Mild temperatures and possibly a slight dusting of snow will set the mood for this weekend as many folks head out to take in holiday-themed activities, theatrical and musical performances and lots of outdoor adventures.
The Elkins Area Community Theatre and The Old Brick Playhouse will present "The Little Match Girl" based on the short story by Hans Christian Andersen beginning today.
"The Little Match Girl" is a holiday story about an unfortunate child who is trying to sell matches on the coldest day of the year in order to make money for her family to live. The little girl attempts to catch the attention of cheerful holiday passersby who all unfeelingly decide not to acknowledge unpleasantness during the Christmas season. Finally, when her matches have run out, she is blessed with visions of blissful holiday gatherings and scenes of great comfort.
Showtimes for "The Little Match Girl" are 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices are $5 for general admission and $4 for senior citizens and children younger than 12.
For more information, to reserve tickets or for questions concerning accessibility, call The Old Brick Playhouse at 637-9090.
Voices From the Earth will present an Old Time Holiday Radio Show - Tony Polermo's version of "A Christmas Carol" - Friday at 7 p.m.
Guests are invited to be part of the live studio audience at the Thomas Education Center located at Third and Brown streets in Thomas. The event is free; however, donations of canned goods will be welcomed. For more information, call 463-4561.
The Harman Presbyterian Church, along with the community and surrounding churches, will bring the nativity story to life Saturday when the tiny town of Harman transforms into Bethlehem for a day.
This will be the first-ever live nativity in Harman as the town becomes the backdrop where Mary and Joseph will start through town at 6 p.m. looking for a place to stay. They will reach the Harman Presbyterian Church, which is where the stable scene is located, around 6:30 p.m. The street in front of the church will be closed to traffic so the crowd can view events from the street. Sharon Harman will serve as the narrator and the scenes will be played out by children and miniature animals.
According to an organizer, more than 30 children will be participating in the event. Mary and Joseph will be traveling around the block starting at Cooper's Store, passing the VFW, and coming up the street in front of the The Harman Laundry Mat.
After the shepherds, star, wise men and drummer boy make it to the stable to meet Baby Jesus, everyone is invited inside the church for refreshments provided by the many cooks within the community. Santa will also make an appearance, taking Christmas wishes and handing out candy canes. Pictures may be taken with Santa.
Entertainment will be provided by local residents performing Christmas music. They include Angie Senic, Dave Senic, Steve and Susie Wymer, Diana Armentrout, The Coopers, Evan Hedrick, Mary Ellen Dice, Mary Lou Vance, Belinda White, Mike Phillips, Dylan Flanagan, Mary May Henderson, Charlie Sponaugle and Dan Gates.
In addition, the Harman Senior Center will have a craft show featuring several local artisans. The show starts at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m., the craft show will close while the live nativity is taking place. When the nativity is complete, the craft show will reopen until 8 p.m.
Area ski resorts are also getting prepared for the holidays, scheduling entertainers and compiling a list of things for visitors to see and do.
Timberline Four Seasons Resort, which opened the 2008/2009 ski season Dec. 4, is preparing for a busy weekend, with busy slopes and brisk business. Visitors are invited to chow down on the resort's award-winning barbecue ribs, seafood specialties, a full menu, all in full view of the ski slopes and right next to live entertainment. Kevin Arborgast and his Luke Jive Talkers will present a distinctive style of blues at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Fireside Grill at Timberline ski lodge. There is no cover charge.
For more information, call 1-800-SNOWING or visit www.timberlineresort.com.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort will continue its anniversary celebration today through Sunday, featuring a $35 savings on adult lessons and snowmobile tours as well as many other deals.
The resort's 35 Year Photo Retrospective will also continue through Jan. 1. Snowshoe opened a gallery Dec. 14 displaying photographs and archives from the past 35 seasons. The gallery is located in the Village and is free to the public.
Snowshoe officially kicked off its Christmas holiday happenings Dec. 12. The two-week celebration concludes Dec. 29 and features family fun, from skiing and riding with Santa and Ms. Claus, to craft sessions and magicians, movies and more.
Today's events include a craft session beginning at 1 p.m. where guests can get in on an all-ages activity in the Big Top. Space is limited. Candy Bingo will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Big Top and participation is free; however, space may be limited. The Big Top movie will start rolling at 7 p.m. featuring "Horton Hears a Who" and a $2 popcorn and drink special.
On Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Santa Claus will be available for photos. The jolly old elf will be at the Ballhooter Lift at 10:30 a.m., Skidder Slope at 11:15 a.m. and the Shavers Center at noon.
There will be caroling at noon Friday at the Shavers Center. Guests are invited to have lunch with entertainment from the University of Georgia's Accidentals and Noteworthy Ensemble, who will present a melody of holiday carols. The ensemble will perform again at 6:30 p.m. at the Big Top.
Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. to spread holiday cheer and partake in refreshments including hot cocoa and cookies.
The 35th Season Bash will be from 9 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. The party will be at the Connection Night Club.
Santa returns to Snowshoe Mountain Saturday for more photo opportunities from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Silver Creek ski area, which will officially open for the season. The Georgia ensemble will perform for a third time at Silver Creek Bears Den.
Other events Saturday include the following; a craft session begins at 1 p.m. in the Big Top; Santa hits the slopes from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; more caroling in the Village Plaza at 4:30 p.m.; a Red Bull Rail Jam from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; a performance from The Zany Umbrella Circus at 7 p.m.; "That's It, That's All" movie premiere at 8 p.m. followed by the "That's It, That's All" after party at The Connection; and a teen dance begins at 10:30 p.m. in the Big Top.
Sunday's events begin with more photo opportunities with Santa from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Big Top. A Big Top movie matinee featuring "Fred Claus" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The movies will be followed by more caroling at 6:30 p.m. and a Zany Umbrella Circus performance at 7 p.m.
For more on these or next week's lineup, call 1-877-441-4FUN or visit www.snowshoemtn.com.
The annual Christmas concert, featuring the Buckhannon-Upshur Chorale, "The Buccanaires," under the direction of Peggy Jo Parks, and the Buckhannon-Upshur Alumni Choir, is at 7 p.m. Saturday in Wesley Chapel located on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College.
The program will open with music from the B-U concert choir. The Buccanaires will then present "Santa's Rockin' Christmas Countdown," arranged by Mark Brymer. This year marks the 40th year for The Buccanaires which were founded in 1968.
During a short interlude, a free-will offering will be received, to help offset concert expenses. CHUMS, a quartet from Chapel Hill United Methodist Church comprised of Renee Warner, Chris Brake and Dianne and Danny Williams will provide music at this time.
The second half of the concert will feature the alumni choir's traditional candlelight processional. Their program will include many of the usual traditional and sacred numbers for the Christmas season.
The event will conclude with joint choirs singing, "White Christmas," followed by the candlelight recessional and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." The alumni section of the concert will be conducted by Knorr and Danny Williams, a former choir student and current B-UHS director of instrumental music.
Rehearsal for the alumni concert begins at 1 p.m. Saturday in the chapel. All former choir members are encouraged to participate or attend the concert.
The Elkins Country Dance Society will host its contras and square dancing Saturday. There will be live music from Bob Smakula and friends, all dances will be taught, potluck snacks will be available and all are invited to attend. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children age 12 and younger.
Dancing begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Randolph County Community Arts Center located at Randolph Avenue and Park Street in Elkins. For information, call 637-3501.
