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 “Never let success go to your head, never let failure get to your heart."
-- Beyonce --
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Missing CM Trout-Manuel but includes Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodard, Past President NLC
I and several of our city councilmembers attended the National League of Cities conference this week in Salt Lake City, where local leaders in Auburn can connect with electeds and leaders across the United States!
You've heard from me over the years what this conference means to me, so to switch it up this year, I asked our councilmembers to share their impressions and thoughts about this National League of Cities conference, and here’s what was shared:
 Deputy Mayor Cheryl Rakes:
I really enjoyed my time at the NLC conference. I worked with my national advocacy Committee, Public Safety and Crime Prevention (PSCP), on looking at priorities for 2026. I also took classes for Economic Development, Women in Municipal Government, and Civility to name a few. It is well worth the time for council to get away and spend time on taking classes and talking about what items would be good to bring back to Auburn, as our priority is always what’s best for our great City.
Councilmember Tracy Taylor:
“Incredibly impressed with the caliber of speakers and sessions that we offered and always inspired by NLC’s president address and CEO Clarence Anthony’s speech on how we need to be the superheroes for our community. Hero being the Hope for the future, have empathy, show your resilience and take ownership for your actions!"
Councilmember Amer’s likeness was captured for the NLC memory board! Proud that you’re councilmembers are involved!
Councilmember Hanan Amer:
The NLC President opened with a powerful reminder: lean on the person next to you, be kind, and never forget the importance of coming together and learning from each other. That really spoke to me. As a Council, we’re here to serve Auburn, and working together is what helps our city thrive.
Councilmember Clinton Taylor:
My experience so far has been good. As always, I’ve been networking with others from around the country. And I was recently notified that I will be the new Chaplain for the National Black Caucus in January.
Councilmember Lisa Stirgus:
I was so grateful to attend my very first NLC Conference, WOW! It was truly special to build meaningful connections with leaders from cities of every size across the country. I loved the Clean Streets Workshop with WM. They shared best practices on smart routing, better trash and recycling tools, and community pride strategies. I’m excited to bring them back to Team Auburn to share. I also picked up some great foundational guidance on managing public comment and new ways cities are activating volunteers through various online tools. Although there were many incredible learnings, the most inspiring part was being reminded that municipal leadership is local and real! We are all just community members who signed up to care about making the community we live in better for everyone who lives in it!
(Click photo to view video)
Officer Dillan Claire was nice enough to record a fun video this week that will help you prepare for a few common scenarios this holiday season.
Give it a watch and if you're not following our Auburn Police Department on Facebook, you really should!
Before the house was opened, stretching and dancing were in order. These actors are so energized and fun to be around!
Last Saturday evening I had the absolute joy and honor of joining the Auburn Riverside High School Raven Players onstage for a performance of “The Music Man”. Their theme for this year’s production is CommYOUnity, and these amazing young thespians invited Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati (Thursday performance), Auburn School Board Member Arlista Holman (Friday performance) and I to be their guest in a performance. Our line was short (thankfully), so there wasn’t need for much rehearsal. Early in the show, we were to walk out from stage right, cross to stage left and while crossing say “Good morning, Mayor Shinn!” to Mayor Shinn, of course, then we exited the stage and had the delight of watching the remainder of the production from our seat.
This is Anna, my mentor. Happy birthday, Anna!
I had a wonderful mentor on Saturday, her name is Anna Bingham, and it was her 18th birthday! She was so kind and thoughtful, explained everything to me, and stayed with me to ensure I was comfortable and felt welcome. Backstage was full of energy. About an hour before the curtains went up, we did physical and vocal warm up exercises. I tried to keep up, but it’s been more than a few years since I was in high school – oh to have that amount of energy! The entire cast, crew and orchestra did a fantastic job, and I want to extend my sincere appreciation to them all as well as their Director Katy Nuttman! Bravo!
 Some of you may have seen a headline circulating this week claiming Mount Rainier had entered an “unprecedented 72-hour tremor phase” and that an “eruption threat loomed over millions.” Understandably, that kind of language can make anyone pause -- but thankfully, it simply wasn’t true.
Scientists at the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network quickly debunked the report. There has been no increased seismic activity at Mount Rainier. The issue wasn’t the mountain but actually a malfunctioning antenna at one of the older seismic stations that produced noisy data. Other monitoring stations showed completely normal readings.
In short:
There is no eruption threat at this time!
 This situation does remind us how important it is to rely on credible scientific sources -- like the U.S. Geological Survey and the PNSN -- especially in moments when rumors travel faster than facts!
But it also gives us an opportunity to remind folks that being prepared before an emergency ever arrives it's incredibly important! Major disasters of any kind are part of living in the Pacific Northwest. We can’t control when they may come, but we can control how ready we are.
So this is a good moment to ask:
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Do you have two weeks’ worth of food, water, and supplies?
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Do you know your family’s communication plan?
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Are your important documents backed up and easy to access?
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Do you know your evacuation routes, including those outside your neighborhood?
 If you need a place to start, the City’s Emergency Management team has great resources, and they’re always happy to help you build a plan that fits your household’s needs!
