What’s Happening for Dec. 16
Wednesday-Friday
Lacey Santamobile: The Lacey Fire District 3 Santamobile will cruise the following neighborhoods this week: Campus Glen/Campus Highland on Wednesday, Avonlea/Stonegate on Thursday and Skyridge/Oakcrest/Mountain Aire Farm on Friday. Information: laceyfire.com.
Wednesday-Saturday
Tumwater Santa Mobile: Santa and his elves will be driving his antique open-cab fire engine down the streets of Tumwater, passing out candy canes provided by the Fire Fighter’s Union and collecting gifts of food or money for the Thurston County Food Bank. Santa and the Elves leave the Tumwater Fire Department North End station weekdays at 6 p.m. and return between 8 and 9 p.m. On the weekend, they leave at 4 p.m. and don’t return until 9 p.m. All outings are weather-dependent. The schedule is: Linwood, Sapp Road and Simmons Mill on Wednesday; Alpine Village, West Lee and Palermo Valley on Thursday; Somerset and Westbridge on Friday; and Mirasett, Bronington and Kirsop Village on Saturday. Information: 360-754-4170 or tumwaterfire@ci.tumwater.wa.us.
Wednesday
Literary Gingerbread House Contest Crafting Session: Create a gingerbread scene from your favorite book at an all-ages crafting session from 3-6 p.m. at the Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St. SE. Community voting for your favorite entry runs Dec. 18-30, with an awards ceremony Jan. 2. Refreshments and prizes will be provided. Information: 360-491-3860.
Thursday
Olympia Tumwater Foundation Noon History Talk: Free monthly talk features Dave Nicandri, retired director of the State History Museum in Tacoma, speaking about his new book, at noon at the Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater. Seating is on a first-come basis, and doors open at 11:30 a.m. Information: olytumfoundation.org, 360-786-8117.
Friday
‘Wrapping Up The Holidays’ Toy & Fund Drive: The staff of Mixx 96.1 KXXO and volunteers will be at the corner of State and Washington streets in downtown Olympia from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. collecting toys and cash for families in need. O Bee Credit Union will match the first $2,500 received. Recipient groups include the Holiday Connection (a consortium of area nonprofits) and Barb’s Family & Friends. Information: mixx96.com.
Saturday
40th Annual Holiday Peace Vigil: The annual vigil will be from noon-1 p.m. along Fourth Avenue West, along the south side of Percival Landing and in front of Heritage Fountain. Signs will be provided, but participants may bring their own. Local musicians are expected, and free refreshments will be provided after the vigil. The vigil is free, but the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation will accept donations to support its work for nonviolence, social justice and peace.
Turn of the Tides Festival: Join in the fun at this free family-friendly winter solstice celebration that includes educational booths, local artists, activities, arts and crafts, hot cocoa, tea, coffee and clam chowder donated by Taylor Shellfish. Native storyteller Gene Tagaban will take the stage from noon-1 p.m. The festival is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at South Sound Estuarium, 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia. Information: 360-561-1486 or sseacenter.org.
Lewis County Concern for Animals: Low-income pet owners can sign up to receive free cat and dog food from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Lewis County Animal Shelter, 560 Centralia Alpha Road, Chehalis. Pet owners must sign up in advance by calling 360-456-8176, and provide ID and proof of low-income status. All pets must be spayed or neutered.
This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 8:01 PM with the headline "What’s Happening for Dec. 16."