Olympia is so stinking cute. They have house parties and organic farms, a thriving music scene and artistic parades. Now they have one more reason to qualify as the coolest town this side of the mountains.

Enter the Love Our Local Fest.

Love Our Local Fest will shut down traffic and open up hearts at the intersection of San Francisco and Bethel Streets next Sunday, Aug 19, from 1 – 9 p.m.

“We focused on three things this year,” said Marie Poland, event organizer and member of Sustainable South Sound, “cultivating community, dwelling in possibility and celebrating our gifts.”

The street party will have live music all day, including Erav Rav, a gypsy fusion group and Brown Edition, local funk favorites.

In addition to music, there will be food, a kid’s area, an artisan market, inspirational speakers and skill workshops where folks can learn about composting or making kombucha.

The event is in its second year, and last year got such a positive response, that Poland couldn’t say no to doing it again.

“When someone first asked if we’d be doing this again, I wasn’t sure, but after so many people asked, the answer was definitely yes,” said Poland.

“We look at ways to celebrate the beauty we have as a community.”

Volunteers are still needed. Interested parties can contact Poland at 360.918.3740.