The Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs will add a few new things to the mix this year when it presents its 16th annual Taste of the Holidays from 6-9 p.m. Thursday.
In addition to the wide array of refreshments provided by area vendors and music by local entertainers, patrons may enjoy a variety of science experiments, such as a liquid-nitrogen cloud, frozen Cheetos, a kissing camera and dry-ice bubbles.
“This is also the first year we will award a scholarship to a high school senior,” said Jim Miller, director of marketing. “We will introduce the winner of the $1,000 scholarship that night.”
Miller said the event will also include a silent auction of more than 100 items donated by numerous individuals, artists and businesses. The items will be displayed on the Light Bridge in the museum.
“These items include everything from movie tickets to beer-festival passes, Disney theme park rides, St. Louis Cardinal tickets, original art, gift certificates, hotel accommodations and other items that would make great gifts,” he said.
Jacob Flores and the Jay Payette Jazz Trio will provide musical entertainment. Flores will play from 6-7 p.m. during the opening reception in the Marvelous Motion Gallery. He performs a wide genre of music but is well known for mariachi; he plays classical guitar.
The Jay Payette Jazz Trio features Payette on drums, Chris Parker on keys and David Higginbotham on upright bass. The trio will perform from 6:30-9 p.m.
Additional entertainment will include the presentation of several special shows at various times in the Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome Theater. Members of the education staff will demonstrate science experiments at various stations throughout the museum.
“We are trying to gear this year’s event more toward our mission of promoting hands-on science learning,” Miller said.
“We have more vendors than we’ve ever had before,” Miller said. “We’re pretty excited about that.”
This year’s vendors include Ambrosia Bakery, Arkansas Beverage, The Atrium, Bliss Cupcakes, Belle Arti Italian
Restorante, Bleu Monkey Grill, Brickhouse Grill, Bubba’s Brews, Don Juan’s, Gelato Di Superior, The Green Herb, Higdon Square Café, JV Farms, Kent Walker Artisan Cheeses, Kilwins, La Hacienda, Lost Forty Brewing, Next Level BBQ, Porterhouse, Post Familie Wines, Rosario’s Personal Chef & Caterer, Silk’s Bar & Grill, Steinhaus Keller, Stubby’s BBQ, Superior Bathhouse Brewery, Sweet Tooth Bakery, Tri-Lakes Liquor, and Vina Morita Restaurant and Wine Bar.
Miller said program details are subject to change.
“Call or visit the website for updates,” he said. “Guests will be able to enjoy all exhibits available at the museum, including our new Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk, weather permitting.”
Miller said proceeds from the annual event are used for operating expenses for the museum, which just underwent a massive renovation process and received both the American Institute of Architecture’s People’s Choice and Members Choice awards during the Arkansas Chapter’s annual awards ceremony.
“This is a fundraiser,” Miller said of the upcoming event at the museum. “It’s a perfect time for patrons to make end-of-the-year donations and to purchase gifts for the holidays.”
Miller said future plans for the museum include a dinosaur exhibit that will be installed next summer.
“We will integrate it into our existing floor plan,” he said. “However, we may try to build onto the museum sometime in the future. We have 20 acres here, so there is plenty of room to expand.”
Tickets to Taste of the Holidays are $70 per person in advance or $85 each at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased by phone at (501) 767-3461, in person at 500 Mid-America Blvd. or online at midamericamuseum.org.
The Mid-America Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children 3 to 12.