Seattle, WA

Last shopping weekend before Christmas but that’s not all there is to do!

Santacon
When: Saturday, December 20th, 2008, 12PM
Where: Start at Noon in the International District, Uwajimaya
$$$: Free, but you must dress like Santa Claus. Santacon begins at International District, various locations.

Dress up in your best rendition of jolly old Saint Nick and rampage through the streets of Seattle with a bunch of people dressed just like you! The Seattle Cacophony Society’s annual Santacon is upon us, and it might be best to simply join in the revelry lest you be trampled by a pack of Father Christmas wannabes.

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Winter Solstice Fire Festival
When: 12/20/08 - 12/21/08; 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Seattle Center
$$$: Free

A dynamic outdoor performing art installation combines words, movement, music, fire performances, and luminaries to honor the return of the sun from the dark days of winter. The procession begins outside Fisher Pavilion and moves to the International Fountain. The event is part of Seattle Center’s Winterfest celebration.

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Handel’s Messiah
When: 7:30 p.m. 12/20 and 3 p.m. 12/21
Where: Great Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave. (enter on 8th Avenue),; 206.652.4255
$$$: Advance tickets are $22/$19, Children 6-16 admitted free with paying adult. Children under 6 not admitted. $25/$22 at the door.

Seattle Baroque Orchestra led by Ingrid Matthews and the Tudor Choir under the direction of Doug Fullington return for two performances of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. Their much lauded period version of Handel’s most famous creation filled Town Hall—a warm and intimate setting in which the rich complexity of the score can be heard perfectly.

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Winter Solstice Fire Festival
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 4pm – 9pm
Sunday, Dec. 21, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Seattle Center, International Fountain and South Fountain Lawn,
$$$: Free

The Winter Solstice Fire Festival, a spectacular Winterfest premiere, radiates flames and fiery drama. Towering steel infernos will illuminate the darkness, along with dynamic movement and music – all to celebrate the Solstice return to light.

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Wright Spirit
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2008: 10:00am-2:00pm (All-Day)
Where: Museum of Flight

Celebrate the Wright brothers’ first flight, along with the spirit of the season! Santa will arrive by helicopter at 10 a.m., and then he and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the Great Gallery until 2 p.m. Performances include the Seattle Lutheran Bell Choir, which will play traditional and contemporary holiday melodies at 11 a.m., and the Boeing Employees’ Orchestra of Flight at noon.

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>>>>>>>Page 2: Last weekend for these great events! Don’t miss out.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the J!
When: Sunday, December 14 Noon–3 p.m. Free.
Stroum Jewish Community Center
3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island
Phone: 206.232.7115, ext. 269

Celebrate Hanukkah in traditional style with a candle-lighting ceremony, live music, games, kosher latkes and more at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. Celebrants may also participate in ceramic workshops, where they’ll learn how to craft their own menorah and dreidel, dreidel, dreidel. Everyone is welcome.

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Tots Chanukah Concert
When: Saturday, Dec. 20th, 4:00 PM - 6:00 pm
Where: Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4TH St, Bellevue, WA 98008-4317
Phone: (425) 603-9677

Pre-Hanukah gathering for young children. Join Rabbi Kinberg, Rabbi Mirel, Cantor Serkin-Poole and Asher Hashash as we celebrate Hanukah. There will be songs, games, crafts and food!

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Sha’arei Tikvah - Gates of Hope, Chanukah Celebration
When: Sunday, Dec. 21st, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4TH St, Bellevue, WA 98008-4317

A Hanukah Celebration for People of All Abilities. A community-wide celebration for everyone in the community, including persons with developmental disabilities or persistent mental illness, their families and friends. Led by Cantor David Serkin-Poole and co-sponsored by Jewish Family Service and the Seattle Association for Jews with Disabilities.

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Family Chanukkah Party
When: 12/21/2008 at 3:00pm
Where: Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, Unity of Bellevue, 16330 NE 4th Street, Bellevue, Washington
$$$: Requested donation $18 per family; $10 for individuals.

It’s a time for song…games…and eating as we bring the entire family together for this special Chanukah celebration! Everyone is invited to join our community as we sing, dance, eat latkes and suvganiot (otherwise known as Jelly Donuts!). There will be special activities for the children, including dreidels, crafts, applesauce and cookie making. Rumor even has it there may be a talent show!

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Hanukkah on Fire
When: Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 8:00pm until Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 2:00am
Where: At Nectar Lounge (412 36th Ave NE Seattle, WA )
$$$: Free

Jconnect Seattle and Birthright Israel NEXT present- Hanukkah on Fire, a Hanukkah celebration that will burn on into the night! Featuring the musical stylings of international funk and hip-hop stars Big World Breaks who will be featuring GodSpeed , okanomode aka SoulChilde, SiriuS during the course of the evening. Also performing live will be Sasson who play klezmer that makes you want to dance. DJ Leftovers will also be there spinning music throughout the evening. ALSO, not to be missed is a special giant menorah lighting done by Fire Dancer Kimberly Gay to kick off the show and later on a Hanukkah Burlesque performance by Miss Indigo Blue (who was recently featured in Heeb magazine’s “Heeb 100”. For those that are fans on Latkes, we will have a Latke Cart on hand serving up Latkes all night with all the fixins’ that you could ask for (really just sour cream and applesauce). We will also have drunken dreidel, prizes and givaways!

Last two weekends left for this one…

Winter Wonderland Hayrides
When: Saturdays, December 13 & 20, 10 AM – 3 PM
Where: Seward Park, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard S, Seattle, WA
$$$: $5

Join a Seward Park Audubon Naturalist for a hay wagon ride around Seward Park during our Winter Wonderland Hayride Programs. Amongst the scenery of the magnificent old growth forest and our beautiful Lake Washington, Audubon staff will make nature and winter come alive. Come learn about the human and natural history of the park and hear some of the legends and lore of pacific northwestern animals and plants in winter. Plus, winter birds are here and you’ll see chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, and more!

