December 11, 2014

THURSDAY Only

December 11….“Foxhole Christmas” - Come to Silent Wings Museum and learn how Christmas was celebrated in America during WWII! Participants will have the opportunity to listen to music from the era and make Christmas treats, holiday ornaments and tree decorations with items as they were used in the 1940s. Parents and grandparents are welcome to join their kids. Registration is required by December 9th at 5 p.m. Cost is $7.00. All Ages are welcome. For more info call 806.775.3049. Silent Wings Museum, 6202 N. I-27 (Exit 9); 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

December 11….Premiere of "Downton Abbey" - Make plans to join us again this year as LHUCA and Texas Tech Public Media present a sneak peak of the Premier of Downton Abbey Season 5! Both screenings are free and open to the public but seating is limited. The screenings will be at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. There will be a 3 p.m. afternoon tea with tea and hors d’oeuvres. Evening reception following at 7 p.m. Call 806-762-8606 today to reserve your seat. Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, 511 Avenue K.

December 11....30th Annual 2014 Ransom Canyon Christmas Tour of Homes - This year’s tour features four lovely homes plus the Chapel, each in their unique settings. They are:
Ross & Deborah O’Connor - Completed in May of 2014, this dream home has a beautiful stone exterior and carriage style garage doors. The open concept interior is designed to capture the amazing views from this lakefront home. We enjoy sitting out on the large covered patio watching the sunsets and all the wildlife. Plans for a future deck and dock will complete our perfect house. We hope you will enjoy our home and help us celebrate our first of many Christmases in Ransom Canyon.
Randy & Tammy Pickering - Surprses await!
Ed & Lisa Wentz - The lakefront home of Drs. Ed & Lisa Wentz features many spacious rooms richly decorated for the holidays. Each bedroom has a different Christmas theme that matches the theme of the room. The architecture of their home is a combination of Southern styles and the tasteful furnishings perfectly accent throughout the house. A full, magnificent view of the lake and canyon rim can be enjoyed from every window.
Billy & Linda Williams - Surround yourself with the love & blessings of Christmas as you visit the home of Billy & Linda Williams. Our traditional home is decorated with 12 Christmas trees of various sizes, each with unique themed decorations. We are perched on the canyon rim so you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Lake, the Canyon and Buffalo Springs Lake twinkling in their holiday finery!
Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel - Stop by the Chapel to warm up with homemade refreshments and the sights and sounds of the season. As you approach the Chapel gardens, you’ll see the Three Crosses of Calvary, the “He is Risen” empty tomb and the newest addition, the Nativity. Up the pathway, the Chapel beckons with its warmth and beauty. We welcome you inside to enjoy hot apple cider, homemade cookies and Christmas music while admiring the Chapel’s beautiful architecture. A 12 foot high walnut cross surrounded by natural stones and a lovely courtyard make the chapel a favorite spot for local weddings. A shuttle service will be provided for those who prefer to ride up to the Chapel rather than walk up the garden pathway.
Proceeds: Benefits the Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel. Door prize: Dinner at Triple J Chophouse and tickets for two at The Cactus Theater
Tickets: $12.50 each or 5 for $50. To purchase tickets, please contact Allison Collins 829-2609. Tickets also may be purchased after 5:30 p.m. the night of the event for $15.00 @ the Ransom Canyon Fire Station at 1 Ridge Road. For additional information please contact Carol Farris 829-2637. 6:30 to 9 p.m.

December 11….14th Annual Caprock Celtic Christmas - The Vernacular Music Center, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Caprock Celtic Association, and the Roots Music Institute present the 14th Annual Caprock Celtic Christmas. Singers, players, dancers, storytellers, and more gather to perform traditional repertoires of the session, including traditional Irish, Scots, and Cape Breton; Irish- and English-language traditional songs; American shape-note hymns; instrumental dance tunes and slow airs, and much more. Special guests include Alabama Rick Cunningham, Professor Roger Landes, Dr Angela Mariani, and Dr Curtis Peoples. The Tech Irish Set-Dancers provide Half Sets, Cape Breton dances, and Hurry the Jug; the Eagle’s Heart Sisters and choreographer Nicole Wesley improvisational modern dance to traditional tunes; Caprock Morris dance team the wild capers of the Border Morris, and the TTU Celtic Ensemble presents Scottish fiddle music, Swedish polskas, Irish set dances, symphonic sean-nossongs, Hungarian marches, and the Welsh mid-Winter hobbyhorse called Mari Lwyd. Tickets are available via Select-a-Seat at (806) 770-2000. Maedgen Theatre (18th and Canton); 7 – 9 p.m.

