Second annual Galaxy Fest set for May 9 at Yelm Community Center

As spring rolls into full effect and summertime lurks around the corner, the City of Yelm is preparing to roll out a series of fun activities, beginning next month, for families and residents of all ages to enjoy.

According to Line Roy, Yelm communications and recreation coordinator, the upcoming Galaxy Fest — set for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 9, at the Yelm Community Center — will be one of four science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) events to be held in the city this year.

She noted the STEAM program was launched in 2025 in order to provide young residents in Yelm with a fun and educational learning opportunity.

“They will be doing some little craft projects. We brought LEGO building. There’s some little goodies for everyone,” Roy said on Monday, April 27. “They’ll learn a little bit about planets, stars and galaxies. We have games, space-themed games and lots of fun for everyone involved.”

She added that the four STEAM events this year include the upcoming Galaxy Fest, along with Pollinator Palooza, set for Saturday, June 6, Sunday Funday, scheduled for Saturday, July 18, and Dinosaur Day, which is penned in for Saturday, Aug. 29.

“Kiddos can come in and do some arts and crafts, do some hands-on LEGO building and do some science experiments,” Roy said. “We invite some of our partners over to help us out. The Hands On Children’s Museum will come and help sometimes, along with the Girl Scouts, the Library — it’s a fun way for the kids to learn a little bit and have a little fun.”

These STEAM-inspired events are special for Roy and her parks and recreation department because of the growth that’s displayed by the young attendees at each activity.

“These events are so fun,” Roy said. “For me, it’s just so fun to see the kids grow,” Roy said. “This year, coming into our second year doing this, sometimes we see the same kids week after week. It’s fun seeing their eyes light up at different aspects of these STEAM events. It’s really neat seeing them come out of their shells as they get used to the space, the people and the activity. It’s cool to see them learn and grow.”

Aside from the STEAM events, the City of Yelm is set to host several other events in May, including another installment of the LEGO mosaic build on Wednesday, May 13. The city will also celebrate the opening day of the Yelm Splash Pad on Saturday, May 23.

Finally, a City of Yelm Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Yelm City Park on Monday, May 25.

To stay up to date with events and activities happening within the City of Yelm, follow “City of Yelm — Government” on Facebook, or visit its website at www.ci.yelm.wa.us.

“Keep an eye out on our social media page or our website to see what’s coming up,” Roy said. “We have a ton of offerings in the summer. Yelm, during the summer in general, is such a fun time with the Lions Club’s Movies in the Park, Prairie Days, the barbecue rally, Jazz in the Park and the Yelm Farmers Market. There’s something going on all the time. Keep an eye out. Come out and meet your community. Get involved. Get engaged. We’re excited to be part of what makes Yelm so special.”