Hayrides leave every hour on the hour and last approximately 45 minutes. Rides will be conducted regardless of weather conditions unless deemed unsafe.

Space on the wagons is limited. To reserve your space(s), call the Center at 206-652-2444 x100 or by email.

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Last weekend for this one:

Holiday Carousel
When: Saturday, Dec. 13th
Where: Westlake Park, Fourth Avenue and Pine Street, Seattle
$$$: Donation

There’s usually a line to board this 1906 Parker Carousel, but it’s worth the wait. Climb onto a marvelously carved and painted horse or sit in one of the coaches, listen to the tinkly holiday music, and try to get pictures of the kids without losing your balance. The waiting area is undercover, but it’s unheated. If you’re coming with impatient toddlers, consider coming at off-hours to avoid a wait, or line your pockets with M&Ms and hope for the best.

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Festival of Lights & Cookies with Mrs. Claus
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Country Village 23732 Bothell Everett Highway Bothell, WA 98021
$$$: Free

Experience the enchantment of the season at Country Village! Thousands of twinkling white lights outline each building and you’ll love the many whimsical light displays including a Fiddling Pig, Sea Serpent in the pond, a flapping Dragonfly, marching Ducks and more. Children can meet Mrs. Claus and sample one of her fresh baked cookies from 12:00 to 3:00 pm both days. No charge. Also, collect the Country Village Shop owner’s favorite cookie recipes: each participating shop will have their favorite cookie recipe on hand. Reindeer rides on Saturday (only)

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24th Annual Jingle Bell Run & Walk
When: Sunday, December 14 2008, 8:00am
Where: Westlake Center, 400 Pine St, Seattle, WA
$$$: $25 per participant including an official Jingle Bell Run & Walk T-shirt, ($35 on the day of the event) and children 8 & under are $10.

The Jingle Bell Run & Walk is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Funds raised provide vital funding for research, programs and services to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases for over 2.2 million people living with arthritis in the Pacific Northwest.

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Here is a delightful recipe compliments Salty’s of Alki Pastry Chef Jane Gibson.

3 to 4 individual servings

TART

3 tablespoons Hazelnuts, ground
1 cup Vanilla Wafer Cookies, ground
1½ tablespoons Sugar
2 tablespoons Butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small bowl combine all ingredients and mix well by hand until crumbly and dough holds together when squeezed. Press evenly into a thin crust in individual pie tins. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

PASTRY CREAM

1 cup Sugar
¼ cup Water
3 cups Whole Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Gelatin
½ cup Corn Starch
4 Egg Yolks

In small saucepan over medium-high heat combine sugar and water. Cook until mixture becomes thick and looks like caramel. Whisk in milk and vanilla. In a separate small bowl, bloom gelatin in cold water. Set aside. In a separate bowl combine cornstarch, egg yolks and salt. Mix well. When caramel mixture comes to a boil, temper with the egg mixture – Tempering 101: To “temper” means you want to bring the temperature of the cold mixture to the same temperature as the hot mixture. So, add a little bit of hot mixture to the cold mixture and whisk (so you do not scramble the eggs!) until it is warm enough to add it all together. Then combine the egg mixture into the caramel mixture and whisk until thick. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add gelatin and stir well. Cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm place until skin starts to form. Chill and then scoop into baked tart shells.

CARAMEL RICE CRISPIES

½ cup Sugar
¼ cup Water
pinch of Salt
1½ cups Rice Crispy cereal
¾ cup Hazelnuts, chopped

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat combine sugar, water and salt and cook until sugar dissolves and mixture caramelizes. In a large bowl combine rice crispies and hazelnuts. Add caramel mixture and stir until well coated. Pour hot mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and spread into a thin coating with a spatula. When cool, break apart and sprinkle on top of tart for garnish.

Enjoy!

Green Lake Pathway of Lights
When: December 13th, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Where: Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N., 98115
Community Center Information: (206) 684-0780

The pathway around Green Lake will be lit up to celebrate the holiday season. Parks dept. asks that you bring two cans of food to donate to Northwest Harvest the night of the event.

Note: The Center is seeking volunteers to help place and light the luminaria from 4 - 5:15 p.m. Individuals, businesses, community organizations, and school groups are welcome to participate. The Center also needs helpers to clean up after the event from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

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Seattle Center Holiday Bonfires
When: Dec. 13, 27, Saturdays, 5pm – 7pm
Where: Outside Fisher Pavilion
$$$: Free

Take a mid-weekend break from the seasonal frenzy and share in warmth and music around the crackling flames of a bonfire. Songsters and storytellers will lead the music as ambers illuminate the night.

Dec. 13 – This bluegrass sing-along features the 3-piece Pickled Okra on acoustic guitar, mandolin and banjo leading the holiday songs with a twang and some pickin’.
Dec. 27 – Husband and wife storytelling, banjo-guitar duo Rich and Robin will bring traditional children’s and holiday songs to life with their sprightly style and spunk.

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Santa’s Lights Tour
When: Saturday, December 13, Buses depart at 7 p.m.
Where: All trips will depart from 2nd Ave. S. and S. Main St., across from the Seattle Fire Department Headquarters.
$$$: Fares are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (65 and over) and $4 for children (2-11). Metro transfers, tickets, or passes are not accepted.

Santa Claus takes time out from his busy schedule at the North Pole for a 2 ½-hour tour of Seattle’s best Christmas lights.

