What is a Capitalarian?

Capital Lakefair is a non-profit, volunteer, organization run by Capitalarian’s.  Capitalarian’s are citizens of the greater Olympia area who spend a great deal of their time year-round participating in the many aspects of the organization.  They have an office at 218 N. Franklin Street that is manned by a paid Administrative Coordinator.

The Capitalarian’s meet on the second Thursday of January, February, March, April, May, June, September and October, 6:30 pm at the County Court House Office Complex, Bldg. 1.  The September meeting is the Election Meeting at which they elect a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer who serve for one year.  Usually the Vice President becomes President the following year.  Every three years a Board of Directors is elected.

Capitalarian’s accompany the Lakefair float to approximately 20 communities throughout the Northwest and participate in their festivals.  A Capitalarian couple or approved volunteers acts as chaperons to the Lakefair Queen and her Princesses at these out-of-town parades and during the Lakefair events.  A Capitalarian is just one of about 65 people who help promote Lacey-Olympia-Tumwater’s famous Capital Lakefair throughout the northwest.

The reward a Capitalarian will earn for recognition of their efforts, are a few compliments received when seen wearing the blue jacket which signifies the organization and his or her own satisfaction for being an active, contributing, member of the community. 

The Lakefair festival attracts thousands of spectators to the Lakefair weekend to watch the annual 120 unit “Grand Twilight Parade” which includes over 1,200 marchers and participants on some 35 floats and other units.  An array of events from volleyball, Arts & Crafts Show to Band Concerts and Kid’s Day are all part of this yearly celebration.  It is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the lake on Sunday night.  Capitalarian’s make all of this happen.

All individuals have skills and talents that can be used in producing Capital Lakefair.  Those who wish to become Capitalarian’s are asked to work on various committees for three months before they become members.  In this time a person can determine if this is what they really want to do.  Some of the committees can take a lot of time, some do not, but it is fun and a way to meet some very congenial people.

We are delighted that you are considering helping us to put on this event in any way you can.  You are invited to join the Capitalarian’s in their efforts to make our community a better place in which to live, work and play.  If you have any questions, feel free to call the office or talk to any Capitalarian.

TO BECOME A CAPITALARIAN

·         Attend at least three meetings in a year.

·         Attend a least one out-of-town Parade as float crew or as a chaperon or on a *Packet.

·         Actively participate on a least one committee.

A one-time fee established by the Board of Directors annually (currently $175) will be assessed each newly accepted Candidate Capitalarian.  The new Capitalarian will then receive from Lakefair the dress blazer, nametag, tie and tie tack.

OBLIGATIONS OF CAPITALARIAN MEMBERSHIP

·         To actively participate in all Capitalarian activities, especially the Capitalarian portions of our Capital Lakefair Festival held in July.

·         To attend at least one or more out-of-town “packet”* festival or non-packet festivals during the year as part of an official Capitalarian delegation.

*Packet – A package of meals and/or entertainment that is offered by a host festival for a fee during the festival weekend to out-of-town guests and festival members.  (The packet festivals Capitalarian’s usually participate in are Tacoma, Wenatchee, Spokane, New Westminister B.C. (Hyack), Portland, Marysville, Seattle, Astoria, Leavenworth and Issaquah.)

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO BECOME A CAPITALARIAN?

Complete the application form and mail to: 

Capital Lakefair
P.O. Box 2569
Olympia, WA 98507
voice: 360-943-7344  -  fax: 360-943-3119 
 email: office@lakefair.org

Click Here for A Membership Application

OR

If you would just like to volunteer, please click HERE.