Around Town

Who couldn’t use a night out?

Ah, the holidays, a time for family … or maybe getting away from them. And I’m not just talking about the in-laws or that loudmouthed uncle who loves the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Maybe it’s just the kids. Maybe the parents need a night to themselves, or better yet, free themselves of their offspring to do some shopping to help out Santa Claus and his staff of elves.

If the above description fits you, the city of Mill Creek has a night for you: Parents Night Out.

Sponsored by the Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board, the event is one where parents can drop off children ages 4 and older while city recreation staff and Youth Advisory Board members take care of and entertain children in the community room at Mill Creek City Hall.

And don’t worry about your child’s safety: staff trained in CPR and first aid will be on hand. All they ask is that children be potty trained.

Two nights out, both running from 6-9:30 p.m., are scheduled. The first is next Friday, Dec. 1, and the other is two weeks later, Dec. 15. Reservations aren’t required, and children can be dropped off on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6 p.m. Organizers are asking for cash donations to support Youth Advisory Board events and canned food donations for the HopeLink Food Bank in Bothell.

For more information, call Chris Bailey at 425-745-1891.

A turn for the bazaar

The Mill Creek Lions Club third annual holiday craft bazaar is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2 at the Tri-Way Grange Hall, 3509 Seattle Hill Road, just east of 35th Avenue SE.

The event will have more than 35 artists and crafters. Every person who attends will receive a complimentary raffle ticket for an hourly prize drawing. The Lions Club will operate a snack bar and bake sale in the downstairs kitchen. All proceeds raised by the Mill Creek Lions Club will benefit those in need in the community.

Bridezillas? Not quite

The Mill Creek Garden Club is having its annual Christmas show and program at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the Mill Creek Country Club, 15500 Country Club Drive.

This year the holiday program is “Brides through the Ages” presented by Goodwill. Models will wear historic bridal dresses from the 1880s onward. There will also be a gift exchange and pianist Chad Merkley will perform holiday music.

Luncheon is $18 for members and $20 for guests. Membership is open to all gardeners and costs $25 per year.

For reservations or more information, call Marla Nulph at 425-918-1669 or Marlene King at 425-337-1316.

Uff da

The Bothell Sons of Norway are hosting a lutefisk and meatball dinner at their facility in Canyon Park on Dec. 2.

Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian dish made from air-dried whitefish, such as cod, soaked in a solution made from cold water and lye. The end product is a dish with the consistency of jelly that is, shall we say, rather pungent.

The Sons of Norway dinner also includes meatballs, boiled potatoes, cole slaw and lefse. Ice cream will be served for desert, and beverages include a choice of coffee, tea or milk.

The dinner takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Bothell Sons of Norway, 23905 Bothell-Everett Highway. Cost is $17.50 for ages 13 and up. Children 6 through 12 are $5, and children under 5 are free.

No reservations are required. For more information, call 425-485-9085.

Christmas event

The Journey, a church meeting at Gateway Middle School, will have a winter wonderland celebration from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Gateway, 15404 Silver Firs Drive.

The event includes pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, live Christmas music and giveaways. Admission is a wrapped gift the church can donate for a needy family in the Mill Creek area.

For more information, call 425-954-4071.

Around Town is a weekly feature of the Mill Creek Enterprise dedicated to happenings in and around the community. Photos from the community can also appear in this space. For more information, contact John Santana at 425-673-6533 or send an e-mail to him at millcreek@heraldnet.com.