Dozens of classic cars line Chehalis Avenue in July 2016 as part of the festivities at ChehalisFest.
Backfire Band members Jeff Andersen, left, and Jim Albrecht escape the confines of the stage and perform among the audience during their 2016 performance at Chehalis Fest.
The Backfire Band performs on Boistfort Street during last year's Chehalis Fest.
The annual ChehalisFest happenings will take place around the Mint City on Saturday.
The free event is put together by the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team and includes family friendly activities for all ages at various locations around Chehalis.
“We are very excited for this celebration of summer in Downtown Chehalis. Whether you are an area resident or a visitor, we invite you to experience our charming community, offering the very best of rural living,” said Annalee Tobey, executive director of the Renaissance Team, in a press release.
The festivities will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the Lewis County Historical Museum with a blueberry pancake breakfast. Plates are $6 each and children under 5 years of age will be able to eat for free. The Historical Museum will also host bouncy houses and a bevy of children’s activities orchestrated by Bethel Church, as well as a hot dog lunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Over at the Chehalis Airport, the Young Eagles will be offering free flights to children between the ages of 8 and 17 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
At 1 p.m., the Veterans Memorial Museum will host a meet and greet with Taya Kyle, wife of Chris Kyle, also known as the “American Sniper.” Kyle will also be a featured guest speaker for the Veterans Museum’s annual Desert War Veterans Day event that will begin at 6 p.m. Chris Kyle was shot and killed at a gun range in 2013 while attempting to aid a fellow veteran suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. Taya Kyle was featured prominently in Chris Kyle’s book “American Sniper,” and recently released her own book titled, “American Wife: A Memoir of Love, Service, Faith and Renewal.”
In downtown Chehalis, local artists will have their works featured for viewing and purchase. The art exposition will be organized by ARTrails of Southwest Washington. Between noon and 4 p.m. the Backfire Band will provide classic rock and country musical entertainment on Boistfort Street in the downtown corridor. Participating businesses will also be offering sale discounts, sidewalk displays, wine and cheese tasting, beer sampling and games for visitors.
Just a short cruise away, the Chariots Car Club will host its 10th annual car show between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Chehalis Avenue, and the Chehalis Theatre will have hamburgers and milkshakes available beginning at 8 a.m. for a showing of “American Graffiti.”
Folks who are looking to make the rounds should be sure to drop by Book ‘n’ Brush first in order to pick up there “Where’s Waldo Passport.” Those passports can be filled out as ChehalisFest revelers make their way from one exhibit or performance to the next. Once completely filled out, the Waldo Passport can be redeemed for a coupon and entry into a drawing for prizes.
In addition to the Where’s Waldo Passport, organizers are encouraging interactive involvement on social media through the hashtag ChehalisFest.
“Share your photos at #ChehalisFest,” explained Tobey in the release. “We can’t wait to see our community through your eyes.”
Additional information about ChehalisFest can be obtained by calling 360-345-1738 or emailing info@experiencechehalis.com.
