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Weekday Picks: Farmers Market Toy Drive, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, November 23-27

11/23/15 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's a time for sharing with others, and for picking up the last minute items you need for dinner; why not do both by saying "meet me at Third and Fairfax" for the annual Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff at the Farmers Market? Each year, the bright red donation kettles take their places at our nation's storefronts. This drive for donations begins at The Farmers Market with a festive holiday event that includes a tree lighting ceremony, sing-alongs with the Claremont Carolers, and tributes to civic and community leaders. The U.S. Marine Corps collects for Toys for Tots, too.

So if Monday is for giving and Thursday is for gratitude, Friday must be for getting, right? Not necessarily. The Los Angeles County Arboretum has an “Escape from Black Friday” nature camp, and there is much to do on our calendar that does not involve shopping. Personally, in anticipation of El Niño relieving us from the drought, I’m going to be Singin’ in the Rain, but if you are looking for a kiddie movie, The Good Dinosaur opens at the El Capitan this week. If you have tickets to the 7pm show on Wednesday you can also enjoy a free anniversary screening of Toy Story beforehand. The accompanying show celebrates 20 years of Pixar Animation.

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1. Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff – Monday
This annual drive for charitable donations commences with much festivity in the Plaza at the Farmers Market.
See all Monday events

2. The Good Dinosaur (G) – Tuesday
Disney's latest Pixar release answers the question, what if humans and dinosaurs were on Earth at the same time? Opening night at El Capitan there is also a free screening of Toy Story, in addition to the 20 Years of Pixar stage show, starring characters from Inside Out.
See all Tuesday events

3. Kids Club: Healthy play with Adventureplex – Wednesday
South Bay Galleria offers a free, health centered play date, with relays and obstacle courses for kids ages 2-10. There's no time like the day before Thanksgiving to focus on fitness instead of gluttony.
See all Wednesday events

4. Pumpkin Smash – Thursday
If you're seeking an alternative to cooking and eating a giant meal all day, hop in the car and head to the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the animals get to express their gratitude by smashing pumpkins.
See all Thursday events

5. Escape from Black Friday Nature Camp – Friday
Autumn crafts and science in a garden make a great setting for kids whose parents have to work or want to shop the Black Friday sales.
See all Friday events

There are always plenty more activities on our Daily Events Calendar and in our monthly GoList. And if you don’t receive our newsletters full of suggestions for family fun, you really should subscribe…it’s free!