False alarms are never fun, but they can be a useful nudge. Let’s use this one to stay informed, stay calm, and stay prepared.
 Who's excited to see the big guy? The Lighted Santa Parade RETURNS this December and for the first time ever, will be lit even brighter thanks to the new and amazing string lights over Main Street!
We'll see you downtown, and don't forget -- we're lighting the tree at City Hall Plaza directly after the parade, so make your way on down.
To help the wait, you can catch our latest episode of the Auburn on Main podcast, where our team interviewed the newest addition to our Parks, Arts, and Recreation team, Mackenzie Mullen, and all of the work that's going into making this year's parade extra special.
📆 Saturday, December 6
📍 Downtown Auburn
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
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Jeffrey Scott @ Postmark
Jeffery Scott is a high-energy country music artist with an infusion of pop and rock, combining classic country hits with heartfelt original songs. Known for his electrifying live performances, he keeps audiences of all ages on their feet from start to finish. With experience performing at casinos, festivals, and wineries, Jeffery delivers an unforgettable show every time.
📅 Friday, Nov. 21
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student/senior)
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Salmon Fest
The Mary Olson Farm welcomes the salmon back to our stream! Observe spawning salmon, become a salmon scientist by engaging in water testing and habitat observation, and learn more about the role salmon play in the ecosystem. Presented in partnership with the Environmental Science Center.
More info
📅 Saturday, Nov. 22
⏰ Noon - 2 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Free
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Make and Mingle @ Postmark
Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+.
📅 Wednesdays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark
Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 15+
Registration: $0
Instructor: Postmark Staff
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ Postmark
Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 18+
Fee: $0
Instructor: Amy Sie
📅 Fridays
⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
💲 Free
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Gingerbread Contest
FREE - This fun event celebrates the holidays and brings the community together to see what Auburn can build! Gingerbread structures will be on display at the Auburn Community & Events Center.
Gingerbread Contest Application
Gingerbread Contest Rules (PDF)
Please note, this event is free and materials for displays are NOT provided.
VOTING
- Voting will be open December 3 - 17, 2025
- Vote during Auburn Community & Events Center's normal business hours,
- Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Fridays, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- There are two categories to vote in, youth and adult.
Based on votes from the public, a winner will be announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Questions? Contact Amanda Valdez or call 253-931-3043.
📅 Dec. 3 - 17
⏰ Normal business hours
📍 Auburn Community & Events Center | 910 Ninth St.
💲 Free
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Dickens Christmas After Hours
Join our museum curators for the saucier side of the holidays. We’ll serve-up some mulled wine and sweet treats as we explore Victorian Christmas traditions including food, gender roles, ghosts, and general carousing.
21+ only
More info
📅 Thursday, Dec. 4
⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Tickets ($25)
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Lighted Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
- 3:30 PM.........Parade line up begins at Auburn High School
- 4:00 PM........Live music at City Hall, FREE
- 4:30 PM.........Parade begins, FREE
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After the parade ends
- Tree Lighting & Visit from Santa, FREE
- Live music at City Hall, FREE
City of Auburn's Lighted Santa Parade!
From Auburn High School to City Hall, lighted entries will fill Main Street with holiday joy!
Beginning at 4:30 PM the parade will feature lighted vehicles, floats, cars, and walking entries. All community, families, non-profits, and businesses are welcome to participate.
All entries wishing to participate in the parade must register in advance by 5 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025.
All entries must have a lighted element and adhere to parade rules.
Join us for live music before and after the City of Auburn parade at City Hall. Then watch as the community brings out their lighted holiday parade entries! We'll wrap up the event with the annual tree lighting at City hall plus a visit from Santa.
Tree Lighting
Santa is looking for a special helper to light the tree in front of City Hall. A well-deserving child, that lives within the Auburn City limits, and is between the ages of 5 and 9, will be randomly selected to be Santa's Helper on December 6, 2025.
Nominations will be accepted through 5 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Only one nomination per child will be accepted. Multiple nominations for the same child will not be included in the selection process.
Tree Lighter Nomination Form
For questions contact Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043
Email Us
📅 Saturday, Dec. 6
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
📍 Downtown Auburn along Main Street
💲 Free
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Book Explorers with KCLS - A Boy Called Dickens
Have you ever wondered how book authors get their ideas? Find out how a poor boy in Victorian London grew of up be one of the most famous authors in English literature, writing A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, and many other books. Then enjoy museum activities and discover how Victorian traditions have influenced winter holidays in many places, including Washington state.
Ages 7 and up
More info
📅 Saturday, Dec. 6
⏰ 2 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Free
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Red, White & Blue Holiday Concert
Ring in the holidays with this annual FREE community concert performed by America's First Corps Army Band. Hear this festive and rousing concert presented by the Army’s best, together with all of your favorite holiday music and carols. Tickets are free, but required for admission and will be available on-line or pick-up beginning November 1 at the Auburn Community & Event Center. Limit 6 per family.
Get Tickets Online - Limit 6
Regular: $0; Student/Senior: $0
📅 Sunday, Dec. 7
⏰ 2 p.m.
