Summer is a magical season that hearkens back to midsummer night festivals, open air concerts and al fresco dining under the stars. On Thursday, August 8, 2024, join the Olympia Tumwater Foundation and City of Tumwater Arts department for their Summer at the Schmidt evening fundraiser. This year’s theme is Midsummer Night’s Dream Faire and there will be plenty of magic around every corner, all benefitting Procession of the Species.
Fire Eaters, Gypsy Jazz and Plenty of Ice Cream at the Midsummer Night’s Dream Faire
However old you are, everyone enjoys a touch of magic and whimsy. At Midsummer Night’s Dream Faire, organizers bedeck the lovely grounds of Tumwater’s Schmidt House to set a truly delightful scene. Wander the Faire and you’ll find a sizzling fire performer, delicious food and drink from Baby’s Dream Dogs and Sofie’s Scoops, and games like croquet, badminton, corn hole or giant dice.
Setting the mood – so bring your dancing shoes – are Washington State legends Pearl Django, truly awe-inspiring gypsy jazz royalty. And there may even be an appearance by Procession of the Species critters.
Faire tickets are $25 and come with one food and one drink ticket, though more can be purchased on site. There will be creatures and art pieces by Procession artists curated around the gardens to admire. Event tickets can be purchased in advance with a few available at the door. Same day door passes may not come with food or drink options, however, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had for a good cause.
Celebrating Summer Nights at Tumwater’s Iconic Schmidt House and Gardens
Maddy Pennington, assistant director for the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, is the event’s lead. She explains that this is their first year overseeing these events, but they hope to continue hosting on-site at the Schmidt House. “We do offer the House for wedding and private event rentals already,” she explains, “so it’s no stranger to hosting events.”
Pennington and the rest of the Foundation staff adore the classic splendor of the elegant 1904 building. “Most people in the community don’t realize that the Schmidt House is tucked away on Schmidt Place right in Tumwater,” says Pennington, “so we are hoping these events will bring in new visitors and reacquaint the community with the property. It is a gem that has been forgotten by many, but we want to change that.”
“The grounds are beautiful and expansive, with large green lawns and its own rose garden, called the Centennial Rose Garden,” Pennington explains. “Statues original to the 1904 building of the House and a reflection pool with a cherub fountain on the property complete the atmosphere. It was the perfect setting for our Speakeasy Garden Party on July 18, and it will be fantastic for the Midsummer Night Dream’s Faire on August 8.”
Supporting Tumwater’s Arts and Artists While Having Fun? Yes, Please!
The Olympia Tumwater Foundation has partnered with the City of Tumwater Arts and the City of Tumwater Parks and Recreation Department in many other ways. Pennington says this year will be their third Tumwater Falls Fest hosted at Brewery Park. “This is a family event with many vendors, activities and entertainers which inhabit the Park for the day and transform it into something very special,” she says. “We also can be found at every Tumwater Artesian Brewfest. This festival highlights local breweries and taphouses and brings many people out to Tumwater for the day. We usually have a Tumwater and Olympia Beer trivia station that keeps attendees entertained at our tent. Both events are great fun for the Olympia Tumwater Foundation and the City of Tumwater.”
Over its 120-year life, the nearby Schmidt House has hosted many community fundraisers and events. The home’s carefully landscaped grounds, historic statuary, family memorial site and Centennial Rose Garden are utterly unique and worth a visit all year round.
Enjoy a Night Under the Stars to Raise Money for Procession of the Species
Pennington explains that monies raised at the Faire will benefit Procession of the Species, a family-friendly, wild-and-crazily creative annual event. She says that parade creators store their creatures in Tumwater and many of the artists live in the city as well. “The goal of these events is to benefit Tumwater programs and organizations that are cultivating and promoting arts in the community,” says Pennington. “Music and the arts are very important to the Schmidt family, as was education.”
The earlier Speakeasy Garden Party raised funds for a new grant to be added to existing education programs. The grant will be available to all Tumwater School District music educators who wish to apply this fall, and applications will be evaluated by the Foundation’s grant committee which facilitates all Early Learning Grants. The Garden Party raised nearly $1,000 for this new grant and Foundation members are excited to see the funds go to great use in the community. Grant applications are evaluated based on need and can be used for music education materials such as instruments. This fund is still available to receive donations.
Whether you choose to donate directly or attend one of the many delightful events, local artists thank you. Kick off August with the Midsummer Night’s Dream Faire and enjoy this magical season surrounded by friends, family, music, performances and even a little ice cream. Purchase your tickets now on the Olympia Tumwater Foundation website.
