Saturday, Nov. 23
“Jonny Boy Strong” silent auction and dinner
Join 5-year-old Jonny Jennerjahn and his family from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Yelm Senior Center for a silent auction and dinner in efforts to fundraise for the child’s battle with DIPG — a form of brain cancer. Doors for the event will open at 2 p.m., followed by dinner at 2:30 p.m. Bidding on items will begin after the doors open, and the auction itself will conclude at 5 p.m. Donations of items and money are both being accepted.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Anytime Fitness Turkey Trot
Yelm’s Anytime Fitness, partnered with Yelm’s Parks and Recreation department, will host the gym’s annual Turkey Trot 5K beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, at the Yelm Community Center. The route will take participants down the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino trail.
Monday, Dec. 2
Gingerbread house contest and food drive
Yelm City Hall is accepting gingerbread creations from community members from 7:30 a.m. to close Monday, Dec. 2. Three categories will be featured, including 10 and under, 10 to 16, and 16 years or older. All gingerbread houses must fit on a 12-inch-square base. Community members can bring in canned tuna, canned chili or boxes of ziplock bags to vote for their favorite gingerbread house. Donations will be accepted on Dec. 6 during pictures with Santa, on Dec. 7 at Christmas in the Park, and at Yelm City Hall from Dec. 9 to the 11th during normal business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5
J&I Holiday Social
J&I Power Equipment will host its “J&I Holiday Social” event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, at its location in Yelm, 16510 106th Ave. SE. The event will have light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, a hot cocoa bar, a craft station and an opportunity for a photo with Santa. At the event, there will also be a drawing to win a STIHL GTA26 handheld saw.
Friday, Dec. 6
Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
The City of Yelm will celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, at Yelm City Park, 302 Second St. SE in Yelm. Following the conclusion of the tree lighting to signify the start of the holiday period, there will be free photos with Santa inside the Yelm Community Center.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Christmas in the Park Parade
Yelm’s Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Christmas in the Park Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade course begins near Yelm Cinemas and travels up Yelm Avenue toward the Yelm City Park. Community members can line the streets to help celebrate Yelm’s annual Christmas tradition.
Yelm Lions Club 13th annual Christmas Store
The Yelm Lions Club, 301 Yelm Ave. W., will host its 13th annual Christmas Store event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at its location in Yelm. Children under 12 years old can select a gift for each adult in their household, and the entire family can enjoy a free pancake breakfast.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Yelm Cinemas annual toy drive
Yelm Cinemas, located 201 Prairie Park Lane SE, will host its annual toy drive and movie event beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the theater. Participants will gain free entry with a donation of an unwrapped toy. The movie being shown at Yelm Cinemas will be the Christmas themed Elf, starring Will Ferrell.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Cocoa Trail Fun Run
Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department will host the “Cocoa Trail Fun Run” beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at Yelm City Park, SE 115 Mosman Ave. Participants must register for the event online and can do so at https://bit.ly/4cSV4oZ.
