Music-making and NASCAR are the themes of two new attractions at this weekend’s vernal version of the Puyallup Fair which swings open its gates at 2 p.m. Thursday.

While some of the action is happening only Friday through Sunday there are still plenty of reasons to head over on Thursday. First: admission is free all day to anyone 18 or younger. The Fair just asks that you bring a non-perishable food donation for the Puyallup Food Bank.

Up for a good scare? The Extreme Scream is only $7.50 on Thursday ($3 off the usual $10.50 price.) Top it all off …

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For the past 10 years Kareem Kandi has been teaching jazz improvisation at The Tacoma School Of The Arts as an adjunct artist. Now, you have a chance to hear his original music written specifically for a free concert Thursday night.

Kandi received a grant from The Tacoma Arts Commission last year to compose and record several new pieces of music. Kandi will perform in a trio.

“The music encompasses several different styles but remains rooted in the jazz tradition,” he said.

Thursday’s show is at 7 p.m. in the SOTA theater, 1118 Commerce Street. It’s free and …

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Save the date: LeMay – America’s Car Museum will have its grand opening three months from today on June 2.

The four-story, 165,000 square-foot museum that looks like a gigantic toaster next to the Tacoma Dome will house more than 500 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles. A large portion of those are from the Harold LeMay collection, housed at the old Marymount campus.

The museum is touting that it was named one of the world’s “8 big openings of 2012” by USA Today. Not too shabby.

The grand opening will include ceremonies, a concert, a free outdoor car …

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Is there a limit, and more importantly, a price to pay when it comes to compassion? Those are some of the questions raised in a Pacific Lutheran University MediaLab documentary, “Overexposed: The Cost of Compassion.”

The film explores the complexities of “compassion fatigue,” a condition that affects care givers and those repeatedly exposed to tragedy and trauma like police officers and firefighters.

After nearly a year of research and filming the student filmmakers premiered the film in Seattle in fall of 2011. They’re hosting a screening at PLU on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The event will include a …

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New York Times bestselling and Seattle-based romance-suspense author Jayne Ann Krentz will give a writing workshop and sign books at Lakewood Pierce County Library on Saturday.

Krentz’s newest book in the Dark Legacy series – “Copper Beach” – releases today and it will be available for sale at the event. Krentz’s books can be found at Lakewood Library and throughout Pierce County Library System.

The 2 p.m. event at 6300 Wildaire Road S.W. is free but you must register online at: www.piercecountylibrary.org/calendar. Friends of Lakewood Library are sponsoring the event.

Krentz will present her fiction writing workshop “Five Secrets to Getting Published.” There will be a Q and A followed by a book signing.
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I recently took a day trip out to Westport and down to Tokeland. I found lighthouses (in all sizes), crabbers, big waves, bigger views, beaches and great food and wine. Read my story here.

And check out the slide show here.

Ever taken a polar bear plunge? That’s the name given to organized cold water dips held around the world on New Years Day. For years a popular local option has been held in Olalla.

But now you don’t need to drive out of town to take your frosty plunge. The Point Defiance Marina is hosting its first Polar Bear Plunge January 1.

The free event begins with a Cub Plunge, for youth under 10 years of age, at 11:30 a.m., followed by an Adult/Family Plunge at noon.

The Plunge will take place regardless of weather (the water is going to be cold no matter what) at the Point Defiance boat launch in Point Defiance Park. The marina will provide hot drinks, tents and heaters for post-dip warming up.

And I know you are wondering but I’ve yet to hear if the zoo’s real polar bears will be participating. I kinda doubt it, though.

For more information visit PointDefianceMarina.com or call 253-591-5325.
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In honor of Veterans Day Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will offer free admission on Friday to members of the military and veterans.

Proof of military service will be required.