Submitted by Lewis County Historical Museum
The Chehalis Flying Saucer Party is happening in downtown Chehalis to celebrate the coining of the term “flying saucer,” and this year’s theme celebrates the 90s UFO craze.
Did you know that the term “flying saucer” came from a UFO sighting that occurred in Washington State? On June 24, 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold flew out of the Chehalis Airport in Lewis County and spotted nine unidentified flying objects over Mt. Rainier, adding not only “flying saucer” to the American pop culture lexicon but also kicking off the modern UFO era as we know it!
Each year, the Chehalis Flying Saucer Party honors this historic event – and this year, on September 22 and 23, we’re adding a theme to our party as we celebrate the 90s UFO Craze! Join us in beautiful downtown Chehalis, WA, as we remember a time when the X-Files and the Men In Black dominated American pop culture!
Festivities start on Friday, September 22 at 6 p.m. at McFiler’s Chehalis Theater with the Northwest Flying Saucer Film Fest – featuring Northwest-produced short films dealing with the UFO phenomenon.
Then on Saturday the 23, City Farm hosts a compelling lineup of expert speakers, including retired Navajo Ranger Jonathan Dover (Ancient Aliens, Unsolved Mysteries), Shanelle Schanz (Kenneth Arnold’s granddaughter), Vince Ynzunza (Pacific NorthWeird), and Scott Schaefer (Almost Live, Sightings, Bill Nye the Science Guy).
McFiler’s Bar & Restaurant will have free live music throughout the day and a costume contest dance party with a $100 cash prize for Best Costume! The Lewis County Historical Museum will have displays devoted to the “90s UFO Craze” and will also be the site of the annual “Saucer Drop,” where anyone can catch a flying saucer and win a prize! Tim Burton’s classic sci-fi comedy “Mars Attacks!” will play at McFiler’s Chehalis Theater, and there will be vendors at both the museum and City Farm.
VIP Packages are $55 and include access to all events as well as an event t-shirt and goodie bag! Individual event tickets are also on sale online here.
