December 14, 2017

THURSDAY Only

December 14….33rd Annual Ransom Canyon Chapel Christmas Tour of Homes 2017 – Start the season off right with this beautiful tour of homes. Ticket are $12.50/ea or 5 tickets for $50 at the following locations:

* Ransom Canyon City Hall 24 Lee Kitchens Dr 806-829-2470
* Centennial Bank 103 Texas Ave Slaton 806-828-6545
* Drs Ed & Lisa Wentz 4013 84th St Lubbock 806-794-8124
* America Bank of Commerce 50th & Memphis Lubbock 806-775-5000
* Christian Brothers Automotive 6207 82nd St Lubbock 806-794-1200

Tickets may also be purchased after 5:30pm the night of the event for $15 at the Ransom Canyon Fire Department at 1 Ridge Road. If you are not able to get to any of the ticket locations, call or email Allison @ 806-829-2609/Allison.collins@ttu.edu. Tickets will be reserved for you to be picked up at the Fire Department the night of the tour. Maps and directions will be available at the Fire Department. For additional information please contact Carol Farris @ 806-829-2637. Featured homes in the Canyon include Don & Mari Barron: A Traditional Christmas in a New Home; Mike & Alice Cunningham: A Sentimental Christmas on the Lake; Dayne & Penny Golightly: A True Country & Western Christmas in the Golightly's; and Brandt & Christie Underwood: The Louisiana-Texas Line House. Welcome to the Canyon Memorial Chapel for hot apple cider, homemade cookies and Christmas music by the Gospel Brass. A shuttle service will be provided for those who choose to ride up to the Chapel rather than walk the garden pathway. The theme this year is: Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord!!! 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

THURSDAY through SUNDAY

December 14 - 17….Ballet Lubbock Presents: The Nutcracker - It just isn’t the holidays without Ballet Lubbock’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This timeless and magical story of Clara, who dreams that her new toy nutcracker solider has come to life, will delight audiences of all ages. From an epic battle with the Rat King to the magical land of sweets presided over by the Sugar Plum Fairy, this is one performance you won’t want to miss! This year’s performances will feature Ballet Lubbock favorites Lori Wilson and Amar Ramasar as well as the rest of the Ballet Lubbock Company. Come find your inner sugar plum fairy and join Ballet Lubbock for Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a Lubbock Holiday Tradition. Purchase tickets through Select-A-Seat by calling 770.2000. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre, 1501 Mac Davis Lane; Thursday, Friday: 7 p.m., Saturday: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday: 2 p.m
FRIDAY Only

December 15….Country Christmas: Wendell Sollis and The Sidekicks All Stars - Get ready for some toe tapping, boot-scootin, fiddlin’ music this holiday season, for a night of nostalgia and listening enjoyment. You can sit back, clap your hands, and tap your toes (Small Dance Area by Stage). It will be a great night of Western Swing, Big Band, Classical Country, Cajun, and Christmas favorites. Wendell Sollis, bandleader, is a veteran banjo player, performing since the ’70s. He has performed with The Texas Playboys, Texas Sand and now leads the Sidekicks. He states, “This 11-member band is packed full of talent and will be ready to deliver a night of your favorite oldies. It will be great music - bringing back memories of days gone by. We have so many award-winning musicians, it’s appropriate to call the group all stars”. Among the lineup of players: Steve “Hambone” Ham playing trombone;.Steve Wilkerson, on the clarinet/tenor sax; Bob Baker will play steel guitar; Ronnie Dale Shultz, lead guitar; on the accordion is Ginny Mac. Lucy Dean Record, a 93-year-old keyboard player, has a trophy case filled with musical honors. Brady Rasco and Greg Gibbs represent our twin fiddles; Rodney Lay, on bass; and Chad Maines, on drums. This fun-filled event will have concessions available.. For an unforgettable night for your family, friends or business, come and join us! Tickets: Individual seating $30-$25-$20. The eight (8) box seats include complimentary concession throughout the concert at $50 per ticket. Check out the Facebook page at Wendell Sollis and the Sidekicks All Star Band. Box office open 3:00-5:30 p.m. daily or call (806) 762-3233 or order tickets online at cactustheater.com. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY

December 15 and 16….Children and Adults Theatrical Studios Presents: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" - A Charlie Brown Christmas is a 1965 animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. Produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, the program made its debut on CBS on December 9, 1965. In the special, lead character Charlie Brown finds himself depressed despite the onset of the cheerful holiday season. Lucy suggests he direct a neighborhood Christmas play, but his best efforts are ignored and mocked by his peers. After Linus tells Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown cheers up, and the Peanuts gang unites to celebrate the Christmas season. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Charles M. Schulz, directed by Pat Price. Tickets are $12.00. Go to www.catsplayhouse.com for reservations. Children and Adults Theatrical Studios, 2257 34th Street; House opens at 7 p.m. Performances start at 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY through NEXT SUNDAY

December 15 - 24....Santa's Land Drive-Thru Christmas Park in Tahoka - Admission is free, donations will be accepted to help keep the lights on. Everyone is invited to stop by and see the lights and Santa (please bring your camera). The park includes four acres of land, thousands of lights, 100 plus wooden cut outs, 15 blow-ups, tons of Christmas trees, and decorated antique car. Lots of new stuff this year. Visitors are able to stay inside their cars or get out and mingle while enjoying a warm fire and hot chocolate and cookies. If you want to make sure Santa will be present please call (806) 891-1291 Or Check http://www.facebook.com/SANTASLAND79373. Tahoka, TX (30 miles south of Lubbock). Park is located at South 11th and Ave O (use Google map) just off of Hwy 87; Gate opens at 6:30 each night. Lights out at 10 p.m

SATURDAY Only

December 16….Wreaths Across America Ceremony – All are invited to help honor and remember our Fallen Heroes and teach the next generation about what our veterans have done for us. Shallower Brass Band will be performing. The National Anthem will be performed by a cadet this year - followed by a special speaker. People are encouraged to help lay the wreaths. There will be close to 700 wreaths being delivered. The opening ceremony - The Laying of the Wreaths will begin at 9 a.m. The official ceremony that takes place simultaneously across the county will begin at 11 a.m. If anyone has questions they can contact Capt Tammy Preidis with Civil Air Patrol at 806-429-2033. City of Lubbock Cemetery, 2011 E 31st St.

December 16….LHUCA Presents: The Life and Art of Edward Hooper with Christian Conrad - Edward Hopper (July 22, 1882 – May 15, 1967). Edward Hopper’s paintings were created in the urban centers of the United States prior to War World II. Hopper’s images, created in oil paint and etching, focus on the American landscape and its people; Hopper painted some of the most iconic images of his time, including NightHawks (1942) which explores the city during the solitary hours of the war. In addition, Hopper created peaceful images of rural Maine. Join us as we examine Hopper’s art and its place in this unique time period in American history. Saturday Lectures at LHUCA is an informal conversation over the life and work of contemporary artists. It’s a stress-free opportunity to examine the art and ideas that underlie much of the modern art world. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and join the conversation. This event is free to the public. Join us for coffee and donuts! LHUCA, 511 Avenue K; 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

December 16….FAO Workshop of Wonder at Bealls - This holiday season, Bealls, part of the Stage Stores family, in Lubbock invites customers to experience the wonder of iconic FAO Schwarz toys through family-friendly events. The “FAO Workshop of Wonder” events will take place in stores. Children will be treated to story time with Mrs. Claus or even Santa himself reading “Return to Wonder – Toys on Tour,” an exclusive FAO Schwarz story book, only available at Stage Stores. Each child will receive a coloring book to bring home the excitement of these events. Additionally, kids will be invited to participate in arts and crafts stations to create custom ornaments and holiday cards for the whole family. To top off the fun and save the holiday memories, families can step into the Winter Wonderland Photo Booth and say, “cheese!” At each event there will also be the opportunity to win an exclusive FAO Schwarz bear. Guests will have the chance to play with and purchase the famous FAO Schwarz Giant Dance Mat Piano, Ride On Roadster and a life-size bear. Customers can also shop for a good cause by taking home Stage’s exclusive FAO Schwarz branded plush Bears that Care, available in all stores. With the sale of each Bears that Care, $1 will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation with a minimum donation of $100,000. This event is FREE. Bealls, 6002 Slide Rd; 2 to 4 p.m.

