Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Dec. 6-9, 2007)

Toy Lift 2007 is Friday, December 7th at Fashion Square Mall from 7:00am-9:00pm. Bring a new unwrapped toy (or a cash donation) for a needy child. Due to the numerous toy recalls recently, no used toys will be accepted. There will be entertainment all day starting at 10:30am. There will also be crafters selling their wares. Toy Lift began in 1988 when founder Tom Powell decided to perch himself eighty feet up in a bucket truck. He stayed there until people donated 1,000 toys, which he then distributed to local children. Nineteen years later, Toy Lift has grown into a huge annual community event with food, entertainment, and media coverage, raising over 17,000 toys.

Here's more fun I found at the AlbemarleFamily calendar:

- Artisans' Bazaar at UVA, Newcomb Hall Ballroom, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 6pm. Over two dozen local artisans will be selling handcrafted goods made locally.

- Michie Tavern-Candlelit Original Tavern, Friday & Saturday, 5pm-9:30pm. Sing traditional carols with our Tavern musicians. Mr. Michie's apprentice will serve tankard drinks from the original tap bar. Living history interpreters and story-tellers will be available to entertain guests. Period refreshments will be served from the 18th-century tap bar. Admission is free to the original Tavern.

- Join Rudolf and the gang to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Santa will be there for pictures, and to make final Christmas requests, but you better be good because he will have his list!! Arts & Crafts and cookie decorating are some of the fun activities you can expect. Charlottesville Carver Center, downstairs gym. Saturday 1:30pm to 4:00pm.

- A gala holiday ice skating show presented by the Charlottesville Figure Skating Club! The approximately two-hour long show will feature holiday costumes and props, including trees! Tickets may be purchased at the Ice Park or from skating club members. Charlottesville Ice Park. Sunday at 4pm.

- Head kitchen and craft interpreter Martha Bar will direct a Gingerbread and lace ornament workshop at Ash Lawn-Highland. Make three Victorian inspired tree decorations; Sunday.

- Green Valley Book Fair, huge selection of children's books at 60%-90% off retail prices on new, over-run or irregular books. 2192 Green Valley Ln., Mt. Crawford (in Shenandoah Valley btwn Harrisonburg and Staunton). 9am to 7pm daily, now through Dec. 9.

- The Paramount Theater's Family Flicks will feature the films "A Christmas Story" on Saturday and "White Christmas" on Sunday. At the Charlottesville Downtown Mall. $6; $4 for kids 18 and younger.

Karen
www.move2va.com