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Last night the spirit of Halloween took over Olympia with bar parties, lots of live music and a flash mob marching band!

The Olympia Artesian Rumble Arkestra Band - decked out in marching band costume, or their instruments and clothing lined in glowsticks - came rolling through the streets in downtown Oly into The Brotherhood Lounge where unsuspecting patrons were distracted from their conversations and drinks as the band astounded everyone with their glorious noise.

The opening song was the classic, "When the Saints Go Marching In," followed by a break where a small lady with a big loudspeaker announced the band's name and encouraged enjoyment, before the band pounded, blew and shook their way into a rendition of the Ghostbuster's theme song.

Totally. Awesome.

The crowd burst into cheers as the band marched their way out the front door, playing a tune I didn't recognize, leaving the bar smiling and chatting about how great it is to live in Olympia.

LINK: Saturday, Oct. 27 live music in the South Sound

Northwest Snowboards Annual Winter Video premieres this Friday, October 26, at the Blue Mouse Theater in Tacoma and next Friday, November 2, at the Capitol Theater in Olympia.

One film will be Unique 8, the titlereferring to the innovative riding of a selected crew of only 8 riders: Gigi Rüf, Marco Feichtner, Arthur Longo, Nicolas Müller, Kalle Ohlson, Teo Konttinen, Chris Sörman and Werni Stock. You decide if less is more!

The other film is Givin’s Too, starring Keegan Valaika, Wyatt Stasinos, Forest Bailey, Alex Stathis and many more.

“It should be pretty cool,” says Mike Cummins, owner of Northwest Snowboards. “There will be riders, filmers and producers there.”

Plus, there will be killer raffle prizes like snowboards, skateboards, gear, and more.

At the Olympia premier, viewers will get an extra special treat with the additional showing of Voodoo Stash, an Oly local video.

Friday, October 26, 7 p.m., tickets available at the stores for $7.00/Doors $8.00, Blue Mouse Theater, 2611 North Proctor, Tacoma, (253) 752-9500

Saturday, November 2, 6 p.m. doors/7 p.m. show, tickets available at the stores for $7.00/Doors $8.00, Capitol Theater, Olympia, (360) 754-6670.

Unique 8 teaser: http://vimeo.com/48364380

Too teaser: http://vimeo.com/43283661

1. Come on down to Poison Apple's first annual Halloween Spook-Tacular. They will have refreshments and spooky tunes. The festivities include raffles for fun and fantstic prizes fom local buisnesses and artists! Costume contests for little AND big kids! Pumpkin coloring contest! Poison Apple spooky coloring contest! There will also be a few vendors showing off their frightening products! The Pinups Against Cancer will also have a creepy bake sale! This is an all ages event - don't be afraid to bring the kiddies. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Time Kids will also be here with their buttons and fun stuff. Raffle will be held the date of the event at 4 p.m. sharp. Noon - 6 p.m., free, 907 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington(253) 304-1874.

2. Put on your best costume and join in a fun, fall-themed weekend at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Come watch the animals enjoy special pumpkin enrichments and see how creative our keepers are at designing their jack-o-lanterns! *Everyone in costume will receive a $2 discount off the general zoo admission rate. The popular event features indoor and outdoor activities, as well as treats, photos and more. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Free with Zoo membership or admission $6.25-$14.50, 5400 North Pearl Street
Tacoma,(253) 591-5368.

3. Help welcome Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to Tacoma Art Museum for the eighth consecutive year. Observe or participate as artists create a tapete, or sand painting, in the museum’s lobby, while school and community groups and individuals install thematic altars remembering loved ones and raising social awareness on the atrium. This year’s tapete is an exploration of flowers, in honor of the marigolds so important to the Día de los Muertos celebration, as well as the upcoming exhibition Andy Warhol’s Flowers for Tacoma, opening November 3. Tapete and altars remain on view through the free community festival, Sunday, November 4. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Free with museum membership or admission $8-$10, 1701 Pacific Ave.(253) 272-4258.

4. With Prank War, Adjustment To Society, Vex, Michael Jackson and Perjury, all money will directly benefit the grand jury resistors. Rock for a cause. For more information, go to saynothing.info and NoPoliticalRepression.wordpress.com 6:30 p.m., $7-$100, Le Voyeur, 404 4th Avenue East, Olympia,(360) 943-5710.

5. New Frontier knows how to throw a good rock show. Tonight is no exception and the bands even have a Halloweeny name theme. Shrouded In Veils with Midnight Graves 9 p.m., The New Frontier Lounge, 301 East 25th Street, Tacoma,(253) 572-4020.

Crisp, healthy and surprisingly versatile, pumpkin seeds are perhaps the finest snack food of the fall season. In fact, I’m eating handfuls as I write this.

Here are some twists on classic recipes to make your season a little more “seasoned.”

After carving your pumpkin, (tips here) rinse the seeds under cold water to get rid of extra pulp that’s trying to cling on. Then, pat them dry.

