Fig out

I’m getting ready to bundle up and go to Westlake Center in downtown Seattle for the Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition. Despite its name, this event really has nothing to do with food, but it does help generate donations for the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank.

More than 40 caroling teams including high school choirs, company teams and neighborhood groups will be performing, and the audience votes for their favorites. The top teams then compete in a sing-off for a panel of distinguished judges.

I went to Figgy Pudding for the first time last year, and I had a blast. It’s a fun and festive event with a little something for everyone.

If you love the holidays, you should definitely head downtown tonight. Pre-Figgy entertainment starts at 5:30 p.m. with cast members from the 5th Avenue Theatre’s “White Christmas,” and the caroling is from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Line performs 7:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. And then the main stage show to determine Figgy supremacy is 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Jones-ing for United Way

As many Americans did this weekend, I celebrated our nation’s birthday by doing what else–grilling with friends and family. At one barbecue I attended, I was surprised and delighted to find United Way-branded Jones Soda in the cooler. The bottles feature Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora and are helping to raise awareness about United Way’s Climb for the Community. (I work for United Way and my team produced the labels for the soda.)

Buy a 24-pack of the limited-edition Jones Soda at Costco and other fine retailers, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way of King County. You get three flavors: orange and cream, green apple and cream soda. It’s a tasty way to do something good for the community.