THURSDAY through SUNDAY

December 11-14….Ballet Lubbock’s “The Nutcracker” - What's in store for 2014? More snow, more magic, more snow, more mother ginger, snow, more mother ginger, more snow, more Nutcrackery-goodness, and more snow. Did we mention that there would be more SNOW? Tickets are now on sale through Select-A-Seat. They can be purchased online at www.selectaseatlubbock.com, by calling 806-770-2000 or at any Select-A-Seat location. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane; Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

December 11 - 14 (Repeats December 17-23; 26-27)….Polar Express Train Ride - The Polar Express comes to West Texas to recreate all the sights and sounds of the time-honored story. Picture the excitement of children dressed in pajamas with golden tickets clutched in their hands as they board the train and prepare to embark on their journey to the North Pole. The story begins when the Conductors calls "All aboard" and gleefully punches everyone's ticket. Little faces will peer out the train's windows as we pull out of the station on our way to the North Pole. Guests will hear the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack as the story reading begins and the book's characters come to life. Dancing chefs will serve hot cocoa and cookies to all riders in a merry fashion as the doubting hobo wanders through the train. The train stops where children will behold the magic of the North Pole from their warm train seats. With a jolly "Ho, ho, ho" Santa waves to everyone and climbs aboard where he will greet each child and present them with the iconic silver sleigh bell - listen carefully, only believers can hear its ringing! Christmas carols will be sung as elves dance along as the journey back to the station begins after a memorable ride that sets the tone for the whole holiday season. Join us in this annual event sure to become one of your family's treasured traditions. Ticket prices vary – For more info, please visit www.westtexaspolarexpressride.com or call 877.726.7245. 103 N. Steck Ave., Wolfforth, Texas.
FRIDAY Only

December 12….New Neighbors Club Christmas Luncheon and Musical Program - New Neighbors Club invites everyone to celebrate the Christmas Holidays by joining them for lunch and listen to the musical magic of Christmas songs performed by Ms. Carol Ruthardt. You do not need to be new to the Lubbock area or a member to attend this event. Cost for the Luncheon is $14 and reservations are required. For more information about the luncheon or other Club activities, contact Mary Valentini at 799-4450 or email: newneighbors@ymail.com Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway; 10:30 a.m.

December 12….Asleep At The Wheel: Santa Loves To Boogie - For the first time ever - Asleep at the Wheel brings their Christmas show to the Cactus! Join leader Ray Benson and the gang for this holiday celebration western swing style! So polish your spurs, grab your Santa hats and get your tickets early - this one is a sell-out! Please contact the box office at 806-762-3233 to reserve tickets. Reserved seating $35, $30. Cactus Theater,1812 Buddy Holly Avenue; 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY and SATURDAY

December 12 - 13….36th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch - Join in the traditional spirit of a pioneer Christmas! This annual holiday event offers a glimpse into the past as visitors experience yuletide celebrations that took place on the open prairie more than 100 years ago. Luminarias light the paths around the National Ranching Heritage Center’s historic structures, where Ranch Host volunteers recreate holiday scenes of trimming trees with home-made decorations, playing traditional music and gathering around the campfire on a cold winter’s night. Guests can warm up with a cup of hot cider and fresh kettle corn as they tour through the historic site. There is no admission charge for this annual event, but donations are encouraged. National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 4thSt.; 6 – 9 p.m.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY

December 12 - 14….Christmas in Terminal B - Lubbock Community Theatre and Mr. Herb Armstrong are proud to present the world premiere of an original Christmas play, “Christmas in Terminal B”, written and directed by Jared Strange, a recent graduate of the MFA Playwriting program at the Texas Tech Department of Theatre and Dance. A huge storm has hit on Christmas Eve, leaving seven people stranded in Terminal B at a major airport. With children missing, tensions running high, and holiday cheer seemingly at an all – time low, this night is shaping up to be the worst Christmas ever…..unless this group can band together to save the day. Expect comedy and drama, laughter and tears – but don’t expect your ordinary Christmas! This original script presents a unique opportunity for preteens and adolescents to experience a Christmas tale geared toward their age group. We believe it can be a springboard for some great family discussion. Rated PG-13. Call (806) 749-2416 for tickets. Lubbock Community Theatre, 4232 Boston Ave. Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

December 12 - 14 (Repeats December 19-21, 22-25)….Santa's Land Drive Thru Christmas Park in Tahoka - Park will open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) (December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, & 21 then it will be open December 22, 23, 24, 25. Park is located at S.11th & Ave O (south west corner of town) in Tahoka. For more information call 806-891-1291.
SATURDAY Only

December 13….6th Annual Santa Paws - Santa Claus is coming to town and he wants to meet your pet! Bring your pet and get their picture taken with Santa. Bring the whole family and get in the picture for a complete “family” portrait. Photos are $2 each and include a holiday card or bring your own camera. Local pet-related businesses will be on hand with information and goodies. Register for a chance to win door prizes. The first fifty families will receive a holiday treat bag for their pet. Admission is free. Dogs must be on leash at all times and have proof of current vaccinations. City of Lubbock Animal Services will be available during this event to provide microchips for your dogs at a cost of $10 per dog. Micro-chipping is a permanent way to ensure that your pets can be identified should they ever become lost. To participate in this program, dog owners must reside within the city limits, and bring exact change and proof of rabies vaccination. For more information, call (806) 767-3706. Hodges Community Center, 4011 University; 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

December 13….Holiday Greenery Workshop - Don’t you just LOVE the smell of fresh pine wreaths and garland? Did you ever wonder how to make your own decorations out of fresh greenery? Helen Jarman and other Arboretum experts will show you how to make your own holiday decorations out of fresh greenery from your yard or trimmings from your Christmas tree. Bring your favorite ribbon or a special ornament and we will show you how to incorporate it into a beautiful, festive decoration for your home. Arboretum volunteers carefully cut fresh greenery from our grounds for use in this workshop, so you don’t have to do anything but show up and get busy learning! Hot apple cider, freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate and snacks make this a FUN event for the whole family. Lubbock Memorial Arboretum, 4111 University Ave, 10 a.m.

December 13….Christmas for the Animals Donation Drive and Open House – We welcome you to walk or drive through the shelter and then join Dr. Brenda Wilbanks and Haven staff in the community center for drinks and snacks. Donations can be delivered each Saturday in December until Christmas! (December 13th and December 20th) Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information call 806-763-0092. The Haven Animal Care Shelter, 4501 N. FM 1729; 2 – 4 p.m.

December 13….10th Annual Miracles Christmas Parade - Please join us on historic 34th Street in Lubbock for our version of "“Bright Lights – Christmas Delights.” Help us spark the magic of Christmas and the excitement of the season during the Miracles Christmas Parade. The parade, which started in 2005, experienced its first ever cancellation last December due to icy weather conditions and travel advisories creating a public safety concern. The last minute cancellation in 2013 disappointed thousands who are now more excited for this year’s parade. Parade officials are expecting a record crowd of more than 30,000 spectators. Visitors line 34th Street to see lighted floats, marching bands, antique tractors, motorcycles, vintage cars, fire trucks, Santa Claus, and more. Lubbock’s Miracles Christmas Parade is the primary source for new toys being donated to the United States Marines and their “Toys For Tots” campaign each year. This year, a special invitation to attend the free family-friendly Christmas parade is being extended to area residents who might be Christmas shopping in Lubbock that weekend and could attend and bring new unwrapped toys to the United States Marines who will collect toys on the parade route. The 2014 goal is 3,000 new toys. The parade takes a new direction in 2014, starting at 34th and Ave Q. and moving west to Indiana Avenue. The 90-minute parade features Santa Claus, whose float comes right behind the U.S. Marines vehicles and personnel who walk the street collecting toys from parade watchers. For more information visit www.miraclesparade.com. 34th and Ave Q; 6 p.m.

December 13….Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - The Grammy Nominated and Dove Award winning quartet are coming to Lubbock! Sponsored by the Center of Global Understanding, the President of the board, Joe Scarborough describes the event as "Exciting, energetic and uplifting. The perfect event to kick off your Christmas season with a bang. If you haven't seen them before, this is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the greatest gospel music events, and if you have seen them before, then you'll know you need to again!" Forget your normal Gospel Quartet. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (EHSS) have broken the mold. Their unconventional approach to communicating the Good News with groundbreaking originality has blazed a trail that will go down in gospel music history. Across Europe they have been nicknamed the "Ambassadors of Joy" because of the message of hope and joy that permeates their performances. The group's founder and leader, Ernie Hasse, was a long-time member of the famous Cathedral Quartet, headed by the late George Younce. Ernie's roots are deeply planted in the rich legacy of music that is both meaningful and thoroughly entertaining. After the Cathedrals bade farewell to their five-decade run in the music industry, Ernie's passion for gospel music led him to a new beginning. In 2003, he gathered a group of like-minded men who shared his love for God, great harmonies, time-honored songs and energetic performances, and together they have become one of the most influential forces in southern gospel music. For tickets call Select–A-Seat at 770-2000 or buy online at selectaseatlubbock.com. City Bank Auditorium, 2720 Drive of Champions; 6 p.m.

