Thurston Talk

ThurstonTalk.com shares uplifting stories about individuals, businesses, and organizations making a positive impact in Thurston County.

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Walking Trails Near Olympia on a Natural Area Preserve

4 days ago | thurstontalk.com | Kristina Lotz

Thurston County is home to many unique natural sites that are wonderful to explore. From bioluminescent kayak floats in the Sound to walking trails in the Glacial Heritage Preserve that gives you a glimpse of what the Puget Sound looked like in the 1800s. If you are looking for walking trails near Olympia, check out the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. These walking trails show you a rare landform – the Mima Mounds – and the chance for bird watching in Thurston County.
Under the Big Top: Shoestring Circus Comes To Town With a Show Like No Other

6 days ago | thurstontalk.com | Kathryn Millhorn

Historically, when the circus came to town, families around the globe would drop everything for a festive night under the big top. Everyone seems to have their favorite performance, from the absurd comedy to breathlessly watching acrobats and aerialists seemingly defy gravity. This summer, gather the gang and head to the magical striped circus tent of the Shoestring Circus.
The Spirit of Lenny Bruce Takes Center Stage at the Washington Center

1 week ago | thurstontalk.com | Kathryn Millhorn

Lenny Bruce was a controversial, free-wheeling comedic presence with little patience for the rules. His stream-of-consciousness style of performance was often a melting pot of politics, religion, satire and insight and earned him a 1964 obscenity conviction as well as passionate fandom even 60 years after his death. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, his powerful work and style come to life at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
Capital Mall is Your Destination for Free June Events in Olympia

1 week ago | thurstontalk.com | Kristina Lotz

As school winds down, summer starts to wind up. Now is the time to plan fun things to do with your family to keep boredom at bay. The Capital Mall has free summer events in Olympia every week of June. From Timberland Library events to tattoo flash sales, everything is happening at Capital Mall!“These events are just one more way we are continuing with our mission to be a community resource and a community center,” shares Hope Montag, Capital Mall marketing manager.
Olympia High School Sailing Team Wins 2025 NWISA Fleet Race District Championships

1 week ago | thurstontalk.com | Kristina Lotz

Congratulations to the high school sailing team with Olympia Community Sailing on their 2025 NWISA Fleet Race District Championships win! The team, comprised of Olympia High School students from freshmen to seniors, is a top-ranked team, having won 5 of the last 10 state/district championships. It’s a club sport, supported by Olympia Community Sailing. The Capital High School sailing team also qualified for the championships.
Clear Your Calendars: Summertime Events with the Port of Olympia are Back

1 week ago | thurstontalk.com | Kathryn Millhorn

People who live for the summer sun might be missing out (just a little). There’s nothing like a lazy, balmy summer night on the water. Especially when you add in live music and cold beer or a big screen movie and buttery popcorn. Thanks to the Port of Olympia’s Summer Events at the Port, you can have it all, all summer long. Olympia’s working waterfront hosts big ships and tugboat races, the Farmer’s Market and Hands On Children’s Museum.
Matthew Klifman Takes Over as All Kids Win Board Chair

1 week ago | thurstontalk.com | Kristina Lotz

It all started with a group of local women talking about how to best help local youth facing homelessness. Getting food into their bellies was a main concern. Research has shown that children who are hungry have more physical and behavioral problems in the classroom, including anxiety, aggression, tardiness, lack of focus – the list goes on and on. To address the concern, Homeless Backpacks was created in 2006 with Kelly Wilson as founder and chair.
‘Saints Mentor with Heart’ Builds Community at Saint Martin’s University

1 week ago | thurstontalk.com | Kathryn Millhorn

The transition to college represents a pivotal step in a young person’s journey and is a significant milestone on the path toward turning dreams into reality. But finding your place on a bustling campus – whether you live in the dorms or commute – can be tricky, particularly during those crucial first months.
Local High School Students Took First Place at La’u Samoa Competition

1 week ago | thurstontalk.com | Kristina Lotz

On May 3, 2025, the first annual La’u Samoa Academic & Samoan Cultural Competition took place at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma. Forty students from River Ridge, Timberline, Olympia and Tumwater high schools made up the Laumua Samoan Dance Group competition team, which came home with first place in the academics division. Started in 2017 by Rj Maae, the Laumua Samoan Dance Group is a high school team that showcases the members’ academics while celebrating Samoan culture through dance.
Looking for Barbecue in Thurston County? Head to the South Sound BBQ Festival

2 weeks ago | thurstontalk.com | Kristina Lotz

Summer and barbecue go together like peanut butter and jelly, maybe better. You just can’t have one without the other! And if you are craving barbecue, there is no better place to fill your belly than the South Sound BBQ Festival happening July 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Huntamer Park in Lacey.