By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

December 6th ~Augusta First Friday! On the First Friday of each month, starting at 5:00 p.m. celebration is held downtown on Artists' Row extending from 7th to 12th Street on Broad Street. Enjoy live music and shop from local vendors along Broad Street and in the Augusta Common. Discover local restaurants, galleries, retail stores and nightlife. Many downtown businesses have First Friday specials. Website: First Friday Blog

eXtreme Theatre Games Show

December 6 at 8:00 p.m. Tired of prepackaged comedy? Come watch comedy get made up on the spot as two teams of crack improvisers battle it out in the continuing quest for comedic domination as Schrodinger's Cat presents "eXtreme Theatre Games". If you love "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", "Improvaganza" or other improv comedy shows, come down and be part of the mayhem! Address: 304 8th Street, Augusta Downtown. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Seating is limited and shows usually sell out. Call 706-722-3322 for tickets. Website: http://www.lcnaugusta.com.

Night of 1,000 Lights

December 6 at 6:30 p.m. Downtown Aiken will be sparkling for this annual holiday tradition! 1,000 luminaries will light the streets as you stroll from shop to shop or between restaurants. There will be food, fun, festivities and even Santa's elves will be in town! Sponsoring businesses will stay open late. http://www.downtownaiken.com/Events.html

Old Fashioned Christmas Festival It’s the season! Be sure to join us December 5th as

we celebrate An Old Fashioned Christmas Festival at

Fort Gordon’s Barton Field! Starting at 4:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy Christmas caroling, the lighting of

the Christmas tree, free photos with Santa & much

more. www.fortgordon.com

Grovetown Christmas Tree Lighting December 6 at 6:30 p.m. Holiday decorations at the Senior Center, Friendship Park and Grovetown Museum, hot chocolate and visit from Santa Claus! Address: Grovetown Senior Center, Robinson Avenue at Old Wrightsboro Road, Grovetown GA.

Holiday Market Nov 22 - 24

Weekend Events December 6th, 2013

Happy Holidays!

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Christmas Holiday Trolley Tour November 22nd to December 28th. November 29 & 30 at 7:00 p.m., Mrs. Santa's Very Merry Christmas Tour. Tours leave from The Book Tavern, 936 Broad Street. Tickets: adults $25.00, ages 5-12 $15.00. Reservations required, call 706-814-5333 or e-mail tours@augustaghosttrolley.com, www.augustaghosttrolley.com. Tours include: Mrs. Santa’s Very Merry Christmas Tour (Nov. 29-30), Christmas Lights & Jazz (Dec. 6), Dessert with the Spirits (Dec. 7), Paranormal for the Holidays (Dec. 13), A Classic Poe Christmas (Dec. 14), A Christmas Scare-ol (Dec. 20), Santa’s Jolly Holly Christmas (Dec. 21).

Hackathon December 06, 5:00-9:00 p.m. The rules are very simple…You have 4 hours, You can work individually or in teams, Make something (feel free to plan your effort and assemble materials in advance, but your principle work must occur during the 4 hour period), Present what you made. At the end of four hours, everyone votes to declare a winner. Location: The Clubhouse, 816 Broad Street, Augusta Downtown. FREE EVENT! For more information visit Clubhou.se Website.

Lights of the South November 20~December 30, OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, 6:00 -10:00 p.m., Augusta, 633 Louisville Road. Light displays, hay rides, Santa and holiday treats. Cost: $7.50, $4.00 ages 4-17. (706) 825-6441. More information: www.lightsofthesouth.com

Holiday Tours of the Wilson House Holiday tours of the Wilson House, at the regular admission price of $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for

seniors, and $3.00 for students, will be offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the

month of December. Enjoy the house decorated for the holidays with fresh evergreens placed by

Charleston Street Fine Flowers and Events. Tours are offered on the hour from 10:00 a.m. until

4:00 p.m. Call 706-724-0436 for more information or to schedule group tours. Address: 419

Seventh Street, Augusta, GA. www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org

~ The Nutcracker Ballet~ December 6 at 7:00 p.m. The magic of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece comes to life on the Imperial stage as the Columbia County Ballet sets this Christmas classic to dance. The Nutcracker is the story of Clara, a young girl who dreams of toy soldiers battling giant mice and a Nutcracker doll who comes to life in time to save her. The Nutcracker then transforms into a handsome Prince and takes her on a journey. The Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad Street, Augusta. For tickets visit website, www.imperialtheatre.com.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Christmas Fantasy Parade & Light Up Spectacular December 7 at 2:00 p.m. Celebrate in downtown Augusta with a full day of family fun. Holiday themed floats will roll through downtown along with live music and performances by local groups as 12 Bands of Christmas concert and a special appearance from Santa! At 8:00 p.m. Mayor Deke Copenhaver, will officially throw the switch and light up Downtown Augusta followed by a fireworks show. Location: Augusta Common, 836 Reynolds Street, Broad Street and Reynolds Street between the 8th and 9th Street Block, Augusta Downtown.

