Dec. 1
Harding University Christmas Open House
SEARCY — Harding University’s 11th annual Christmas Open House will take place from 5-7 p.m. in the David B. Burks American Heritage Building, 915 E. Market Ave. The event will feature food, music and carriage rides through 120,000 cascading lights in the quadrangle. Classic Fare Catering will showcase its holiday menus. For more information, call (501) 279-4276.
Winds and Friends Christmas Concert
BATESVILLE — The Winds and Friends Christmas Concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Chapel at Lyon College. The Lyon College Symphonic Winds, directed by Montgomery Hill, will perform an evening of holiday favorites. The concert is free and open to the public.
Dec. 2
Christmas Choral Concert
BATESVILLE — A Christmas Choral Concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Chapel at Lyon College. The Lyon College Concert Chorale and the Batesville Choral Society, directed by Michael Oriatti, will perform a variety of festive favorites. The concert is free and open to the public.
An Enchanted Christmas
MELBOURNE — Ozarka College will host its seventh annual holiday event, An Enchanted Christmas, at 4:30 p.m. at the college’s John E. Miller Education Complex. Families are invited to a viewing of Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas. There will also be pictures with Santa, coloring activities and treats prepared by the Ozarka College Culinary Arts Department. The free event is open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the event will not be rescheduled. For more information, contact Suellen Davidson, director of advancement, at (870) 368-2059 or sdavidson@ozarka.edu.
The Freemans Christmas Banquet
JUDSONIA — The sixth annual Freemans Christmas Banquet will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Activity Center, 700 Judson Ave. The event will feature a full dinner and gospel music, and Josh and Ashley Franks of Savannah, Tennessee, will be the event’s special guests. Canned goods and toys will be collected for families in need. Purchase tickets, at $12 each, by calling or texting Rowland Promotions at (501) 284-1182 or visiting The Freemans’ website at www.the-freemans.com/appearances.
Dec. 2 and Dec. 3
Yuletide Madrigal Feaste
BEEBE — The Arkansas State University-Beebe Music Department will present its annual Yuletide Madrigal Feaste at 7 p.m. both days at the University Cafe in the McKay Student Center on campus, 610 N. Pecan St. The evening will begin with wassail, followed by an elegant feast and musical entertainment. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance by calling the music department at (501) 882-4435. For more information, visit www.asub.edu.
Holiday Luminary Project
SEARCY — Members of the local CARTI Auxiliary will present the 26th annual Holiday Luminary Project both days at the White County Courthouse. The event will benefit CARTI Radiation Oncology and area cancer patients. At $10 each, luminarias can be purchased in honor or remembrance of anyone for any reason at CARTI Radiation Oncology or by calling the center at (501) 268-7870. For more information, visit www.carti.com.
Dec. 3
Holiday Workshop for Kids
BATESVILLE — The Batesville Area Arts Council’s Gallery on Main, 226 E. Main St., will host a Holiday Workshop for Kids. Students will create holiday-themed crafts with help from instructor Hannah Qualls. The workshop is free, and preregistration is required. Pre-K through second-graders can attend from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and third- through sixth-graders from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, call (870) 793-3382,
or to register, visit www.batesvilleareaartscouncil.org.
Indoor Yard Sale
CABOT — There will be an Indoor Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Criswell-Robinson American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St. The event will raise money for children and youth, as well as veterans programs. For more information, call the Post at (501) 203-5715 or visit www.post71.org.
The SAME Cafe
SEARCY — The SAME Cafe will be open from 4-5:30 p.m. at the West Side Church of Christ, 709 W. Arch St. The SAME Cafe is open to anyone in the community who would like a free warm meal.
Pancakes & Photos With Santa
BEEBE — The Kiwanis Club of Beebe will present Pancakes & Photos With Santa from 8-10 a.m. at the high school’s 9-10 Cafeteria. The event will feature a movie and kids’ activities. Children can come dressed in their pajamas or dress clothes for a free picture with Santa taken by a professional photographer. Tickets are $5. Children ages 3 and younger may eat free. Bring a canned food item to support the Badger Food Pantry. For more information, call Lauren at (501) 882-9171.
Beebe Christmas Parade
BEEBE — The Beebe Christmas Parade, with the theme “A Storybook Christmas,” will begin at 6 p.m. at the Beebe Public School campus. For more information, call the Beebe Chamber of Commerce at (501) 882-8135 or email chamberinfo@beebeark.org.
Elf The Musical Jr.
LESLIE — The Leslie Area Merchants Association and the Red Curtain Theater of Conway will present the children’s production Elf the Musical Jr. at 7 p.m. at the Ozark Heritage Arts Center. Based on the holiday film Elf, this fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For more information, call (870) 448-2557.
Newark Christmas Parade
NEWARK — The Newark Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas parade at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (870) 799-2663.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Village
SEARCY — An Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Village will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Village, 1200 Higginson St. The Village will be decorated in the style of the late 1800s. Carolers and musicians will entertain the guests, and sugar cookies and hot cider will be served. Children can decorate their own sugar cookies in the Little Red School House and may visit Santa, his sleigh and reindeer. Gifts and stocking stuffers will be available in the Garner Depot. For more information, call (501) 580-6633.
Concord Christmas Tree Lighting
CONCORD — The city of Concord will have its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. at the Concord Community Center, 10424 Heber Springs Road N. The ceremony will include Christmas music, refreshments and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus following the lighting of the tree.
The Side Street Steppers Concert
BATESVILLE — The Ozark Foothills FilmFest Inc. will present its annual fundraising event at 2 p.m. at Elizabeth’s Restaurant, 231 E. Main St. Proceeds will support the 16th annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest. The highlight of the event is a performance by the Side Street Steppers from Memphis, Tennessee, a four-piece band that will provide vintage music on vintage instruments. Appetizers and drinks are included. 1920s or ’30s attire is encouraged. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Elizabeth’s Restaurant or by emailing ozarkfilm@wildblue.net or calling (870) 251-1189.
Dec. 4
Festival of Lessons and Carols Concert
BATESVILLE — Lyon College and the Batesville Choral Society, directed by Michael Oriatti, will present the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Special guest organists Russell Stinson and Annie Sonnier will offer a pre-service organ recital on the renowned Flentrop organ. The event is free and open to the public.
EdenSong’s 25th Yuletide Celebration
HEBER SPRINGS — EdenSong’s 25th Yuletide Celebration will take place at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 201 N. Fourth St. There is no admission charge, but contributions to the EdenSong Music Fund will be appreciated.
Dec. 5 and Dec. 6
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
BEEBE — The Arkansas State University-Beebe Theater Department and Delta Psi Omega theater fraternity will present How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 7:30 p.m. both days in the Owen Center Auditorium, 1100 W. Iowa St., on the Beebe campus. Admission to the performance is free, with donations accepted to benefit the ASU-Beebe Angel Tree program. The play is an adaptation of a children’s book written by Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel. For more information, contact Sandra Williams at (501) 882-4493 or email sfwilliams@asub.edu.
ONGOING
Art Exhibition and Reception
BATESVILLE — An art exhibition by Nicholas Satinover will be on display Monday through Jan. 20 in the Kresge Gallery at Lyon College. Satinover will exhibit print works from his Days Stay Buried series. There will be a closing reception on Jan. 19 in the Kresge Gallery. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (870) 307-7350.
12 Dogs of Christmas
BEEBE — During the 12 Dogs of Christmas event, from today through Dec. 31, the first 12 dogs to be adopted will be free, compliments of the city of Beebe. All dogs that have already been spayed or neutered will be free during December. For more information or to visit dogs available for adoption, call (501) 882-8104 or stop by Beebe Animal Control, 1401 E. Center St.
United Way Angel Tree Names
BATESVILLE — The United Way of North Central Arkansas’ Angel Tree Program will have names available to purchase gifts for the Angels on Monday through Friday through Dec. 5 at the following locations: Anytime Fitness, 3050 Harrison St., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Centennial Bank, 1895 Harrison St., 8-5; Citizens Bank, 200 S. Third St., 8:30-5; First Community Bank, 1325 Harrison St., 8:30-5; Merchants & Planters Bank, 555 E. Main S., 8:30-5; and Southern Bank, 1583 S. St. Louis St., 8-5. To make a donation, visit igfn.us/f/n1n/n or mail a check to P.O. Box 2639 Batesville, AR 72503. For more information or to volunteer, call the United Way office at (870) 793-5991.
Community Music Concert
BATESVILLE — Ed Casper leads a community music concert from 6-8 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month in the Community Room at First Community Bank, on the corner of Harrison and St. Louis streets. The public is welcome to sing, play, request songs or listen at the free event. Kids are also welcome.
Opportunity for Bridge Players
BEEBE — Bridge players are needed at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Shepherd’s Center at Beebe United Methodist Church, 302A N. Main St. Beginners are welcome. For more information, call (501) 843-2930.
Beebe Caregivers Support Group
BEEBE — The Beebe Caregivers Support Group meets at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Shepherd’s Center of Beebe, 302 N. Main St. For more information, call Sandra Garrett at (501) 940-4021.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
CABOT — The Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Cabot United Methodist Church, 2003 S. Pine St. For more information, call (501) 265-0027.
Year-Round Story Time
BATESVILLE — The Independence County Library, 368 E. Main St., will host the Children’s Story Time year-round, at 10 a.m. every Wednesday. The event will include stories, videos and a craft time. Coordinator Katie Treubig said the program is aimed at entertaining preschoolers, but home-schooled school-age children are also welcome. For more information, call the library at (870) 793-8814.
Republicans Meeting
NEWPORT — The Jackson County Republicans meet at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Merchants and Planters Bank, 915 Arkansas 367 N. For more information, call Jeff McDonald at (870) 731-7646.
Friday Night Bingo
HEBER SPRINGS — Friday Night Bingo takes place each week at the American Legion Hall, 49 Park Road. Doors open at 5:30 for bonanzas, and regular play starts at 6:30 p.m. Food is available.
Cabot Lions Club Meetings
CABOT — The Cabot Lions Club has regular get-togethers at noon the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Kingpin Sports Grill. Lions serve local communities and protect the planet. Club members provide children with eyeglasses, offer food for seniors and provide assistance during natural disasters. All are invited to attend the meetings.
Upcoming
Holiday Card Printmaking Workshop
BATESVILLE — The Batesville Area Arts Council’s Gallery on Main, 226 E. Main St., will host a Holiday Card Printmaking Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 10. Local artist and Lyon College professor Dustyn Bork will teach the art of relief carving and printing. BAAC will provide supplies needed to print 10 cards and envelopes. Participants can create their own designs or choose from predesigned images. Preregistration is required. For more information, call (870) 793-3382, or visit www.batesvilleareaartscouncil.org to register.
Second Saturday Bingo
HEBER SPRINGS — Second Saturday Bingo will take place Dec. 10 at 21 Park Road. Play will begin with Quickfire games at 5:30 p.m. There will be a concession stand with homemade desserts.
Beebe Christmas Festival
BEEBE — The Beebe Christmas Festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in Daniel Park. The festival will offer music, refreshments, train rides and a visit from Santa Claus. Admission is free. For more information, call (501) 882-8135.
AARP Smart Driver Safety Course
SEARCY — The PrimeTimes at Unity Health will host an AARP Smart Driver Safety Course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 15 on the first floor of the Hubach Conference Center, 3214 E. Race Ave. The instructors will be Bertie and Jerry Yates. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members with an AARP card, and $20 for nonmembers. To register for the class, call Elizabeth Lever at (501) 278-3230.
Associational Singing Cancellation
CAVE CITY — The Spring River Associational Singing has been canceled for the month of December because of the Christmas holiday. The January singing will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at Rings Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 2925 Arkansas 58, near Cave City, weather permitting. The Heavenly Highway 2nd Edition will be the primary book used. Light refreshments will be served, and the public is invited. For more information, contact John R. Way, president, at (870) 283-3292.
To submit an item for the Calendar of Events, mail information to Calendar of Events, Three Rivers Edition, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR, 72203; send faxes to (501) 378-3500; or email trnews@arkansasonline.com. Deadlines for calendar-item submissions are noon Friday for Thursday editions and noon Tuesday for Sunday editions.