What’s Happening for Dec. 19

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. 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 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 can bring their own. 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 the fun at this free family friendly winter solstice celebration that includes educational booths, 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 identification 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.

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. Santa and the elves leave the Tumwater Fire Department North End station, 405 Linwood Ave. SW, at 4 p.m. and don’t return until 9 p.m. All outings are weather dependent: Mirasett, Bronington and Kirsop Village on Saturday. Information: 360-754-4170 or tumwaterfire@ci.tumwater.wa.us.

Wednesday

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 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 behind Ford’s Prairie Elementary School. Information: 360-918-1356.

Jan. 7

The Panorama Republicans: The group meets at 2 p.m. in the Quinault Auditorium, on the lower level of the Quinault Apartment building, 1835 Circle Lane, Lacey. Speaker Sharon Hanek will discuss Common Core, the federally mandated school curriculum that’s proved contentious in some states and school districts. Meetings are one hour and open to all. Information: Call Ron Bax at 360-438-5641 or email ron.ck722@gmail.com.

Jan. 21

Olympia Tumwater Foundation Noon History Talk: Free monthly talk features author Dennis Larson speaking about the building of Natches Pass, 1852-54, at noon, at Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, in Tumwater. Seating is first-come, and doors open at 11:30 a.m. Information: olytumfoundation.org, 360-786-8117.

Jan. 23

Oshogatsu in Olympia: Japanese New Year Celebration is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St.SE, Olympia. Live entertainment showcases traditional Japanese dance and music, taiko drumming and vocal performances. The event includes cultural activities, make and take crafts, demonstrations and an art exhibition. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. Proceeds benefit the Olympia-Kato Sister City Association.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 10:18 PM with the headline "What’s Happening for Dec. 19."