Submit Events for Community Calendar
To submit an event to be published in the Community Calendar, email reporter Isabel Vander Stoep at isabel@chronline.com. Please include information as well as a contact number.
Southwest Washington Fair Begins
Aug. 17 to 22 at the fairgrounds, 1909 S Gold St., Centralia
The theme for this year’s fair is “Let’s All Go To The Fair.” The fair opens each day at 10 a.m. On Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday, closing time is 10 p.m. On Friday it closes at 11 p.m. and on Sunday it closes at 7 p.m.
Concerts, contests, a rodeo, local talent, vendors, fair food, carnival rides and a petting zoo and more make the fair Lewis County’s most popular event.
Learn more at southwestwashingtonfair.org.
August Business After Hours
Aug. 19, at The Juice Box, 216 S. Tower Ave., Centralia; 5 to 7 p.m.
Network with business leaders at the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce’s monthly “Business After Hours.” The Juice Box will have snacks and drinks for those in attendance.
Kiddin’ Around Downtown
Aug. 20, at Pine Street Plaza in Downtown Centralia; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Centralia Downtown Association is hosting a free event for kids and families that will include science and art demonstrations, prizes, a bike giveaway, face painting, free books and more. There will also be a special on haircuts and a school supply fundraiser. Kids will receive a bag to collect their goodies and a free ticket to the fair while supplies last.
14th Annual Back-to-School Dash
Aug. 21 at I-5 Toyota, 1950 NW Louisiana Ave., Chehalis; 9 a.m.; register at i-5dash.com/register
The Back-to-School Dash 5k run/walk proceeds go to scholarships for local students. Sign-up is available until 15 minutes prior to the event, but registration online ensures participants will receive a shirt. For a whole family, registration costs $50. It is $25 for an individual and $15 for a student.
Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program Annual Meeting
Aug. 24 at the Newaukum Grange, 104 Brown Road East, Chehalis; 6 p.m.
All board member positions are available and will be voted on at this annual meeting of the Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program board. This meeting is open to the public.
Law Enforcement Forum on New Laws Pertaining to Police
Aug. 25 at Adna Grange, 123 Dieckman Road, Chehalis; 7 p.m.
Law enforcement officers will share their views of laws pertaining to police tactics that went into effect on July 25 in Washington, including a ban on chokeholds and the restriction of deadly force. There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions.
Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale
Aug. 27 at the Bucoda Community Center, 101A East Seventh St., Bucoda; 6 p.m.
Proceeds will go to Steve and Laura Purcell who lost their home in Bucoda to a house fire on July 30. Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and pie will be served. $10 per person, family of four costs $30 with a $5 for anyone beyond that. Contact Lou Ann Hoffman at 360-736-6717 for more information.
Garlic Fest
Aug. 27 to 29 at the fairgrounds, 1909 S Gold St., Centralia; Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate garlic everything at the stinkiest festival in Washington.
Single day admission costs $5, three-day festival admission costs $10. Children ages 5 and under are free.
Friends of the Winlock Library Book Sale Fundraiser
Aug. 28 at 300 NE 1st Street, Winlock; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Books will be sold by donation. Proceeds will go to the Winlock Timberland Library. Call 360-785-3461 for more information.
Cornhole Tournament
Aug. 28 at the Riverside Golf Club, 1451 NW Airport Way, Chehalis; Registration open at 12 p.m. Tournament 1 to 4 p.m.
Twin Cities Cornhole Club and Community First Auto Center are hosting a cornhole tournament at the Riverside Golf Club to benefit the Lewis County Forgotten Children’s Fund, which gives Christmas presents to underprivileged families.
The cost to enter is $25.
Chehalis Chapter Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 29th Annual Banquet and Auction
Aug. 28 at the Jester Auto Museum and Event Center, 321 Hamilton Road, Chehalis; 4 p.m.
Tickets must be reserved in advance, none will be sold at the door.
For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Sandy Yanish at 360-508-0234 or email sandyyanish@msn.com.
Rust or Shine Car Show and Music Festival
Sept. 5 at the Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis; 9 a.m.
This is the 6th annual “Rust or Shine” show; funds are raised for the Veterans Memorial Museum and all kinds of vehicles — rusty or shiny — are welcome. Pre-registration is $15 per car with the ability to order a T-shirt for $15. Day-of registration is $20 a car and $20 for the T-shirt. Contact the museum at 360-740-8875 for details.