📍 Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th St. NE
💲 Tickets (Free but please register)
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Curator Walk & Talk: Making Merry and Christmas Feasting
All Ages | Free program
Join Museum Director Rachael McAlister for an informal tour of our A Very Dickens Christmas exhibit with special attention to the yummy parts of the story!
📅 Thursday, Dec. 11
⏰ 1 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Free (RSVP)
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Breakfast with Santa
Celebrate the season with Santa! Join us for a festive morning the whole family will enjoy.
All Ages.
Pre-Registration required.
Space is limited.
You can expect a delicious breakfast served by Santa's elves, LIVE entertainment, and a visit from the big man himself! Vegan and GF breakfast option available by request.
Register Below:
First Seating (8:30-10:00AM)
Youth: 60173
Adult: 60174
Second Seating (11AM-12:30PM)
Youth: 61075
Adult: 61076
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13
⏰ 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (two seatings)
📍 Auburn Community & Events Center | 910 Ninth St.
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A Season of Giving and Sharing Family Day
All Ages | Free Program
Join us for a fun-filled holiday themed family day with free activities and crafts from all the winter holidays.
Holiday storytelling at 12 PM with renowned storyteller Karen Haas.
Register Online!
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Free (Register)
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Postmark Second Saturdays
Visit Postmark Center for the Arts gallery, open to the public each Second Saturday from 12-4PM! Each month features FREE, all ages performances, crafts, and events!
Marbled Ube Cookies is BACK!
Each individual must register for this FREE activity to participate. Limited spots available!
Register for Session 1 (12 - 1:15PM)
Register for Session 2 (1:45 - 3PM)
This month, learn to bake marbled ube cookies with Clarissa Grace Gines on Saturday, December 13th! This will be a participatory, hands-on workshop where participants will have the opportunity to follow along and make their own batch of cookies!
During the demo, you will also learn about the history of ube, a vibrantly purple Filipino tuber that has gained popularity in recent years.
You will leave the demo with freshly baked cookies and the cookie recipe for you to recreate at home!
About: Clarissa Grace Gines (she/her) is a Filipina-American cultural worker and arts administrator whose multi-layered identities as a child of immigrants, first-generation college graduate, mother, storyteller, and arts advocate inform her work in, and with community. In her free time, she can be found in nature looking at flowers, in a museum looking at art, or in her kitchen whipping up baked goods.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13
⏰ Noon - 4 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
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A Take3 Christmas
Come experience "A TAKE3 Christmas” featuring all of your favorite holiday tunes with the virtuosic ladies of TAKE3. Bring the whole family to sing, clap and dance along as the countdown to everyone’s favorite holiday begins.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 13
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($27 regular, $24 student/senior)
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Curator Walk & Talk: A Very Victorian Washington Christmas
All Ages | Free program
Join Museum Curator Hilary Pittenger for an informal tour of our A Very Dickens Christmas exhibit highlighting how Victorian traditions show up in Washington State.
📅 Thursday, Dec. 18
⏰ 1 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Free (RSVP)
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Holiday Bake Sale
Friday, December 19 from 12-4PM
White River Valley Museum - 918 H Street Southeast, Auburn, WA, 98002
Free Event!
It’s the weekend before Christmas and you have a holiday party to attend. Quick - What are you bringing?
Find the answer at the second annual Museum Holiday Bake Sale!
Home baked goodies from museum staff and museum volunteers will be for sale. Proceeds support free and reduced cost museum field trips!
📅 Friday, Dec. 19
⏰ Noon - 4 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
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BYOB Bring Your Own Book!
Quiet Reading and Spooky Holiday Stories
Bring your own book, grab a cup of tea or cocoa, and cozy up amongst the Christmas trees for some quiet reading time followed by spooky holiday stories with renowned storyteller Karen Haas.
Register Online!
12 & Up | $10
📅 Friday, Dec. 19
⏰ 5:30 - 8 p.m.
📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE
💲 Free (Register)
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An Inspirational Christmas with Elvis
Join Danny Vernon as he presents An Inspirational Christmas with Elvis - classic Elvis along with some great traditional Christmas selections. Make this Christmas tradition one of your own!
📅 Saturday, Dec. 20
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th Street
💲Tickets ($27 regular, $24 student/senior)
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Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall
Be someone's hero today and donate blood. The Bloodworks Bloodmobile will be located outside City Hall.
- Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience.
- Same-day appointments available at most locations.
- Photo ID required.
- For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites.
- Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
Book your one hour appointment at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 13
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
💲 Sign Up
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We went out and took some photos of our Senior Center seniors playing Wii Bowling -- why? Find out in the Winter Auburn Magazine! Hits mailboxes in late December.
 Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week.
(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)
Betsy Elizabeth Stillman Lozier (1862-1957) was a member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and lived on the reservation and in nearby Auburn for her entire life. She was well-known for her skill as a basket and wool weaver. Betsy raised several abandoned and orphaned children in addition to her biological children. When she passed away, she had 10 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. This photograph was taken when she was in her 80s, c. 1950.
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