The spectacle begins at 4pm with a performance recognizing the Winter Solstice. Orbis and Solaris create a dynamic outdoor performing art installation that weaves together words, movement, music, fire performances and large luminaries to transform the Seattle Center International Fountain into a stunning celestial wonder.

At the conclusion of the performance, around 5pm, the sculptures in the open spaces around the International Fountain will be illuminated; and throughout the evening, fire performances by local artists will entertain as audiences take in the brilliant works.

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Winter Solstice Fire Festival
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 4pm – 9pm
Sunday, Dec. 21, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Seattle Center, International Fountain and South Fountain Lawn,
$$$: Free

The Winter Solstice Fire Festival, a spectacular Winterfest premiere, radiates flames and fiery drama. Towering steel infernos will illuminate the darkness, along with dynamic movement and music – all to celebrate the Solstice return to light.

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Wright Spirit
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2008: 10:00am-2:00pm (All-Day)
Where: Museum of Flight

Celebrate the Wright brothers’ first flight, along with the spirit of the season! Santa will arrive by helicopter at 10 a.m., and then he and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the Great Gallery until 2 p.m. Performances include the Seattle Lutheran Bell Choir, which will play traditional and contemporary holiday melodies at 11 a.m., and the Boeing Employees’ Orchestra of Flight at noon.

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Gingerbread Village
When: November 25 - January 4
Where: Sheraton Seattle Hotel Lobby, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-621-9000

Bundle up the family and head to “Holidays in the Northwest” at upscale City Centre where Sheraton Seattle’s culinary staff and city architecture firms have teamed up to create a life-size gingerbread wonderland, utilizing 1200 pounds of dough and 800 pounds of icing for their edible creations. An annual event for the past 15 years, the sugary village draws over 100,000 visitors each year and benefits the Northwest Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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Teddy Bear Suite
When: November 26 - December 26 10am - 7pm daily
Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 866-840-8402

Designed by Kevin Bradford, a Seattle-based interior and event designer, and brimming with dozens of fluffy teddy bears, the Teddy Bear Suite welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the holiday season. Take holiday photographs, read one of the teddy bear-themed children’s books and enter to win tea in The Georgian. Donations taken at the Teddy Bear Suite benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

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Snow at Pacific Place
When: November 28 - December 31 6pm daily
Where: Pacific Place, 600 Pine St # 228, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-405-2655

The snow falls every evening inside the atrium. While you’re there, get your gifts wrapped by the Forgotten Children’s Fund volunteers (located near the Barnes & Noble entrance). You’ll probably also run into one of the several caroling groups this year. Be sure to purchase the annual Pacific Place Snowglobe which benefits Seattle’s Childrens Hospital.

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>>>>Page 2, including many FREE events!

The public can now buy permits to cut their Christmas trees on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest through Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Cutting areas are located within national forest lands in the eastern portions of Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Maps and information about cutting areas are provided where permits are sold at ranger stations and the Verlot and Glacier Public Service Centers. Additionally, REI’s Alderwood Mall store will sell permits now through Dec. 24. Permits cost $10 each, one tree per permit, with a tree height limit of 12 feet. The permits are nonrefundable.

Trees taller than 12 feet require a special permit at a minimum price of $20. Credit cards will not be accepted at Forest Service offices, however the REI at Alderwood Mall will accept credit cards. Forest Service offices and REI at Alderwood Mall are closed Thanksgiving Day. Forest Service offices may close early Nov. 26, so call ahead for operating hours. REI’s operation hours are available at www.rei.com/stores/alderwood/.

Plan to purchase a parking permit at a ranger station if the Christmas tree cutting trip includes parking in a designated Sno-Park lot. Getting a tree early before substantial snow falls usually means better access on forest roads. “Set out early in the day to allow for maximum daylight and let friends or relatives know where you are going and when to expect you back,” said Forest Service’s Dave Kendrick, who oversees the Christmas tree permit program. Most trees are accessible only by narrow, unplowed mountain roads. High-clearance vehicles are often required along with tire chains and a shovel. Check ranger stations for advance road and weather information, or go online to www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

Holiday Breakfast and Santa Photos
When: 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m., December 13, 2008
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Avenue, Seattle, WA
$$$: Members: $28.75 for adults; $16.75 for children ages 3-10; free for children ages 2 and under. Cost for non-members: $35.50 for adults; $21.75 for children ages 3-10; free for children ages 2 and under.

The zoo’s Rain Forest Food Pavilion offers a delightful buffet breakfast and a mini-performance of The Nutcracker. Buffet features an omelet station, scrambled eggs, potatoes, crepes, bacon and sausage, Danishes, mini-muffins, fresh fruit and beverages. PLUS: don’t miss a visit from Santa! Advance reservations and pre-payment required. For more information and reservations, call 206.548.2662. Additional cost for Santa photos.

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Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers
1400 6th Avenue (located in downtown Seattle)
Dates: December 13, 14, 20 & 21
Time: 9:30am to 11:00am
Phone: 206-547-1290, Reservations required
$$$: Children (12 and under)…$25.00 …… Adults…$50.00
(Price includes a holiday breakfast for children and adults, traditional holiday entertainment and a keepsake ornament for the kids!)

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Auburn Breakfast with Santa
When: 12/13/2008 8:30:00 AM
Where: Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St SE (Activity Center), Auburn, WA
$$$: Children: $5.00 / $7.00, Adults: $6.00 / $8.00. Register early. Event fills up fast! 8:30 am and 11:00 am seatings.

A chance for your little one to tell Santa exactly what’s on their list! A yummy breakfast and great entertainment. Join us!