December 16….FirstCare Health Plans presents: Classic Cactus Christmas - Celebrate the season with us Cactus style! You'll enjoy old and new holiday classics performed by your favorite Cactus performers all backed by our incredible house band, the Rhythm Machine! Mark your calendars for this must-see show! Performers include longtime Cactus favorites and some new talents, too! For this show, we'll feature Kenny Maines, Baby Jade, Craig Elliott, Kurt Kiser, Bethany Longoria, Tiffany Nelson, Addie Bleu Short, Morgan Reatherford and Berklee Timmons. Tickets $25 for reserved floor; $20 for standard balcony seating; $50 for box seats (includes box ticket and concessions). Discounted tickets for children 12 and under also available for $10 - and these tickets can be ordered online for the first time this year as well by clicking on the desired seat and specifying adult or child seat. Box office open 3:00-5:30 p.m. daily or call 762-3233 or order online at cactustheater.com. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY and MONDAY

December 17 - 18….Caldwell Kids Christmas Celebration - Bring your entire family for a wonderful night for a "Cactus Kids Christmas Celebration." This show will run for two nights - but get your tickets early - this is traditionally one of our most popular Christmas shows! If you have never seen a Cactus Kids Christmas Concert, you are in for a real treat! This is not just your average kids show - these are the BEST OF THE BEST from the Terri Caldwell Music program. Kids from this program have appeared on national TV programs such as “America's Got Talent” and “X Factor.” Reserved floor seats and first row of the standard balcony are $25; remainder of standard balcony $20; box seats in balcony are $50 and included concessions. Specially priced tickets for children age 12 and under are $10. In addition to regular tickets for adults, the discounted children's tickets can be purchased online thanks to our new ticket system upgrade. Box office open 3:00-5:30 p.m. daily or call (806) 762-3233 or order tickets online at cactustheater.com. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY Only

December 19….An Evening with Lee Greenwood - Lee Greenwood is an ICON in country music, with more than 30 albums to his credit. With seven #1 songs and 25 charted singles, his hits include: “It Turns Me Inside Out”, “Ring On Her Finger Time on Her Hands”, ”She’s Lyin”, “I don’t Mind the Thorns if You’re the Rose”, “Dixie Road”, “Somebody’s Gonna Love You”, “Going Going Gone”, “You Got A Good Love Comin”, “Fools Gold”, and “Mornin Ride”. The CD “American Patriot”, recorded & released in 1992, went platinum in 3 months. Greenwood’s latest CD is: "I Want to be in Your World". Lee Greenwood has won numerous industry awards including, Male Vocalist of the year for the Academy of Country Music in 1983, two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, 1983 & 1984 and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.”. He also won CMA Song of the Year in 1985 for writing “God Bless the USA” - voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America. Greenwood says; “USA is the song I always felt the need to write”. “I wanted to have something that would unite Americans from coast to coast. and to instill pride back in the United States. The song represents my family, my community and those men and women who have paid the price for the freedoms we all love and enjoy.” This special "Evening with Lee Greenwood" will feature holiday-themed music in addition to some of the biggest hits from his extensive catalog of chart-toppers. Special opener is Hannah Jackson accompanied by Ray Espinoza on guitar. A very special evening is in store at the historic Cactus Theater and a sellout is expected. Ticket information: $75 VIP/Meet & Greet - first 3 rows (A1, A, B) Reserved floor $50 next 9 rows (C-K) standard balcony $35; balcony box seats $75 (includes ticket and concessions). Box office open 3:00-5:30 p.m. daily or call (806) 762-3233 or order tickets online at cactustheater.com. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Only

December 20….Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical - The beloved TV classic's namesake reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life. Don't miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Based on the animated television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain. Tickets are available to purchase by calling Select A Seat at 806-770-2000. Lubbock Municipal Auditorium, 2720 Drive of Champions; 7 p.m.