AMERIGROUP Winter Wonderland December 7 at 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. There will be FREE Toys, Inflatables,

Refreshments, Games, Entertainment, Health Information and more!

Location: May Parks Recreation Center, 622 4th Street, Augusta GA.

For more information call 1-800-600-4441 www.myamerigrouo.com/ga

Flatline Live Pro Wrestling Flatline Pro Wrestling returns this week! This Saturday at the Patriots Park Gymnasium. Doors

open at 7:30 p.m. General admission is only $7.00 - limited front row seating is available for

$10.00. And a reminder - we are no longer accepting credit / debit cards, but Patriots Park has

installed an ATM in the lobby for your convenience. Address: 5445 Columbia Road, Grovetown,

Georgia. For more information visit website, www.flatlineprowrestling.com.

The Christmas Season is Here! To Relax, work off those holiday calories or to shop without your children, Skateland is PERFECT! Join us on Family Night every Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. A family of 4 skates for JUST $12 every Thursday. www.skatelandofaugusta.com.

Santa Claus is Here!!! November 22 ~ December 24, Monday to Saturday, from

10:00 at 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. and Sunday at 12:00 – 6:00

P.M. At the Fort Gordon Main Exchange (P.X.)

Christmas in Hopelands Garden

December 12-23 & 26 from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Each night (weather permitting), Lights, lights, and more lights! Hopelands Gardens will once again be beautifully illuminated with over 100,000 holiday lights for all to enjoy. Visitors should ride the shuttle from Fred's parking lot on Whiskey Road. The cost is FREE and donations are appreciated. 1700 Whiskey Rd., Aiken, SC. 803-642-7631. http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/index.php/christmas-in-hopelands-2013.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Atlanta Botanical Garden Lights

Experience a dazzling extravaganza featuring nearly 1 million lights crafted into displays inspired by nature.

Highlights include a galaxy of stars in the woodlands; whimsical bees, butterflies, and other lighted pollinators in the

Edible Garden; and 200 show-stopping, color-changing topiary forms. Experience the Garden as never before when it

is transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland! More Information at http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Augusta Barnyard Flea Markets! Come and explore the Augusta Barnyard Flea Market! With lot of vendors that are frequented by millions of shoppers a year. There’s plenty of parking, elbow room, hospitality and fun. You will find an enormous variety of bargains and surprises along our clean and spacious aisles. With so much to choose from the entire family will enjoy this one of a kind shopping experience. Markets open: Sat 7:00-4:30 and Sunday 8:00-4:30.1625 Doug Barnard Parkway, Augusta downtown.

Where to Dine………………. Prepare to indulge your appetite and taste buds. With more than 300

restaurants – Many To help you begin your culinary journey, we have

compiled a list of area favorites. http://www.augustaga.org/Where-to-Dine

The Augusta IceSkating has reopened its doors and will offer public ice skating and other ice-related events throughout the holiday season. Address: 1249 Augusta West Parkway, Augusta GA. For more information visit Augusta Ice Sports Center www.augustaicesports.com.

*Saturday Historic Trolley

Every Saturday! The tour include a tour through the Augusta

Museum of History. From 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. and a driving tour

through historic Downtown Augusta from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Reservations are required at least 24 hours prior. Depart from

the Augusta Visitor Center. $12.00 Reservations: 706-724-4067.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales December 15 at 2:00 & 5:00 p.m. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun, and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that is pure magic. Location: Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair St. Augusta downtown. For tickets call Ft. Gordon Aladdin Travel at 706-771-0089 or www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

Lights Before Christmas

Now through Dec. 30 (closed Nov. 24, Dec. 24-25) @ 6:00-9:00 p.m. Experience Columbia's longest running holiday tradition—the 26th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. The Zoo shines with nearly one million twinkling lights and countless animated images representing some of Riverbanks' most loveable residents. Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa at the Jingle Bell Bonfire and if you're dreaming of a white Christmas—Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night! Address: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia S.C. www.riverbanks.org

A Christmas Carol “The Musical” Dec 14 at 8:00 p.m. & Dec 15 at 3:00 p.m. Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, the Augusta Players will give the holiday spirits the full Broadway treatment with the musical version of the Charles Dickens classic. With a score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics, join the many that make this theatrical event part of their annual holiday traditions. Location: The Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad Street, Augusta. For tickets visit website, www.imperialtheatre.com.