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Breakfast with Santa, Mountlake Terrace
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 8am
Where: Mountlake Terrace High School, 21801 44th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
$$$: $4.00 - $6.00
Purchase tickets: http://www.mthsmusicboosters.org, 425-775-7013

Additional ticket information: Tickets may be purchased at the door for breakfast ($4-$6). Optional holiday pictures are an additional $6-$8.

Mountlake Terrace High School Music Boosters breakfast with Santa, pancakes, eggs, sausage, entertainment by music groups from MTHS and other local schools, holiday pictures (with or without Santa) produced on-site, 8 a.m.-noon; event benefits MTHS music program.

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Can’t make breakfast? How about brunch?

Salty’s Santa Brunches
Alki - Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.;
Redondo - Saturdays, December 13 and 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.;
Columbia - Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visit Salty’s on select Saturdays and Sundays in December and get your photo taken with Santa! (Please call for details.)

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Icon Grill Brunch with Santa
1933 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 441-6330
December 13-14

The menu looks fantastic!

While some families, like mine, enjoy cooking up a storm at the holidays, not too many of us look forward to the clean up. Some of you (*gasp*) don’t like to cook at all. To avoid the hassle of cooking and cleaning up, you might consider going out. Some of Seattle’s best restaurants will be dishing up fabulous meals that will leave your belly full and happy and your kitchen pristine. Here are a few great restaurants to choose from:

Salty’s
Redondo or Alki
Online Reservations
or call Redondo at (253) 946-0636 or Alki at (206) 937-1600
$$$ Redondo: Adults - 39.99, Kids 10-12 - 17.99, Kids 6-9 15.99, Kids under 5 - Free
$$$ Alki: Adults $54.95, Ages 9-12 $31.95 , Ages 5-8 $15.95, Under 5 free, No senior prices. Please Note: Beverages not included. ..
Menu: Buffet Style - Redondo, Alki

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13 Coins
125 Boren Avenue North, Seattle
$$$: $23.95
Reservations: 206-682-2513
Menu:

Starter House Salad or Cream of Potato Leek Soup
Oven Roasted Turkey
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Turkey Gravy
Traditional Herbed Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Candied Marshmallow Yams
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie or Pumpkin Cheesecake

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Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Reservations: (253) 627-3535
$$$: Adults $36.95, Kids 12 & Under $1595
Menu: Special Three Course Menu offering traditional Thanksgiving favorites as well as vegetarian option, pot roast and dover sole.

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Ponti Seafood Grill
3014 3rd Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98109
Reservations: (206) 284-3000
Online Reservations
$$$: $39 adults, $15 children 12 & under
Menu: Three course feast, All entrées served with traditional herbed stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes with gravy, Garnet yam gratin, green beans, baby carrots, and spiced cranberry sauce.

Entrée Selections
Rosemary and Thyme Herb Roasted Free Range Turkey
Grilled Wild Coho Salmon
Herb Crusted Chairman’s Reserve Prime Rib Steak with Pan jus
Vegetarian Cassoulet ~ with Braised Kale

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Daniel’s Broiler
809 Fairview Place North
Seattle, WA 98105
Reservations: (206) 621-8262
Online Reservations
$$$: The entrée price of $49.95 is for the complete four-course dinner.
Children 6-10 $12.95, Children 5 and under Free.
Coffee and tea service, tax and gratuity not included.
Menu: Start with an Autumn Relish Tray, followed by clam chowder or a salad, choose an entree of roast turkey, prime rib, roast pork or salmon and finish off with creme brulee, chocolate torte, ice cream or pumpkin pie!

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Salish Lodge
6501 Railroad Avenue SE
Snoqualmie, WA
Directions
Reservations: 800.2.SALISH (800.272.5474)
$$$: $79, $75 for the Vegetarian Menu (Buffet is $62 and $29 for young adults)
Menu: Dining Room, Buffet
Whole Roast Turkey with yukon gold potato puree, winter vegetables, cranberry, currant and vanilla relish, herbed sausage and sage stuffing, old fashioned turkey gravy.

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Here is a great option for Vegans and Vegetarians:

Carmelita
7314 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle WA 98103
Reservations: 206.706.7703
$$$: 4 courses vegan or 4 courses vegetarian $48 per person (exclusive of beverage, tax and gratuity)
Vegan Menu:

SOUP: Cranberry bean bread soup with sage oil

SALAD: Roasted squash, parsnip and carrot with cinnamon vinaigrette
and candied pumpkin seeds

ENTRÉE: Roasted yam and farro cake with Swiss chard, spiced cider reduction,
pear and pomegranate salad

DESSERT: Caramelized apple tart with sweet potato ice cream

Vegetarian Menu:

SOUP: Butter roasted cauliflower soup with walnut oil

SALAD: Roasted squash, parsnip and carrot with cinnamon vinaigrette,
candied pumpkin seeds, Gorgonzola

ENTRÉE: Lemon, ricotta ans spinach ravioli, roasted garlic cream, sage-mushroom ragu

DESSERT: Spiced pumpkin tiramisu

If your least favorite part of Thanksgiving is cooking the bird then why not buy it cooked this year? There are several stores and restaurants that will do all or part of your holiday cooking for you. It’s easy, convenient and a lot less messy!

To gobble, gobble, gobble and not cook, cook, cook this holiday season. Here are some places you can obtain pre-cooked turkeys and all the fixins.

• Metropolitan Market
  Seattle, Tacoma & Federal Way locations

  Metropolitan Market is offering fresh, oven ready, Turkey, Prime Rib and Ham. Free delivery is available throughout the city of Seattle. Modest delivery charges may apply to outlying areas. Thanksgiving meal delivery is available on Wednesday, November 26 from 7:00am-6:00pm only. Free pick-up at any of their six Metropolitan Market Locations – Admiral, Queen Anne, Uptown, Sandpoint, Proctor or Dash Point. Orders will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, November 26 from 10:00am-6:00pm and on Thanksgiving Day, November 27 from 8:30am-1:00pm.

• Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ
  1918 NW 65th St.
  Seattle, WA 98117
  Ph: (206) 783-0454
  Fax: (206) 784-5400
  
  Order an all natural smoked turkey or let Pete’s cook it for you. Complete Thanksgiving dinners are available starting Tuesday, November 25. Turkeys may be picked up cold or hot, Complete Dinners are packed cold, with reheat instructions. Deadline for orders is November 24, but keep in mind that they have sold out earlier so get your order in early. Complete dinners for 6 with all the trimmings, including pie for just $99!
• Whole Foods
  All Locations
  Roosevelt Square 206.985.1500 • Westlake 206.621.9700
  Enter in your zip code and click on the Holiday Menu for options
  To Order: Special orders for holiday dinners, desserts and turkeys will be taken November 6-23
  from 11 AM-7:30 PM daily. Call or visit your favorite location. Pricing Effective Nov 12th - Dec 2nd
  
  Get your gourmet Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings and a $10 coupon off any pie for as little as $99. Garlic mashed potatoes, green beans with shallots, turkey gravy, dinner rolls, maple herb butter, savory herb stuffing and a 10-12 lb turkey. Feeds 6-12. You also have the option of lamb, ham, organic turkey or even a vegetarian menu.
• PCC Natural Markets
  All locations
  Fremont, 206-632-6811; Green Lake, 206-525-3586; West Seattle, 206-937-8481;
  
  Relax during this busy season by ordering a delicious holiday meal from PCC. Your family and guests will enjoy a fabulous dinner with tender, all-natural meats; homemade sides; and wholesome, flavorful desserts. Best of all, our meals require only heating and serving while focusing on the healthy, fresh ingredients that are a hallmark of PCC. You may pickup holiday meals between November 15 and December 31. Prime rib dinners will be available for pickup starting December 1. Please place your orders at least 48 hours in advance of your desired pickup date by using our online order form or by calling or visiting any PCC Deli. Serve this all organic meal for 6-8 people for just $80. $130 serves 8-10. Choices also include ham or vegetarian/vegan lazagna!
• Pasta & Co.
  All Locations
  
  This Thanksgiving, focus on friends and family and let Pasta & Co worry about the food. We’ll provide all your Thanksgiving Day favorites, from roasted turkey breast to the perfect mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing to a delicious pumpkin dessert. Call or stop by one of our four convenient locations by November 24th and pick up your order by closing on November 26th.
• Foodz Catering
  301 Queen Anne Avenue North
  Seattle, WA 98109
  Phone: (206) 297-9634
  Fax: (206) 216-9200
  
  If money is no object ($360) and you have 10 foodies, then Foodz menu is certainly drool worthy. You’ll start with tantalizing little appetizers like Apple, Bacon and Feta Puff Pastries and fig & caramelized onion tartlets. Next you’ll enjoy a silky pureed bisque made with homemade stock, caramelized onions and Madeira. Your whole roasted turkey will be brined in a brown sugar and apple cider vinegar marinade and stuffed with an herb sage butter, and slow roasted to perfection. Homemade cornbread tossed with sauteed celery, onions, smokey bacon, and rich turkey stock. Fresh green beans tossed with a sweet, slowly roasted onion jus. Sweet baby carrots flamed in a glaze of brandy, browned butter, and honey. Baby red potatoes smashed with sour cream, and laced with smoked cheddar cheese and chives. Traditional rich turkey gravy finished with dry sherry. Cranberry fig chutney. Autumnal pumpkin cheesecake topped with fresh whipped cream. Apple pie topped with cinnamon butter crumble.
  
  Oh my, I think I just had a foodgasm!
• Salty’s
  Seattle, Tacoma or Portland
• Target Superstores
  All Locations?
  
  A full Turkey dinner (or choose Ham) with all the trimmings for $70. Includes your choice from 4 pie selections, Apple, Apple Berry Rhubarb, Bourbon Pecan or Pumpkin Pie. Feeds 8-10 people.
  
  Appetizers:
  
  * Stone Ground Wheat Crackers
  * Pumpkin Cheese Spread
  
  Main Course:
  
  * Fully Cooked Butter-Basted Turkey
  
  Side Dishes:
  
  * Homestyle Stuffing
  * Traditional Mashed Potatoes
  * Turkey Gravy
  * Americana Vegetable Blend
  * Green Bean Casserole
  * Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish
  * Ciabatta Rolls
  
  Bonus:
  
  * Signature Coffee
• HoneyBaked Ham, they may be a chain but they make a mighty fine ham and I hear their turkey is also excellent.

Those are a few suggestions for you. I’m sure there are lots more out there. I’d love to hear about your experiences ordering Thanksgiving to go!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

I just love all the big and little holiday craft markets that spring up in November and December. Here are some that I’ve come across for this year:

13th Annual Christkindlmarkt
Festhalle, Leavenworth, Wa
November 28-30, 2008
Friday 11:00 – 7:30
Saturday 10:00 – 7:30
Sunday 10:00 – 3:00

The annual Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth, WA is a traditional German-style outdoor market. If you have to pick just one Christmas market to go to then this would the the one. It’s an all day outing for the entire family with craft booths and food booths, workshops, children’s crafts, holiday music and everything you could wish for in a Christmas Market.

