Hey, it’s Thursday. Pretend like you’re still in college, and let’s call it the weekend already. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy all the excitement – from Nutcrackers to Disney princesses to the state’s bicentennial. There’s lots to celebrate in Andalusia this weekend, December 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th.
1. It’s Family Night at Christmas in Candyland, with passes for unlimited snow tubing and ice skating available. Thursday from 5 until 8 p.m.
2. Christmas in Candyland Court Square weekend hours are Friday from 5 until 7 p.m.; Saturday from 1 until 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m. There will be snow shows! For the complete schedule, visit christmasincandyland.com.
3. Springdale on Icewill be open on Friday from 5 until 9 p.m.; on Saturday from 1 until 9 p.m.; and on Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m. with winter skating, a maze, the Holiday Express train and the Polar Bear Slide.
4. There will belive entertainmenton the Springdale Stage on Friday from 7 until 9 p.m.
5. The Andalusia Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Dixon Center on the campus of LBW Community College. Performances are at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
6. The Oaks, the new Family RV Park & Campground on Brooklyn Road, will celebrate its grand opening this weekend. A ribbon cutting is set for 9 a.m. on Friday. On Saturday night, beginning at 6, Jason and Dawn Smith are inviting area residents out to see the place and enjoy BBQ and music from Today’s Yesterday Band. To learn more about the awesome new venue, click here.
7. The Christmas in Candyland Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at City Hall. There is still time to sign up.
8. The Andalusia Junior Woman’s Club will sponsor Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday at the Farmer’s Market. Children will have an opportunity to decorate cookies and have their photographs taken with Santa. They might even want to wear their PJs.
9. The City of Andalusia is hosting a reception to celebrate Alabama’s Bicentennial from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday on the third floor of City Hall. The Straughn High School String Band and the First Baptist Church Bell Choir will perform. The Daughters of the American Revolution is providing bells to be rung 22 times at noon to commemorate Alabama’s acceptance as the 22nd state in the Union. The Covington County Courthouse bell also will chime 22 times at noon.
10. While you’re in town, it’s a great time to visit theThree Notch Museum, which will open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays during Christmas in Candyland. Youngsters will enjoy climbing on the caboose or visiting the model train exhibit.
11. Santa Clausis coming to town! He will be on the Court Square onSaturdayfrom 2 until 4 p.m., and at Springdale onSundayfrom 1:30 until 3:30 p.m.
12. Cocoa with Characters, featuring Mickey, Minnie, princesses, superheroesand others, is set for 4 until 6 p.m. on Saturday.
13. Christmas Spectacular, circus-like entertainment, will be on the Springdale Stage at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
14. Elsais also coming to Candyland! Fans may meet her in her frozen garden at Springdale on Saturday from 4 until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 until 4 p.m.
15. You can take afun carriage ridein downtown Andalusia! The carriage rides leave from Milky Moo’s on the Court Square and are $4 per person. The carriage will be on duty on Friday from 5 until 7 p.m.; on Saturday from 2 until 6 p.m.; and on Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m.