plunge at Long Lake and ice was observed on the edge of the lake when activities started this morning.

First Day of Spring in Olympia

 

By Janine Unsoeld

Babies in strollers, puppies on walks, cherry blossoms in bloom, and children of all ages blowing bubbles on Percival Landing…hey, it’s the first day of Spring!

A 22 year tradition continued with bubble blowing on Percival Landing by “The Kiss” statue during the noon hour today. The event happens no matter what the weather – wind, rain, hail, sleet, snow, and yes, sun! This year, it was all sun, blue skies, and puffy white clouds, with just the right amount of wind to help blow the bubbles up into the air.

Above: Ten children from Debbie’s Daycare in Tumwater participated, and many others who heard about the event, or just happened to be walking by. Many said they will come back next year. The tradition will continue!

There are many critical life lessons to be learned during the tricky craft of bubble making and blowing. For the adults, the secret formula for the perfect bubble juice is very exact and concoction amounts must be measured carefully for the creation of awesome bubbles.

For the children, patience, too, is key: bubbles don’t always work out, depending on the wind and other factors, especially when other children take great joy in stomping and popping them before they get too far away.

Above: One boy received a private lesson on the art of bubble making from Gita Moulton, left, as he used a special wand that opened and closed. He showed great patience and his efforts paid off splendidly.

Above: Devon D., an artist who was making a rubbing of nearby tile art onto black construction paper, also came by to participate in the festivities.

A great time was had by all!