Perhaps the simplest way to prepare the delicious, flavorful seeds is with good ole fashioned salt and oil (or butter). Just coat the seeds with ingredients in a bowl, and then spread them evenly in a shallow pan to roast around 300 degrees for about an hour, depending on desired crispiness. This method can be easily altered by adding cayenne, ranch powder, cumin, garlic, or any other powdered or minced seasoning.

Some people allow the seeds to set for the night in whatever desired seasoning they’ve chosen. Me, I like the instant gratification of sticking them straight in the oven. Either way is fine.  

Most pumpkin seeds prepared in a salty savory way can easily be kicked up a notch by drizzling bacon drippings on them. Or to add a twist to spicy seeds, throw in a sweetening agent such as maple syrup or brown sugar.

Speaking of sweet - try mixing with cinnamon, sugar, cloves, ginger and nutmeg for a pumpkin pie flavor.

Or throw a handful of pumpkin seeds into pumpkin muffin batter for added texture and nutrients like fiber, anti-oxidants and vitamins B and E.

Perhaps my favorite though, are drunken pumpkin seeds, where seeds are simmered in a whiskey, bacon dripping and brown sugar mixture before going into the oven to roast. Use about a half cup booze and a few teaspoons of the rest, throw all the ingredients in a pot on the stove a let simmer for 20 minutes before roasting. For an added bonus, use the remainder of the bottle of whiskey as an accompaniment to your delicious fall snack.

1. Adults & children of all ages! Please call Lakewood Playhouse box office, to reserve an audition slot, or at www.lakewoodplayhouse.org or send an e-mail, requesting one, to: boxoffice.lakewoodplayhouse@gmail.com. Performances: December 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th / December 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd / Special Performance Christmas Eve at Noon. 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Boulevard SW, Lakewood, (253) 588-0042.

2. Promoting the art of beautiful writing. Beginners, professionals, and everyone in-between are welcome! Pre-meeting 5:30pm, 6:30-8 pm, Free for visitors, $20 per anum for members, 6501 North 23rd Street, Tacoma.

3. Time again for drunken poetry. Readings operate on a first-come first-serve sign-up basis. Time is limited so three poems of moderate length or one long poem and one short from each reader. You must however submit a piece to be read by the Designated Drunk, who will be chosen at the end of each reading or shortly after and will be informed well before the next reading. Buying of drinks for the Designated Drunk is encouraged. Make it good because submissions will be considered for publication on the blogs and anthologized in a chapbook published quarterly by Last Word Press. Hours may vary without meaning or purpose. 7:30-9:30 p.m., free, Last Word Books, 211 4th Avenue East, Olympia,(360) 786-9673.

4. Presented in cooperation with Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle. Seating is limited and on a space-available basis. This event is for her grown-up fans, for the teachers, educators, and everyone else who's grown up and taught with and from her books for years. Rosemary will talk about incorporating her work into curriculum and the importance of teaching children's literature. This is not a story time! Booksigning follows. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. 7 p.m., Tacoma Public Library Main, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S.(253) 591-5661.

5. Soft jazz for the whole family, as well as (not drunken) open mic poetry. Starts at 4:30 p.m., so you can grab some dinner at Kitzel's Crazy Delicious Delicatessen and enjoy the free entertainment. 514 Capitol Way South  Olympia, (360) 357-7747.

Calling all brides and grooms! Here's a chance to share your unique wedding stories in a one-of-a-kind exhibit at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn.

The museum wants to hear your wedding stories in correlation with a new exhibit, I DO! Traditions of the American White Weddingsponsored by Auburn's own Nelson's Jewelry and Gifts .  The exhibit uses antique wedding gowns and accessories to explore the histories and myths surrounding the traditions of the American white wedding. 

Do you have a special wedding tradition in your family?  Will people not believe what your "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" was?  If your "white wedding" has a unique twist, the White River Valley Museum would like to hear from you and possibly use your story in an exhibit!

To submit your white wedding story: Please mail a short description of your unique wedding tradition or happening, no more than 250 words, and a photo copy of one of your favorite wedding photos to the museum. Please do not include original photos-no submissions will be returned. Please include your: name, address, phone number, email address and the year of your wedding.

Please Mail all Entries by December 1^stto:
White River Valley Museum
918 H St. S.E.
Auburn, WA 98002
attn: White Wedding Stories

ABOUT THE WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
The White River Valley Museum combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors though a series of award-winning exhibits. Museum collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railway. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is located at 918 H St. S.E. in Auburn. Regular admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visitwww.wrvmuseum.orgfor event information.

A new business has opened its doors in downtown Olympia.

Flow and Function, located at 113 5^th Ave, between Capitol and Columbia, opened Friday, October 5.

