The holiday festival features art projects inspired by 1920s and 1930s artists, train rides in the Sculpture Garden, photos with Santa, free cookies, performances by Irving Chorale, David Carr Jr., Lone Star Youth Orchestra and more. Following Holiday Open House, the Arts Center presents a free performance by Tapestry Dance featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary tap with tap master Acia Gray and special guest Arthur Duncan from The Lawrence Welk Show. The Souls of Our Feet: A Celebration of American Tap Dance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Carpenter Performance Hall. Seating is first-come, first-serve and doors open at 7 p.m.

In addition, the Arts Center will announce the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Best of Show winners from the annual Tree Decorating Competition at 7:15 p.m. in Carpenter Performance Hall. Every year parent-teacher organizations from Irving schools decorate a tree in the Arts Center’s Main Gallery using the Holiday Open House theme. First through third place and Best of Show are voted on by Irving celebrities. Community members are invited to vote for their favorite tree for the Viewer’s Choice Award. Voting is Dec. 1-15 and the Viewer’s Choice Award winner will be announced prior to the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra concert on Dec. 19. The trees will be on display from Dec. 1-31 in the Main Gallery.

The Arts Center celebrates a new cultural theme every year. Past Holiday Open House themes included Celtic, Cajun, Russian, a 60s Christmas and many more.

For a full list of Arts Center holiday events, including Family Fundays, holiday concerts and exhibitions, visit www.IrvingArtsCenter.com or call (972) 252-7558. The Arts Center is located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062.

For many years the Genesis Shelter of Dallas, a shelter for battered and abused women and children, have been giving hope and new starts for those with no place to turn. 

KO 101 Boxing and Family Martial Arts Center of Allen Texas, knows that the past few years have been not only financially hard, but donation short and has decided to throw their gloves into the ring to help. This year with the help of the community and all their students and parents, they hope to not only raise awareness and donations of needed items, but to hope and cheer to families who have not seen much.

The donation drive starts November 22, 2009 and continues until December 12, 2009. With drop offs located at the KO 101 BOXING GYM and Family Martial Arts Center of Allen at 1201 East Main Street suite # 200 Allen, Texas 75002 and Allen Martial Arts Supply located at 410 North Greenville Road Suite #120 Allen, Texas 75002. They are hoping for a great turn out for donations and hope that you can help in any way.

Items needed:

School supplies, Diapers, Warm Clothing for children and women, Toiletries and hygiene supplies, over the counter medicines, food, housewares, office supplies, cribs, strollers, gift certificates, money and so very much more. Call to make a donation or to schedule a drop off at 214-881-8561

Here is to hoping for a very Merry Christmas to all.....

5^th Annual Holiday Party

to benefit the

Gustavo Ipiña Memorial Scholarship Fund

A private scholarship created in memory of

a Woodrow Wilson High School student

to send deserving WWHS seniors to college!

December 5, 2009

7:00 p.m.

Bodega Bar

4514 Travis (at Knox)

$10 per person admit – minimum donation

(Includes one drink & hors d’ oeuvres)

Cash and checks welcome

Silent Auction featuring sports items, gift certificates to local restaurants and more.

Please call Taly 214.734.2124 or Erin 214.498.2820 with questions or visit www.gustavoscholarship.org

This year’s route will begin at the west end of Caruth Dr (near the YMCA) proceed south on SH 205 to Kaufman (by the 7-11) and then east on Kaufman to Clark Street ending at Dobbs Elementary.

Parade registration is limited to 100 organizations so get your application in early.

Registration Form and additional information can be obtained on the web at www.rockwallkiwanis.org or by calling 972-722-6001.

The Kiwanis invite you to come out to this 40th Annual Event and make it the best, biggest and merriest start to the Holiday Season.