Sit on Santa’s Lap

When you’re a kid nothing is better than going to see Santa at the mall at Christmas time. One year I actually brought a JC Penny catalog with me and showed Santa all of the things that I wanted, I don’t think my Mom is ever going to let me forget that one. Looking back now the coolest thing about that visit with Santa was the card that you got at the end with your Polaroid picture in it. But alas those days are gone and now you get roped into buying the whole photo package when you go to the mall.

However, Renton totally has it covered with Santa’s House at the Piazza Renton and this is the last weekend to take your list or catalog to Santa. The Piazza totally beats standing in line at the mall, the cold air keeps you alert and the beautiful decorations keep you oohing and ahhing  and there are no high-pressure photography sales people trying to sell you a deluxe package. I can’t tell you how busy it gets there because we went last year and there was no crowd, but last year it also snowed 12 days in a row so I think that was a fluke. Anyways, you would stand in line at the mall too.

Kiss The Frogs Photography is taking free photos that maybe downloaded or posted all over the web and of course you are welcome to bring your own camera as well. Kiss The Frogs is awesome they took the photos for the Olde Fashioned Halloween Party and they just do a great job.

Santa’s House at The Piazza happens this Friday, December 18th from 5-7pm and Saturday, December 19th from 1-4pm. After you get the list taken care of take a walk to The Met to warm up with a hot chocolate, coffee, glass of wine or a beer it is just up the block on the corner of Burnett and 2nd Street.

I just want to say thanks to the Downtown Renton Businesses and the Downtown Renton Events Committee, without your hard work this event wouldn’t happen. It is events like these that make Renton such an awesome community to be a part of, thank you.

 

It Is Not Too Late….

When I was at City Hall today I overheard someone talking about the Salvation Army Giving Tree and they said that even though today is the last day to donate toys they will continue  to take donations for the next two days. It was so awesome to see how many toys were around the tree already but there could always be more.

So, it is not too late to give some Christmas to a stranger and to yourself. Please drop your donations off at the Renton Community Center or Renton City Hall (I am sure there are more locations but those are the ones I saw, check the website) on Wednesday or Thursday – they will accept late donations. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, self “what do I buy” well the Salvation Army has got you covered on that with their gift buying tips webpage.

 

Last Day For Letters To Santa

Today is the last day to drop off Letters to Santa at the Renton Community Center. Kids can write to Santa and get a response directly from the North Pole but letters need to be in the mailbox today. Please make sure that your child’s letter includes their names and addresses so a return letter can find its way from the North Pole.

Kids are encouraged to write about their favorite memories of the past year and tell Santa about the most wanted item on their Christmas List.

The Renton Community Center is located at 1715 SE Maple Valley Highway.

 

Honoring Hereos

Tomorrow, December 7th Renton Police Officers, Fire Men and Women, Elected Officials and citizens are invited to come to The Rock Wood Fire Pizza and Whistle Stop Ale House from 5pm-8pm to show support for the recently fallen officers of both Lakewood and Seattle.

The Rock and Whistle Stop are the meeting places for all to come and honor the fallen and the current men and women who risk all to protect us everyday. Donations will be collected on behalf of the families of the Lakewood Officers but according to the event organizer neither restaurant will be giving a portion of that nights proceeds to the families, which seems odd to me. If this information is incorrect please let me know so that I can correct it.

If you would like to donate money directly to the families of fallen Lakewood Police Officers please click here to be directed to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild website. I think this benefit is a great way for Renton residents to show their support for our local officers and the recently fallen and hope that the restaurants also contribute. If my information is wrong please let me know and I will change it immediately.

 

Do Your Shopping Here

Mary is throwing her annual happy delusions Holiday Party this Saturday, December 5th from 4-8pm and you are invited. Come and do your holiday shopping and support the coolest shop in the DTR. I truly mean that last statement, I am not just saying that because Mary is my friend.. Hi Mary, miss you this week.

Anyways, happy delusions has gifts for everyone. Jewelry, ceramics, clothing, one of a kind pieces of art, local Etsy crafters and so much more stuff. This is a great place to shop for those people who are hard to shop for. It is always my first stop for holiday shopping.

So, stop by the shop while you are out enjoying the festivities on Saturday night or come down to DTR just for this or else…..

 

Get Into The Holiday Spirit

If you are looking for a way to really embrace the holiday season you should consider putting the lighting of Clam Lights and the arrival of Santa at the Piazza Renton on your calendar.

