Centennial fair brings crafts, arts to rec center

The 29th annual Arts and Crafts Fair — held by South Suburban Parks and Recreation District at Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 — will exhibit works by more than 70 Colorado artisans/vendors. Included will be ceramics, jewelry, clothing, quilts, paintings, photographs, floral arrangements, holiday items and specialty foods. Complimentary gift wrapping will be provided by the South Suburban Sparks Gymnastics Team. Free admission and parking. Information: Darcie@ssprd.org.

Englewood concert

“Santa Baby” with Brigette Lee is the Nov. 4 “Starlight Rhythms” concert on Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Hampden Hall. Hampden Hall is on the second level of the Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Tickets: $ 10 at the door/students under 18 free.

Ensemble music

The Colorado Wind Ensemble presents “Sound the Bells!” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. The ensemble’s new conductor, Dr. David Kish, a Metro State University faculty member, will direct a program that will feature two MSU faculty members in gems from contemporary classical literature: Michelle Thompson will be soprano soloist in Frank Tichell’s “Angels in the Architecture” and pianist Sara Parkinson is featured on Carter Penn’s “Slalom.” CWE’s bassoon trio will perform “BasSOON it will be Christmas.” The partnership with MSU will benefit CWE with an opportunity to rehearse and perform at the King Center. Tickets cost $ 15/$ 10/$ 5; coloradowindensemble.org.

Books, book, books

Books are “the gift that keeps on giving,” in bookseller parlance. Two sales at our local libraries may turn up some treasures:

• The Better Book Bonanza runs Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial. The sale features a quantity of gift-quality books from $ 5 to $ 350. The sponsoring group is Friends of the Arapahoe Libraries, which has to date in 2015 granted $ 100,000 to the libraries.

• The Littleton Friends of the Library/Museum Holiday Sale at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St, Littleton, runs now through noon, Christmas Eve, with a selection of books, including children’s titles on a special table in the lobby. They will have new titles added regularly. Cash or checks only.

Fine art show, sale

The Arvada Center’s annual Fine Art Market Show and Sale returns Dec. 3-20 for its 29th year in the Arvada Center Galleries, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Categories include books, journals, paper; clay, jewelry, mixed media, drawing, fiber, glass, metal, pastel, photography, mosaic, painting, watercolor, printmaking and woodwork. A silent auction, with bids taken during the show, will benefit the Arvada Center. (Make bids in person or call 720-898-7251.) Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Holiday herbal gifts

Make a variety of herb-themed gifts: infused vodkas, oils and vinegars; powdered ranch dressing dip mix; French onion soup dip mix; Chai; mulling spices; and more from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. ($ 58/$ 53 member). Also, on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be a family workshop on building a decorated gingerbread creation to take home. Fees: $ 17 child/$ 15 member child/$ 12 adult/$ 10 member adult. All programs include garden admission. botanicgardens.org.

ACC concerts

Three free concerts are scheduled at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, in the Waring Theatre — all at 7 p.m.:

• Wednesday, Dec. 9: ACC String Orchestra, directed by Rene Knetsch

• Friday, Dec. 11: ACC Jazz Ensemble, directed by Cecil Lewis

• Monday, Dec. 14: ACC Choir, directed by Ron Kientz.

For information, contact the music department chair, Dr. Hidemi Matsushita, hidemi.matsishita@arapahoe.edu or 303-797-5897.

College hosts artisan fair

Arapahoe Community College will present an Artisan Fair on Dec. 11 and 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days, in the Second Floor Atrium at 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Ten percent of proceeds will go to the ACC Foundation. Information: Jane Binns, jane.binns@araphoe.edu or 303-797-5799.

Parker holiday classics

The Parker Symphony and Parker Chorale perform holiday favorites at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Tickets are $ 20-$ 25; parkerarts.org, 303-805-6800.