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Magic in the Market
Pike Place Market
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Beginning at noon under the clock, Santa will be by the vintage truck. Stop by and take your own photos of your family with Santa. Enjoy making holiday crafts and the tunes of the Dickens Carolers. Donate 5 cans of food for the Downtown Food Bank and receive a free eco-friendly shopping bag. At 4 p.m. a live concert of instrumental holiday music will warm up the crowd for the 5 p.m. lighting of thousands of lights in the Market.

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Hilltop Holiday Craft Show
Northwest Arts Center, 9825 NE 24th St, Bellevue WA
December 3, 4 and 5, 2008 - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 6, 2008 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$$$: Free Admission

Browse, shop and enjoy thousands of quality crafts from some of the Northwest’s finest artists and craftspeople. See details for more information.

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21st Annual Victorian Country Christmas
-The Puyallup Fairgrounds
-Wednesday-Saturday, Dec. 3-7th, 10am to 9pm
-Sunday 10am to 6pm. Free Parking

Step back in time as the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup are transformed into a Victorian village featuring old-fashioned streets lined with over 530 Victorian stores, tended by shopkeepers in Victorian attire. Entertainment abounds at A Victorian Country Christmas! Visit the beautiful KMPS Holiday Jubilee Theater and see elaborate stage shows and concerts every hour on the hour including: Stardust Follies, The Silver Spurs Country Western Revue, the Singing Nativity and more. Check back soon for other exciting concert and entertainment updates.

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Kent Holly Jolly Day
Downtown Kent, Washington
Saturday, December 6, 9am – 6pm
$$$: Cash and donations kindly accepted

This jolly event benefits the Kent Food Bank. Start your day off with a Holly Jolly Waffle Breakfast at Maggie’s on Meeker for just $5 then walk it off at the Holiday Bazaar. Take a stroll with the Mayor and ride the carousel. Meet the Kent Fire Department, horse drawn carriages, see Santa and watch the tree lighting. Sounds like a great day out to me!

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3rd Annual Urban Craft Uprising
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
December 6 & 7th, 2008, 11am-5pm

Crafts, jewelry, fun hats, etched glassware, candles, artwork, quilts, hand made soaps and so much more! Urban Craft Uprising is a community of crafters, dedicated to growing the crafting community and showcasing the best indie crafts out there. Urban Craft Uprising’s second annual revolutionary craft fair, held in December of 2006, brought in over 100 vendors from all over the Northwest and over 6,000 fans excited to see fun, fresh, and funky urban crafts. I’m sure this year will be bigger and better. Report back and tell me all about it!

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Phinney Ridge Winter Festival and Crafts Fair
Phinney Neighborhood Center
6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, 98103
Dec. 6 & 7, 200810 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day
$$$: $2 for PNA members, $4 for the general public, plus a can of food for local food banks. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

This is Phinney Ridge’s biggest holiday event! Attracting more than 4,000 participants, the Winter Festival features two buildings filled with 115 high quality, juried crafts booths, live entertainment on two stages, a quilt raffle, a huge bake sale and lunch items.

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Mercer Island Holiday Gift Bazaar
When: Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m
Where: The Club Room at the Island Square Residence, 2758 78th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA, 98040

Featuring local gifts, jewelry, home décor, boutique wine tastings and other treasures from local artisans, it’s the perfect solution to escape mall madness. Better yet, shoppers will help embrace the season of giving – a portion of all event proceeds go to support Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, while many gifts offered by the vendors are also tied to socially-conscious causes.”

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21st Annual Seattle Sampling Holiday Tour of Crafts
Friday, Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m. • Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
See Website for participating studios

Visit 12 homes and studios of participating artists during our Holiday Sale and Open House in this self-guided tour. Look for our Seattle Sampling banner at all 12 locations. From beautiful hand built porcelain pieces to blown glass to fine jewelry to ornaments to handpainted & shibori dyed silks, this is a tour to savor.

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NW Holiday Arts Gift Show 2008
The Redmond Athletic Club, 8709 161st Ave NE, Redmond, WA
Saturday, Dec 13 11:00a to 7:00p
$$$: Free admission, Free parking

Billed as a diverse collection of 50 artists from the Pacific Northwest including, potters, painters, jewelry designers, photographers, bakers, sculptors and food specialties.

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If you know of any others or have one you’d like listed then please let me know!

Although I don’t see any Thanksgiving events in the works, I know that these two food banks are in desperate need of donations, whether you give canned goods or money or your time. All would be appreciated:

West Seattle Food Bank
White Center Food Bank

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8th Annual Jam for Cans
Highway 99 Blues Club, 1414 Alaskan Way, Seattle.
November 13th, 2008
Doors open at 5:00 - Show starts at 6:00
$$$: $8 or 8 cans of food

Enjoy a great night of live music, raffles and fun for Northwest Harvest. Over 30 of the Northwest’s most talented blues musicians performing. One hundred percent of the proceeds and food donations collected during the show will benefit Northwest Harvest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing hunger in Washington State. This year there is an overwhelming demand to help fill Northwest Harvest Food Bank. With the rise and demand for food and a drop in donations, there is a 10% increase for food from last year. Families are having to make choices between food, fuel or utilities. Washington state has ranked the eighth in the nation for the worst hunger problem. So this years 8th annual Jam for Cans show is more important than ever. The Northwest Harvest truck will be parked out front of the Highway 99 Blues Club and drive by donations are also welcome. Please come by the Highway 99 on Nov.13th to share in an evening of music, raffles, fun and support the Jam for Cans effort to help eliminate hunger in our state.

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2nd Annual Seattle Turkey Trot

Above Golden Gardens Park (32nd Ave NW and NW 85th St)
Thursday, November 27nd, 2008 - 9:00 AM
$$$: $20 entry fee, which includes a short sleeve t-shirt.

