Olympia sought to expand its property tax jurisdiction, leveraging a state law that granted weighted voting power to commercial real estate owners over residential owners.
Northern homeowners feared being swallowed up by Olympia. They wanted to avoid being governed by a city that didn’t prioritize residential needs. They wanted to manage their own affairs. So, in 1966, to prevent further annexations by Olympia, Lacey officially incorporated.
Over the next five decades, hostilities between the two cities escalated. In the 1990s, T-shirts and bumper stickers with the slogan “LACEY SUCKS” became popular.
However, Lacey and Olympia are more alike than many realize. They have roughly the same number of residents. I say it’s time to bridge the divide. Lacey is not merely an endless retail wasteland; Olympia actually has more acres zoned for commercial retail. And contrary to popular belief, Lacey is not a toxic wasteland. In fact, Lacey boasts more acres of public parks than Olympia.
Please consider Lacey for your next outing. Or at least, step out of your car and explore. Lacey has its own unique beauty.
A Fourth of July celebration in Thurston County, as seen in this undated photo.
David Scherer Water | For The JOLT News
Fireworks
In the early 1960s, Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater reached a fireworks compromise. Lacey got the night before Independence Day. Tumwater secured the rights to the actual holiday, and Olympia was banned from municipal fireworks displays within 10 days of the Fourth of July. This is why Olympia holds its fireworks on the third Sunday in July.
It’s just a rumor that there was a period of near-constant fireworks-related unrest, where everything from bottle rockets to military-grade ordnance was launched across city borders. No fireworks were fired into city council chambers or any other public buildings. The situation never escalated, the governor never threatened to call in the National Guard, and no celebrities brokered a settlement. The arrangement was worked out peacefully.
If you absolutely must see municipal fireworks on the Fourth of July, you’ll have to go to Tumwater. Be sure to bike or walk, or you’ll be stuck in traffic for hours. The single-lane bridge is the only exit from the massive parking area. As of this column’s publication, cars are still exiting from last year’s event.
The Exit 108 sign for Sleater-Kinney Road S. along Interstate 5, as seen in this undated photo.
David Scherer Water | For The JOLT News
Sleater and Kinney
Sleater had a farm south of present-day Lacey. Kinney had one several miles to the north. At the time, there was no road connecting their farms to Pacific Avenue, then the main highway to Seattle and Portland. These farmers weren’t the type to wait for government handouts. So, to transport their produce to market, they paved their own road connecting the two farms and named the street after one of Olympia’s most famous bands.
David Scherer Water explores absurdity in local culture through the lens of comedic nonfiction. He is the author of a history book and this column. Both have the same title. Discover more of his work here.
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SheriB
Why doesn’t Lacey have a different Zip Code from Olympia?
Wednesday, April 2 Report this
CaptObvious
@SheriB
It does…98503
Thursday, April 3 Report this
Bobwubbena
We have lived in the area since 1968—first living In Lacey during the early years of their formation. Tthen in the County between Lacey and Olympia and now near downtown Olympia. At first they were all “petty” and not nice neighbors to each other. They finally grew up and now normally work together. Sometimes better than others. Lacey is the most progressive and Olympia is still trying to grow up. The future will be better if we all work as one urban area
Thursday, April 3 Report this
DaveinOlyWA
In the time I've been here, Lacey has transformed from Olympia's black sheep baby sister to a city that now outshines its elders. Despite many hurdles put up by Olympia, the RAC has become a runaway success bringing untold millions into the area to the point that even Olympia now grudgingly admits "might" have been a good idea after all.
But it wouldn't have happened without Lacey's all in commitment to get it done.
Sop when you think "Another hotel??" Bear in mind; the RAC has created such a demand for hotel rooms, even Pierce County is benefitting from it. So yeah! WE NEED MORE HOTELS!
SheriB; Lacey has a post office in case you didn't know.
Thursday, April 3 Report this
Snevets
Why was it named after an abusive husband?
Thursday, April 3 Report this
KateMullany
"and named the street after one of Olympia’s most famous bands."
Is this a joke? Sleater-Kinney the band took their name from the road, not vice versa.
Thursday, April 3 Report this
COLHOTY22
Olympia is what was, Lacey is what is, and Tumwater is what will be
Saturday, April 5 Report this
TheGreatAnon
Matt (?), he of Lacey Sucks T shirt fame, made his original bones with a porno shop & a dozen jerk off booths on Pacific Ave & I-5.
The more you know...
Saturday, April 5 Report this