In honor of Mardi Gras happening next Tuesday, the Fremont Arts Council is hosting a Mardi Gras-themed parade on Sunday 2/23 at the Fremont Sunday Market. From their website:

We’re bringing our Petit Trolls to life! This tiny parade is done in the spirit of Mardi Gras! At Noon on Sunday, February 23rd (just before Fat Tuesday), we will do a flash-mob-style procession, pulling our mini-glittering themed floats through the Fremont Sunday Market. Come find out how you can play with us!

If you’re interested in participating, the Fremont Arts Council is also hosting a workshop from 1 to 4:30 …

There are a few changes to Wallingford businesses in the new year. First, the good news. There are a slew of new places to eat and drink in the neighborhood this year:

First up is Dumpling the Noodle, in the old Wallyburger location at 1719 N 45th St. It specializes in hand-made dumplings,  hand-pulled noodles (lamen), buns, wontons, and bubble tea. It is open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day.

Next up is Mediterranean restaurant Almanqal Grill in the old Bodrum Bistro spot at 1712 N 45th St. They serve fresh, hand-made Mediterranean food …

Lincoln High School will host an Open House and Information Night for prospective students for the 2020-2021 school year on Thursday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m.  The evening will start with a brief presentation in the Lincoln Auditorium from 7 to 7:45 p.m. 

From 7:50 to 8:10 OR 8:15 to 8:35 attendees will an opportunity to learn more about the various after school programs/clubs, athletics, and other organizations that enrich the life of Lynx students at a mixer in the gym OR go on a self-guided tour of the building and visit the various academic departments at Lincoln (math, science, …

The equipment at B.F. Day Playground will be getting a much-needed upgrade in 2020. After soliciting feedback from the community, preliminary designs were released to the public at a meeting in December.

The park renovations will replace all the playground equipment, upgrade the picnic area, and replace the water fountain. They will also include some accessibility upgrades mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The design phase of this project will continue throughout the winter, and construction is scheduled to start in the fall of 2020. Head to the parks department website for further details and to give feedback …

Alphabet Soup Children’s Books announced it is closing after 15 years at 1406 N 45th Street.

The last day to shop there will be Saturday, December 28th, 2019, and everything in the store will be 30% off.

I’ve been to this small, independent bookstore many times, and always found the store well curated, well stocked, and very friendly.

So stop by tomorrow and wish them all the best in their next endeavors. You can also check out their online eBay store, alphabetsoupbooks.

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Tonight, December 23rd, Gas Works Park will be hosting the Grand Finale of this year’s Christmas Ships Festival. Seattle Parks and Recreation is organizing a bonfire, and Choir of the Sound will be singing Christmas carols starting at 8:45 p.m.

I have cherished neighborhood traditions for many different holidays, but one of my absolute favorites is the Christmas Ships.

When I have taken the family in years past the weather has been… less than desirable, to put it nicely. Last year it coincided with a 40 mph wind storm that knocked out power to a good bit of the neighborhood …

Wallingford-based author Laureen Nussbaum will be reading from her new book, Shedding Our Stars: The Story of Hans Calmeyer and How He Saved Thousands of Families Like Mine, at the Wallingford Library on Sunday, December 8th.

During World War II, Nussbaum’s family was saved from deportation by Hans Calmeyer, along with over 3700 Jews. In Shedding Our Stars, Nussbaum tells Calmeyer’s story and what drove him to save so many.

In case you haven’t read the book but want a little back story on Nussbaum, there’s a fascinating profile of her in the Seattle Times this week.