Fun for Whole Family at Manatee Festival!

The 27th-annual Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival will take place this weekend (January 28 & 29, 2012) at Valentine Park in Orange City, Florida (W. French Avenue, off Highway 17-92 – I-4 Exit 114 – follow signs). Highlights will include a free shuttle bus to Blue Spring State Park to see the manatees, Central Florida Zoo presentations and ambassadors, arts & crafts, dancing, face painting, shows & rides, children’s fingerprinting by V.I.P.S., walk-on-water balls, SPCA Adopt-a-Pet, great food, live entertainment and sand sculpting.

Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney World in May 2012

Star Wars Weekends returns to the Walt Disney World Resort during May and June 2012, as Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates the Star Wars film saga and the hit animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The annual special event, included in regular theme park admission, will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 18-June 10, 2012.

The power of the Force and magic of Disney combine as plenty of out-of-this-world characters – including Wookiees, droids, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Jedi – roam the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greet opportunities with guests.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the spectacular 3-D attraction, “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.” The attraction, which opened last spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, uses eye-popping 3-D, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology to immerse guests in the Star Wars galaxy like never before.

“Jedi Training Academy,” one of the interactive entertainment experiences at the theme park, allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing their newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Also featured at Star Wars Weekends: the chance for fans to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars games, plus there’s special Star Wars parades and motorcades, star conversations and autograph sessions with Star Wars actors and creative talent (celebrity lineup will be announced at a later date). The ever-popular “Hyperspace Hoopla” ends each Star Wars Weekends day with a show filled with comedy, dancing, high-energy music and many of the famed Star Wars characters.

Ski Park City!

Dreaming of skiing down white-powder slopes? Now is the perfect time! Park City, Utah, has received 6″ of snow in the past 24 hours and snow is predicted for eight of the next 10 days! For great deals on Park City accommodations, consider Westgate Park City Resort & Spa! Visit www.wgparkcity.com today!

Ski Ober Gatlinburg!

Winter weather has finally arrived in Gatlinburg and snowmaking is in full force at Ober Gatlinburg. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are available and colder temperatures make snow making possible when the temperature dips below 32 degrees. Ober began the season on January 3 with Castle Run, Cub Way and the Ski School slopes in operating and is opening additional slopes as conditions improve. Snow tubing is open dialing with sessions beginning at 11a.m.

Ober Gatlinburg features nine trails serviced by two quad lifts, one double lift and one surface lift.  The Resort offers terrain for all abilities, from a beginner experiencing the joy of snow sports for the first time, to a seasoned expert hitting the moguls and terrain park.  The resort also has a popular snow tubing park, skiing and snowboarding equipment rental, an ice skating rink, aerial tramway, alpine slide, restaurants, shops and more.

More information about activities offered at Ober Gatlinburg as well as weather and ski reports can be found at www.obergatlinburg.com or call 800-251-9202.

Don’t Miss Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza!

Billed as the “Largest Antique Show in Florida,” Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza will take place January 20, 21 and 22, 2012. The Antique Extravaganza will feature 800 booths of antiques and collectibles both indoors and outdoors. Renninger’s is located at 20651 U.S. 441 in Mount Dora, Florida. For more information, visit www.renningers.com.

Cubs Announce 2012 Spring Training Schedule

The Chicago Cubs’ Spring Training schedule for the 2012 season features 35 games. The club will play 16 home games at HoHoKam Park, 17 road games in Arizona and two games in Las Vegas. Spring training report dates will be determined at a later time.

The Cubs begin their 2012 Cactus League schedule Sunday, March 4 against the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Park. The Cubs play the first three days of their spring slate at home before heading to Surprise to play their first road game at Kansas City on Wednesday, March 7.

The Cubs will make their annual trip to Las Vegas for a two-game weekend series March 17-18 against a to-be-determined opponent. The Cubs close out the spring on Tuesday, April 3 vs. the Milwaukee Brewers at HoHoKam Park. Additionally, the Cubs and White Sox square off twice next spring – Friday, March 9 in Glendale and Sunday, March 18 at HoHoKam.
Individual game tickets for the 2012 Chicago Cubs home spring training games at HoHoKam Park will go on sale Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 10 a.m. CST on www.cubs.com or by calling 1-800-905-3315. The ticket box office at HoHoKam Park will open for the sale of individual game tickets beginning January 17, 2012 at 9 a.m. MST.

