2012 marks the half century anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Prepare yourself for a lot of hoopla.

Getting ahead of the game is the publication of “The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and Its Legacy.” Co-author Alan J. Stein will be giving a book talk on December 11 at 2 p.m. at the downtown Tacoma Public Library.

I’m post-fair myself but I remember riding in the bubbleator when I was kid in the 70s (before they sold it off to some guy who allegedly turned it into a backyard greenhouse.)

Get more info at www.tacomapubliclibrary.org or 253-591-5666.
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Some events happening today:
Kick up your heals and dance to Skolkis, Seattle’s fiery Scandinavian foursome at the Scandinavian Dance tonight at 7. Guest instructors Milt and Bev Anderson will teach Slangpolska, an elegant Swedish swing dance at Normanna Hall, 1106 S. 15th St., Tacoma. Admission is $10. 253-759-3731.

Gingerbread Jamboree Create a gingerbread house in a festive holiday setting at the Hotel Murano’s Bicentennial Pavilion, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Nov. 26-27, Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 936 Broadway, Tacoma. $36. 253-627-6031, www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org.

Join in the 66 year tradition of the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting …

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Saturday
Join in the 66-year tradition of the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade in downtown Tacoma. As part of the celebration, catch the movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at 2 p.m. today. Stick around for the tree-lighting and parade after the movie. All events are in front of the Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. Cost is $14 for the movie, other festivities are free.

Today through Jan. 1
It’s that time of year when Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium comes alive with elaborate, moving and whimsical light displays thanks to Zoo Lights. Sure to make you ooh …

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Hometown girl Jaime Wyatt will play Morso Wine Bar in Gig Harbor on December 9 in an 8 p.m. show. Chicago-born rocker Ted Wulfers will open for her.

Wyatt is a 2004 Gig Harbor High School graduate. She started performing at Tacoma’s Antique Sandwich Co., The Swiss and Jazzbones with her band, Jaime Wyatt and Seventh House, before she even left high school. She signed with Lakeshore Records when she was 17.

Wyatt describes her material as roots rock with a pop sensibility. Now based in LA, Wyatt has …

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Seattle-based rising star singer-songwriter Camille Bloom will perform at the Mandolin Café on December 2 in support of her new release Never Out Of Time.

An acoustic folk singer with a powerful voice, Bloom has toured nationally and internationally and picked up a lot of fans and critic support along the way.

Check her out at Mandolin at 8 p.m. on December 2. The cafe is at 3923 S. 12th Street, Tacoma, 253-761-3482.

Emerald City Comicon announced today the addition of Summer Glau (“Firefly,” “The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) ) to their roster of celebrity guests at the March convention in Seattle.

Another guest announced today is comic artist Adi Granov.

Here’s more information from the press release:

Summer Glau began her professional acting career with a stint on the spin-off to Joss Whedon’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” called Angel. This quickly led to a starring role on another Joss Whedon production, “Firefly.” This imaginative sci-fi series centered around the mysterious River Tam portrayed by Glau. Lasting only one season on

…

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Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein are bringing their hit IFC comedy show, “Portlandia” on a six city tour in December.

I’ll readily admit to being a huge fan of the irreverent send up of the oh-so-precious alternative culture of our neighbor to the south. It’s made, “Bird a bird on it!” a minor cultural catchphrase.

Tickets went on sale today for the tour which kicks off in Portland on Dec. 27 and hits Seattle the next day. Other stops include Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.
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Great Train Expo featuring 18 operating model railroads, more than 400 table of trains and more 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup. $7, kids 12 years and old and under free.

Blues Vespers with Rod Cook & Toast with guest Jay Mabin 5 p.m. Nov. 20, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 901 N. J St., Tacoma. ipctacoma.org.

Bach, Copland & Schumann Tacoma Symphony concert, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma. $24-$77 253-272-7264, tacomasymphony.org.

Classical Sundays 3 p.m. today Leon Christian, guitar, …

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