Giving back to; and benefiting the community in many ways is why Lakefair continues to exist.  In addition to the many community programs that already benefit from Lakefair activities; Lakefair is always looking for new ways to help.  For instance, last year First Lady Serry Barnes and Lakefair created a “Share a Bear” program.  The goal was to raise enough funds to donate 1000 teddy bears to various organizations in the community.  The results of that program were as follows:  1140 teddy bears went to 29 organizations in Thurston County including the Washington State Patrol, police departments, fire districts and departments, and hospitals including Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.  In 2010 Lakefair will join forces with the LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE PROGRAM with its efforts to raise school supplies, backpacks and other items for children who would otherwise go without.

Lakefair continues to be committed to working with state and city officials to resolve site issues and ongoing cost issues and, in the process, protect the ability of the local non-profits to continue to raise funds.  In 2009, twenty local no-profit organizations shared in over two-hundred thousand dollars generated by food booth sales.  Not only are they an integral part of the glue that bonds the community together, the work of many of them helps support the community so that the burden does not fall on the city and county.  The money these local non-profit groups raise stays in Thurston County and help these groups serve citizens in need.

In short, this is a festival that provides much enjoyment, benefits local non-profits and businesses, brings people together and brings money into city coffers.  We hope it can continue into the next 50 years and beyond.  We want to be allies with the state and city in bringing the community together – not adversaries in tearing apart one of its longest traditions.  We owe the people of this community no less than our best efforts to make sure this festival – their festival – remains part of the fabric long into the future.

Bob Barnes, President
Capital Lakefair 2010