Clam Lights at Lake Washington kicks off on Friday, December 4th at 6:30pm with the official tree lighting at 7:15pm. Clam Lights is crowded so either come early to get a parking spot or be prepared to walk in. We braved the crowd last year to witness the tree lighting and stuck around for the “Parade of Boats” and we will be doing it again this year as well.

On Saturday, December 5th Downtown Renton will be buzzing with holiday activity starting at 3pm. Dickens Carolers and local carolers will be on hand singing all of the holiday favorites while the smell of roasted chestnuts fill the air on 3rd Street between Wells and Williams Ave. I don’t think it gets any more Norman Rockwell than that.

After the carolers are finished head over to the Piazza Renton for the tree lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus. Santa will be on-hand for pictures so make sure you bring your camera.

This is another opportunity to connect with our community and enjoy some of the great things that Renton has to offer. I know for sure that volunteers will be on hand at both events handing out flyers regarding the annexation to KCLS so be on the lookout.

 

Time Flies…

Hope your calendar for December is not already filled up because there is a ton of stuff to do in Renton during the month of December. All of the events that I know of going on around our awesome city are here.

Tree Lightings, Clam Lights, The Nutcracker and Santa at the Piazza Renton are just a few of the special holiday things happening, in addition to all of the great stuff that normally happens during the month like Magic Monday’s at Liberty Cafe or the  wine tastings all around Renton. The possibilities are endless.

As always feel free to contact me and let me know of any event that I may have missed, I would love to hear from you. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

 

Help Keep Someone Warm

These days there is a lot of talk on the radio, T.V. and newspaper about people not having enough to eat during the holiday season. If people are having a hard time getting their bellies filled up I can only imagine that they are also struggling to keep warm as the temperature dips lower and lower. However, there is a way that we can help those who are having a hard time keeping warm and that is the Coat and Blanket Drive that is going on through November 30th at the Renton Community Center.

The Renton Community Center is looking for people to donate new or gently used coats of all sizes for men, women and children and blankets for those in need. I know that I have a few jackets lying around that Sammy has grown out of but the blankets are sparse in our house seeing as how we are from AZ and all. If you don’t have any of these items lying around the house the thrift stores, Value Village of Renton excluded, have very reasonably priced blankets and jackets all the time.

The Renton Community Center will be closed starting tomorrow, November 25th through Friday, November 27th for a furlough day and the Thanksgiving Holiday so put your donations by the door and drop them off on Saturday. Unfortunately, there is no additional information to be found on the City of Renton website but if you have any additional questions you can call the Renton Community Center at 425-430-6700.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your generosity during the cold season.

 

2009 Hassle Free Holiday Bazaar

The 2009 Renton Hassle Free Holiday Bazaar is happening this Friday and Saturday at the Renton Community Center. This must be a huge event because people have been searching it all week on the blogosphere and there are signs all over Renton.

There will be over 100 vendors on hand at the Renton Community Center showcasing all of their handmade crafts. This is a great way to get a jump on your holiday decorating needs and even your holiday shopping all while supporting some local artists.

There will be soaps, lotions, jewelry, photography, home and garden decor, wearable, glass and leather to just name a few. I am really looking forward to browsing tomorrow with Sammy in the hopes that I can get some Christmas shopping done.

The 2009 Hassle free Holiday Bazaar happens Friday, November 20th from 11am-6pm and Sunday, November 21st from 9am-5pm at the Renton community Center. For more information or directions to the Renton Community Center click here.

 

 

K9 Candy Cane 5K

It is not too late to pre-register for the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk which happens on Sunday, December 6th at 9am. For those of you who pre-register by November 24th you pay only $23 to participate in the fun run and you also get a T-shirt. If you register after the 24th the price goes up to $28 and you do not get the shirt, you do the math.

This event is for everyone. Runners, walkers, kids, seniors, strollers, dogs and anyone else who wants to pays to run with a group of people. Three dollars of the registration fee goes to support Renton’s Offleash Dog Park and participants are encouraged to bring some pet food to help restock the shelves at the pet food bank.

The run/walk starts on the Cedar River Trail at the Renton Community Center and continues along the river to the Renton Senior Center where runners then loop back to the Community Center. After the run Santa will be on hand for photo-ops for all of those who make it back, just kidding it is only a 5K.

You can download the registration form here or visit the City of Renton website for additional information. Like all events that happen around Renton this one would not happen without sponsors so here is a big thank you to Fleet Feet Sports, Micheal J. Scoles DMD and Aussie Pet Mobile.

Thanks for reading and get those registrations in before November 24th to lock-in your T-shirt.