Austin, TX

And still more things happening this weekend…

Pioneer Farm’s Candlelight Christmas Tours
When: December 5, 6, 12, and 13 6pm-10pm
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, Texas
$$$: Tickets $10 (over the age of 2)

Time travel to the 19th century. Hayrides will transport visitors to each of the historic home sites for an evening of entertainment, crafts, and games. At the German Immigrant’s cabin you’ll hear stories around the fire, sing carols around the pump organ in the Homestead parlor and string popcorn around the kitchen table, by the warmth of the wood stove, and enjoy the ambiance and hospitality of the Commercial Cotton Farm as the ladies welcome visitors to play parlor games as was the custom during holidays in the 1880’s.

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Wheatsville Arts Festival
When: December 6-7, 10am-5:30pm
Where: Adams Park, 300 W. 30th Street
$$$: Free

The Wheatsville Arts Festival includes 75 artists and craftsmen with original work on display. Pick up a one-of-a-kind gift, or enjoy the live music and incredible food at this holiday event destination. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family!

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Zilker Tree Lighting
When: 6pm, Sunday, December 7th
Where: Zilker Park, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
$$$: Free

The Zilker Tree Stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25 watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower.

Each year the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin Energy hold a lighting ceremony to officially light the tree. This year the ceremony will be at 6pm, Sunday, December 7th. The public is invited to attend the celebration and participate in the lighting ceremony. Parking is available in Zilker Park.

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There are so many things happening this weekend that I could go on and on but I’m getting tired of typing so I’ll leave you with these things and hope you find something that sounds interesting! Have a great weekend!

Here are some fun things for the kids:

Austin Waldorf School’s 29th Annual Winter Fair
When: Saturday, Dec. 6th, 10am - 4pm
Where: Austin Waldorf School, 8700 S. View Rd, Austin
$$$: Free!

Crafts and activities; walking sticks, pocket lady, box maze, flying fox, raffle baskets, vendor booths and much more!

Gingerbread Workshop
When: Saturday, December 6 at 11am
Where: Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Drive, Austin
$$$: $7, Advanced Registration & Fee Required
Ages: All ages are welcome, but children 8 & under require an adult.
Phone: 989-3188

Create a wonderful Gingerbread House . All materials are supplied for you to create this magical, not edible, decoration for your family. Only 35 are available so sign up ASAP.

Sculptor to Be! Sculpture Workshop for Kids
When: Saturday, Dec. 6th, 1:30pm - 3pm
Where: Umlauf Sculpture Gardens
$$$: $12 per student aged 6-12, Reservations required
Phone: 445-5582 Ext - 101

Puppet making in the garden. Bring your 3D creation to life! Join this special workshop with designer Connor Hopkins. Puppetry is an art form that has been around for thousands of years and still remains a popular form of entertainment and art-making today. Participants will create a functional puppet for use as a marionette, table top (Bunraku) or rod puppet.

Heritage Artisans-Pioneer Farms
When: Sunday, Dec. 7th. 1pm-5pm
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, Texas
$$$: Tickets $6 child/$8 adult; Group Rates (20+ people) $5 each

Go back in time to the 1880’s with dutch oven cooking, spinning & weaving, blacksmithing, woodworking, farm animals & more!

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>>>>>Yet more events!

Hello Austin! There are a ton of things going on this weekend. Here are a few things to help you out.

1. If you’re looking for this weekends Tree Lighting ceremonies, check this post.
2. If you’re looking for arts & craft or holiday bazaars, then look here.
3. If you’re looking for Santa, read this post.
4. If you’re looking for some place to cut your own Christmas tree, then check out this post.

For everything else, read on, baby!

Paggi House 14th Annual Grinch’s Gala
When: Friday, Dec. 5th, 2008
Where: Paggi House, 200 Lee Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78704
$$$: $100.00

You are cordially invited to join us for the 14th Annual Grinch’s Gala, on Friday evening, December 5 at the beautifully remodeled Paggi House to kick-off the Central Texas Holiday Season.

The music will be provided by the band Suede and DJ Manny, the food will be prepared by Executive Chef Shane Stark and the terrific folks at Paggi House are promising a night to remember….all we need is you to join us to make the night a success.

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Urban Farm Bicycle Tour
When: Saturday, December 6 2008, 10:00am
Where: Austin Farmers Market, 4th & Guadalupe, Austin, TX
$$$: $25-40

Bicycle Sport Shop in conjunction with Edible Austin magazine is producing an Urban Farm Bicyle Tour to kick off Edible Austin Eat Local Week. Cyclists will depart from three starting locations: Downtown Farmer’s Market, Sunset Valley Market, and the BSS South location. Lead by special guests, the Austin Flyers Women’s Cycling Team, cyclists will follow route maps guiding them to several local farms in East Austin including Boggy Creek Farm, Rain Lily Farm, with an optional route extension to Hands of the Earth Farm, site of the Urban Roots Youth Launch farm.

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AMOA Annual Holiday Art Festival
When: December 6-7, 2008
Where: Laguna Gloria
$$$: $7 for the general public, free for Friends of Laguna Gloria and children under 12.

This year’s festival will feature 60 regional artists selling high quality works in a wide range of media including ceramics, wood, painting, fiber, sculpture, photography, jewelry, glass, and prints. Purchase special gifts and refreshments at the new Gatehouse Museum Store and Café Laguna. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the luscious 12-acre site. Shoppers can acquire distinctive and reasonably priced gifts, support the participating artists, and help sustain the Museum’s programs.

This year’s Festival also includes music by Austin Chorale, door prizes and the chance to acquire artistic treasures by Jan Heaton and Germaine Keller or bid on holding your own event at The Plant….from the silent auction! The Holiday Art Festival raises funds for the Austin Museum of Art.

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When I was a kid we often made our own ornaments for the Christmas tree. We also sat around with huge bowls of popcorn and cranberries and made our own garland. That’s something I never see these days. I wonder if it’s because parents are scared to give their kids a needle and thread. As protective as parents are these days you might think it’s a miracle that kids from my generation survived their childhood. We did all sorts of things that would be considered too dangerous these days. I can recall riding in the back of my Grandpa’s truck to the apple orchard and standing in it to pick pluck the apples off the tree as he slowly drove through the orchard. Occasionally I’ll see people riding in the back of a pickup these days and even I feel a slight sense of panic that they’ll be hurled out if the driver suddenly hits a bump or has to break hard.

Anyway, if you’re looking for something fun to do with your kids, why not make your own ornaments for your tree. These also make very sweet Christmas gifts and it’s a very inexpensive project. All you need are cookie cutters, flour, salt and water. If you don’t have cookie cutters you can use a pizza cutter or a butter knife to cut out your designs. Here is the recipe for the dough:

Morton’s Salt Dough Recipe

2 cups (all purpose) flour
1 cup Morton® Salt
1 cup water

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 325° to 350° F. Cover the bottom-sides of the baking sheets with foil and set aside upside-down.

2. Combine the flour and salt in a large flat bottom mixing bowl. Mix a little water at a time while stirring with a spoon to form a ball of dough. Knead the dough in your heavy duty mixer with a dough hook for 4 minutes or by hand for 7 to 10 minutes. The dough should have a firm and smooth texture. Add a little water if necessary. Place the dough in a plastic bag to prevent drying. You can store the dough in the refrigerator for 5 days.

3. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin on the prepared cookie sheet pans. Roll dough to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Use the Christmas cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and simply remove the excess dough from between the cookies. Make a small hole with the end of a straw for the hanging ribbon or string.

4. Bake the cookies 1/4-inch thick for 20 minutes, 1/2 inch thick for 40 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Cool completely.

5. You can use water color or acrylic paints to finish your cookie decorations. Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane varnish. Best to paint and varnish cookie decorations on one side, let dry and then paint the other side. You can also glue appliqué decorations on the cookie decorations.

When using cake, candle or gelatin molds, always wipe inner surfaces with a light coat of cooking oil before pressing in the dough. This prevents sticking and leaves a cleaner impression.

Important: Before you begin, here’s a word to the wise. With this recipe for
dough sculpture, you can make all sorts of dreamy creations that look good enough to
eat. Let us remind you that these creations are art, not food. For that reason, we
urge: “Please don’t eat the art.”

Baking Tips

If sculpture puffs up, poke a hole with a pin or toothpick to release air, and reduce oven temperature 50° to 75°. Give special attention to extra thin pieces which tend to bake more rapidly. You might wish to reduce oven temperature. To prevent large, flat sculptures from curling during baking, just weight down edges with a metal tool or heavy object after the surface has cooked long enough to support the weight without leaving indentations. (Test by tapping with spoon.)

To have colored dough just add food coloring or paint in the water before you mix your dry and wet ingredients together.

Salado Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 10211 Sam Neil Road, Salado, TX 76571
Phone: (254) 947-4477
Email: info@saladochristmastreefarm.com
Opens: Thanksgiving Friday through December 23
Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM

DIRECTIONS:
IH35 to FM2484 in Salado (exit #286). West on FM 2484 two miles to Sam-Neil Lane. Turn right and follow signs one-half mile to the farm.

TYPES OF TREES:
Afghan Pines (Elderica Pine) a long-needled with a natural Christmas tree shape. It is especially suited to our high pH soils and drought conditions. Leyland Cypress, a new introduction to the Christmas tree industry. It has a non-traditional but luxurious appearance, with soft foliage instead of the needles of the pine tree. Leylands are reproduced by cuttings, so there is none of the pollen that may cause problems for allergic individuals. For lovers of short-needled trees, they offer hand-selected FRASER FIRS from North Carolina. These beautiful mountain-grown trees offer traditionalists both the farm experience and a very familiar tree.

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The Silo Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 7617 Mcgregor Park Road, Temple, TX 76502
Phone: 254.986.7988
Email: mrgarber@embarqmail.com
Opens: Christmas Tree Sales Open the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 22, 2008
Hours: Week Days - Noon until 5:30 PM, Week Ends - 10 AM until 5:30 PM

DIRECTIONS:


TYPES OF TREES:
Bring the family to “Choose and Cut” a 6ft-10ft Afghan pine for a traditional Christmas Tree.

All field trees are tagged with the prices starting at $36.00 and up according to the height of the trees. We furnish hand saws for you to cut the tree, or we can do it for you. Then we shake, bale and help you load the tree in to your vehicle. We also sell Christmas tree stands in several sizes.

You can also select a living Afghan pine tree that is potted in one or five gallon containers, and ready to plant in the yard after the holidays. Larger living trees are available sometimes; just call and ask.

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VOGELS TANNENBAUM FARM
Address: 2120 ss Hwy 46, New Braunfels Tx 78130
Email: steve-vogel@sbcglobal.net
Phone - 830-624-2773
Open: day after Thanksgiving through 12/23
Hours: 10:00 am until dark(approx. 5:30-6:00)

DIRECTIONS:
From San Antonio/Austin - Take I-35(north from San Antonio, South from Austin) to New Braunfels. From I-35 at New Braunfels take Hwy 46 East (to Seguin). Go 2.6 miles to Clear Springs. We are located 1 mile past Clear Springs on the right hand side of hwy 46.(total mileage from I-35 = 3.6 miles) A large water tower is visible from a distance with the initials CRWA on the side.

Tannebaum East Location
Address: 500 Tannenbaum lane, Seguin, Tx 78155
Phone: 830-372-4335

From Austin - Take I-35 South to San Marcos. From I-35 take Hwy 123 exit to Seguin. Turn left at Hwy 90A (Court Street) heading toward Gonzales. Follow the winding road 3 miles to the farm.

TYPES OF TREES:
Elderica Pine, Jerusalem Pine and Leyland Cypress. Also available are imported Fraser Firs from North Carolina(west location only). Other items available include small potted trees for planting, Holiday Delights(light art decoration), and Christmas tree stands.

PRICING:
All Elderica pine, Jerusalem pine, and Leyland Cypress are $6 per foot (up to 13 ft) 14 - 16 ft = $7 per ft & 17ft & up = $150. Prices vary on the imported Fraser Firs, but are generally more expensive due to freight and handling costs. Potted Trees - gallon container pine trees are $5 . Other varieties & sizes are limited and prices vary.

FREE STUFF - For every tree purchased you will receive an Elderica Seedling and Tannenbaum ballpoint pen free of charge. In addition, each child will receive a Christmas Tree coloring book at no cost.

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ABRAMEIT’S TREE FARM
US 183/I-10, Luling, TX (Farm location)
5700 FM 1063, Thrall, TX 76578 (mailing address)
Phone: (512) 898-5570
Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm weekends only, beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving and continuing through the second weekend in December.
Email: ahabrameit@yahoo.com

(Farm in Caldwell Co., Luling, TX.) Tree Farm is located 1/4 mile south of US 183 and I-10 intersection on East side of US 183 - watch for signs. Located 3 miles from Palmetto State Park.

TYPES OF TREES:
Selling Virginia Pines up to 10 feet and pre-cut Frasier firs.

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Now that Thanksgiving is over many of you will begin preparing for Christmas. Big on the list of “things to do” is finding the perfect Christmas tree. As you know, I’m all about “real” Christmas trees. Don’t give me any of those plastic, ugly trees missing the fresh smell of pine. If you want to be earth-friendly, buy a potted tree and re-plant it after Christmas.

Here is a list of Christmas Tree farms in the area:

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EVERGREEN FARMS CHRISTMAS TREES
Address: 242 Monkey Road, Elgin, Texas
Phone: 512-281-4833
Email: evergreen@evergreen-farms.com

Opens: Friday after Thanksgiving through December 24 at 3pm
Hours: Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. until dark
Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. until dark

TYPES OF TREES:
Virginia pine and Leyland Cypress are grown in the fields. Pre- cut Fraser fir trees from North Carolina are available near the gift shoppe. Check prices here.

DAILY: Evergreen Farms furnishes all the tools for cutting and harvesting the perfect tree. Poles for measuring the tree and saws for cutting are all furnished free of charge as well as cleaning and shaking the tree and finally the netting and rope for ease in transporting the tree.
After cutting the tree there are many games to entertain, including tetherball, hopscotch, bean bag toss and horseshoes. There is also a nature trail, farm animals and the gift shop.

WEEKENDS: Families can enjoy several more activities. Evergreen Farms keeps a campfire burning with free marshmallows, cider and coffee. After you pick your Christmas tree, enjoy pine cone painting and food from the concession stand, including the famous Elgin sausage.

DIRECTIONS:

From Austin:

East on 290—8 miles past Manor (before you get into Elgin), turn right on County Line Road. There is a Valero Gas Station and Sac n Pac at the corner. Go 2 miles and turn left on Monkey Road. The farm will be 2 miles down Monkey Road

From Bastrop:

95N—Turn left on 290; The first stop light by the Antique Mall, McDonalds turn right on Loop 109. After two blocks the road splits, take a right onto 1704. After two miles turn right onto Monkey Road and the farm will be about 1 miles down Monkey Road.

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ELGIN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Address: 120 Nature’s Way, off Roy Davis Rd., Elgin, TX
Phone: 512-281-5016
Open: Day after Thanksgiving through December 22nd
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 5:30 pm, Sunday: noon - 5:30 pm
Email: elginchristmas@sbcglobal.net

TYPES OF TREES:
Virginia pines, Loblolly pines, and Leyland Cypress. Pre-cut Frasier firs and potted Leyland Cypress Trees.

Organically grown trees. They claim to have the largest supply of Christmas trees in central Texas. They provide all the tools you’ll need to cut down your tree and they shake, clean and wrap it up to go. The selection of 9-12′ trees is limited so go early if you need a very tall tree. Christmas trees are half price for churches. They have a gift store.

DIRECTIONS:

From Austin

Take HWY 290 East from Austin - Through Elgin - Go approximately 1 mile past HWY 95 (Bastrop HWY) - Turn left on Roy Davis Rd. - Follow Signs

From Round Rock

Take HWY 79 East from Round Rock to HWY 95 South - Take 290 East through Elgin - Go approximately 1 mile past HWY 95 (Bastrop HWY) - Turn left on Roy Davis Rd. - Follow Signs

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LOMA ALTA CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Address: 214 Loma Alta Drive, Smithville, Texas, 78957
Phone: (512) 360-2005
Email: lomaalta@flash.net
Opens: Thanksgiving Day afternoon until a couple of days before Christmas

DIRECTIONS:
About 6 miles east of Bastrop, your first landmark will be Duke’s Country store (a Mobile station) on the right side of the highway. Approximately a block and a half past Dukes on your left, you will see their sign on the corner of the Hwy 71 and Alum Creek Road.

TYPES OF TREES:
Virginia pine and Loblolly pine. Potted Virginia pine and Leyland Cypress.

Located in the beautiful Lost Pines region in Bastrop County, this farm is approximately 35 to 40 miles SE of Austin just off highway 71. Turn left on Alum Creek Road, and proceed 1 mile to the Loma Alta gate on your left. There are ducks and geese to feed, pine cones to collect, a picnic area to enjoy and you can even purchase wreaths made fresh daily. Trees are $4.75 per foot up to 12 feet. The cost above 12 feet is $5 per each additional foot. Trees are shaken, cleaned and for $1 baled.

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8th Annual Lighting of the Peace Tree
When: Tue., Dec. 2, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: University Hills Library, 4721 Loyola, 929-0551.
$$$: Free

Families are invited to celebrate the eighth annual Lighting of the Peace Tree, an event featuring music, poetry, dance, and tree decorating. They’ve had seven years of trial and error, so expect arboreal greatness.

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Kyle’s Santa Arrival & Tree Lighting
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, 5pm
Where: City Square Park, Downtown Kyle
$$$: Free

Watch the lighting of the Christmas tree, listen to the local school choirs and see the arrival of Santa Claus!

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Driskill Tree Lighting
When: Thu., Dec. 4, 6-8pm.
Where: Grand Lobby, The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos, 391-7121.
$$$: Free

Our holiday celebration begins with the lighting of more than 10,000 lights illuminating the 16-foot tree in the Grand Lobby. Our guests can also enjoy live music, along with holiday cookies, apple cider, hot chocolate and coffee. Tree lighting by Austin Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken. Come out to ogle the 16-foot tree in the middle of the Driskill lobby. The 1886 Cafe & Bakery will have holiday treats for sale if you need a break from staring at all the lights.

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Holiday Tree Lighting in Heritage Oak Park
When: Friday, December 05 2008, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park, TX
$$$: Free

The holidays begin with the Holiday Tree Lighting in Heritage Oak Park. Over 50,000 lights illuminate the largest Live Oak in Cedar Park. Enjoy caroling, carriage rides and the Yule fire.

A coloring contest for kindergarten and first grade students determines who lights the tree. Choose the following link to download the coloring contest entry form and instructions. Entries are due by noon on December 1, 2009.

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Capitol Tree Lighting & Holiday Sing-a-long
When: Saturday, December, 6th, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Capitol South Steps, Congress Avenue and 2nd Street District
$$$: Free

Just as Austinites trade their shorts for scarves, our city’s downtown is also gearing up to don its seasonal attire. As the clock chimes 7 p.m., the countdown begins to the lighting of the Capitol tree – a Juniper beauty rising nearly 40 feet – and the brand new Congress Avenue Holiday Lights, brought to you by Austin Energy! Revelers can view the tree and new lights from every vantage point during the Congress Avenue Stroll from 7-9 p.m. Congress Avenue shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late, offering special activities, offers and refreshments to visitors. A diverse array of Austin musicians, including Golden Arm Trio, The Invincible Czars, McCallum Fine Arts Academy Orchestra and the Super Sonic Soul Squad will entertain shoppers.

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Zilker Tree Lighting
When: 6pm, Sunday, December 7th
Where: Zilker Park, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
$$$: Free

The Zilker Tree Stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25 watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower.

Each year the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin Energy hold a lighting ceremony to officially light the tree. This year the ceremony will be at 6pm, Sunday, December 7th. The public is invited to attend the celebration and participate in the lighting ceremony. Parking is available in Zilker Park.

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I’ll keep adding to this list as I hear about more tree lighting ceremonies. Please let me know if you hear of any.

Now that Thanksgiving is over it’s time to move on to the next holiday. For some, that holiday is Christmas and for kids that’s all about Santa Claus. Here are a few places you can take the kids to see the man in red:

Santa at Barton Creek Square
When: Daily 11/7/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Barton Creek Square, 2901 South Capital of Texas Highway
$$$: Free

Santa at Lakeline Mall
When: Daily 11/8/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park
$$$: Free

Santa at Highland Mall
When: Daily 11/22/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Highland Mall, 6001 Airport Boulevard, Austin
$$$: Free

Kids can visit with Santa in his village on the lower level near Men’s Dillard’s. Photo packages available for sale.

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Kyle’s Santa Arrival & Tree Lighting
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, 5pm
Where: City Square Park, Downtown Kyle
$$$: Free

Watch the lighting of the Christmas tree, listen to the local school choirs and see the arrival of Santa Claus!

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Sights and Sounds of Christmas - San Marcos, Texas
When: Thu.-Sat., Dec. 4-6, 6-11pm
Where: San Marcos Plaza Park, 202 C.M. Allen Pkwy. N., San Marcos, 512/393-5900
$$$: Free

Lights, lights and more lights. About 600,000, in fact, will be lighting the bans of the San Marcos River. Visit Santa’s village and ride the carousel. Visit the live Nativity scene. Enjoy food and entertainment, Sock-skating, funnel cakes, Sahawe Indian Dancers, live mariachi music, grade-school choirs, drum lines, and Santa on a fire engine. Everything you could possibly want in a Christmas Festival and more!

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Kinderfest
When: Saturday, Dec. 6th
Where: Pioneer Museum, 325 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
$$$: Children $3, Adults $5

In a long-standing tradition that harks back to Germany, St. Nicholas will make a stop at the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg on Saturday, December 6 to fill the stockings of boys and girls at the annual Kinderfest. Children are invited to bring their Christmas stockings to the Kammlah House between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. There, the stockings will be hung over the large kitchen hearth in anticipation of a visit from Saint Nick. Beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m., the children will walk to the social hall to make crafts and enjoy refreshments. Evelyn Weinheimer will read a children’s story, and Annabelle Wilkinson will play the accordion and lead the singing.

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Weihnachts Fest Parade
When: Saturday, December 6th,
Where: Main Street Plaza Gazebo, Boerne, Tx. 6pm
$$$: Free

Annual celebration of Boerne’s German Heritage with an evening lighted parade through Historic Downtown Boerne, from River Road to Blanco Road. The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street.

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Santa’s Workshop
When: Saturday, December 13 2008, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park, TX
$$$: Free

Santa’s Workshop, music, games, a yule fire, arts & crafts, hot cocoa and of course… Santa Claus. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening.

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Cowboy Christmas at Enchanted Springs Ranch
When: 20 - 21 Dec 2008
Where: Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 Hwy 46 W, Boerne, TX. 830-249-8222
$$$: $12 adults, $6 kids (ages 3-12), Kids under 3 are free

An active western town and movie set Shows, hayrides, caroling, petting zoo and a Cowboy Santa highlight this fun event!

If you know of any other Santa visits in the area or would like me to list your event, please leave me a message!

If you’re looking for a charity to donate to this holiday season, consider the Paramount Theatre. No, it’s not the traditional place one might look to for donations but this is a great program. For just $10 you brighten a child’s life and bring them the joy of live theatre. Remember the first time you saw a live performance? Wasn’t it magical? For the relatively small sum of $50 you can send 5! kids to the theatre. All that and it’s even tax deductible.

Here is a note from Ken A. Stein, Executive Director of the Paramount Theatre:

SIX PROGRAMS. ONE GOAL.

Give every child the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by theatre.

Economic times are becoming increasingly difficult for everyone. That’s why I need your support now more than ever to ensure that we can continue to provide a seat at the Theatre to the children who need it the most.

Donate Now - as little as $10 today so that no child loses the opportunity to attend the Theatre.

More children than ever are relying on your generosity, including 25 at-risk children and their families who will be attending the Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis Holiday Show on Thursday, December 11, 2008 from Wonders & Worries.

These children will get to see this show because of the generosity of patrons like you, and because of our strong partnerships with area non-profits who participate in our Youth Outreach Program.

These underserved children have seats at the Paramount Theatre for all of our shows and I don’t want to lose my ability to continue that promise for years to come.

Give a child the gift of theatre by making a donation of as little as $10 today!

P.S. Even $10 makes a big difference. Last year, nearly 40% of donor support for this program came from gifts of $20 or less.

Donate by Phone: (512) 692-0530
Mail a Contribution to:

The Paramount Theatre
713 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
http://www.austintheatre.org

8th Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar
When: December 3rd through December 24th, 2008
Open at 10:00am Daily
• Sunday through Thursday 10am to 10pm
• Friday through Saturday 10am to Midnight
• Sunday December 24th 10am to 6pm
Where: Monarch Events Center, 6406 North IH–35, Suite 3100
$$$: Free

Featuring over 80 artists and artisans, and running for 22 consecutive days, this year’s Art Bazaar will offer Holiday shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind gifts in time for Christmas.

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18th Annual Wild Ideas Holiday Event
When: Friday-Sunday: Dec 5, 6, 7
Friday and Saturday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Sunday: Noon to 5 pm
Where: LBJ Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, texas
$$$: Free

The LBJ Wildflower Center offers eco-friendly shopping opportunities, along with a brush with some of the area’s premier artists at their Holiday Shopping Event. Enjoy free admission and special discounts on paintings, jewelry, apparel, wood products, and more.

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Peace In The Hood’ Outdoor Holiday Market
When: Saturday, December 6, 2008, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: South of Wm. Cannon and Westgate, 2831 Gettysburg Drive
$$$: Free Admission

Have a Relaxing Shopping Experience to great 60’s and 70’s peace music and enjoy a complimentary cup of kindness (hot wassail) to get you in the ”Peace on Earth’ mood!

See Made in the U.S.A. Artisan-made gifts : Peace jewelry, peace windchimes and garden stakes, stained glass peace signs, guitar hero player longsleeve tiedye guitar t-shirts in youth sizes, peace bracelets, peace suncatchers, peace bumper stickers, auto emblems, peace pins, peace buttons, embossed peace totes and t-shirts, dogs for peace and cats for peace t-shirts and MORE!

2831 Gettysburg Drive in South Austin-Directions below:

Just a few minutes south on Westgate from Wm.Cannon-Turn Left at 4-Way stop sign at Cameron Loop. Take your first left immediately after the speed hump at top of hill onto Gettysburg Drive. Go down Gettysburg 1.5 blocks and See Peace In The Hood Market on right at 2831 Gettysburg DR. 9am to 3pm - Y’all Come and help create some peace on earth!

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Weihnachtsmarkt in Austin
When: Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: German Free School, 507 East Tenth Street
$$$:

Invite your friends and join with GTHS members for our annual Weihnachtsmarkt at the German Free School, 507 East Tenth Street, in Austin. We will be selling a large selection of handcrafted wooden items imported from the Erzgebirge region of Germany – pyramids, nutcrackers, smokers etc. – and blown-glass ornaments, embroidered linens and much, much more, not to mention baked goods. Enjoy live performances of traditional German Christmas music and songs throughout the day and a special visit by Sankt Nikolaus. All sales on December 6 are tax-free! Extra Market Days will be Dec. 9, 10 & 11 from noon to 4 pm.and sales tax will be charged on these days.

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29th Annual Budafest
When: Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2008, 6pm
Where: Greenbelt and City Park, Buda, Tx
$$$: Free

Parade, Santa Claus, booths, entertainment, children’s rides and more. Parage at 9am; tree lighting at 6pm. Parking is plentiful in the lot behind the park pavilion, just follow the signs and pay a small fee to Project Graduation. For more information call (512) 295-1559.

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18th Annual St. Thomas Moore Christmas Bazaar
When: December 6th from 10:00am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, December 7th from 8:30 am – 2:00 PM
Where: St. Thomas Moore Parish Activity Center
$$$: Free

The show features a wide variety of arts and crafts by local artists. A silent auction is also featured. Bazaar proceeds are donated to Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center. For more information or if you are interested in participating as a vendor, please contact Beth Albee at beth@albees.com or (512)218-4587.

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Wheatsville Arts Festival
When: December 6-7, 10am-5:30pm
Where: Adams Park, 300 W. 30th Street
$$$: Free

The Wheatsville Arts Festival includes 75 artists and craftsmen with original work on display. Pick up a one-of-a-kind gift, or enjoy the live music and incredible food at this holiday event destination. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family!

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Acknowledge Me - DIY Crafts Market
When: Saturday, December 6, 8 to late
Where: Mohawk
$$$: $5 w/ Donation, $6 Without

A fest of people and things that deserve your attention, appreciation and…ahem…acknowledgment. Acknowledge Me is a D.I.Y Fest that brings together Austin’s Indie Crafters, Artists, Makers, Community Organizations, Social Justice Groups, and up-and-coming Local Bands.

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Holiday By The Tracks
When: Saturday, December 6, 10am-5:00pm
Where: 114 Central Ave, Elgin, Tx

An afternoon of art and artisans, shopping, music and photos with Santa, followed by a lighted Christmas parade at dusk.

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7th Annual Yule Fest Arts & Crafts Fair
When: December 6, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
December 7, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, 3315 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park
$$$: FREE

This eclectic holiday event includes artwork, jewelry, knitwear, pottery and more. There will also be a Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Concessions. Proceeds benefit Hope Alliance and childcare for the Women of LOUU Church.

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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar –
When: Dec. 12-24, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2, 500 E. César Chávez St. Enter on Trinity near 2nd Street. 512-447-1605
$$$: $3 weekdays before 7 p.m., $6 evenings and weekends

The 33rd annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will once again be at the Austin Convention Center. It remains the same truly Austin honky-tonk bar shopping experience that has made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions - just a bigger venue.

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Keep Austin Bizarre
When: Dec. 12-23, 11am-11pm
Where: Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
$$$: Adults $5, 12 Day pass $25, Children under 12 Free

With an atmosphere true to Austin, the holiday shopping event will feature over 100 local artists and small businesses selling unique gifts and fine, hand crafted items at affordable prices. In addition, there will be tribal, improvisational and yogic dance performances, capoeira, circus acts, and resident musicians who play while patrons shop. This year more of the community has joined hands with Keep Austin Bizarre and will include performances by groups such as the JCC (Jewish Community Center), Girls School of Austin Orchestra, Mexican American Cultural Center, Amala Foundation, Lululemon Athletica, Crossfit Central Kids, and the Zilker Elementary School kid’s choir. In addition, the bazaar is supporting the non-profit Africa Bound Corporation. Food and drink, including a full bar, will be available.

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Laguna Gloria Holiday Art Festival
When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12-13th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Austin Museum of Art-Laguna Gloria, 3806 W. 35th St.
$$$: $7. 495-9224

More than 60 regional artists set up booths around the grounds in front of the historic 1916 Driscoll Villa and sell ceramics, wood, paintings, fiber, sculpture, photography, jewelry and glass, including the Driscoll Villa Christmas Ornament. Food, music and refreshments.

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Cherrywood Art Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14;
Where: Maplewood Elementary School, 3808 Maplewood Ave. (at East 38th Street)
$$$: Free

This totally groovy, totally cool holiday art event gathers some of the best local artisans, jewelry- and handbag-makers, ceramists and artists. All-day live music, children’s activities, food and nonstop fun. Free.

If the thought of Thanksgiving brings you visions of a filled with dirty dishes and leaves you exhausted for days then you might consider eating out this year. Many of Austin’s best restaurants are happy to do the work for you, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday. Here are some suggestions:

Hoover’s Cooking
2002 Manor Rd # C
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 479-5006

13376 Research Blvd #400 Austin, TX
(@ Anderson Mill Rd)
512 335 0300
Hours: 11am - 7pm
$$$: 15.49

If you’ve never been to Hoover’s, you’re in for a treat. Hoover’s serves up delicious and satisfying home cookin’. Their Thanksgiving day menu is very reasonably priced and has everything you could ask for plus a little more. Roast turkey, Cajun roast pork, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Smoked Filet of Sirloin, Smoked Portabella Medley (Vegetarian Jambalaya & Gumbo) plus a tempting array of side dishes and desserts. This is a great place to go if you have a crowd and a tight budget.

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Bakehouse Restaurant & Bar
5404 Manchaca Blvd
Austin, Tx
Reservations: (512) 443-5167
Hours: 10am - midnight
$$$: Adults $12.95, Kids 6-12 $6.95

Unlimited servings, table service, no lines. Reservations recommended. Turkey, Ham, all the usual sides plus Strawberry Shortcake and Pumpkin Pie. Take out dinners available for $9.95.

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The Driskill
604 Brazos St.
Austin, Texas
Reservations: 512-391-7121 or Online
$$$: Not listed on their website

The Driskill Hotel’s Famous Grand Holiday Brunch offering on the Mezzanine floor. Enjoy a lavish holiday brunch or six course prix-fixe dinner with wine pairings. Or diners can head to the hotel’s 1886 Café and Bakery for lunch or a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

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III Forks
111 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
Reservations: (512) 474-1776
$$$: Adults 42.95, Children under 12 soup or salad, entrée, and dessert 14.95
Includes tea and coffee. Excludes tax and gratuity.

Open Thanksgiving Day 11 am - 5 pm. Special four course menu will be served. Slow Roasted Carved Turkey or Chateaubriand with Bordelaise Sauce. All the fixings, plus dessert.

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Dona Emilia’s
101 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
Reservations: (512) 478-2520
$$$: $22.95 Adults - $10.95 Children 12 and under
Hours: 10:30 - 4pm

Thanksgiving Buffet featuring garden/fruit/pasta salads, appetizers of ceviche and empanadas, entrees of turkey, salmon, top sirloin, paella, and spinach enchiladas. Dessert selection including flan and tres leche.

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Four Seasons Hotel
98 San Jacinto Boulevard,
Austin, Texas
Reservations: (512) 685-8300
Seating from 11:00 am - 8:30 pm in TRIO
$75 for adults; $20 for children ages 6-11
Seating from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm in the Ballroom
$68 for adults; $20 for children ages 6-11

Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Appetizers & Salads, Seafood Station, Carving Station & Dessert Station. Entrees include: Hill Country-Style Braised Beef Rouladen, Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi Vera Cruz & Smoked Lamb Tenderloin Cassoulet.

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Austin Hyatt
208 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
Hours: 11:30am ~ 5:00 pm (last seating)
Includes Complimentary Champagne & Mimosa
Reservations Required: 512.480.2035
$$$: $52.00 for Adults, $27 5-12 years old, Complimentary 4 & Under
No Discounts or Coupons

Thanksgiving Buffet. Their menu looks fabulous and includes an Antipasto selection, Salad buffet, Seafood buffet, Hot entrees, a Carving station and a Dessert Station. This is just the carving station:

Carving Station
Roasted Prime Rib with Horseradish Crust & Wild Mushroom, Pancetta Ragout,
Assorted Mustards & Au Jus
Maple Glazed Ham, Java Red Eye Gravy & Biscuits
Roasted Turkey with Gravy & Corn-bread Stuffing

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Katz Deli
618 W 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone (512) 472-2037
Always Open!
$$$: $15.95 Adults, $6.95 Kids
No reservations needed or taken.

Turkey with all the fixings plus a few items on offer from their menu.

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McCormick & Schmick’s
401 Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas
Reservations recommended: (512) 236-9600 or (888) 344-6861
$$$: Turkey dinner $19.95 per person, ham dinner $18.95. Dessert is extra.
Hours: Serving from 11am - 9 pm.

Offering both their regular menu and Thanksgiving traditional dinners.

I am freezing today. I stepped out this evening to go bowling with friends and it actually smelled like winter outside. I put on socks and shoes today, leaving my sandals behind. I’ve got the urge to bake, too, which is also a sure sign of winter for me. I’ve heard this from several of my female friends. That’s not something you generally hear from men. Is this something we inherit from our mothers or is this some sort of internal clock?

The countdown toward Christmas is on, too. Thanksgiving is so late this year. I bet the retailers are chomping at the bit for the arrival of Black Friday. I spent Thursday working at the Junior League of Austin’s “Christmas Affair”, which I have to say, is spectacular this year. This holiday market is being held at the Palmer Event Center and is jam packed with every kind of vendor you could imagine. There is jewelry, art, food, novelty gifts, toys and more. In the center is a huge Christmas tree in the shape of the Eiffel Tower. I’d highly encourage you to pack up the family or grab a friend and go enjoy the shopping!

JLA’s Christmas Affair
When: November 19 - 23, 2008
Where: Palmer Event Center
$$$: $10 plus parking ($7) or shuttle from Barton Creek Mall for $3

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It’s hard to beat a headline like, “All You Can Eat Improv Comedy & Waffles”. The 7th annual Waffle Fest is a three-day improv comedy festival featuring the best of the Austin Improv scene. Each show includes ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT WAFFLES! Waffle Fest has been a huge success with happy comedy watchers downing over 6000 fresh baked waffles and 50 hours of improv comedy over the last six years. Come get syruped up and bask in the warm glow of Austin improv!!

7th Annual Waffle Fest
When: Nov. 20-22nd
Where: Hideout Theater
$$$: $10

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There are a couple of tree lighting ceremonies taking place this weekend:

TREE-LIGHTING CONCERT
When: Saturday, Nov. 22nd, 6pm
Where: The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 795-4230.

Dan Dyer, the Austin Girls Choir, and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. 6pm.

TRIANGLE TREE-LIGHTING
When: Saturday, Nov. 22nd, 5-8:30pm.
Where: The Triangle, 4700 Guadalupe.

This family-friendly evening features performances, crafts, and a big jolly guy in a red suit. All this leading up to a tree-lighting. Proceeds go to Operation Blue Santa.

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On Sunday you won’t want to miss a great opportunity to help end hunger while filling your belly with warm soup served in beautiful bowls. Potters from all over Texas donate hand made bowls of every size, shape and color. Restaurants and bakeries all over town donate soup and bread. Musicians donate their time and talent. Your part is to show up, pick yourself a gorgeous bowl for which you’ll pay a mere $15. Your bowl will then be filled with a delectable soup. You’ll grab yourself some bread to go with it and kick back and enjoy the entertainment. The Empty Bowl Project is part of a nation-wide effort to raise money, awareness and to end hunger. Proceeds for this project go to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Kids Cafe Program. The Austin Empty Bowl Project will be held at the Mexican American Culture Center at 600 River Street in Austin, just off the hike and bike trail on Lake Ladybird, November 23, 2008. Get there early to pick out the coolest bowls!

The Empty Bowl Project
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008
Mexican American Culture Center
600 River Street, Austin, Tx
11:00 - 3:00pm

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A few Santa sightings for tomorrow:

Santa at Barton Creek Square
When: Daily 11/7/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Barton Creek Square, 2901 South Capital of Texas Highway
$$$: Free

Santa at Lakeline Mall
When: Daily 11/8/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park
$$$: Free

Santa at Highland Mall
When: Daily 11/22/08 - 12/24/08
Where: Highland Mall, 6001 Airport Boulevard, Austin
$$$: Free
Kids can visit with Santa in his village on the lower level near Men’s Dillard’s. Photo packages available for sale.

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The seventh annual E.A.S.T. event celebrates the visual arts in east Austin. This year, 250 artists will be opening their studios throughout the east side for a free two-day event. E.A.S.T. began in November 2003 as an artist-run initiative designed to highlight studios and galleries located in east Austin. It has grown by leaps and bounds but retains its original mission—to encourage creative dialogue among artists and their peers, as well as between artists and their city. E.A.S.T. is a self-guided tour. Maps to all the studios will be provided, and visitors can use the E.A.S.T. website and catalog to select which studios they would like to see. There are Capitol Metro bus routes throughout east Austin as well. Visit capmetro.org for routes and times The E.A.S.T. Tour Guide—a full-color book showing the work of every artist—will be available for free throughout Austin during the weeks leading up to the tour. This Guide will include a map, and will help you plot your course through East Austin, and let you preview the work you’ll see at each stop.

East Austin Studio Tour
When: November 22-November 23, 2008, 10am-5pm
Where: Multiple Locations
$$$: Free

Greetings Cakesters,

I don’t know about you guys but October was sure a busy month around here. We had Lorraine McKay’s workshops, the Texas ICES DOS in San Antonio and of course, Cake Show planning and more Cake Show planning! With the holidays now swiftly approaching, I don’t think things are going to slow down any time soon!

That Takes the Cake! Show News The mini-class schedule and mini-class instructor registration are both now online. We are feverishly working to bring the competition registration online next. Vendor registration has been online for a while now. If you know of an instructor or vendor who would be a good match for the cake show, please send them to our website. Registration is also open for our Celebrity Classes. If you sign up before the 26th you can still break your payments up over 4 months. Each month you’ll have one less month to make payments so sign up early for the lowest monthly payments. Debbie Brown’s class pictures are now online. For one class the members of Capital Confectioners voted for Debbie’s Indian Wedding Cake, a marvel of stacked pillow cakes atop a golden base and topped with the Indian elephant god, Ganesh. For the other class we chose the fabulous Persian Palace Cake pictured to the left. Choosing between these classes is sooo hard! Sign up early for low monthly payments!

Lorraine McKay Workshops Lorraine’s workshops were a huge success. Everyone left with fabulous pieces and and feeling like they’d been on a vacation. We kept Lorraine’s husband, Andy, busy running back and forth to Round Rock Donuts. We had two pregnant ladies and wouldn’t you just know it, those babies were calling out for our famous RR Donuts. No one else was complaining much either, for that matter. In fact, everyone had so much fun that we’ve convinced Lorraine to return next year for our DOS. We’ve set the date for Sunday, August 16th, 2009 and we’re working out the classes now. Lorraine will be teaching her Bride & Groom class again, only this time the Groom will be sporting top hat and tails instead of a kilt. We’ll let you know when registration opens.

Members of Capital Confectioners traveled to San Antonio to the ICES “Christmas Wedding” DOS last month to support our fellow cake friends. The DOS was organized by Texas ICES representatives, Jacque Benson, Yvette Humbert and Irene Hackbarth. Many excellent techniques were demonstrated including some Halloween favorites like a witch and easy marzipan pumpkins! Carol Fouts stayed on to teach her wonderful Sugar Shoes class, the next day. If you haven’t taken one of Carol’s classes, I’d highly recommend one. They make the most adorable baby shower cakes and her high heels make great ladies cakes as well as bachelorette cakes. A special thank you to Carol Ann Hughes for her invaluable assistance and to everyone who made an effort to attend. Visit Carol’s Website

Tip of the Month: Cleaning your cake dummies Is removing the old fondant from your cake dummy making you crazy? Here is a tip from our own Miss Janette Pfertner, Master Decorator and Sugar Artist. To clean a cake dummy, remove all the flowers and decorations and then stick it in the dishwasher. The dishwasher will remove all the fondant and leave you with a clean and sterile cake dummy for your next project!

Upcoming Events November 23rd Bronwen Weber Stand-up Santa Class at Cake Carousel December 6th: Cake Craft Shoppe’s 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Competition December 8th Bronwen Weber Sculpted Reindeer Class at Cake Craft Shoppe December 9th Bronwen Weber Sculpted Reindeer Class at Cake Craft Shoppe February 1: Texas ICES DOS in Dallas/Ft Worth February 28-1 March: Capital Confectioners That Takes the Cake! Sugar Art & Cake Competition March 2nd-5th: Capital Confectioners That Takes the Cake! Celebrity Classes April 19th: Southeast Texas Cake Club DOS w/ Rebecca Sutterby April 25-26th Sugar Wonders’ 5th Annual Cake and Sugar Art Show June 28: Frosting Creators 2009 DOS August 16th Capital Confectioners 2009 DOS October 3-4th Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show

Capital Confectioners Club Meetings A big Thank You to Jennifer Bartos of All in One Bake Shop for our October demonstration! Jennifer showed us a very cool technique for making fall leaves using of rice paper, leaf cookie cutters and Wilton Color Mist Sprays. They were beautiful and looked so real. Thank you also to Crystal Hamburg-Smith for our delicious treats. November’s Capital Confectioners meeting was held on November 11th. Crystal demonstrated her technique for making Christmas trees, just in time for the holidays. Carol brought peanut butter and jelly cupcakes and the best pumpkin cheesecake I’ve ever had. Yum! Thanks, Crystal and Carol! There will be no meeting for the month of December but we hope to see you all at our club Holiday Party on December 14th. Our next club meeting will be on January 13th, 2009 at: La Madeleine 3418 N. Lamar Austin, TX 78705 512-302-1486 Join Meetup.com to receive regular meeting notices.

If you enjoy art and you want to help out a good cause, this weekend is the annual Arts from the Streets show and sale. Art From the Streets was founded in 1991 by Austin artists to give the homeless a way to get back on their feet—socially and financially.

To date, approximately 700 homeless people have taken part in the Art From the Streets classes and have displayed their work in the annual shows, earning more than $600,000 through sales of their art to the 20,000+ Austinites who have attended. Original artwork starts at $35 with all sale proceeds, apart from a nominal mounting fee, going directly to the exhibiting artists.

16th Annual Arts from the Street, Show & Sale
When: Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, from 12:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH), 500 E 7th St (7th & Neches)
$$$: A $3 suggested admission donation helps defray the cost of supplies and materials. Parking is available on the street.

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If that doesn’t satisfy your craving for art then head on over to Art on 5th for World Art Weekend where you can find hundreds of unframed originals on canvas! Artists hail from South America, Asia, and Europe. This is a great opportunity for some early holiday shopping.

World Art Weekend
Where: Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th St. (Just off Mopac)
When: Saturday November 15, 10-6
Sunday November 16, Noon to 5
Monday November 17, 10-6

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If you happen to live North of Austin or in my little city of Pflugerville, you may be interested in Pfall Pfest Craft Show. Yes, we are a bit obsessive with the use of our Pf in P’ville. Start your holiday shopping or find those one of a kind items for a special friend. Handcrafted items, baked goods, jewelry and glassware are just a few of the unique gift items to choose from.

Shop right through lunch and grab a BBQ sandwich, hot dog or deli sandwich from the Senior Activity Center.

22nd Annual Pflugerville Pfall Pfest Craft Show
When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Pflugerville Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville
$$$: Free

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Home Slice Pizza will celebrate their one-year anniversary this Saturday with a big ole’ carnival. Featuring exciting games of skill, box folding and pizza tossing contest, graffiti artists, extreme pizza eating contest, live music, raffles and tons of super cool prizes! All proceeds to benefit Keep Austin Beautiful.

3rd Annual Home Slice Pizza
When: Saturday, Nov. 15th, noon - 7pm
Where: 1415 South Congress Avenue
$$$: Free

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Saturday, join world champion trick roper Kevin Fitzpatrick as he demonstrates some “tricks of the trade” of a cowboy and professional trick roper. Tommy Worrell of the Diamond W Cowboy Show will also lead a hands-on workshop on the art and science of lasso making.

Sunday, join Cowboy Hall of Fame member Red Steagall, accompanied by Danny Steagall and Richard O’Brien, for a performance for the whole family that celebrates the great American cowboy through music, stories and poetry.

“Get Roped In”
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Saturday, November 15, 1-3 pm
Free with exhibit admission

In the Cowboy Spirit: Stories and Songs by Red Steagall
Sunday, November 16, 2pm and 8pm, The Texas Spirit Theater
Free with exhibit admission, reservations required by calling (512) 936-4649.

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This is the last weekend to Harvest the Fun at Sweet Berry Farm. Pumpkin painting, Hayfield Mazes, horse rides, homemade ice cream, a petting zoo and all the fall favorites.

Harvest the Fun
When: Saturday from 8:30 to 5:30, Sundays 1 to 5
Where: Sweet Betty Farm, Marble Falls