Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Cedar Falls, Iowa

It's been dubbed the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year." The holidays are just around the corner and there are so many exciting things to do in the city of Cedar Falls as a result. You'll be thankful you live in or near this holly jolly city this holiday season!

One great event is taking place soon from October 25-27 at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls. You'll have the opportunity to visit various animals on a guided hike through candlelight trails. The purpose of this event is to provide a much less frightening as well as fun and educational event for the whole family. There is a $5 fee for individuals and group rates are available. For more information, please call 319 277 2187.

Another great event coming up in Cedar Falls Iowa is being held at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on October 28. The Miami City Ballet will be performing and it is noted as a "rising star in the American ballet world." The cost of youth tickets will blow you away ($1 for up to two youth.) For more information on this event please contact 319 273 SHOW or 877 549 SHOW.

Red Ribbon week is also right around the corner and there will be a 5k race to support Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment. Registration fees are $12 for students, $15 for adults, $20 for parent and child and everyone gets a long sleeve t-shirt just for registering. IF you would like to participate in this fun and healthy way to stop substance abuse, please contact Vicki_mueller@pathwaysb.org

Another great event taking place near Cedar Falls Iowa is the Trunk or Treat taking place at Cedar Valley Community Church on Ansborough Avenue in Waterloo. This is sure to be a fun family night where children "trunk or treat" from car to car in the church parking lot. Games, candy, and prizes are only a portion of the fun included in this event. For more information, please contact 235 6781.

Also taking place in Cedar Falls Iowa this holiday season is a spectacular theatrical performance at Lampost Theatre, located on Seerley Boulevard. The cast and crew have been working hard on perfecting the show "Pyrates," written by Jeff Hanson. This show is sure to be thrilling and entertaining. A full review is available at: http://news.pajamasmedia.com/entertainment/2006/10/22/1111523508_Pyrates_plunder_.shtml

"The play, written and directed by Hanson, has a double plot following the story of real-life 17th century pirate Mary Read and the struggles of a modern-day small community. Naturally, there is pirate's treasure, sword fighting, mistaken identities, romance and comedy. Hanson read about Read's history and was intrigued."

Tickets are $12.00 and the performances are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon starting October 28 and ending November 11. For information or to purchase tickets, please stop in at Lampost Theatre or purchase them online at www.lampost.com.

Another event that will have you waltzing through the holidays is offered at 3265 Dewitt Road in Waterloo. Dance lessons including 2-step, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Swing & Polka, as well as Mixer Dancers are being offered. Check out www.iowadance.com for more information on this event.

The annual "Under the Harvest Moon" takes place on November 3 at the Rotary Reserve in Cedar Falls. Tickets are $35 and proceeds go to support the Friends of Hartman Reserve. The event starts with a social hour at 6pm followed by a delectable meal at 7pm. Following the meal there will be a silent auction. For more information on this event, contact 319 377 2187. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling 319 277 2187.

Another fun filled event to help celebrate the holidays is the "Happy Holidays Arts & Craft Sale." This event will be held at the Electric Park Ballroom and offers free admission! Attend this event on Saturday from 9-5 or on Sunday from 10-4 on November 4 and 5. For any additional information, please call 319 233 3050.

Another beautiful and musical event is taking place on Saturday, November 4 at the Riverview Conference Center in Cedar Falls. The Allen Family will be performing "A Riverview Christmas Tradition!" The Allen family is not the typical family group; their music is absolutely wonderful (this is from first hand experience). This family is definitely talented, dynamic, and a joy to watch and listen to. You will be glad you attended this event and supported their family! Tickets are available by calling 319 268 0787 and are ten dollars for adults and eight dollars for youth.

These are just a few of the great events that are being highlighted in Cedar Falls over the next several weeks in anticipation to the season of giving and giving thanks.