Centralia Summerfest is returning this Fourth of July, and the Centralia Downtown Association is inviting the community to celebrate with a full day of free family fun, local traditions and community celebration.
This year’s Summerfest theme is “250 Years of Stars & Stripes,” honoring America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, a news release from the downtown association stated. From breakfast and a fun run to family activities, vendors, historic tours and the downtown parade, the day will offer something for all ages.
The Centralia Downtown Association highlights the Twin Cities Sports Commission as this year’s presenting sponsor. Its support helps make it possible to continue offering Summerfest as a free, accessible celebration for families, visitors and community members.
Thanks to Lewis County Transit, shuttle service will be available during Summerfest from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a pause from 4 to 6 p.m. during the parade. The shuttle will run every 30 minutes with stops at Centralia College at Pear and Washington, The Borst Home, Borst Park at Borst and Belmont, Downtown Centralia near Berry Fields Café and Stan Hedwall Park.
The celebration will begin with the free pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at TransAlta Commons at Centralia College, located at 615 W. Pear Street. The breakfast is hosted by Centralia Rotary with support from Centralia College and Sierra Pacific. Donations will benefit Centralia Rotary, and breakfast will be available while supplies last, the release stated.
The morning will also include the 5K Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. near the Centralia College Clock Tower. Donations from the run will support Centralia High School Cross Country. No registration is required.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the historic Borst Home will be open for free tours as part of the day’s celebration. Family fun will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at George Washington Park, followed by the Crazy Fun Foam Party from 2 to 3 p.m. This year’s foam party will feature double cannons, according to the release.
Downtown visitors are also encouraged to explore Pine Street Plaza, where vendors will be set up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with food, goods, games and local finds. A few additional vendors will be located at George Washington Park.
The day will conclude with the Summerfest Parade at 4 p.m. in downtown Centralia, announced by Mayor Chris Brewer. This year’s grand marshal is Edna Fund, and parade applications are still open for businesses, organizations, families and community groups who would like to participate.
Fund is a former Centralia city councilor and Lewis County commissioner, and she was voted Best Volunteer in The Chronicle's 2025 Best of Lewis County awards.
She’s also a longtime local historian who continues to contribute as a volunteer to several ongoing efforts in Lewis County, including her previous work on flood mitigation in the Chehalis River Basin.
To apply to be in the parade, visit https://downtowncentralia.org.
“Summerfest is one of those days that reminds us what makes Centralia special,” MacKenzie McGee, executive director of the Centralia Downtown Association, said in the release. “It is about bringing people together, celebrating our community and creating space for families, neighbors, businesses and visitors to experience the heart of Centralia.”
More details, updates and application information can be found at https://downtowncentralia.org.
