On October 1, the inaugural Tumwater Falls Fest kicked off in the heart of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Overlooking the Deschutes River, the festival highlighted Tumwater Falls as a local landmark, while also gathering the regional art and maker community. Under the shade of both evergreens and leaves turning to autumnal shades, a cloudless sky allowed for plenty of family fun, including musical performances, crafting projects, face painting, food trucks and a variety of art and craft vendors.
The first ever Tumwater Falls Fest was a collaborative effort between the City of Tumwater, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation and The Copper Wolf Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery, who created the artwork for the festival. As the City of Tumwater has started to cultivate the city’s arts community, there has also been popular demand for more community events, especially those centered around local art. This inspired the city to partner with the Olympia Tumwater Foundation and local makers for a new annual festival.
On the day of the festival, attendees could browse for a fresh cut bouquet or floral wreath from Cedar Flats Flower Farm, as well as handmade soaps and teas from Black Mermaid Products. The Frizzy Fern Macrame offered a line of keychains, ornaments and potted plant holders. Attendees could also stop by the Copper Wolf Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery booth, to take in a range of art prints on display.
The Tenino Stone Carvers provided demonstrations throughout the festival, showcasing how to create sculpture pieces from a block of stone. Younger attendees were also able to take in a range of family-friendly activities including printmaking lessons, face painting, custom balloon art, and a scavenger hunt hosted by the Stream Team.
Those looking for a bite to eat could pick up lunch from Taqueria La Esquinita, or an açai bowl from Lava Bowlz. Attendees looking for a sweet treat could find their favorite cake pop flavor in unique designs at the Oly Pops booth.
An afternoon of performances was kicked off by Tumwater’s Mayor Pro Tem, Michael Althauser, who delivered opening remarks for the event. The Olympia Symphony Brass Quintet took the stage soon after for a late morning and early afternoon set. The quintet brought a variety of musical classics to the audience, including “Blackbird” by the Beatles and “Pure Imagination,” from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”
To learn more about upcoming Tumwater community events, visit the City of Tumwater website.
