Details:  The Victorian Village and train set at Seattle Center’s Winterfest. 

The festival enters its final days.  Check out the full schedule to take in some of the remaining events.  Through December 31st at the Center House at the Seattle Center.

Photo credit:  personal collection

________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Lucy’s Legacy:  The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia

But now I’m getting ahead of myself, so let’s go back to the beginning and I’ll take you along with me through the exhibit.

Back in 1974, Dr. Donald Johanson discovered fossils in Hadar, Ethiopia. The fossils weren’t human, but they weren’t really an ape either, leading to the theory that Lucy could be the link between the two.

The fossil discovery was called Dinkenesh, from one of the Ethiopian languages, which translates to “wonderful one.”  During a night of drinking and celebrating the discovery, the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was playing.  Amid the revelry, the fossils were called Lucy.  And it stuck.

The fossils and related artifacts make up Lucy’s Legacy.  It’s divided into seven distinct exhibits now on display at the Pacific Science Center.

• Introduction & Prehistoric Ethiopia:  Starting out with a glimpse of caves (replicated) and cave paintings of Ethiopia, we learn a little history of the third most populated country in Africa.  The exhibits contains examples of tools that were used during the stone age. 
• First Empire of Ethiopia:  This section contains a 20 foot replica of a stone obelisk from the Aksum Empire, prominent in Ethiopia over 2,000 years ago.
• Second Empire of Ethiopia:  Here you’ll see artifacts from the medieval Renaissance period of Ethiopia, including a full size replica of the ceiling from Gondar’s Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Ethiopia’s equivalent of the Sistene Chapel).
• Third Empire of Ethiopia:  The story of Ethiopia’s struggle to remain independent, and the era of Emperor Halle Salassie.  Also, an introduction to the Rastafarians, a group that many of us know about through the music of Bob Marley.
• Peoples of Ethiopia:  Artifacts on display from one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.  A mostly rural population, speaking 84 languages, here are the musical instruments, cookware, basketry, jewelry, and every day items of life.
• Lucy Interactive Display:  An interactive display showing Hadar, where Lucy was discovered in 1974.  The exhibit shows a variety of soil and eco-culture displays, along with replicas of bones, skulls, and teeth.  One of the most popular displays was a interactive plastic skeleton, allowing both kids and adults an opportunity to see how the wrist bones connects to the arm bone connects to the shoulder bone.
• The Lucy Gallery:  An 80-foot mural traces the five million years of hominid evolution.  In the center of the room is a paleoartistic replica of Lucy, showing what she must have looked like in her day.  In a protected display are the bits and pieces of skeletal remains discovered at Hadar, along with a replica of how these skeletal remains would fit together.

This special exhibit has some child-friendly interactive displays, but it is going to be hard to keep a younger child’s interest for a long time.  Parents should plan on some in depth interaction and explanation of the exhibit to young children.  Much of the presentation may otherwise be above their head, but I did see lots of 5-7 years olds having a good time nonetheless.  Pre-teens and up should have no problem understanding the displays.

Allow a couple hours to thoroughly view the exhibit and listen to the audio guide.

Location:  Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Avenue West, Seattle Center Campus (map it)

Dates & Times:  October 4th, 2008 – March 8th, 2009.  Monday – Wednesday, & Friday, 10:15 am – 5 pm, Thursday, 10:15 am – 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 10:15 – 6 pm.  Timed entry tickets.

Tickets:  Ticket prices start at $12 for special times, and vary depending on a number of factors.  Check for ticket information that meets your specific needs.

Image credit:  personal collection

_________________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Details:  Center House is all decked out in its holiday finest for the annual WinterFest celebration.

Offering up family events, entertainment, and tons of activities, it was full of life this weekend.

One of my favorite displays was this bigger than life-sized snow globe. 

There were a couple of trees and some additional decorations inside, and when the air machine got to work, the snow swirled around.  It was just like I’d tipped the globe upside down!

Photo credit:  personal collection

___________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

This annual event is designed to brighten the holiday and winter season by providing multi-cultural and multi-age entertainment and activities in a family-friendly FREE environment. 

Here are some ideas of what you can see during Winterfest: ice sculpture, Northwest Boychoir, Winter Solstice Fire Festival, Senior Holiday Ball, Circus Contraption with the Aerialistas, and Seattle’s Best Jazz.

Take a look at the full schedule of Winterfest events, and plan to merge these activities into the rest of your busy season.  You’ll enjoy the break and respite from other hectic activities.

Location:  Center House at Seattle Center

Dates & Times:  November 28th – December 31st, check the schedule of events for what interests you.

Admission:  FREE

Image credit:  SXC

________________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

. . . hang out with some old book dealers at the 21st Annual Antiquarian Book Fair.  Old means books, not the dealers!

