America's 250th Birthday Ice Cream Social

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South Sound Life

Jul 24, 2026

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Ice Cream!
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Create a Creamy Cucumber Salad

America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

American Legion Post 3 is hosting a free ice cream social at Woodruff Park in Olympia to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

The event takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at 1500 Harrison Avenue NW — right in front of Garfield Elementary School.

Scoops will be served by Sweetlee's Ice Cream, a beloved South Puget Sound creamery known for its handmade, small-batch flavors made from locally sourced ingredients.

The American Legion Band will perform live throughout the afternoon, adding a patriotic soundtrack to the celebration.

Post officials call it their gift to the people of Olympia — a reflection of the Legion's deep tradition of civic service.

Admission is free, but supplies are limited, so arriving early is strongly encouraged for families hoping to get a scoop.

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Weekend Events

Tenino Oregon Trail Days

📅 Friday, July 24 - Sunday, July 25
📍 Location: Tenino City Park
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Tenino's Biggest Festival honors our place in Oregon Trail History. The festival runs from Friday through Sunday with a parade on Saturday. Get more details here!

Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally

📅 Saturday, July 25
📍 Yelm City Park
🎟️ Free Admission

BBQ lovers won't want to miss this annual celebration featuring championship barbecue teams, local vendors, live entertainment, family activities, and plenty of delicious food. More details here!

Upcoming Events

🎪 Thurston County Fair

📅 July 30 – August 2
📍 Thurston County Fairgrounds, Lacey

This year's county fair celebrates America's 250th Birthday.
Click here for more details on the county fair later this month.

Family Fun

Hands On Children's Museum

Downtown Olympia

🎟️ Admission: Museum admission applies - Click here for deails!
One of the best options for families with younger children. Interactive exhibits, maker spaces, outdoor play areas, and seasonal activities make it a popular weekend destination.

📣 Local Business Owners – Let’s Partner!
Want to get your brand in front of an engaged, local audience? We are actively looking for local businesses to spotlight each week in the South Sound Life newsletter. Let's shine a light on your business or a local business you love! Let us know!

👉https://go.southsoundlifenewsletter.com/favoritelocalbiz

Olympia Farmers Market

Olympia Farmers Market Weekend

Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26

Morning through afternoon

Percival Landing & Olympia Farmers Market

🎟️ Admission: Free entry

Spend part of your weekend along Olympia’s waterfront enjoying fresh local produce, handmade crafts, live music, coffee vendors, and scenic marina views at the Olympia Farmers Market and nearby waterfront activities. Grab details here!

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Adopt a Pet

Meet Fork

Some dogs walk into a shelter and own the room — Fork is not one of them, and that's exactly what makes her unforgettable.

This seven-month-old mixed breed puppy arrived at Joint Animal Services in Olympia, WA alongside her sister, Spoon.

She's shy at first, but for the right family, that quiet vulnerability is the start of something truly special.

Fork doesn't need a crowd — she needs patience, kindness, and space to grow.

A home with another confident, social dog would help her unlock her truest self: the zoomies, the wiggles, the sideways glances that hint she's funnier than she lets on.

Joint Animal Services serves Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and unincorporated Thurston County — and is currently planning a major new facility upgrade, deepening its commitment to local animal welfare.

Fork is still building trust, one small moment at a time.

She's not asking for perfection — just a chance. If you're considering puppy adoption near Olympia, WA, call 360-352-2510 to confirm her availability before she's gone.