Longtime business owners named grand marshals for Rainier Round-Up Days

The annual Rainier Round-Up Days Parade is set to return at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, and two longtime business owners and Rainier residents, Steve and Sheryl Turner, will be highlighted and honored as the grand marshals.

The Turners moved to Rainier in 1998 and set up their business within the same year. Since moving to Rainier, Turner Automotive has served as a community staple. Additionally, the two have given back to the small town by volunteering in several different ways.

“We prefer to do things behind the scenes, so standing out in a crowd is a little uncomfortable, but we feel very honored. This community means a lot to us,” Sheryl said. “We will always back it. We will continue to do projects, volunteer here in Rainier.”

Sheryl added that Steve will often “take care of the fort” so she can go out and volunteer or participate in community gatherings. Though sometimes she feels like she’s more visible in the community, Sheryl said it’s because Steve gives her the space that allows her to be so active.

“Our kids went to school in Rainier all the way through, both of them. Between all the teachers, the school district — it’s just a wonderful and amazing little town,” Sheryl said. “What we see others do is awesome. We have We Love Rainier. I’ve heard of no other little town that has anything like that. There’s such kindness, and we speak highly of it. It’s a very special place.”

Steve has served Rainier as a volunteer firefighter and volunteer police officer. He served the same volunteer law enforcement role in Tenino, too. Additionally, Sheryl has volunteered previously at the Rainier School District and has supported and participated in We Love Rainier WA events.

“We love the little town of Rainier. We’ve been here since 1998, and we love it here,” Steve said. “What I love is customers coming in with their kids, and then their kids are in school and eventually high school. Then they graduate and start coming in, and some of them are now bringing in grandchildren. It’s awesome to see the different generations. It’s pretty cool.”

Sheryl added, “we have the honor and the privilege of being able to see that. It’s pretty cool.”
Rainier Mayor Robert Shaw spoke highly of the two grand marshals on Monday, Aug. 18, ahead of the Rainier Round-up Days Parade.

“Steve and Sheryl Turner have been local business leaders in our community for a number of years. Sheryl is actively involved on the planning commission,” Shaw said. “The two of them have been very supportive and active in our community for a while.”

Tami Justice, Rainier’s clerk-treasurer, told the Nisqually Valley News that Rainier is honored that Steve and Sheryl have “graciously accepted (Rainier’s) offer” to become the 2025 grand marshals of the annual Rainier Round-up Days Parade.

“They have such a bright spirit in our community that reflects compassion, respect and admiration. They have a long history of dedicated service through volunteering, and they represent our town well,” Justice wrote to the Nisqually Valley News on Monday, Aug. 11. “We want to say thank you for all they have done for our community.”

The annual parade will begin at 11 a.m. along Binghampton Street, with the route beginning at Idaho Street and concluding at Minnesota Street. Several detours around downtown Rainier will be presented and made easily noticeable and accessible through posted signs.

Those interested in participating in the parade as an entrant can fill out an entry form, which can be found on Rainier Round-Up Days self-titled Facebook page and emailed to rainierparade@yahoo.com.