What’s Happening for Dec. 15
Friday
Alternative Gift Fair: Local non-profits will promote their work, offer gifts and goods, sign up volunteers, and accept donations at this event from 5:30-8 p.m. at Flourish, 112 E Fourth Ave., Olympia. Nonprofits include GRuB, Friendly Water for the World, Rachel Corrie Foundation, Pizza Klatch, Slow Food Greater Olympia, and South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust.
Alleluia Handbell Ensemble: The ensemble will present the third program of the 2017 "Fridays at the First" concert series at noon at First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. S.E., Olympia. Coffee and cookies are provided at 11:30 a.m. Free, with any donations going to the musicians. Kids are welcome.
Saturday
Holiday Peace Vigil: Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation is again organizing its annual vigil from noon to 1 p.m. along West Fourth Avenue at Percival Landing. All are welcome to participate. Signs are provided, or participants may bring their own. The Artesian Rumble Arkestra will perform. Free hot soup and light refreshments will served after the vigil. Participation is free, but Olympia FOR will accept donations to support its work. Information: Marilyn Dungan at 360-701-5980 or info@olympiafor.org; www.olympiafor.org
4th Annual BiblioBall: The Olympia Timberland Library transforms into a grand ballroom for this event, when guests can dress as fairies, gnomes, sprites, a literary character, or in formal wear. The event runs 6:30-8 p.m. and offers dancing, refreshments, a fashion show, nature crafts and a photo booth. Free and all ages. Music by The Bow Weevils, an old-time stringband from Olympia. Free tickets available at the Youth Services desk. No library services will be available. The library is at 313 Eighth Ave. SE. Information: 360-352-0595 or TRL.org.
Ken Lake Photos with Santa: Visit The Lights At Ken Lake and get professional photos with Santa. Pictures are free, but photographer Katie Campbell suggests a $5-$10 donation to the Thurston County Food Bank. Location is 2228 Lakemoor Drive SW, Olympia. Information: https://katiecampbellphotography.shootproof.com/ Since this is an outdoor event, it is weather dependent.
Saturday & Sunday
Faux Snow Days at Children’s Museum: Olympia Mountaineers will host their annual snow shoe event at the Hands on Children's Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Mountaineer volunteers will help children strap on a pair of snow shoes and navigate down a snow path. Participation is included with children's museum admission, which is $12.95 for those ages 2-64; $10.95 for those 65 and older, as well as military, first responders and foster children with valid ID.
Winter concert: The Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation will host two performances of a winter concert, “The Road Home,” at 2 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday, featuring the OUUC Choir and guest musicians and directed by Troy Arnold Fisher. The church is at 2315 Division St. NW, Olympia. Information: www.ouuc.org
Sunday
Reindeer Run: Crime Stoppers South Sound will host the annual Reindeer Run at the Hands On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia. The race times are 8:45 a.m. for the 1-mile Kid’s Candy Cane Fun Run, followed by the 5K run/walk starting at 9 a.m. Registration for the kids run is free; the 5K is $30 per person.
Caroling on the Docks: Boston Harbor Marina will host its fourth annual holiday sing from 4-6 p.m. at the marina, 312 73rd Ave. NE, Olympia. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. Information: 360-357-5670.
Heaven and Nature Sing Concert: St. David of Wales Episcopal Church will host the Women of Note vocal ensemble from Mason County who will perform this concert at 3 p.m. The church is at 324 W. Cedar, Shelton.
Monday
Messiah Sing-Along: Come to sing or come to listen to the most popular selections of Handel’s Messiah directed by John Welsh and performed by musicians from Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) and members of local choral groups. Free and open to all; scores available for purchase. The music begins at 7 p.m. at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
Tuesday
Gift of Giving Children's Christmas Shop: The King's Storehouse at Northstar Church of God in Tumwater will host this free event from 3-7 p.m., and all are welcome. Kids can pick out free gifts for their parents and other loved ones (with help, if needed) from 3-7 p.m.; a free dinner will be served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Gifts also can be wrapped. The church is at 6820 Capitol Blvd. SE, Tumwater.
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This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 2:23 AM with the headline "What’s Happening for Dec. 15."