Whimsy blooms by the lake

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake’s East Beach transformed into a storybook scene Saturday as the town hosted its first-ever Whimsy in the Park, a festival where imagination took center stage and fairies, pirates and gnomes roamed freely among flowers and laughter. 

Bright mushrooms dotted the grass, oversized blossoms framed winding paths, and bubbles floated lazily through the air as folk music drifted across the shoreline. Children in wings and crowns darted between lawn games and puppeteers, while adults embraced the spirit just as enthusiastically – some donning elaborate Victorian attire. 

“It’s great. I like to see the bubbles and the kids and all ages are here,” resident Eileen Beckwith said. “It’s wonderful, just seeing everybody have a good time.” 

The event, organized in part by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce, was designed as a family-friendly celebration of creativity and community. Chamber president Karen Woodhouse said the goal was simple: bring people together outdoors in a joyful, inclusive way. 

“We’ve got puppets here, we’ve got a bubble maker, we’ve got a trapeze artist,” Woodhouse said. “We have croquet with giant wickets all decorated with flowers. We just wanted something to be outside, having fun.” 

For its inaugural year, turnout exceeded expectations. Vendors lined the park selling handmade crafts, candles, clothing, and treats, while lawn games and activity stations kept families engaged throughout the day. Two days prior, the park was messed up by a regional storm; however, Soap Lake Public Works spent all Friday cleaning up the park for the event. 

“I am really proud of the work my guys do,” Public Works Director Eli Olson said. “We made sure the park was ready for the event. We had to come back out Saturday morning to do some final clean up, but I think it looked nice out there. I couldn’t have done that without the fantastic crew I have.”  

Woodhouse also thanked the public works department for their help to get the space ready for the event. Overall, she said she was happy with the turnout.  

“Pretty good for our first year,” Woodhouse said. “The vendors are happy; they’re making money, so they’re happy. Everyone is having a great time. I’m happy.” 

Still, she noted room for growth.  

“We could have used a few more food vendors, but next year we’ll do that,” she said.  

Across the park, whimsy took many forms. Visitors stopped to pose at flower-filled photo stations, tried out an aerial hoop with local instructor Zelda Merrick, or gathered to watch puppeteers bring playful characters to life. 

Katie Visker and her puppet, Frilly Manily, were among those delighting passersby. 

“I’ve never been to a whimsical festival, but this one is amazing,” Visker said. “There’s a bubble fairy, and there’s lots of music and magic all around.” 

Nearby, Jack Visker and his puppet Gerbert charmed a crowd of children. Though relatively new to puppeteering, Jack said the reactions make it worthwhile.  

“I got my puppet really recently; I love getting the reactions of people,” he said.  

For many, the atmosphere itself was the biggest draw.  

“I definitely really like the bubbles and the music and the dancing,” Katie said.  

The aptly named “bubble fairy” became one of the day’s standout attractions, crafting shimmering spheres with a handmade wand. 

“We’ve had so many little kids coming and enjoying the bubbles,” bubble fairy Dava Montgomery said. “Definitely seeing all the little kids in the costumes – that’s been so fun. So many smiles on their little faces.”

Local artisan tables and activity booths also added a hands-on charm. At one tent, library representative Evynn Olson helped guests create button keychains and bracelets. 

“Oh, I love it. I wish I was here sooner,” Olson said. “All the colorful costumes – I got to dress up today, so that was super exciting.” 

Food vendors found success amid the festivities as well. Gary Hayes, a first-time kettle corn vendor in town, said the event offered a sweet introduction. 

“Oh, it’s going fantastic,” Hayes said. “Everybody should be having a good time, just seeing all the kids enjoying themselves in their different costumes – it’s great.” 

For attendees, the sense of community stood out as much as the costumes and decorations. 

“It just feels relaxing,” said aerial instructor Zelda Merrick. “So many familiar faces, but also new faces.” 

Jenna Cleveland said she was impressed with the details.  

“I like the cute little photo ops everywhere; it seems really well put together,” Cleveland said.  

Vanita and Matthew Evans, who arrived in costume themselves, were delighted to see others embracing the theme. 

“I was curious how many people would show up in costume,” Matthew said. “And happy to see that we aren’t the only ones.” 

Vanita added, “Just seeing all the creativity around, it’s really fun for us.” 

From croquet lawns to an aerial hoop, puppet shows to floating bubbles, Whimsy in the Park offered something for every age. And if organizers have their way, the magic won’t be a one-time affair. 

“We want to make this an annual thing,” Woodhouse said. 

    Katie and Jack Viskar brought their puppets to East Beach Saturday.
  

    A young attendee attempts to pop bubbles as they exit the bubble machine at Whimsy in the Park Saturday.
  

    Vanita and Matthew Evans said they were excited to see other people in costume at the event.
  

    A young fairy waits for her prize during the children’s costume contest.