December 20….Flying J Wranglers - White Mountain Christmas - 2017 Tour - Celebrate Christmas the western way! Join the Flying J Wranglers for an evening of great music, humor and yuletide cheer as they sing and play a mix of western, spiritual and popular Christmas classics. Featuring six outstanding musicians and vocalists, The Flying J Wranglers are: James, a singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist; his wife Cindy, a distinguished three-octave vocalist and WMA National Western Style Yodel Champion (and comical sketch character); the renowned multi-instrumentalist Randy, (guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro and vocals); cowboy Chaney on upright bass and vocals; fiddler and vocalist Corinna, and baritone vocalist Greg. This ever-popular act is a traditional favorite in every sense of the word....so don't miss your chance to celebrate a "White Mountain Christmas" with the Flying J Wranglers in the intimate Cactus Theater. This is their 16th annual appearance...tickets NOW ON SALE! All reserved floor seats $25; reserved standard balcony seats $20; limited box seats $50 (includes box ticket and concessions). Box office open 3:00-5:30 p.m. daily or call (806) 762-3233 or order tickets online at cactustheater.com. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

Community Spotlight
Santa Land: Annual Tradition Now Open Nightly in Mackenzie Park

December 10 – 23….Santa Land - Bring your children and grandchildren to Mackenzie Park and enjoy a 60-year Lubbock tradition! Children from Lubbock and surrounding communities are invited to Santa Land’s Opening Ceremony on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. Lubbock City Council members will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus from the North Pole, turn on the Christmas lights in this winter village, and officially open Santa Land. Lubbock Parks and Recreation has hosted Santa Land for the past 60 years, and admission for all ages is free. Santa Land is open every evening from December 10-23, 2017, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. nightly. Approximately 50,000 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 6:00 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. Don’t forget to look for Bo, Santa Land’s very own Elf on the Shelf, each night and message your pictures of him to our Parks and Recreation Facebook page to enter a chance to win a $500 Gift Certificate from Academy Sports + Outdoors. Families will enjoy live entertainment most evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Hot chocolate and other refreshments are available for sale at the concession stand. Parents are welcome to bring 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 located off of the East Broadway entrance into Mackenzie Park east of Avenue A and the South Plains Fairgrounds. For more information, contact Lubbock Parks and Recreation at (806) 775-2673 or (806) 775-2687, visit our website at www.playlubbock.com or follow us on Facebook. Mackenzie Park, 301 N Interstate 27; 6 – 10 p.m. nightly.

The Long Goodbye
Lubbock Fun Club Closes Out 2017

Last Weekly e-Postcard Published Next Week

Folks, after a dozen years of serving readers in Lubbock, the South Plains and beyond - the time has come for Lubbock Fun Club owners Darryl and Stephanie to make yet another career move.

It has been our pleasure and privilege to serve the community by publishing this weekly e-postcard and hosting the website for these many years. It is a bittersweet decision for us to make, but we have expanded our other businesses and taken on new challenges which require more of our time and attention on a daily and weekly basis.

We hope this weekly "e-postcard" has been a welcome friend all these years - and that each of you reading this early farewell note will know that this chapter in our lives has been rewarding on so many levels. This postcard and website is actually what brought us together in 2005 - so it has meant so much to us for reasons beyond just compiling and publishing information.

We thank our advertisers, friends and readers for these past dozen years of friendship. We have endeavored to make Lubbock a better place to live through these weekly mailings. We'll detail more about our future plans in this next week's addition. In the meantime, we'd love to hear from any of you who would like to write.

Thank you LFC readers!

Darryl and Stephanie Holland
Publishers

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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