Get out and walk or run and help raise money for the Ballard Food Bank!

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Gethsemane Lutheran Church

911 Stewart Street (across for Greyhound)
Time Frame: 8AM - 2:30PM
Cut-off Date: Tuesday, November 25th

Help prepare, serve and clean up a wonderful Thanksgiving Day meal for Seattle’s homeless/low income community. Volunteers who have participated in the past found the experience heart-warming, a great way to give to the community, and, a whole bunch of fun. Volunteers arrive around 8:00 AM to set up tables and prepare the meal. Dinner guests arrive around 11:30 AM and volunteers serves coffee and offer fellowship to folks as they arrive. We begin to serve dinner from around noon to 1:30 PM and clean up is usually done by 2:30 PM. You are very welcome to attend the Thanksgiving Day Service at 10:00 AM.

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City Team Ministries

904 Elliott Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119
Phone: 206.352.1300

In celebration of Thanksgiving CityTeam Seattle is hosting a special dinner for our poor and homeless neighbors. On Sunday, November 23rd we will be serving up a warm Thanksgiving dinner to each hungry and homeless person who comes through our doors. During the holidays the poor and homeless can feel even more isolated so we want to reach out to them and give them hope.

If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Steve Randle at 206.352.1300 or at srandle@cityteam.org

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Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission

This Thanksgiving, you can offer a meal, hope and a chance for new life to the poor, homeless and hurting in Seattle. And it costs just $1.92. That means for just $28.80, you can provide meals for 15 hurting folks! Or feed 25 hungry neighbors for $48!

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission serves every meal with a generous portion of respect and dignity. For those who are accustomed to being treated with contempt and even disgust . . . this kindness can be life-changing. Plus, they offer each of their guests exactly the help they need to get off the streets for good: job training, domestic violence recovery, addiction treatment and more! For information on volunteering, click here.

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This weekend is your last opportunity to hit the Oktoberfest in Leavenworth. With live music, German food, arts and crafts, Bavarian clothing sale, and activities for the whole family, this is the next best thing to being in Munich!

Leavenworth Oktoberfest
When: October 17 - 18th, 2008
Where: Leavenworth, Wa
$$$: Adults Friday, $5, Saturday, $10. Children under 12 Free

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The 13th annual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival starts this weekend. Screenings, parties, and receptions are held at various venues around town including the Northwest Film Forum, Cinerama, Harvard Exit Theatre and the Broadway Performance Hall. The festival is the largest festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, and has garnered national recognition for showcasing extraordinary and award-winning work such as the premieres of Transamerica and Shortbus. Local filmmaking is also highlighted through short film programs and a special Super 8 Film Challenge. This year the festival will feature more than 70 film programs exhibiting over 165 films and videos from across the globe.

Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
When: October 17 - October 26, 2008
Where: Various locations
$$$: See Website

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Seattle Center continues with their year long series of cultural events from around the world this weekend as they present Turkfest. TurkFest celebrates the multiple cultures that link modern Turkey to both the East and the West. Traditional folk dance and music performances, art and textile exhibitions, food, shadow puppetry and more bring together the colorful ethnic communities of this country where diverse civilizations have co-existed for thousands of years. From the Hittites and Assyrians to Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, this country’s culture is a unique mosaic centered in one of the most dynamic regions of the world. Presented by the Assembly of Turkish-American Associations and the Turkish American Cultural Association.

Turkfest
When: October 18-19, 2008
Where: Center House, Seattle Center
$$$: Free

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Pumpkin season is here and how better to celebrate it than with the Elysian Pumpkin Beer Festival. Featuring great pumpkin beers from: Rogue, Big Time, Allagash, Cambridge Brewing, Midnight Sun, Jolly Pumpkin, Pike, Snoqualmie, Rock Bottom, Elliott Bay, Schooner Exact and more.

Elysian Pumpkin Beer Festival
When: Saturday, October 18 2008, 12:00pm
Where: Elysian Brewing Co, 1221 E Pike St, Seattle, WA
$$$:

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May 11th is Mother’s Day and I bet you’re already scrambling for things to do and places to go. Or maybe that’s just me. No, seriously, my father just told me that he’s whisking my mum away to the casinos. Nice of him to let me know, huh? Parents. Sheesh.

So, first off, let’s look at brunch venues. You know my favorites, right?

Salty’s Seafood Grill
at Alki or Redondo

Salty’s is a class act with a spectacular brunch offering. Their food is simply the best. Check out my review. Top that fabulous food off with a fabulous view and you will understand why Salty’s always ranks at the top of my brunch list. DO call for reservations and I suggest you call NOW! Salty’s is a popular restaurant and will fill up fast. I have to admit that my favorite of the two locations is Redondo. It’s just beautiful there and to me, it’s worth the drive. However, the Alki location is also great. Their Sunday brunch is just fantastic and well worth the moderate price they charge. Brunch will usually set you back about $35 per person. The staff is friendly and accommodating and if the weather is nice, sit out on the deck.

• Alki Beach – Seattle (206) 937-1600
• Redondo Beach – Des Moines/South Seattle (253) 946-0636
• Columbia River – Portland (503) 288-4444

The Salish Lodge

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this is hands down my favorite place to go for special occasions.

The Salish is offering up two menus this year. Their brunch menu will start you off with a glass of Northwestern Sparkling Wine, Mimosa or a Kir Royal. There will be baskets brimming with croissants, danishes and muffins. You’ll find an Omelette Station, a Seafood Station, a Carving Station and of course, a Dessert Station.