This international book event features thousands of rare books, prints, map, photographs, and related item all available for purchase.  Take a look at the list of vendors who will be there.

Although I love my Kindle, nothing will ever replace the feel and smell of real leather and paper.  This is a popular event for book lovers, and a great place to find a special gift for the booklover in your life.

Location:  Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle Center Campus

Dates & Times:  October 11 – 12th; Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm.

Admission:  $5 at the door, good for both days of the show.  FREE for kids under 12.

Image credit:  SXC

_____________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

There’s lots more rich history and culture to be discovered about Tibet, and much of it will be on display at this weekend’s Tibet Fest.

The purpose of Tibet Fest is to preserve many of the centuries old traditions of the Tibetan people, and to celebrate both the ancient and modern history of the country through art, dance, food, discussion and prayer. 

Highlights of the weekend will be Tenzin Ngawang and his Performing Group, one of the top Tibetan ensembles, who perform with traditional instruments. 

There is lots more to see and do, with information, displays and activities geared toward family members of all ages.

Location:  Seattle Center House, Fisher Pavilion (map it)

Dates & Times:  August 23rd – 24th, 2008; noon – 5:30 pm

Admission:  FREE

Photo credit:  flickr

_________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

. . . grab a blanket and head to the Seattle Center’s Mural Amphitheater, and the ginormous 45-foot screen, and watch the summer series of Movies at the Mural. 

You can see The Princess Bride on Friday, August 1st, and Juno on Saturday, August 2nd.  And if you can’t make it this weekend, try next when you can see The Goonies on Friday, August 8th, and Batman Begins on Saturday, August 9th.  As an added bonus, you can enjoy a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, August 9th.

The movies begin at dusk (except for Rocky Horror Picture Show), so arrive early enough to get settled in.  Pick up something to eat and drink at the nearby Center House, and you’re set for the evening.

The summer movie series makes a great date, family evening out, or a great time to hang out with friends.  And it’s FREE, too!

Photo credit:  Seattle Center

________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

With interactive displays suitable for all ages, and an underlying educational message that encompasses math, velocity, acceleration, friction, and technology, it’s easy to see why this exhibit is a visitor favorite.

Don’t let the educational theme put you off – there’s tons of fun things to do here!

• Drag Racing:  Kids can sit in their dragsters, side-by-side, and once the light turns greens push the throttle forward and see who makes it to the end first.  Don’t go too fast, or you’ll find yourself spinning out.
• LEGO Race Cars:  Build your own, then race them on a metal track.  Play around with different designs and see how design and performance are related.
• Crash-test Dummy:  It’s the stopping that can kill you, as you’ll see in this display.  Learn about what happens in an impact by smashing a coin with the penny smasher.  OUCH!
• Virtual Ski Machine:  Nearly like the real thing, and an opportunity to learn how using edges and turns can change your rate of speed.  It also seems to be the display that’s the most fun – and has the longset line.
• Horsepower Pedaling:  Learn how much horsepower you can create with your pedaling power.  Although it starts out pretty hard, it gets a little easier as you pick up speed, and it’s fun to see how much horsepower you can generate.  This display seemed to bring out the competitive side of everyone.

Check out the video to get a little feel for speed:

If you’re not ready to slow down after viewing Speed, you can head over to the Imax theater for the movie, Super Speedway: Racing with the Andrettis. Check the schedule for times.

Location:  Seattle Center Campus, under the arches near the Space Needle, 200 2nd Ave North (map it) 

Dates & Hours:  Daily, 10 am – 6 pm (summer hours)

Tickets:  There is all sorts of special summer pricing available, including combo tickets, so check for details.

Photo credit:  flickr

__________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

. . . commemorate the storming of the Bastille with celebratory events that a part of Seattle’s Bastille Day Festival.

The French Revolution is long over, but the celebration lives on with events both solemn and festive.

In Seattle, festivities kick off on Saturday evening with the Bal des Pompiers, or Firemen’s Ball.  In France, the firemen from the various cities and villages host raucous parties, full of food, music, and dancing in the streets.  Our version will start off with a dinner from French Chef Thierry Rautureau, followed by evening of dancing to international hits.

On Sunday, you can visit variety of French themed booths, listen to entertainment, and get involved in activities (including plenty of stuff for the kids).  You’ll also find French food and wine!

Location:  Seattle Center Campus, 305 Harrison Street  (map it)

Dates & Times:  July 12-13th, 2008.  Saturday 6 pm-midnight for the Bal des Pompiers; Sunday 11 am-6 pm.

Admission:  Ball tickets are $49/person (21 and over only).  Tickets for the ball are available online.

Vive la France!

Photo credit: personal collection

________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Details:  The arches of the Pacific Science Center at night.

Photo credit: flickr

_______________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler