By Lara Alexander

Groupon deals in Edmonds

Groupon — the website service that offers one-time coupons for massive savings — has been offering deals for Edmonds! The current deal: You can buy a 110-point value card ($25 value) for Family Fun Center (formerly Funtasia) for $12. On Wednesday, Groupon offered discounted tickets and popcorn for the Edmonds Theater (now expired) but the deal was so popular, the theater said it may be back on Groupon soon. You can sign up for Groupon’s daily deal at www.groupon.com

Fat Tuesday and the party is in Edmonds

Edmonds Community College has upped the ante with its international showcase event. After wrapping up auditions this week, 16 performers have been chosen to entertain you on stage of the Edmonds Center of the Arts. This is the Mardi Gras International Night’s debut on the big stage, moving from the college to the Center for the Arts to accommodate a larger anticipated audience.

Students from around the world will be singing, dancing, and even performing comedy! Masks and beads will be shared with the crowd, to get you in the Mardi Gras mood. Tickets are only $8 when purchased online from Edmonds Center for the Arts and a steal at $5 when purchased at EDCC’s Office of Student Life in the Triton Student Center. Mardi Gras Interntional Night: Friday Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Ave.  N., 425- 275-9595.

High culture for the kiddos

The Cascade Symphony Orchestra is getting ready for their children’s concert, Carnival of the Animals, at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. The concert will feature two young “rising stars,” 11-year-old Olivia Marckx and 13-year-old  Zachary Kellog, and a special performance by Olympic Ballet Theater.

For ticketing and event information for the Cascade Symphony Orchestra 2010-2011 season, call 425-776-4938 or visit www.cascadesymphony.org. Carnival of the Animals, Feb. 26, 2011 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 students and seniors, $8 youth 12 and under. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Ave. N., 425-275-9595.

Black History Month

Have your kids been talking about Black history? February is Black History month and many classrooms across the country are highlighting the history and accomplishments of African Americans.

Edmonds Community College’s Diversity Student Center and Black Student Association are welcoming you to a Black History Month event at the Black Box Theater on Feb. 24. Expect to enjoy music and skits, from 11:30-12:30 p.m.. The theater is best accessed by the campus entrance on 204th street.

The new hot hang out – Edmonds library’s teen events

The library is open to TEENS only on Friday night! Play along with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Wii, board games and chow on free food. Game night is Friday night, Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Edmonds’ library invites your teen back later in the week to share their valuable opinions about library programs, purchases and improvements. Refreshments served and community service hours available! February 28th from 4 pm to 5 pm.

Edmonds Library, 650 Main Street 877-SNO-ISLE

Interested in Edmonds’ Choice schools?

Tours of Maplewood Parent Cooperative and Madrona K-8 are available for families interested in entering their students into the lottery for entrance into these district-wide choice schools

For Maplewood, tours are on Monday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. Maplewood is located at 8500 200th St. SW, Edmonds, 98026.

Tours of Madrona K-8 are available for families interested in entering their students into the lottery for entrance into this district wide choice school. Madrona features multi-age classroom “centers” and a high level of parent involvement. Tours are on Thursday, March 10th at 9:45 a.m. Madrona is located at 9300 236th St. SW, Edmonds, 98020.

Edmonds mom Lara Alexander keeps busy chasing after a toddler, growing and cooking good food, and writing about it all. You can find more of her writing on her blog at www.food-soil-thread.com. If you have Edmonds-specific family activities for possible inclusion in Lara’s column, email them to family@myedmondsnews.com.