Gabriel Iglesias- Stand-Up Revolution Tour December 14 at 7:30 p.m. Gabriel’s stand-up comedy is a mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters, and sound effects that brings all of his personal experiences to life. Gabriel’s unique and animated comedy style has made him popular among fans of all ages. Gabriel’s television appearances include “Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution,” and more…

www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

NORAD Tracks Santa website,

www.noradsanta.org, will be featuring a holiday

countdown, daily games and activities, videos, music and more. Beyond a new look, features such

as a 3D globe and new interactive games take advantage of today’s modern web.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Fort Gordon Upcoming Events

And More…http://fortgordon.com

The Signal Corps Band Holiday Concert will be held December 12, 7:00 p.m. at First

Baptist Church on 3500 Walton Way Extension. Last year's concert was the best we

have seen in 15 years so hopefully this year's will be even better. The concert is free

but you are asked to get tickets so they have an accurate headcount and you have a

reminder to put on your refrigerator. Tickets are available at all Georgia Bank & Trust

Branches, Navy Federal Credit Union, Ft Gordon Community Credit Union, and the

Augusta and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce. First Baptist Church also has a

limited number of tickets.

Holiday Concert

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Vacations * Military Discounts

Coca Cola Armed Forces Appreciation All active and retired members of the Armed Forces will receive complimentary admission to the World of Coca-Cola. http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/armedforcesappreciation.htm

Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park Resort ~ Heroes Always receive 20% of the best rates, and a special salute to all servicemembers! http://www.greatwolf.com/concord/waterpark

Walt Disney World Resort “Salutes the U.S military” visit the following link for more information www.disneyworld.com/military Sea World /Bush Gardens are still offering Salute to our Heroes with One free admission to one of their theme parks for Active duty/retired personnel and family members. Visit www.herosalute.com to register.

Universal Studios’ Orlando discounted tickets for Military and Family members. For more information visit this link www.universalorlandoresort.com/minisite/military The Armed Forces Vacation Club offers affordable military vacations around the world for military personnel and their families. More information at www.afvclub.com MWR Resorts for Soldiers, Families, Retirees and Civilians. Visit www.armymwr.com

Recreation Parks Near Augusta, GA

Splash in the Boro, Statesboro GA Military Discount http://splashintheboro.com Stone Mountain Park, GA www.stonemountainpark.com 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta on US Highway 78

Carowinds, NC http://www.carowinds.com Carowinds is located 15 minutes from uptown Charlotte at exit 90

Six Flags Georgia www.sixflags.com/overGeorgia/index.aspx Just minutes of North of Atlanta.

Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, SC www.riverbanks.org Greystone Blvd. (1 1/2 miles west of downtown Columbia, S.C.)

Fort Gordon ~ Pointes West Army Resort The Resort can only be utilized by Active Duty Servicemembers, Retired Service members, DOD Civilians, Dependents/Family Members, and sponsored guests.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Fort Gordon ~ CSRA~ Augusta

Things to Do Links

Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain, Atlanta's only snow park. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. We offer Military discounts to all Servicemembers and their Family, $3.00 off Regular Admission. To redeem visit the Ticket Plaza with a current I.D. Visit www.stonemountainpark.com

Fort Gordon Religious Events & Activities Servicemembers, Families and Civilians experience music worship along with introductory prayers and a variety of other pertinent prayer worship! For more information visit http://www.gordon.army.mil/chaplain/events.htm Fort Gordon - Balfour Beatty Communities http://ftgordonfamilyhousing.com/subpage.aspx?cid=27&k=events

Fandango Augusta Area Cinemas http://www.fandango.com/augusta_ga_movietimes

For Augusta all kinds of fun things to do visit: http://www.augustaga.org/visitors/events James Brown Arena Upcoming Events www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com Festivities at Gwinnett Arena http://www.gwinnettcenter.com Visit Atlanta! http://www.atlantaga.gov Receive Fort Gordon up-to-date information on your cell phone by texting MWR to the number 82672!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Stone Mountain Park