There's a chill in the air and lots of holiday excitement, so let's take a look at just a few of the fun things going on in Columbus, GA this weekend! And don't forget, if you want to see the big list of events, just head to the Community Calendar to find out more.
There are a lot of holiday movies out there, but one of the best has to be “The Polar Express!” It’s such a great story…tells of a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole…and there are parts that keep you on the edge of your seat. Now imagine heading out to the National Infantry Museum and seeing this movie on the huge IMAX Theatre screen in 3D AND, for Friday night only (Dec 10), YOU GET TO WEAR YOU PAJAMAS for their Pajama Party! Santa will even be there & you can get your picture made with him…so make sure you wear your good pj’s. They’ll have special holiday treats on hand and you can make holiday crafts. It all kicks off at 6:00pm and admission is $10 for adults and $8 for ages 4-12. The National Infantry Museum is located at 1775 Legacy Way…between Ft. Benning and South Lumpkin Roads. 706.685.5800
Here’s another Christmas tradition you and your kids will enjoy! It’s the Annual Reindeer Run at Country’s Barbecue on Broad. Every December Country’s Barbecue , Columbus Regional Medical Center and The Children’s Miracle Network host a kids only — one mile run in downtown Columbus. The race is for all kids from Pre-k to the 8th grade. (Adults are not encouraged to run unless accompanying a very small child.) Festivities include a visit by Santa, free hot dogs to runners, free cotton candy, free popcorn, amusements and awards ceremony. All funds raised stay right here in Columbus to benefit kids through the Children’s Miracle Network at the Medical Center. Over the years, this event has raised over $65,000! Advanced registration is $20 and day of the race it's $25. 706.660.6548
Stick around after the Reindeer Run because you’ll have a good seat for the Annual Bi-City Christmas Parade that will kick off at 10:00am Saturday morning (Dec 11). It’ll feature area organizations, businesses, schools, churches, local bands and professional floats. Parade begins in Phenix City at the corner of Dillingham Street and Broad and continues to 13th Street where it comes into Columbus turning right on Broadway and continuing to 9th Street where the parade ends.
Let’s throw some culture in the mix with a couple of special performances going on this weekend! First up is the Columbus Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker”…a definite Christmas classic! And these guys really do it up right with a production like no other with larger than life scenery, more than 100 dazzling costumed characters bring this story to life and of course, legendary music! Attending a performance of The Nutcracker might be a tradition in your household already, if not, it might become one after you see this show! It's all taking place in the Bill Heard Theatre at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts (Broadway) on Saturday at 2:00pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Admission is $18-$20. 706.256.3612
This story is good all year ‘round, but it’s one more thing you can add to the list of fun stuff to do with your kids this holiday season! The Springer Opera House is doing a production of “The Wizard of Oz,” a classic among classics. It’s one of those stories you can experience over and over again and you just never outgrow it. And here’s your chance to see a live production on stage as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and of course, Toto, make their way to the Emerald City in search of their dreams. And you can’t have “The Wizard of Oz” without the classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “We’re off the See the Wizard,” and my favorite…”If I Were King of the Forest.” If you can’t make it this weekend, not to worry, because it will be running until December 23. Performances begin at 7:30pm and there is a matinee on Sunday that begins at 2:30pm. 706.327.3688
And if you're in the need for something a little off the beaten path this holiday season…here's something completely different. Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center (3535 South Lumpkin Rd) is having a program on Saturday (Dec 11) at 1:00pm called "Snakes Alive." Oxbow's animal coordinator Jason Clark will have an informative presentation on myths and facts surrounding the world's largest snakes and you'll have a chance to get up-close and personal with some of these amazing pythons, boas and anacondas…if you dare! Admission is only $8 for the whole family. 706.687.4090
OK, that should be enough to get you started about thinking about cool stuff to do this weekend. You can find more details at www.columbusgacalendar.com.
Now, go have some holiday fun…
shelby