What’s Happening for Dec. 18
Friday (Dec. 18) -Saturday
Tumwater Santa Mobile: Santa and his elves will drive 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. During the week, Santa and the elves leave the Tumwater Fire Department North End station, 405 Linwood Ave. SW, at 6 p.m. and return between 8-9 p.m. On the weekend, they leave at 4 p.m. and don’t return until 9 p.m. All outings are weather dependent: Somerset and Westbridge on Friday; and Mirasett, Bronington and Kirsop Village on Saturday. Information: 360-754-4170 or tumwaterfire@ci.tumwater.wa.us.
Friday (Dec. 18)
Wrapping Up The Holidays toy and fund drive: The staff of Mixx 96.1 KXXO and volunteers will be at the corner of State Avenue and Washington Street in 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. Information: mixx96.com.
Lacey Santamobile: The Lacey Fire District 3 Santamobile will cruise Skyridge/Oakcrest/Mountain Aire Farm on Friday. Information: laceyfire.com.
Saturday
BiblioBall at Olympia library: The Olympia Timberland Regional Library’s BiblioBall returns after last year’s larger-than-expected turnout with more fun, activities, music and dressing up. This year’s theme is A History Hop Formal Affair. Everyone is invited. The band Hot Club Sandwich will perform and refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to wear costumes from literature or history, and “fancy dress” is encouraged. The BiblioBall runs 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Olympia Timberland Regional Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia. For more information, call 360-352-0595 or go to trl.org.
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 on 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.
Singalong with the Yelm Chamber Orchestra and Choir: Christmas favorites, starts at 7 p.m. at $5 per family, at the Tirad Theater, 102 Yelm Ave. E., Yelm.
Wednesday
A White Christmas singalong: Free singing and Christmas cheer starts at 7 p.m., at the Triad Theater, 102 Yelm Ave. E., Yelm.
Thursday
“A Christmas Story”: Starts at 4 p.m. for $5 per family, However, if you’re short on cash, they’ll will pick up the tab. The Triad Theater, 102 Yelm Ave. E., Yelm.
Dec. 31
Mason County Senior Center fundraiser: Buffet dinner followed by dancing at 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at the Mason County Senior Activities at the Pavilion Event Center, 190 Sentry Drive W., Shelton. Open to adults 21 years and older. Membership not required. Ample parking. Cost is $20 per person. All proceeds support senior center operations. Tickets on sale at the center or by mail: Mason County Senior Activities Center at the Pavilion Event Center. Mailing: P.O. Box 1066, Shelton, WA 98584. Information: 360-426-7374 or email info@mcsac.net.
Jan. 1
Swedish Pancake Breakfast: The traditional New Year’s Day breakfast is returns to Fords Prairie Grange from 8 a.m.-noon. The menu: authentic Swedish pancakes, served with lingonberry butter and/or hot strawberry preserves, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee (all-you-can-eat). Adults $7; kids 12 and under $4. Ford’s Prairie Grange is at 2640 W. Reynolds Ave., Centralia. Take Interstate 5 to Exit 82; go west on Harrison Avenue to Reynolds Avenue and turn south. The Grange is situated behind Ford’s Prairie Elementary School. Information: 360-918-1356.
This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 7:49 PM with the headline "What’s Happening for Dec. 18."