Scene by Carson: Holiday activities make for a busy December

Christmas comes but once a year. Stretch this magical time and make it last by squeezing in as many holiday activities as possible in between your shopping excursions and sugar plum making.

Dec. 6
6 p.m.

Christmas party on the greens! Well, probably not actually on the greens because it will be really chilly, but a fun time nonetheless. Take your kids to The First Tee of Fort Smith for a night full of fun, food, games, goodie bags and the jolly man himself, Santa! At 5800 Geren Road. Call 648-9833 or visit The First Tee website for more information.

Dec. 6
6:30 p.m.
If you don’t have kids or grandkids to take out to First Tee, then you may want to stop by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith for some holiday cheer. Meet on the Campus Green for the lighting of the holiday décor, then make your way to the Stubblefield Center for UAFS Season’s Greetings Concert. Tickets are free, after all, it’s the season of giving. Contact the UAFS box office for more information, 788-7300 or link here for ticket info.

Dec. 8
9 p.m. – Midnight
Did you stay at home on Black Friday in fear of getting maced by a psycho or have slower-than-slugs Internet service on Cyber Monday and now you’re still left with no presents under the tree? If so, you can give a little and get a get a lot at the 8th Annual Night of Giving Charity Event at Central Mall. Pay only a small fee, which is donated to local charities, get all your gifts bought and you get to participate in special retailer discounts, free gift wrapping and prize drawings. It’s a win-win. Visit the Central Mall website for more info and holiday shopping hours.

Dec. 10
10 to 11 a.m.
Join others in honoring our veterans by volunteering to help transform the Fort Smith National Cemetery into a stunning vision by placing wreaths on each headstone. Families of Service Men and Women have the honor of placing first wreaths from 9-10 a.m. and then it is open to the public with entertainment and a ceremony to follow. If you are not able to attend Saturday, volunteers are always appreciated on Friday for wreath assembly from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Fort Smith Convention Center. There will also be a candlelight vigil Monday, Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 6 p.m. To help or participate, visit the Christmas Honors website or call Fort Smith City Director Philip Merry Jr., at 649-0033.

Dec. 10
2 to 5 p.m.
You got to love the Holidays. Everyone just opens their doors for you and stuffs you with delicious finger foods to your heart’s content. Take the Fort Smith History Museum for example, they are having an open house where admission will be free before and after the Christmas parade and there will be cookies with hot chocolate for all to enjoy. Pop in for some history and cheer. Check out their website to learn more or call 783-7841.

Dec. 11
2 to 4 p.m.
Here again is another example of those generous open houses. The Sebastian County Humane Society Open House will let people and pets have their picture with Santa, offer refreshments, gift certificates for holiday adoptions, holiday pet gear, and door prizes. They will even have a clinic on rabies and microchips for your pet and teenager; just kidding about the teenager, but not a bad idea to consider. The facility is located at 3800 Kelley Highway in Fort Smith.

Dec. 11
1 to 5 p.m.
Okay, if you plan this right, the Holiday Open House is actually not a bad racquet. You could get your lunch and a pre-dinner snack taken care of, just smile a few smiles, wave a few waves and pick up a pamphlet of two. The Fort Smith Public Library will open its doors and offer festive music, crafts, stories, games and of course, refreshments. Good time for the old, young or young at heart. Get to know what the Fort Smith Library has to offer. Things have probably changed quite a bit since you last set foot in.

Dec. 20
7 p.m.
One of the best things to do when it’s cold outside is to get bundled up and look at the stars on a clear winter night. River Valley Nature Center is offering a Winter Night Wagon Ride so you can get out in nature, away from the city lights and have a great view. Participation is free, but registration is required; mule-drawn wagons have limited seating. Contact Kendra at 452-3993, or visit the Nature Center website. Don’t forget to dress super warm and pack extra blankets.

Dec. 31
8 p.m.
It’s hard to find family friendly events for New Years, but KISR has the families covered for bringing in the New Year. The KISR Ball Drop will be at Creekmore Park, with refreshments and food available for purchase, a spectacular light show, a six football drop and fireworks to follow. The event is free and an alcohol free environment. Be sure to bundle up tight and bring your lawn chairs. Visit this website for more information.

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