Perfect.

Nothing brings people out like a well-organized event, and Lakewood's third annual SummerFest did just that.

"This is just a great, great event," Mel Smith, a Lakewood resident, said as he cleaned his 1955 Martin alto saxophone.

"The citizens of this city cannot ask for a better event."

Thousands of area residents converged on Fort Steilacoom Park to enjoy a public market, a beer garden, tasty foods, live music performances, a colorful classic car show and an outdoor screening of Jurassic Park at dusk.

>>> Mel Smith cleans his 1955 Martin alto saxophone after performing at SummerFest. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

The weather certainly cooperated with blue skies, fair winds and a warm temperature.

Earlier in the morning, the SummerFest's Triathlon - featuring a half-mile swim at American Lake Park, a 14-mile bike ride through Lakewood, Steilacoom, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and a 3.1 mile run in Fort Steilacoom Park - ended as the festivities began.

>>> The cty of Lakewood's third annual SummerFest featured food, entertainment, a first class triathlon and some of the coolest cars in the area. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

Marty Owens and Bill Sullivan captured the spirit of the event perfectly.

"This event is very good; it's awesome," said Owens, a Tacoma resident and classic car judge.

"Lakewood should be proud of itself."

>>> One of the biggest attractions at SummerFest was the West Pierce Fire Department with its trucks, equipment and information booths. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson