Weekend Update

Kids have Plenty to do to Stay off that Naughty List

By Laura Perry

School’s out next week, but the Christmas season has already started for many kids, and adults! With so many options and not much time, do what Santa would expect and prioritize your list. Kids can make noise with Santa this morning and parents can enjoy their own kind of noise tonight at Southern Soul & Song or at the Holiday POPS! Kids can see Santa again Saturday morning at breakfast at the Kroc Center or over donuts at the main library. Parents can do their own night out on Saturday, thanks to the Aiken Family Y and the whole family can finish up the weekend with the grand finale on Sunday at the Columbia County Snow Festival.

Friday, December 14th
Santa’s Noisy Christmas
10:00 a.m.
Headquarters Branch Library
Pre-registration is required for this storybook Christmas play, and seating is limited to first come, first served. Call 706-821-2600 or go to www.ecgrl.org.

Freedom Friday
6-9:30 p.m.
Augusta South Family Y
Kids as young as 8 weeks or as old as 12 can have fun at the Y while parents enjoy some freedom… or maybe even some Christmas shopping! This event is free for active duty military families, and pre-registration at www.thefamilyy.org is required.

Holiday POPS! At the Bell: Joe Gransden Trumpet & Trio
7:30 p.m.
Bell Auditorium
Well-known for both his dazzling vocals and outstanding trumpet performances; Joe Gransden has released seven albums and performed all over the world. With the Symphony Orchestra Augusta, he’ll be joined by his trio for your holiday favorites. Some seats are still available, $36.45 – $13.08. Order tickets at www.soaugusta.org.

Southern Soul & Song Series: Suzy Bogguss
7:30 p.m.
Imperial Theatre
Last year, Suzy Bogguss released the American Folk CD and Songbook and wakes the old songs up with her own contemporary arrangements and beautiful voice. Tonight, tickets are $13-$17. Call 706-722-8341 or go to www.imperialtheatre.com or www.southernsoulandsong.org.

Saturday, December 15th
Augusta Christmas Bird Count
7:30 a.m.
Meet at Popeye’s (corner of Walton Way & Gordon Highway, downtown Augusta)
This Augusta-Aiken Audubon Society day-long bird count field trip will cover a 15 mile diameter count circle between Georgia and South Carolina. For both seasoned and novice bird-watchers, a bird count creates a real-time snapshot of where birds are. A lunch break back at Popeye’s is followed by additional area counts. To volunteer, contact Anne Waters at 706-793-2788 or birdannelady@earthlink.net.

Breakfast with Santa
9:00 a.m.
The Kroc Center
Kids can get their picture and eat buffet breakfast with Saint Nick. The cost is $5 or free for kids 2 and younger. Call 706-364-5762 or visit www.krocaugusta.org to learn more.

Winter Wonderland
10:00 a.m.
May Park Community Center
Toys, inflatables, refreshments, games and other entertainment are all a part of this free event. Call 800-600-4441.

DoNut & Milk with Santa
10:00 a.m.
Headquarters Branch Library
Pre-registration is required for this event and pictures will be taken with Mr. Claus, 10:30-11 a.m. Get more details at www.ecgrl.org or call 706-821-2600.

Polar Express Breakfast for Kids
10:15 a.m.
Aiken Public Library
For further information on this kids’ event, call 803-642-2023 or check out www.abbe-lib.org.

Decorating a Gingerbread House with Shirley Christie
2:00 p.m.
Headquarters Branch Library
Pre-registration is required for this event. Call 706-821-2600 or visit www.ecgrl.org.

The Best Gifts are Inexpensive
2:00 p.m.
Headquarters Branch Library (YA Room)
Pre-registration is required for this craft session to teach kids age 11-17 how to make gifts. Call 706-821-2600 or visit www.ecgrl.org/teens. Bring the gifts to the Wrap party the following week.

Parents’ Night Out
5:30-9 p.m.
Family Y of Aiken County
Kids age 2-12 get their own fun night out. Cost is $12 for members and $20 for non-members. A discount for additional siblings is included. Register at any Family Y location or online at www.thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs.

’Tis the Season
6:00 p.m. (first show)
USC-Aiken DuPont Planetarium
Additional shows will happen at 7:00 and 8:00. Weather permitting, the observatory housing the Bechtel telescope will be open for viewing after each show. Cost is $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, $2.50 for grades 4K-12, and $1.00 for USC-A faculty, staff and students.

Sunday, December 16th
Columbia County Snow Festival
Noon. – 6 p.m.
Evans Towne Center Park
A $5 admission fee benefits Golden Harvest Food Bank and includes live music, arts and crafts, a winter wonderland, inflatables and more. Kids 5 and under get in for free. For more informations, call 706-854-8636 or check out www.columbiacountyga.gov. You Might Also Like: