The Arts and Culture News for December, 2023 | |
Happy Holidays from WCAB! | |
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It snuck up on us...you know, the Holiday Season? Close to the Winter's Solstice, between Thanksgiving and Christmas...in the midst of Hanukkah, heading towards Kwanzaa and New Year's! (Can you say 2024???) Party, anyone? It's all about celebrating, and we are all for it! Whatever feels right and safe for you, everyone is included! We at WCAB just love the holidays! Every single holiday embraces the arts: beautiful artwork and design on cards, gift wrap, decor...music to fit every celebration; dance, poetry, and more, the holidays really embrace creativity!
We hope that each of you enjoys this season in your own way! Finding ways to connect with family and friends, to celebrate the Holidays, as we head in to a new year...2024! Be safe and Be merry, so we can continue our collective journey towards building community, together! Happy Holidays to everyone!
What is your favorite holiday music? There will be lots of music in Waupaca this Holiday season, check out all the concerts below.... And, enjoy these vintage holiday songs, below, revived from our 2022 newsletter...too good to not publish again! They should cover nearly all the holidays we celebrate...to get you in the mood....maybe you will find a new favorite!
Christmastime is Here, Vince Guaraldi Trio
Auld Lang Sine: James Taylor
the Wexford Carol: Yo Yo Ma and Alison Krause
Light One Candle: Peter Paul and Mary
A Kwanzaa Song: Lovely Hoffman
Solstice Carol: Wyrd Sisters
Winter Wonderland: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Ella Fitzgerald
and our favorite:
Christmas Must Be Tonight, by The Band
Enjoy this vintage newsletter, (one of our favorite editions from 2021, updated for this year! It is chock-full!!!! As always, we encourage you to browse through: see all the happenings and many opportunities in our community, and if you feel curious, click on the bright blue links to take a deeper dive and get more details!
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Thank you for another successful "Friends of WCAB Campaign!"
We once again have met our goal and we are grateful. We are humbled by your generosity and faith in us.
We promise that 2024 will be full of creative events that you can partake in!
Stay tuned for the second annual Arts HUB Fundraising Gala with MoJoe and Flipside, the Irish Wake Celebration at HH Hinder, Poetry Month, Arts Hub Recitals and Art Shows, and all-new Jazz and Cocktails Jazz festival in May, Summer Nights Concerts, ARTicipation Week, Arts on the Square, Waupaca Local Live 2024, the fantastic SHINE community Art Project installation and celebration,and the Bach Festival.... to name just a few of the tricks up our sleeves for 2024....
And we have faith in all of you: your creativity, your passion for community, and your desire to make the most of our town: Waupaca!
Thank you Waupaca, we love you!
The Waupaca Community Arts Board
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WCAB's Waupaca Local Live
will be on Hiatus until February 2024.
Stay tuned for our fantastic lineup of musicians performing their original music on our show, and for exciting plans to expand the show in the new year to include a local venue...
Hint: we'd like to launch the Thursday Night Music Club!
In the meantime, view previous programs from the past 5 years here! There are over 70 programs!!! Great musicians, interesting dialogue and great music!
Waupaca Local Live Archives
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Waupaca Local Live is collaborative venture between the WCAB, Waupaca's 96.3 FM radio and WAUP 99.1 fm radio.
We seek to bring local and regional musical excellence to the airwaves!
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The Waupaca Community Arts HUB | |
Our Fall Semester is winding down, and we are preparing for 2024 classes!
- Winter term for art and music lessons starts the week of January 8, and for Art January 29.
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GO HERE for our Winter classes, registration opens December 1!
- Also, We are proud to be able to offer tuition assistance for those who need it...the Arts are for everyone! Go HERE to learn more!
- Remember that the kiddos can ride the bus to the Hub after school, which works out great for our after-school art classes! GO HERE for more info!
The Community Arts Hub
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Here are just a few of our upcoming classes for Winter 2024... Go HERE for all classes, and stay tuned for new posted classes!!! | |
Intro to Digital Art: In this course, you'll learn to create captivating digital artworks with Procreate, delve into the realm of 3D sculpting, and witness your creations come to life through 3D printing. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, our goal is to unlock your creative potential by blending the digital and physical realms of artistry. Join us on this journey to expand your artistic horizons and embrace the endless possibilities of digital art. | |
Watercolors: Brighten up Winter with Color and Light! Experience the wonderful world of fresh colors and creativity in the Art Hub’s winter offering of classes in Watercolor Painting. In this 5 class session, you will learn about color mixing and brushwork techniques, such as washes, dry-brush, stippling, resist, and more. Watercolor painting is a perfect medium to brighten up the month of February. | |
Drink and Draw: For Adults 21 and older. The Grand National Lounge will be opening for an exclusive event with the Arts Hub. This will be a fun night out with friends as you learn a drawing technique and have a delicious cocktail. Anyone from beginner to advanced will enjoy creating in this fun setting. The fee covers materials and instruction. Beverages are available for purchase. | |
Inspired By..... Young artists will be inspired by masters like Louise Nevelson, Van Gogh, and August Rodin as they createunique works of art. A variety of mediums from clay, paint, pastels, and wood will be used. | |
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Sunday, December 10 at 2pm and 3:45
At the Hub (First United Methodist Church)
Hub families and friends will be celebrating the Holidays with the Annual Hub Holiday Showcase, featuring artworks from our many art students, and music by many of our 75 music students. (which is why we are having 2 recitals!)
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HUB Gift Cards make the best Holiday Gifts!!! | |
Sunday, December 10 at 2pm and 3:45
At the Hub (First United Methodist Church)
The best gift is the gift of Creativity! Purchase our Hub Gift cards for your kids, grandkids, and friends! They make excellent stocking stuffers. GO HERE for gift cards!
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Strings Chamber Group to start in January!
We are excited to start a Strings Chamber Group that will meet every other Thursday, starting in January, 2024. This group is for youth ages 6th-12th grade who love playing their instruments, and want to do more in a group! Especially wonderful for kids who are entering High School from the CEC, and no longer have the opportunity to play in a local group. GO HERE for all the information you need to get signed up!
Bus service and tuition assistance apply!
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Children's Ukulele Class
Also starting in January, we will offer a Children's Ukulele Class Every other Wednesday! This is after school, and led by our own Kathy Hammond, for ages 8-14. In this class, students will learn to play simple 2, 3, and 4 chord songs, along with knowledge on tuning a ukulele with an instrument tuner. A booklet of songs and chord charts will be given to each student. Go HERE to register your kiddo! Tuition assist and Bus service are available.
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The Arts Hub is participating in the Waupaca Yuletide Celebration!!! | |
Hub students created ornaments for the Artful Christmas Tree display; | |
Hub students decorated our parade banner! Parade is Thursday November 30, downtown Waupaca! The Hubsters will be on our float! | |
Hub students created a float for the parade! | |
Holiday Craft-making at the Yuletide Celebration! | Join Teacher Laura at the Library during the Yuletide Celebration on Saturday, December 2, from 10am-12pm and make a fun Holiday Craft! | |
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Haiku Wednesday on December 6! |
Join us on our FB page for a little bit of Haiku creation! Every first Wednesday of the month, post your Haiku under the "Haiku Wednesday" post. Check back often to read fellow Haiku-ists poems! Just a little bit of fun for all the poetic-types in our community! (hint: 5-7-5)
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Other December Happenings... in and around our community!
Events, classes, stress relief, and local artisan shopping!
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The Fifth Annual Yuletide Celebration: Now a 4-day event! Thursday Nov. 30-Sunday Dec. 3
The Waupaca Area Arts and Culture Network is excited to be planning the Fifth Annual Yuletide Celebratrion event in downtown Waupaca and King! The cookie tins have sold out but you can still participate in a myriad of activities downtown, for all ages!
There are so many events during this 4-day period, GO HERE for the schedules, and all the details! Seriously too many things to mention here... but the full schedule is in our FB event!
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While you are downtown during the Yuletide Weekend, check out the Artful Trees that were decorated by various groups and businesses! There are 12 trees, and each one is unique, creative and fun! They will remain on display through January 1!
Check out more details in this newsletter from our WAACN members and how they have helped contribute to the Yuletide Celebration!
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Waupaca Area Arts and Culture Network | |
The Waupaca Area Arts and Culture Network has planned an incredible Yuletide Celebration for 2023, complete with a Parade, a Tree Lighting Ceremony, a Trolley, The Cookie Walk, the Children's Christmas party and more! Thanks to everyone who has helped plan this wonderful community event!
Waupaca Area Arts and Culture Network
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Special thanks go to Community First Credit Union for supporting this event with funds for the Vintage Cookie tins. (Sold Out!) Proceeds from the cookie tins benefit the Waupaca Historical Society!
Thanks to all the retailers up and down Main Street, in King and beyond who baked all the wonderful cookies! We hope to order more cookie tins next year!
Our other great sponsors include:
Farmer’s State Bank
Udoni Real Estate
Waypoint Financial
LOOT
Re-Volvs
Waupaca Community Arts Board
RH Liquidators
Shindig
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Take the Trolley from downtown Waupaca to King!
the WAACN received a grant form the Waupaca area Visitor's Bureau to fund a Trolley that will run form Downtown Waupaca to King and back, every hour, on Saturday December 2! Each round trip ride allows you to shop in King at the over 20 shops, and there are cookie stops in King so you can fill your Vintage Tins! And along the way, enjoy entertainment on the Trolley! Free and fun, ride the Trolley!!!
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Start your Advent Calendar Today, December 1! |
Do you use an Advent Calendar? If so, it starts today, December 1! The history the Advent Calendar is kind of interesting, GO HERE for more information.... And if you want to see a gallery of beautiful Advent Calendars (a true artform!!!) GO HERE! And....if you want to make your own Advent Calendar, GO HERE!
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Our wonderful local retailers deserve support as we start to buy special gifts for the people on our lists...please remember to check out our local businesses as you start your gift-buying! Stores open late on Thursday nights in December!!!! | |
Waupaca King and In Between | |
Check out the downtown and King retailers Thursday through Sunday on the Yuletide Trail, where they will be distributing cookies for your cookie tins! Don't forget to use the coupons inside the tin! (and again, if you did not get a sold out tin, be ready for next year!!!) Check out the Cookie Map, below! Support local small businesses and help us continue to have a thriving community!
Waupaca King and In Between
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The Library is hosting several events for our Yuletide Trail event!
Friday Night, don't miss the interactive movie event featuring Polar Express. Movie starts at 6PM!
| David Drake will perform Holiday Music at 11 am. This singer songwriter, has been heard on WPR's Simply Folk. He plays at many festivals and has won numerous awards. GO HERE for more info! | |
The Library will host Crafts and Music on Saturday, December 2, as part of the Yuletide Celebration! Here is the schedule:
9am-noon: Arts activities with the Arts Hub
10am: Holiday Storytime
11am: Holiday Folk Program with David HB Drake
12pm: Waupaca High School Madrigals
1-2pm: John Hammond and Pamela Gusmer, live music
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The Waupaca Area Public Library | |
Author Talk with Angeline Boulley
Tuesday December 5
6:30
Waupaca High School Auditorium
Hear award-winning author Angeline Boulley who wrote Firekeeper's Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed. She will discuss her premier novel that takes place in northern Michigan and delves into many topics relevant to today's world, but especially to young adults.
More Info Here!
Waupaca Public Library
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Wednesdays are Storytimes at 10 am at the Library!
Join the Library Children's Department staff for stories, fun and learning every Wednesday. These free sessions are for caregivers and their preschoolers.
Special guest on December 13 is Rebecca from the Arts Hub, who will be leading fun musical activities: Sing with your toddlers!
Waupaca Area Public Library
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A few more December Holidays worth Noting.... | |
St. Nicholas Day,
December 5
For most of us, this tradition has St. Nicholas filling children's shoes with gifts and treats while they sleep on the evening of
December 5. GO HERE for more info on this tradition! | |
St. Lucia Day,
December 13
St. Lucia is associated with both the martyred Saint, as well as a festival of light celebrated near the solstice, with a candle head dress and saffron bread... GO HERE for more information about this Swedish/Scandinavian Holiday! | |
New Year's Eve, December 31
Ever wonder what the rest of the world does on New Year's Eve? GO HERE for a comprehensive listing of over 70 countries and how they celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a new year. And do you like to make resolutions? GO HERE for some solid information on how to succeed at this tradition! | |
The Waupaca Historical Society | |
The 2023 Yuletide Trail Historic Cookie Tins are, sadly, sold out!
Many of us missed out too... but we thought we would show a pic cuz they're really cool again this year!
(sob!)
If you did get a tin, then see you downtown on Saturday!
If you did not get a tin, you should still go to the Yuletide Celebration event!
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Don't forget, the WHS is in the midst of their big Capital Campaign! Help preserve history for the future!
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Waupaca Farm Market Winter Market! | |
Winter Farm Market at The Holly Center
Saturday, December 2
10am-2pm
The Waupaca Farm Market will be downtown for a special Winter Farm Market on Saturday, December 2 as a part of the Yuletide Celebration!
We will have vendors setup inside the Holly Center with produce, baked goods, canned goods, soap, jewelry, woodworking, and more! Be sure to stop by for your holiday needs.
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Nick Gonnering is a blues-inspired, soul-infused, folk singer-songwriter. His fusion of funk and jazz chording compliments his inspiring, reflective lyrics and soulful melodies. Together with Brent Felchin on mandolin, this will be an uplifting and spirited show you do not want to miss!
Thanks 91.1, you have been a great supporter to WCAB!
91.1 The Ave Radio
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August Haven Live
December 13, 4-7PM
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Join us at August Haven for our monthly broadcast – watch radio being made and enjoy August Haven's famous hospitality. Steve March-Tormé hosts his afternoon show with musical guests Nick Gonnering and Brent Felchlin.
The August Haven mission partner this month is The Waupaca Arts Board whose mission is bringing the arts into everyday Waupaca life by promoting creativity and artistic expression through community building. Join WCAB members at this great live music/radio experience! GO HERE for more details and directions to August Haven!
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Waupaca School Music Concerts! | |
We are so excited to get the inside scoop on some of the Wauapca School District musical productions for December.... Call the schools for more details!!!
HS Band Concert
December 4th 7:00pm
Live stream link
6-8th Grade Choir Concert
December 5th 7:00pm
CEC Suzuki
December 7th 5:30pm
6th Grade Band Concert
December 12th 7:00pm
INCLEMENT WEATHER DAY: DECEMBER 19
CEC K-4 and 5-8 Choir Holiday Music Concert
December 14th 5:00
5th Grade Musical
Monday December 18 at 7
7th/8th Grade Band Concert
December 14th 7:00pm
INCLEMENT WEATHER DAY: DECEMBER 19
WHS Choir Concert
December 17th (Sunday) 2:30pm
[Handbell prelude starts at 2:00pm]
Live stream link
3rd/4th Grade Concert (WLC)
December 19th 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
4K-2nd Grade Concert (WLC)
December 20th 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
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Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce |
Thanks to our Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce for making this year's beautiful Christmas Tree in the Historic Bandstand possible!!!
And as always, check the Waupaca Area Chamber's Community Calendar for events in our community! In December, there are a multitude of Christmas and Holiday events happening in Waupaca and also in our neighboring communities! Add your own organization's event to the calendar!
| Drop off items for the Miracle Tree at the Chamber Office by December 6!!! | |
Yuletide Parade
A great kick-off to the Yuletide Celebration!
Waupaca's Chamber coordinated the Yuletide Parade, a first in many many years for our community!
Thanks also to LOOT Vintage and Supply, The City of Waupaca, The Waupaca Police Department, and the Dane's Hall who provided the gorgeous Tree!
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Waupaca, you really turned out for this incredible parade!!! The streets were full and everyone was of good cheer! | |
Our special guest arrived in style! | |
The lighting of the tree was magical! Such a fantastic kickoff to our Yuletide Celebration, here in Waupaca!!! We love our community!!! GO HERE if you missed the parade! | | |
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Lots of fun and important stuff going on at the Jensen Center in Amherst in December! Check it out! | Enter this fun contest!!! More info HERE | |
Tomorrow River Christmas Craft Sale
Saturday, December 2, 9am-5pm
GO HERE for more information, tons and tons of cool stuff!
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Waupaca Fine Arts Festival Presents:
The Twelve Days of Christmas Cabaret
Dec. 1,2 and 3
Waupaca Country Club
featuring a cash bar, 3 course meal and a variety of wonderful local entertainment by members of the Fine Arts Festival and Community Theater!
GO HERE for tickets!
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Join us for a visit with Santa to share your wishes for Christmas and a photo with Santa!
December 5-183 S Main S-Amherst
December 6-130 N Main St-Iola
December 7-5474 US Hwy 10E Suite 2-Stevens Point
December 8-221 S Main St.-Waupaca
Suggested donation is 1 pair of pajamas per child(max of 2 pajamas per family) or $5 per child(max of $10 per family). All funds will be used to purchase more pajamas. All pajamas will be donated to local organizations in need.
*There is no photographer present, visitors are responsible for their own photos(of course our staff will be happy to snap some for you on your phone or camera!)
GO HERE for more info!
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Trinity Lutheran Church Holiday Concert | |
Enjoy Christmas Music at Trinity Lutheran Church with
Shepherd's Quarter
Sunday, December 10
6:30 pm
All are Welcome!
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Join us for our popular
Christmas on the Farm at Thern Farm
on December 9!
425 E. Fairview Drive, New London, WI.
$10/car from 12pm - 2pm, includes:
- Santa & Mrs. Claus
- Real live reindeer
- Music by Tom's Tunes
- Face Painting
- Popcorn & Cocoa
- Craft
- Grinch slingshot
& more!
No Charge, 3pm - 6pm
- Santa, 3pm - 5pm
- Tour the beautifully decorated farmhouse, 2pm - 6pm
Thern Farm
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Jazz Coterie live music concert series presents —
Erin Krebs wishes you a Swingin' Christmas!
December 12, 13, 14
There couldn’t be a better way to ring in the holidays than with good cheer, great friends, and the season’s favorite songs served up by Wisconsin’s finest jazz musicians. Erin Krebs leads the celebration for 3 very festive evenings! Erin will be joined by special surprise guest artists each night, so every concert will be a unique experience!
“Erin Krebs might be the best-kept secret of her native Wisconsin.”
— Jazz Magazine
GO HERE for ticket info and locations!
Check out all the upcoming concerts from Jazz Coterie!
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Waupaca Danes Hall
Children's Christmas Party
December 2, 12-4pm
Visit with Santa from 12-2pm, and join the party at the Dane's Hall!
FREE Children's Christmas Party in our Grand Ballroom. Visit with Santa, play games, win prizes, make an ornament and a card, eat a cookie, and drink a hot cocoa. ALK Photography will be there to capture your memories.
Part of the Yuletide Celebration!
Toys for Tots:
Please consider making a local child's Christmas special this year by donating an unwrapped new toy for kids ages 0-17. Toys can be dropped off inside Danes Hall/Granite Cellar now until Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 4pm.
On Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 12pm until 3pm we will have our Drive-Thru Drop-off to make donating easier.
Go here for more information.
Check Danes Hall FB page for other fun December events!
Waupaca Danes Hall
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Local Retailers go all out for the Yuletide Celebration! | |
Shindig, Java Jive and Aquamos events during Yuletide Celebration | |
We love how our local retailers have gotten in the Holiday Spirit and gone above and beyond for the Yuleticde Celebration!
Check out Shindig this weekend with their hot chocolate and craft station...
Also:
Java Jive has lots of kmusic, crafts and coffee tasting throughout the Yuletide Celebration weekend
Aquamos is hosting events including a fundraiser to Help us make this holiday season magical for families in our community that could use some extra cheer.
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Cookie Decorating at the
Farmhouse Cabin in King
Saturday December 2
Take the Trolley to King and have some fun!
More info HERE!
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The Tomorrow River Community Charter Schools and Central Sands Community High School invite you to our annual Holiday Faire!
There will be a local makers' market and holiday fun!
Something for everyone:
- Artisan Vendors
- Crafts for Kids
- Musical Performances
- Hot Soup and Treats
- Kids-Only Store
- And More!!!!
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Sunday, December 3
11 AM-3PM
at Tomorrow River Community Charter School
GO HERE for more information!
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A Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 16
4PM
at The Amherst Opera House
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Central Sands Community HS presents
A Christmas Carol
Get into the holiday spirit with Central Sands Community High School's performance of A Christmas Carol! Join us for an evening of festive cheer and immerse yourself in Dicken's timeless classic in Amherst's 120 year old opera house.
The doors will open at 4:00 PM, with caroling by the Central Sands Choir from 4:15-4:25. The curtain will go up at 4:30 PM.
GO HERE for tickets and more information!
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Visit with Santa Clause
Saturday, December 2
5:30 pm
ASanta will be at the Gerold Opera House following the parade on Saturday, December 2nd. Parade starts at 5:30pm. Kids can visit Santa and take pictures. There will also be free Cookies and Hot Chocolate provided by Premier Community Bank in Weyauwega. The Wega Fremont High School Band will provide holiday music.
Gerold Opera House!
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Light Up Bethany
December 1, 6:00-8pm
Join us on on Friday to "Light Up Bethany"! Lights will go on at 6:15p. We have music, pictures, & lots of fun.
We have 18 sponsors for our Main Street trees and they are competing for first, second & third place. Come vote on your favorite tree until December 17th.
This is a fundraiser for Bethany Home. Go HERE for more information!
Bethany Home
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Generosity Thursdays at the Filling Station and Amoco | |
The Filling Station and Amoco donate a portion of their profit to these charities in December! Fill up your tank and get a pizza!!!!
Waupaca Nomads in for December 7th: This organization provides scholarship money for kids...
Holidays with Hero’s for December 21st. This program is run through the Waupaca Police Department.
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Know of any more Open Mics? Let us know! We love promoting Open Mics! | |
Oh how we LOVE Open Mics! | |
What fun to go out and be able to sing a few tunes, recite a poem, or tell a story! Open Mics are great opportunities to share your creativity!
Here are a few good ones we know about!
Odin and Freja's Place, Scandinavia: Thursdays, December 7, 14 and 21 at 7pm
Little Wolf Gallery, Iola: Jazz Jam Saturday, December 9 at 5pm
Familiar Grounds Coffee Shop, New London: Sunday, December 3, noon-3pm
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Holiday Singalong
December 17
2:30-5pm
Odin and Freja's Place, Scandinavia
Join friends, old and new, at this Holiday sing-along! Bring an instrument if you wish, your voice, and your holiday spirit!
Odin and Freja's will be serving up special drinks, mocktails, and hot chocolate.
We will have some songbooks available for those who don't know quite ALL the words, but bring along your own songbooks if you got 'em.
Lots of great musicians will be there, so don't be shy!
The Central Wisconsin Ukulele Troupe will be joining in around 3:30 to add to the joyful noise!
GO HERE for more info!
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19th Annual Festival of Trees for Community & Charity!
Hansen's Furniture and Appliances
Show your support for Waupaca area non-profit organizations this season! Stop in to the store weekdays 9am-5:30pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm through December 30th to see the decorated trees up close and vote with for your favorite one! The winning tree's organization receives an extra $100 from us! Participating organizations:
#1: Foundations For Living, Waupaca
#2: Lifelong Independent Vocational Education (LIVE)
#3: Agape Waupaca
#4: Waupaca Area Special Olympics
#5: Creative Caring Hearts
#6: Waupaca Humane- Humane Society of Waupaca County
#7: Waupaca Bread Basket
#8: Waupaca Area Fire District
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Happy Holidays from WCAB
As we start our December, and are engaged and pulled in to all of the busy-ness, we want to make sure that we tell you that we appreciate you and hope that you have a wonderful holiday full of light, creativity, joy, and love. And good food. And good music. And everything that makes you happy! See you in 2024, we will be ready! Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!
Waupaca Community Arts Board
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