Summer may be winding down, but Capital Mall has amazing events planned that support our local community and small businesses while giving you an excuse to get out of the house! On September 14-15, 2024, be dazzled by the massive dahlias at the Dahlia Show. Then on Friday, September 20, support local, woman-owned businesses with the Thurston County Economic Development Council’s WCWB INSPIRE Pop-Up Market. And don’t forget, every Monday they have free Zumba Gold classes! It’s a September to remember with fun events at the Capital Mall.
2024 Dahlia Show at the Capital Mall
The Macy’s Court inside Capital Mall will be filled with incredible dahlias for the annual Dahlia Show. A decades-long mall tradition, the show is free for mall visitors to enjoy. Local dahlia growers – newbies to experts – enter the flower show to have their best blooms judged. “They bring their best and their brightest to be showcased for different levels of competition,” shares Hope Montag, marketing and business development manager for the Capital Mall.
There is a professional judging panel, but the competition also includes public awards, so you can pick your favorite dahlia bloom and vote for them! In addition, growers are happy to answer questions you may have about dahlias, including growing tips and the many different varieties you will see on display throughout the weekend.
WCWB INSPIRE Pop-Up Market
The Thurston County Economic Development Council (EDC) is having their second annual WCWB INSPIRE Pop-Up Market on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last year the event was held at the South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus. “The WCWB decided to have it this year at the mall as we are trying to move it around each year if we can,” shares Ashley Whitley, program manager for the Thurston County EDC. “This gives opportunity to be in new environments and get it promoted. The mall is also great for fall when people are pre-shopping for the school year or holidays.”
“This event is something I am really excited about, being a professional woman myself,” shares Montag. “It’s exactly the type of event we want to hold at the Mall, supporting small businesses as best we can.”
The vendors at the WCWB INSPIRE Pop-Up Market must be at least 51% woman-owned and have an active business license to participate. The point of the event is to help boost these businesses, so the Thurston County Economic Development Council foots the bill. “We pay for their space there and professional photographer to come and take photos of the event and individuals,” explains Whitley. “We then share these photos for free with the businesses to use for their own marketing purposes. We pay for all marketing and marketing materials to promote the event and both our boards work to bring people to the event to help these businesses as much as possible with little to no barriers.”
You will find all kinds of products at the pop-up market, perfect for pampering yourself or crossing off that holiday list early! Many are handmade, including find jewelry, hair accessories, cards, purses, clothing and more. There will also be services – so if you are in the market for a new accountant, home care person, masseuse, doula, lawyer, insurance agent, yoga instructor – well, you get the idea! You will basically find anything and everything at this event at Capital Mall, so don’t miss it!
And, if you are a woman-owned business, they do still have a few spots left! You can apply up until September 15 or until full, by filling out the WCWB INSPIRE Pop-Up Market vendor application.
Free Exercise Classes in Olympia at Capital Mall
Yup, you read that right. Free. There are not a lot of things that are free these days, with no strings attached. But Diana Yu’s fun Zumba Gold classes at the Capital Mall are! Yu absolutely loves sharing her Zumba skills with anyone that is willing and her enthusiasm is catching. Zumba Gold runs every Monday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“So much fun,” shares Sue, who attends the Monday morning class. “I love our Mall Mondays. Thank you all for the time and effort you put in to make it fun for us.”
“Zumba Gold is a dance fitness program using Latin and international rhythms, with fun and easy-to-follow choreography,” Yu shares. “We take you around the world in 60 minutes and you get a workout in a fun way. All instructors are licensed to teach the Zumba Gold specialty.”
Yu adds that Zumba Gold can be done by anyone – you can even participate while seated! Not only is it fun and a good workout, but you will make new friends too. Just wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and show up for the class in the Macy’s Court.
“Energy and fun-packed celebration,” shares Gloria, another Zumba class-goer. “Whoopee. Love our Funday Mondays at the Mall. You sparkle with personality and I love the music and moves.”
Capital Mall, Supporting Small Business and Community
The Capital Mall has brought in a lot of smaller and independent businesses over the past few years and is continuing to support local businesses and organizations in our area. “We are really continuing our efforts to be a community center and resource, to the best of our ability, and that’s why we do our best to facilitate these kinds of events and work with local folks to make sure that they’re represented,” shares Montag. “We really do try our best with everything we do. We really care about our community.”
September can be a letdown after all the fun of summer. The Capital Mall has fun events to keep you in good spirits – and good shape – all month long! And you can feel good about spending money that is staying in our economy. For more information, visit the Capital Mall website.
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