Submitted by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
For the 54th year, the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Olympia Yacht Club to host local military personnel, at Foofaraw, an event unmatched anywhere else in the world. Always the first Friday after Labor Day, we will be shoving off from the Olympia Yacht Club main station on Friday, September 9.
Foofaraw has grown to be well known throughout the United States armed forces. Guests are transported by yacht club members to Island Home, where they are treated to a full day of games, served a terrific salmon BBQ lunch, and honored by local dignitaries. We average two service members to every one civilian.
For the last several years, the Port of Olympia has shown their gratitude of service to our military by arranging an unofficial sendoff including representatives from local police, medic, and fire departments and always hanging a large American flag from one of their cranes.
One dictionary defines Foofaraw as “much ado about nothing” and, at one point in history the official “purpose” of the day, claimed that a “Foofarite [military attendee] has earned the right to say ‘Foof’ to all duties and responsibilities for one day each year.
Sponsor tickets for this year’s event are limited and available to Chamber Members only, and we are collecting donations for the free military raffle that takes place throughout the day.
For more information about Foofaraw or to make a donation, please call the Chamber at 360.357.3362.