The Grand Buffet will have more traditional breakfast fare with buttermilk pancakes, old fashioned steel-cut oats with caramelized Wenatchee apples, brown sugar, raisins and almonds, artisan preserves and farmstead breads. Or you might like an omelette, served up with jumbo shrimp & smoked salmon herbed potatoes, savory marinara sauce, or poached eggs with crispy crab cakes, diced peppers herb shoestring potatoes and sauce béarnaise. You’re sure to find something you love at the Salish! ($49)

Campagne

Treat your maman to a bonne fête des mères at Campagne. Mother’s Day brunch hours are 9 AM to 2 PM. Of course they’ll be serving French toast, but not just any French toast. Oh no, theirs has been soaked in a bourbon egg batter. In addition there will be house-made dungeness crab and leek quiche, house-made chicken and mushroom sausage served with sautéed potatoes, country-style pork and chicken liver pâté and pan-roasted beef onglet served with pommes frites. Yum!

Mother’s Day Tea at Meeker Mansion
Where: Puyallup, Washington, USA
When: May 11, 2008

The Mansion will serve a formal Victorian Tea in three seatings per day, at 12:30, 2:00, and 3:30 p.m. The cost is $12.00 per person (includes tour of Mansion). Prepaid reservations are required! Please make your reservations early as this very popular event fills fast. Call 253-848-1770 for reservations or more information. Keepsake Photos Available

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The Seattle Opera is offering a Mother’s Day Tea, as well. Take mom to see I Puritani and make it extra special by treating her to an afternoon Tea before the show. Enjoy freshly brewed tea, a selection of finger sandwiches and sweets, and exclusive pre-show access to the Norcliffe Room lounge at McCaw Hall. Take a break from the crowds and spend some quality time with Mom on her special day.

Tickets for the tea and the 2:00 p.m. performance of I Puritani are sold separately and are available through the Seattle Opera Ticket Office at 206.389.7676 or 800.426.1619.

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If you’re kid’s mama is a comic book geek, and yes, I do know several female comic book geeks then consider taking her to the Emerald City ComiCon. The Emerald City ComiCon is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Northwest. There will be comic artists, exhibitors, and dealers looking to sell comic books, toys, magazines, and collectible cards. There will also be game tournaments, a Costume Contest, and several panels scheduled.

Emerald City ComiCon
Where: Washington State Convention Center
When: Sat 10a-6p, Sun 10a-5p
$$$: $30 for 2-day pass, $20 Sat, $15 Sun

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If your mom is a gardener she’d probably enjoy the Federal Way Buds & Blooms Spring Garden Tour & Festival. Buds and Blooms will be celebrating Mother’s Day with workshops and tours. They will also showcase three top Federal Way gardens, an old-growth wetlands and wildlife

When: Sunday, May 11 2008 @ 10:00 PM PDT - 04:00PM
Where: Federal Way
$$$: $3-$5

Free Shuttle to all festival sites. Recommended parking at the Bonsai/rhododendron Gardens both days, and The Commons on Saturday only.

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If you’re up for a little trip. You might want to check out MaiFest in Leavenworth. Celebrate Mother’s Day in Bavaria! Enjoy entertainment all weekend. Experience the Grand March and Procession including townspeople and vistors in Trachten (Traditional Bavarian Garb), horses and carriages, Leavenworth’s Beirwagon, Bernese Mountain Dogs and more! Join MaiFest dignitaries and speical guests in a salute to and celebration of MaiFest in Leavenworth with great live entertainment and traditional German dancing including the Maipole Dance. Stroll through the Bavarian Village of Flowers, visit all of our great shops and restaurants and tap your toes to oompa music! Sponsored by the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.

MaiFest
Where: Front Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826
When: May 9-11, 2008
Phone: (509) 548-5807

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Or head to Pacific Beach for the Sandcastle Competition. Sand sculptures on the beach. Professional and novice sculpt sand art. It could be a mermaid, it could be a hog on a Harley, it can be just about anything.

Pacific Beach SandCastle Competition
When: May 10th, 2008
Where: Address: Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, WA 98571
$$$: Free

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What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to get out and enjoy nature? Well, I’ll tell you. Enjoy nature AND clean up the planet! You can do just that at any Metro Park on Saturday from 9 to noon. Check out their website for more information.

If have a building project in mind, you may want to check out the sale this weekend at Earthwise where everything will be on sale for 10-50% off. Earthwise carries just about every item you could possibly want. Doors, windows, molding, cabinets, lighting, hardware and more! Not to mention appliances & tiles. You can also sell or trade your own recyclables there, too. Check them out!
or…

Join SCA, the University of Washington, and Seattle Parks and Recreation for a day of fun projects at the Washington Park Arboretum on Saturday, April 19.

What: Earth Day 2008 with University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) and Seattle Parks and Recreation
When: April 19, 2008, 8:30 – 3:00
Where: Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle
Who: SCA alumni, Conservation Leadership Corps members, SCA supporters, community members, SCA staff, UWBG staff, Seattle Parks and Recreation staff
Why: To celebrate our Earth, work together to beautify our community, get youth and community members involved.

Details:

• We will be working on a variety of projects around the Washington Park Arboretum. Something for everyone!
• Bring water bottle, sack lunch, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear, long pants, work gloves and boots.
• Directions to Washington Park Arboretum.

RSVP to join us on April 19th

or…

Leap for Green!

A sustainability fair for the community of Mercer Island, Washington, USA. Focus of the fair is the engagement of Children of All Ages in the issues surrounding sustainability and living lighter on the land. There will be book readings/signings, a Native American story teller and drummer, a reptile man, footprint calculators designed for different ages, a park planting event, mini-farmers market, a slide presentation of Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth and much more. It will be at the Mercer Island Community Center on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 from 10am to 2pm. Children come and bring your parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles!

Check here for more Earth Day events.

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