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Whether you're a skeptic, diehard believer or just curious about the paranormal world, you’re invited to the Chehalis Flying Saucer Party — FSP2026 — next weekend in the Mint City’s downtown district.
First held in 2019, the Chehalis Flying Saucer Party commemorates pilot Kenneth Arnold's historic 1947 “saucer-like aircraft” sighting, which sparked the “Summer of the Saucers” and the modern UFOlogy movement.
This year’s party was originally cancelled after one of its original organizers, Jason Mattson, left his job as the Lewis County Historical Museum’s director, but it was reorganized by interim Lewis County Historical Museum Director Doug DeVany, along with locals Elissa Monk, Cameron Jones and this reporter, as The Chronicle is an official sponsor this year.
“This year's party is our way of saying thank you to the communities that have supported the museum and the FSP. Thank you to the fans, thank you to the people who support this culture with your art, science, hobbies, hard work and engaging on this topic in a manner that is fun for everyone involved,” DeVany said. “We hope to see lots of people there, in costume or not. We have gotten our permits. We are closing the streets around the venues. We can have a parade. We can make this as fun as we want to. We just have to show up, come together, and do it. I'll make space for that this year and every year after.”
With the short time we had to reorganize FSP2026, it will not be as big as it was in prior years, but we still have speakers lined up, the famous Saucer Toss to commemorate Arnold’s sight, a documentary screening and other events scheduled — all free to attend.
Attendees are invited to bring non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks and charities.
While it may not be as big as prior years, we want to ensure this event continues to be held.
“I must praise Jason Mattson, Vince Ynzunza, Christopher Crow and all the volunteers of years prior. Their work and contributions made this a wonderful celebration of historic significance and cultural impact,” Jones said. “It’s a marvelous event that brings people together, and I’d love to see it go on for decades, becoming a proud Chehalis tradition.”
“If it weren't for a few members of the community coming forward with their ideas and efforts, this wouldn't be possible,” DeVany added. “Since we started wondering if it could happen this year, all the right doors have opened, all the right people have helped and come forward, and we are so happy and proud to be hosting the Chehalis Flying Saucer Party once again. I understand everyone's heads must be spinning. Is it cancelled? Is it not cancelled? I want to assure everyone that the Flying Saucer Party will happen this year and every year, only getting bigger and better as we go.”
Along with the free speakers and events, many downtown Chehalis businesses, such as Diversified Games, will offer special discounts or deals to celebrate.
“We want this party to promote the Lewis County Historical Museum and its initiatives, local history and culture, and to bring people into our community to discover and engage with other local businesses,” DeVany said.
For more information on the FSP2026 schedule, read The Chronicle’s previous reporting at https://tinyurl.com/4m3ktt57.
