What’s Happening for Dec. 26

Through Jan. 6

Oly on Ice: The seasonal ice rink on the new Isthmus Park at 529 Fourth Ave. W. in downtown Olympia is open through Jan. 6, including Christmas Day from noon to 6 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. New Year’s Day. General admission, including skates, is $12, or $10 for youth (4-10), $10 for seniors (55 and older), $3 for toddlers; discounts are offered from military, foster and first responder families. For more information about special events and discounts, call 360-440-7573 or go to http://olympiawa.gov/city-services/parks/recreation/oly-on-ice.aspx

Wednesday

LBA Park work party: The work party will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the park, 3333 Morse-Merryman Road SE, and work will focus on spreading wood chips along the jogging trail. Volunteers should meet near the covered sign just inside the park off the upper parking lot. Information: bit.ly/2Sc7kbF.

Thursday

Elected officials sworn in: Thurston County Elections will host a swearing-in ceremony for recently elected officials at 2 p.m. at the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. Sheriff John Snaza will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst and U.S. Rep. Denny Heck will address attendees. Free and open to all. The elected officials to be sworn in include Thurston county assessor, auditor, clerk, commissioner District No. 3, coroner, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, treasurer, District Court judges and Public Utility Commissioner District No. 1.

Timberland Regional Library board meeting: The board will meet at noon at the library system’s Administrative Service Center, 415 Tumwater Blvd. SW, Tumwater. The agenda includes adopting the 2019 budget, adopting an increase in the tax levy for 2019, and setting the nonresident borrower fee.

Jeff Evans’ Amazing Magic Show: Evans will present two free shows this day. The Olympia magician will perform an all-ages show from 10:15-11 a.m. at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, and another at 1:30 p.m. at the Tumwater Timberland Library, 7023 New Market St. SW. Information: trl.org.

Saturday

Help build Priest Point Park trail: Did you know the Washington Trails Association has created a new trail in the southern part of the park? Funded by an REI grant, the trail provides better access for the Northeast Olympia neighborhood. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a work party will spread gravel on the new 600-foot trail. Park on the southbound side of East Bay Drive, across from Howard Avenue. Signs will be posted. Meet at the top of Howard Avenue.

Monday

Noon Year’s Eve Party: The Hands On Children’s Museum is hosting its popular “Noon” Year’s Eve Party from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families can count down to the New Year without staying up until midnight as the museum offers ball drops on the hour starting at 10 a.m. In the spirit of a Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, there will be special costumed guests, music, dancing, and parades throughout the museum. Young visitors are encouraged to come dressed as a character from one of their favorite storybooks. The event will feature whimsical art and science activities including the chance to make a Harry Potter Wand, create a Good Night Moon bubble print, explore engineering and pneumatics with the Three Little Pigs, see live chemistry demos, and make Oobleck with “Dr. Seuss.” The event is free for museum members and is included in the price of admission for non-members. Pre-registration is not required. Information: https://www.hocm.org/noon-years-eve/.

Tuesday

Lacey Polar Bear Plunge: Join fellow enthusiasts in this chilling New Year’s ritual of plunging into the lake, rain or shine, (or stay on shore and watch) at 1 p.m. at Long Lake Park, 2790 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey. The fun starts at noon with live music; the plunge is at 1 p.m. Free; all ages welcome.

First Day Hikes: Washington State Parks invites the public to start the new year off with a First Day Hike at nearly 40 state parks across the state. Jan. 1 also is the first of 12 Washington State Parks free days in 2019. Park visitors will not need to display the Discover Pass on vehicles to access state parks for the New Year’s Day activities. Most participating parks will offer refreshments. Get more information at parks.state.wa.us/calendar.aspx. Here are the local hikes:

• Lake Sylvia State Park, Grays Harbor County: Join a park ranger on a 2-mile hike along the lakeside trail and through lowland forest, or take a shorter stroll with a Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia (FOSLS) Parks. Cap off the walk with hot cocoa and cookies provided by FOSLS. Meet at 1 p.m.
• Twin Harbors State Park, Grays Harbor County: Hike through a wooded area to a dune trail and the vast Pacific Ocean beyond. Learn about about the history of the area on this mile-long walk. Meet at 10 a.m.
• Lewis and Clark State Park, Lewis County: Spend a couple hours under towering cedar and fir trees strung with lichen and moss, strolling through a lush understory of ferns. Begin this family-friendly activity in the CCC kitchen shelter with a warm fire, drinks, snacks and a short presentation on the park’s wildlife. Meet at 10 a.m.
• Twanoh State Park, Mason County: Walk the Twanoh Creek Trail for 3 miles from the beach, up the creek and among old and mature second-growth trees. Bring binoculars to spot birds and wildlife. Meet at 10 a.m.
• Dash Point State Park, Pierce County: Take a 3-mile hike on the beach and through forests with Washington State Parks Foundation staff to learn about the park’s trees, plants and birds. Dash Point staff specifically encourage military veterans and their families to come and enjoy nature in a supportive setting. Meet at 10:30 a.m.
• Millersylvania State Park, Thurston County: Enjoy old-growth forest, orchards, wetlands and lakeside views on this 2.5-mile ranger-led amble. Coffee and snacks will be provided before and after the hike. Meet at 9 a.m.

This story was originally published December 26, 2018 at 2:43 AM.