December 13 (Repeats December 19, 20, 23)….Cactus Family Christmas Celebration - Christmas is a wonderful time of year! For the past 18 years, the Cactus has performed its "Cactus Family Christmas Celebration" featuring some of the greatest singers ever to hit the Cactus stage. This year we wanted to share our favorite memories with songs featured from the last 18 shows in Cactus history. With old and new faces, you will experience the "meaning" of Christmas in this show. With holiday treats provided by Slaton Bakery, hot apple cider to warm your heart, and beautiful Christmas decor filling every corner, you will be blessed this holiday season by the Cactus Family. Please contact the box office at 806-762-3233 to reserve tickets. Reserved seating $25 and $10 Ages 12 and under. Cactus Theater,1812 Buddy Holly Avenue; 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY Only

December 14….4th Annual Old Time Radio Show Recreation: "The Bishop's Wife" - Bring your own snack supper and enjoy the show. No admission charge. Special guest is Jesse Walton, special effects artist. Enjoy the timeless comedy of Abbot and Costello, Jack Benny and Minnie Pearl. St. Luke's United Methodist Church (Central) Fellowship Hall; 44th & Memphis; 6 p.m.

December 14...Search for Baby Jesus - Christmas comes to life at this indoor walking tour and dramatization of the events leading up to the birth of Christ. Live animals, crafts for kids and refreshments make it fun for the family. Admission is free. Hosted by Indiana Ave Baptist Church, 98th and Indiana. For more info please visit www.iabc.org or call 797-9704.
Last Week's Trivia Question....

The Question: Which U.S. state was the first to declare Christmas as an official holiday ???

Answer: Alabama

Winner: Melody M. of Tahoka
This Week's Trivia Question....

For this contest, 2 winners will receive a Family 4-pak to the Polar Express Train Ride. These tickets include the train ride experience and delicious refreshments.

To win these tickets, correctly answer the trivia question below and email it to us at info@lubbockfunclub.com using the fun phrase "Hop On Board" as your subject title.

The Question: Which state was the LAST to make Christmas an official holiday ???

The deadline for this contest is Friday (tomorrow!) at 10 a.m. and the winner will be contacted shortly thereafter. Please....we ask that you only enter the contest once to be fair to everyone.

Good luck to all!
Community Spotlight:
These Annual Traditions Offer Unique Family Fun

December 4 – 31….Largest Gingerbread House in Lubbock - The house is available for anyone to view and admission is free. Standing over 4 feet tall and 8 feet long, the Gingerbread “Ranch” House will be decorated with over 100 pounds of gingerbread and hundreds of real candies. Donations to the Texas Boys Ranch can be made at the Overton Hotel’s main desk by purchasing a $5 Gingerbread Man, a $100 Roof Tile, or by purchasing one of the Pecan Grill’s specialty desserts or specialty drinks. Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane.

December 10 - 23….Santa Land - Bring your children and grandchildren to Mackenzie Park and enjoy a long-time Lubbock tradition when Santa Land opens to the public on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at 6 p.m. Children from Lubbock and surrounding communities are invited to Santa Land’s Opening Ceremony and to help Lubbock City Council members welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus from the North Pole, turn on the lights in this winter village with its 60-foot Christmas tree, and officially open Santa Land. Lubbock Parks and Recreation has hosted Santa Land for the past 58 years, and admission for all ages is free. Santa Land will be open every evening from December 10-23 from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. Between 38,000-41,000 people visit Santa Land each year to see the festive holiday village with its huge lighted Christmas tree, animated displays, bonfires, traditional holiday scenes, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each evening at 6 p.m. during this 14-night event, a sleigh with tiny reindeer bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to Santa Land to hear the Christmas wishes of area children. Youth this year can look for Bo, Santa Land’s very own Elf on the Shelf! Enjoy live entertainment most evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. Hot chocolate and other refreshments are available for sale at the concession stand. Parents are welcome to bring cameras and video cameras to take photos of their children with Santa at no charge. For those who forget their cameras, keepsake digital photos may be purchased for $5 each. The entrance to Santa Land is from the East Broadway entrance into Mackenzie Park just east of Avenue A and the South Plains Fairgrounds; 6 -10 p.m.
Looking Ahead in the Calendar....

December 16….LSO: Holiday Chamber Concert
December 18–23….Madrigal Dinners
December 19....Cowboy Christmas Concert (Plainview)
December 19-20….Broadway Holiday
December 20, 22….Ornaments, Cookies and Santa
December 21, 22….It's a Cactus Kids Christmas
December 26…Country Gospel: Celebrating Blessings of 2014
December 27…."The Best Of 2014"
Many more UPCOMING FUN THINGS TO DO are listed on our website...lots further out than the weekly postcard. Click here to go to our CALENDAR OF EVENTS for more info on these activites and MORE>

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