Owners Kelly and Terry Ziniewicz sold their local business of 20 years, Espresso Parts, (they were also the founders of Olympia Coffee Roasters,) in February, and after doing summer travelling decided they wanted to start a new business in the world of art, artisans and antiques.

“We have a lot of talented family and friends,” said Kelly. “This was a way to bring everyone together.”

The boutique, which is warm and inviting, with hardwood floors and thoughtful arrangements of plants and display items, offers a variety of locally made items like soaps, lotions, jewelry, musical instruments and even clocks made from old vinyl albums. They also carry small antique items such as collectible books.

When Kelly learned the previous business, Matter, was moving to a new location, she knew the spot on 5^th Ave would be the home of their new business.

“The space spoke to me,” she said.

The store utilizes the couple’s love of estate sales, industrial vintage and local flavor. It also brings in the talents of their two adult children, Sara and Sean.

The name Flow and Function was thought of by Sara, who intended to use it as a blog name, but the family found it to be perfect name for the store.

“This is a real family adventure,” said Kelly.

Flow and Function is open Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 12 – 4 p.m. and closed Mondays.

Learn more about this unique store and check out items for sale here.

Everyone knows to shop at thrift stores, like Value Village and Goodwill for Halloween deals. But, did you know there are more deals and perks than ever this year?

At each Goodwill location, find a special Halloween Boo-Teek with an array of costume options that are silly, scary, spooky or sweet.

Choose from a huge selection of new or gently used costumes that cost a fraction of those at pricier costume stores. (I got my kid's Luigi costume for $4.99, they cost $25 elsewhere.)

Make sure to keep an eye on specially colored tags for extra savings!

In addition, Goodwill debuts its first Sooper Boo-Teek, located next to the Spanaway Goodwill store at 14918 Pacific Ave S., with nearly 10,000 square feet dedicated to Halloween.

At Value Village in Lacey (604 Sleater Kinney Road,) the Halloween perks don't stop at deals. While you'll find 50% off items Thursday thru Sunday, with .99 specials on Mondays, and the irresistible bring a donation box and get $3 coupon deal, the store also plans a "Fall Back" event in honor of this Saturday's time change.

The party starts at 1 p.m. and features live music and "General Lee," the famous car from Dukes of Hazard, on display in front of the store, followed by a huge Halloween costume fashion show at 3 p.m.

Every Thursday thru October, the store hosts smaller Halloween fashion shows to help spark that Halloween costume creativity.

The store also has a costume consultant on hand to help piece together ideas, find items and costumes within budgets and mimic more expensive costumes with items throughout the store.

"We're bringing 7,000-10,000 pieces out every day," says Brian Bean, store manager. "We can make any kind of costume from the latest movie, to Star Trek."

Alright, alright, I write enough about rock shows and strip teases and herb-smoking hippies, it's time to give a little love to the kids. Here's something you can do with the little rugrats and probably enjoy yourself, too.

Saturday, October 6th, Huntamer Park in Lacey will be bustling with inflatable obstacle courses, fun booths with crafts and games, and entertainment on the main stage. This year's theme is Pirates and Princess and children are encouraged to come dressed as either or their favorite storybook character to be entered in the costume contest at 12:30pm. 

Pirates and Lady Captains alike will enjoy the Misadventures of Captain ARRR! His interactive comedy performance will have kids walking and talking like pirates in no time. Little Princesses will be amazed with the Simple Wish Princesses. The Princesses come with music that will have all little princesses and princes dancing. Other local children's groups will be performing with songs and short theater productions. 

Come enjoy the celebration with face painting, games, and crafts for the whole family to enjoy. This event is free and the fun starts at 11:00am ending at 2:00pm.

618 Woodland Square Loop SE  Lacey, (360) 491-0857.

1. The mighty Big Wheel Stunt Show & Friends play the showcase at Magoo's Annex DJ Melodica too! $3 pints, $2 Hot Dogs 9 p.m., no cover, 2710 N 21st Street, Tacoma, (253)759-0467.

2. Care about Olympia? Hit up city hall tonight -  there will be a discussion of sub-area planning & other related neighborhood topics. 6:30 p.m., free, 601 4th Avenue East, Olympia,(360) 753-8325.

3. Featuring the works of Laura Ahola-Young, Lois Beck, Becky Knold, and Mia Schulte. The exhibit will feature the artists’ abstract painted and mixed-media pieces. Noon - 4 p.m., free, Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts Gallery, 2011 Mottman Road Southwest, Olympia, (360) 596-5527.

4. Professional actors will read and perform controversial sections from three books that have been banned or challenged in the United States, including Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. The troupe will then facilitate a discussion on the First Amendment and how and why books are banned. Banned Books Week is September 30-October 6 this year. 2 p.m., free, 500 College St SE, Lacey, (360)491-3860.

5. It's karaoke with a live band. Earn your rockstar status tonight at Jazzbones. 9 p.m., ladies free, dudes $3, 2803 6th Avenue  Tacoma, (253) 396-9169.