The name LeMay is well-known in Tacoma and the surrounding area. It’s tough to miss the name LeMay on garbage and recycling bins throughout Pierce County, but its namesake Harold LeMay made his mark on the region as far more than a businessman. He was also an avid car collector, and his legacy lives on today especially at the LeMay Collections at Marymount.
The grounds of this former military academy turned car museum are home to more than 1,500 vintage vehicles from LeMay’s personal collection, as well as Americana, memorabilia that ranges from toys to farm equipment, a Rodin sculpture garden, and more…well…let’s just say there’s plenty to see. If you haven’t visited the LeMay Collections at Marymount (or even if you have), this summer is the perfect time as not only can you explore the exhibits, but you can also join in some fun events.
LeMay Beer, Brats, and Boogie
July 27, 2019, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
LeMay Beer, Brats, and Boogie is pretty much just what it sounds like. Beer? Check! Brats? Check! Live music? You got it!
There will be 10 beer and cider selections to choose from. 7 Seas Brewing Co. will be donating four brews (Axis Brut IPA, Rude Parrot IPA, Pilsner and Willie Mazie Hazy IPA). Pear Up Cider will bring a couple interesting ciders to try – Watermelon Pear and Ginger Pear. The catered food menu will, of course, include brats. Live music by The Funaddicts will keep the evening lively as they perform classic hits from the ‘60s, ’70s and ’80s. Expect hits by Foreigner, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival and others. In short, prepare to have a good time.
“This year we will have a full Show & Shine, dance with live music from The Funaddicts, and great party with local microbrews,” says Events and Marketing Manager Jeff Stewart. “One hundred percent of the proceeds will be going to maintaining the LeMay collection for future generations.”
The Show & Shine car show is open for pre-registration now, which will get you guaranteed club parking and a chance to win the Best of Show prize. There’s no additional charge to enter the Show & Shine. If you want to attend as a club, you can reach out to the event coordinator to reserve your space.
The event is 21+.
$20 general admission includes 5 beer/cider tokens and premier seating; $25 gets you assigned table seating and 5 beer/cider tokens; $200 reserves a full table of 8 attendees with 5 beer/cider tokens per person.
LeMay Annual Show
August 31, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What started as a small gathering of Harold and Nancy LeMay’s friends has grown by leaps and bounds to become an event attended by thousands of people. This year, the LeMay Annual Show is in its 42nd year and it will be a day to remember.
The Annual Show will offer a day of full-access to the LeMay Collections, including not only the 1,500 vintage vehicles housed at Marymount, but also cars on display by show patrons, and access to the LeMay family’s private garage (there will be a shuttle that will run between Marymount and the garages).
“Most people do not know this, but some of the first cars created were electric cars and were considered more efficient at the time,” explains Stewart. “This event will discuss the first electric cars as well as modern electric cars. Our catchphrase for the event is, ‘Was the future in the past?’ The event will also have a large show and shine and is one of the few times a year the LeMay private garages are open to the public. The private garages are an opportunity to see Harold LeMay’s private 300 vehicle garage, loads of Americana, collectibles and one-of-a-kind treasures.”
Those one-of-a-kind treasures include everything from vintage pin cushions, vintage radios, a few Fine Arts Collection or simply stroll the historic grounds, which were once the former Marymound Military Academy.
$15 general admission; $5 for students ages 6-17; Free for LCM members and kids 5 and under
The LeMay Collections at Marymount are located at 325 152nd Street E, Tacoma, WA 98445. For more information about these events or just visiting the collections, visit their website or call 253-272-2336.
