'Whimsy in the Park' in Smokiam Park May 30

May 18-SOAP LAKE - People are being invited to let their inner Victorian croquet player - or Alice in Wonderland croquet player, or court of Henry VIII croquet player - pick up a mallet at the first "Whimsy in the Park" in Soap Lake. Costumed - or not - croquet players and all other whimsical types are being invited to Soap Lake's Smokiam Park East Beach from noon to 8 p.m. May 30.

"Whatever your style is, come to the park," said Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce president Karen Woodhouse.

Costumes featuring all things fantasy or croquet are encouraged.

"It could be anything," Woodhouse said.

It's sponsored by the Soap Lake Chamber, and Woodhouse said Chamber members are working to get the word out about Soap Lake.

"It's a new event. We're trying to come up with some events to bring people in," she said.

Along with croquet, the park will be filled with lawn games, performers, a face painting booth, a photo booth, food vendors and other attractions. There will be costume contests for children and adults.

Woodhouse said organizers are looking for additional performers.

"We could use a few more food vendors," she said.

The Chamber could use some volunteers to help out on May 30 too, she said. She's had a good response from volunteers so far, she said, but more are needed.

Organizers chose "Whimsy in the Park" as the name because it gave them a chance for a unique theme every year. While croquet and fantasy are the focus for 2026, it could be very different in 2027.

"It could be anything," Woodhouse said. "That will give it a fresh twist each year."

People who want to volunteer or set up a booth can contact Woodhouse by email at [email protected].

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