Christmas bazaar
The final day of the “Christmas Bazaar” at Christ the King Church, 1951 McKinleyville Ave., McKinleyville, is set for Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Many Christmas items are available, including Christmas Village buildings and accessories.
Folk dancing
The Humboldt Folk Dancers invite the public to an international folk dance party with live music on Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at Redwood Raks World Dance Studio, 824 L St., Arcata.
The event features easy dances and an evening of international music with the Chubritza International Folk Band. Admission is $5 to $10, sliding scale, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. People of all ages and dance levels are welcome. For more information, call 707-496-6734 or go to humboldtfolkdancers.org.
Tour the marsh
Friends of the Arcata Marsh is sponsoring a free tour of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday.
Meet leader Sharon Levy at 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Interpretive Center on South G Street for a 90-minute walk focusing on marsh history, wastewater treatment, birds and/or ecology.
This event will be held rain or shine. For more information, call 707-826-2359.
AIDS Day
In conjunction with World AIDS Day, the Eureka Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will host their annual vigil Saturday at 6 p.m. starting in Old Town Eureka at Second and H streets and ending at the gazebo. A program will follow at the gazebo for the memorial.
Everyone is welcome to participate and is encouraged to wear red clothing in recognition of the AIDS red ribbon. The focus of this event will be on raising awareness of HIV and emphasizing the importance of getting tested regularly. For more information, go to www.eurekasisters.org.
Pancakes here
The Freshwater Grange at 48 Grange Road, Freshwater, will hold an “Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast” Sunday from 8 to 11 a.m.
The menu includes buttermilk and whole grain pancakes, ham, sausages, scrambled eggs, apple compote, orange juice, tea and French roast coffee. Top your eggs with homemade salsa and cheese. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children.
Poetry jam
“Poets for Peace,” a participatory poetry jam for people of all ages, will take place Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Sanctuary, 1301 J St., Arcata.
Signups will start at 5:45 p.m. Organizers include Anne Fricke, Peter Pennekamp and Naomi Steinberg. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
“Poets for Peace” is a partial fundraiser for Standing Together, a grassroots movement mobilizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in pursuit of peace, equality and social and climate justice.
The event is described as “a space to explore pathways to peace, connection and justice — a space where the government does not speak for the people, where bigotry and racism will not be tolerated, where we will reach out our hands to each other in kindness and friendship, honor our similarities and celebrate our differences.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a thermos of coffee or for this “feast of thought-provoking, inspiring words.”
Dance party
A dance with live music and “a great floor” is held Mondays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 4328 Campton Road, Eureka. Admission is $9.
Family arts
The Humboldt Arts Council will host “Second Saturday Family Arts Day” Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Morris Graves Museum of Art, 636 F St., Eureka. There is no charge to attend.
Families are invited to participate together in this monthly art-making workshop that complements current exhibitions at the museum. These workshops are geared toward intergenerational learning and creating in a museum setting.
On Dec. 9, everyone will be introduced to the world of encaustic painting, drawing inspiration from museum member Darla Myers. Those attending will create their own wax paintings using a variety of methods and materials. Guidance and assistance will be available from art educator Genevieve Kjesbu. All are welcome and all materials will be supplied.
Candle lighting
On Dec. 10, the Compassionate Friends’ 27th annual worldwide candle lighting will take place.
The event occurs on the second Sunday in December, uniting family and friends around the globe to honor the memories of sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and grandchildren. Candles are lit around the globe at 7 p.m. local time for one hour.
Compassionate Friends is an international organization that unites families around the globe in supporting a family after a child dies — at any age, from any cause. Locally, the candle lighting will take place at the First Presbyterian Church, 14th and I streets, Eureka. Entry to the building is from the rear parking lot. Families are encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. to obtain their candles. John Gai will be the guest speaker. For more information, contact Anne Wade at 415-244-7199.
Santa and pancakes
Santa Claus is coming to Dow’s Prairie Grange No. 505 for its next Girl Scouts-hosted pancake breakfast on Dec. 16.
“Breakfast with Santa” will take place that day from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for a child-sized portion.
A holiday fair — open that day until 3 p.m. — will feature lots of local vendors with gifts for everyone. Girl Scouts will be caroling while Santa is at the grange hall.
Also, the Lions Club of McKinleyville will be doing free vision screenings at this time. Children as young as 6 months can be screened for eye conditions. All ages are welcome.
The Dows Prairie Grange is located at 3995 Dow’s Prairie Road in McKinleyville.