Good morning, Olympia.

Chris Hyde, known as 'Souperman,' leads the Food Source Foundation that expanded his free soup project from his Bigelow Avenue home to help reduce food insecurity in Olympia.

The nonprofit launched in December 2024 and now has over 200 volunteers—drawing strong local support and planning a Food Insecurity Summit this fall.

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a free Zoom webinar titled 'The Obscene Truth: Comedy, Censorship & the Constitution' on June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.—the panel will include actor Ronnie Marmo, Chief Justice Debra Stephens and First Amendment lawyer Bob Corn-Revere with moderator Janelle Marmo discussing Lenny Bruce's legacy and issues of free speech.

On June 12, Executive Director Kate Davis updated the board that Olympia School District projected a $6.586 million ending fund balance for the 2025–26 school year based on estimated revenues of $189 million and expenditures of $190 million.

The district relies on 71% of its funding from the state — the rest from a voter-approved local levy and other sources.

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney announced Michael Githens is the new finance director at a city council meeting on June 17.

Githens served three years as finance director in Shelton plus he has begun attending local finance meetings to help with upcoming budget challenges.

Olympia’s Finance Committee approved moving forward with the Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 construction and Armory Arts Center renovations on June 16th—despite a cost rise of more than $11 million.

The committee directed staff to present a financing plan to the city council that limits fund use and employs a debt term of 25 or 30 years.

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office urges couples planning summer weddings to apply for their marriage license before July 27 so they avoid a fee jump from $72 to $172.

Licenses are valid for 60 days and a new state surcharge will support a domestic violence co-responder program — couples who apply by July 25 will pay the lower fee.

Paint Out at Percival Landing

10 AM – 1 PM — Percival Landing Park — Free entry — Sketch or paint at the scenic waterfront, capturing the beauty of the marina and artworks.

Olympia Dragon Boat Festival

8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Olympia Wooden Boat Festival — Free entry — Experience thrilling dragon boat races alongside cultural performances and local vendors.

Capital Lakefair

Ongoing — Capital Lakefair — Free entry — Explore carnival rides, food booths, crafts, and enjoy live entertainment at this vibrant family-friendly festival.

Switchback 360 at Capital Lakefair

8:30 p.m. — Capital Lakefair — Free entry — Experience live music from Switchback 360 under the stars after the parade.