THE BOOKS

Page Ahead

I could make jokes about how you never read anymore. But that’s just not true. You do. TV Guide doesn’t read itself, you know. Plus you have to figure out that little graph thingy with the channels and times — not to mention the plot summaries. However, I digress. The point is you have all of those “books” on your shelves. Some have been made into movies (which means you don’t need to read them) and some have not (which means they’re not worth bothering with). Either way, you’re not going to read them. So, give them away.

Wind Up Here in Olympia is sponsoring a book drive to benefit the Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program. Drop by the toy store with a book for local at-risk children younger than 12 before the July 29 deadline.

Many have already donated helping Wind Up Here to reach its 200 book goal. But that’s not you. You’re busy flipping through the TV Guide. — Suzy Stump

[Wind Up Here, through July 29, 121 Fifth Ave. S.E., Olympia, 360.943.9045]

THE STAGE

“Beauty” continues

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” is winding down its übersuccessful run at Tacoma Musical Playhouse. There are only two weekends left to see the heartwarming and entertaining story of a bookworm girl who finds love in the paws of a castle-bound prince. — Steve Dunkelberger

[Narrows Theatre, through Aug. 5, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $16-$23, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6867, www.tmp.org]

THE GAMES

Get your kilt on

If the caber toss — a game that dares its competitors to hurl a 20-foot log in the air 180 degrees — doesn’t get you excited for the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games And Clan Gathering this weekend, nothing will. But here’s to trying: The festival/competition celebrates Scottish culture at its best. Browse the many cultural booths, enjoy live entertainment and eat the traditional cuisine. Or, just stick around the Highland Festival area, where competitors try their hand at the stone put and the Scottish hammer throw. — SS

[Enumclaw Expo Center, July 28-29 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., $9-$12, 45224 284th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw, www.sshga.org]

THE NIGHT

Summer Sounds & Outdoor Cinema

A new spin on an old saying best describes Northwest soul singer Korla Wygal: It ain’t over till the big beautiful lady sings. Politically correct enough? Wygal has been called the sultress of sound because of her dynamic and perfectly pitched voice. Check her out Saturday when she headlines The Metro Parks Tacoma Summer Sounds & Comcast Outdoor Cinema, a night that will include performances from Tacoma Idol hopefuls and the flick “Akeelah & the Bee,” the 2006 film that proved competitive spelling isn’t just for home-schooled social inadequates. The night will be held outdoors at Wright Park. — Brad Allen

[Wright Park, Saturday, July 28, 6:30 p.m., free, 501 S. I St., Tacoma, 253.305. 1062]

THE ZOO

Shark Week

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, the folks at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium pull something like this. They’re holding a Shark Week this, er, week, with lectures, feedings and shark dives. Sink your teeth in sharks up to nine feet long and a 240,000-gallon Outer Reef Ocean Tank. — SS

[Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, July 28-Aug. 4, $3-$10, 5400 N. Pearl, Tacoma, 253.591.5333]

THE FOOD

Salmon Bake

Out with one colonel and in with another. The king of the Steilacoom Salmon Bake, Chef Don Rehburg (USA-ret.), aka the Colonel, and inventor of the “secret” salmon sauce used in the grilling process, has retired from the annual event. Shelly Shellabarger, another retired colonel, will command this year. The Salmon Bake includes 1,350 pounds of salmon, 200 pounds of steamer clams, 1,200 ears of corn, 200 tomatoes, 21 gallons of three-bean salad, 55 loves of French bread, and 140 fruit pies. A car show kicks off the day at 9 a.m. Shuttle buses run from the tennis courts on Lafayette Street to Sunnyside Beach. — Jake de Paul

[Sunnyside Beach, Sunday, July 29, noon to 4 p.m., $6-$13, 2701 Chambers Creek Road, Steilacoom, 253.584. 4177]