While it's easy to quantify Oly as just a hippie, college town - that's only partially true. A large portion of the population is proudly blue-collar. The most amazing part of all of this is the two demographics - shoeless hippies and hardworking grunts - come together every year for Lakefair, meshing farmer tans with hacky sacks, and creating a fairly unique event disguised as just another summer festival. Think carnies, cotton candy, live music, volleyball, fireworks and all the usual trappings - Olympia style.

LAKEFAIR, noon to 10 p.m. July 18-19, noon to 11 p.m. with parade at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, noon to midnight with fireworks at 10 p.m. Sunday, around Capital Lake and Heritage Park, Fifth and Water Street, lakefair.org