Season tickets at HoHoKam Park go on sale Wednesday, January 4, 2012 9 a.m. MST and group tickets go on sale Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 9 a.m. MST at the HoHoKam box office or by calling 480-964-4467.

Fans may direct ticket and additional spring training questions to info2012@mesahohokams.com For continuously updated information, please visit www.cubs.com or call the HoHoKam Park information line at 480-644-4451.
The Cubs’ 35-game Spring Training schedule for 2012 is below. All games begin at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time unless otherwise noted. Split squad games are denoted with an (ss).

2012 Chicago Cubs Spring Training Schedule

Sunday, March 4 – Oakland Athletics – Mesa
Monday, March 5 – Oakland Athletics – Mesa
Tuesday, March 6 – Colorado Rockies – Mesa
Wednesday, March 7 – Kansas City Royals – Surprise
Thursday, March 8 – Seattle Mariners – Mesa
Friday, March 9 – Chicago White Sox – Glendale
Saturday, March 10 – Milwaukee Brewers – Maryvale
Sunday, March 11 – Los Angeles Dodgers – Glendale
Monday, March 12 – Cincinnati Reds – Mesa
Tuesday, March 13 – San Francisco Giants – Scottsdale (7:05 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 14 – Milwaukee Brewers – Mesa
Thursday, March 15 – Arizona Diamondbacks (ss) – Mesa
Colorado Rockies (ss) – Scottsdale
Friday, March 16 – San Francisco Giants – Mesa
Saturday, March 17 – Oakland Athletics (ss) – Phoenix
TBD (ss) – Las Vegas (TBD start time)
Sunday, March 18 – Chicago White Sox (ss) – Mesa
TBD (ss) – Las Vegas (TBD start time)
Monday, March 19 – Seattle Mariners – Peoria
Tuesday, March 20 – Texas Rangers (ss) – Mesa
Oakland Athletics (ss) – Phoenix
Wednesday, March 21 – OFF DAY
Thursday, March 22 – Texas Rangers – Surprise
Friday, March 23 – Colorado Rockies – Scottsdale
Saturday, March 24 – San Diego Padres – Mesa
Sunday, March 25 – Cleveland Indians – Goodyear
Monday, March 26 – San Diego Padres (ss) – Mesa
Arizona Diamondbacks (ss) – Scottsdale (1:10 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 27 – Cincinnati Reds – Goodyear
Wednesday, March 28 – Cleveland Indians – Mesa
Thursday, March 29 – San Diego Padres – Peoria
Friday, March 30 – Los Angeles Dodgers – Mesa
Saturday, March 31 – Los Angeles Angels – Mesa
Sunday, April 1 – Los Angeles Angels – Tempe
Monday, April 2 – Arizona Diamondback

Westgate Painted Mountain Provides Ideal Accommodations for Spring Training Fans
Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your stay in Mesa to watch the 2012 Chicago Cubs Spring Training? Look no farther than Westgate Painted Mountain Country Club, which lies less than 9 miles from HoHoKam Park and features spectacular panoramic views, spacious villas, first-class amenities, championship golf and easy access to a multitude of outdoor recreational activities such as horseback riding, river cruises, rafting and much more. A beautiful, desert landscaped resort community, Westgate Painted Mountain lies adjacent to the world-famous John Jacobs’ Golf School at Painted Mountain, which boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, nine-hole executive course and two practice areas, including the 270-degree Learning Center Range – the largest on-course teaching facility in Arizona. Onsite amenities at Westgate Painted Mountain include the full-service GrandView Steak House and Lounge, the fully stocked TRENDS golf shop and fashion boutique, a heated outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub, fitness room, steam room and playground. For more information about Westgate Painted Mountain Country Club, visit www.wgpaintedmountain.com.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Profile

• Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest national park East of the Rockies (244,000 acres of the park lie in Tennessee and 276,000 acres lie in North Carolina).
• With more than 10 million visitors annually, it is also the most visited national park in the United States. In comparison, Grand Canyon National Park draws less than 5 million visitors per year.
• Note that NO FEE is charged to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 
• Designated an International Biosphere Reserve, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 4,000 plant species, 1,500 wildflower species, 140 tree species, 700 miles of rivers and streams, 600 black bears, campsites, horseback riding, historic sites, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, fishing and 850 miles of hiking trails (including a 70-mile section of the Appalachian Trail).
• Cades Cove – a 4,000-acre scenic valley that features preserved pioneer homesteads, a campground and hiking trails – is the most visited area of the park.

For more information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit www.nps.gov/grsm.

Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando

This spring, the fun and excitement of The Big Easy makes its way to Universal Orlando Resort for Mardi Gras 2012 – an authentic celebration that completely transforms Universal Studios Florida into the famed New Orleans street party.

On select nights February 11 through April 14, 2012, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists.

Mardi Gras 2012’s concert series features performances by 14 top-name musicians, including global superstar, Kelly Clarkson. Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, she has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, won two Grammy Awards and recently released her fifth studio album Stronger, featuring the hit single “Mr. Know It All.” Kelly Clarkson will perform at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 18.  The complete Mardi Gras concert line-up will be released in early 2012.

The other 13 artists taking the stage during Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2012 promise to be some of the biggest names in music, spanning multiple music genres. Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds down the street of Universal Studios.  The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs the floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

The celebration continues at Universal Studios’ French Quarter Courtyard – the heart of Mardi Gras. Here, guests can groove to the soulful sounds of authentic New Orleans bands.  Since 2006, more than 20 bands have traveled straight from The Big Easy to Universal Orlando to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music for partygoers – adding to the authenticity of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration.  The French Quarter also features delicious Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and much more.

Mardi Gras is included in regular admission to Universal Studios. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

The Fixx to Return in January for Velvet Sessions

Universal Orlando Resort will once again feature The Fixx as part of its ‘Velvet Sessions’ series at Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 6:30 PM. The band will perform all of their classic hits such as ”Are We Ourselves,” “One Thing Leads to Another,” “Red Skies,” “Saved By Zero,” “Deeper and Deeper” and more. Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month (January through October). Tickets include free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 PM onward. Tickets are $29 online (ticketing fees apply) or $35 at the door. Valet parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions, which is a 21 and older event. Visit velvetsessions.com for more information.

Silver Dollar City’s 2012 Festival Highlights

Enjoy the Biggest Festival & Show Year Ever at Silver Dollar City!

World-Fest (April 12 – May 6)
America’s largest international festival presents top entertainers from around the world:

•NEW: Viva Italia showcasing operatic tenor Aaron Caruso, trained by Rome’s Maestro Veccia and who recently sold out at Carnegie Hall
•NEW: Piazza de Fiesta, a “Little Italy” plaza alive with true Italian entertainment including flag throwers, living statues, stilt walkers and a colorful costume parade
•NEW: The Mariachi Divas, a Grammy Award-winning all-female music ensemble with members from Mexico, Cuba, Samoa, Argentina, Columbia, Honduras and more
•NEW: Hawaiian Country Music, a show featuring Hawaii’s traditional country music starring four-time Grammy winner George Kahumoku
•NEW: Peru’s Yawar Chicci folk music and dance troupe.
•NEW: Kenyan Sarakasi Acrobats, world-renowned acrobats from Nairobi, Kenya.
•Returning favorites: Russian Academic Band, Ireland’s premier harpist Dearbhail Finnegan, Ecuador Manta and a Slovenian Polka Party (May 4-6)
Bluegrass & BBQ (May 10 – June 3)

The International Bluegrass Music Association’s reigning Bluegrass Event of the Year features:

•Bluegrass music’s top artists and award-winning performers including Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, the Grascals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and the Kruger Brothers
•The top up-and-coming bands in bluegrass including the Gibson Brothers, Balsam Range and Little Roy & Lizzy
•Two National Bluegrass Competitions – The National Single Mic Championship (May 19 & 20) & The Youth In Bluegrass Band Contest (May 26 &  27)
•A Barbecue Feast with grills filled with over 40,000 pounds of barbecue: Memphis dry rubs, Carolina vinegars, smoky Texas eats and sweet KC-style

National KidsFest (June 9 – July 22)

The Ultimate Summer Vacation destination for families presents:

•The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus returns, featuring Guinness World Record High Wire-Walker and Discovery Channel star Nik Wallenda
•NEW LUMA, using high-tech illumination techniques for a three-dimensional show of light, color and motion, bringing to life a story, created exclusively for Silver Dollar City, centered around the park’s Marvel Cave
•NEW: Gazillion Bubbles, an interactive show taking bubble artistry to amazing levels with lasers, lighting effects and sheer bubble mastery
•Cartoon Character Meet & Greets with kid-favorite cartoon superstars
NEW: An Independence Day Celebration July 4 turns the park Red, White & Blue with fireworks and all!

Moonlight Madness (July 21 – August 5)
It’s all about summer night thrills and family adventure from night rides to street dances:

•Ride into the night with extended time on over 30 rides and attractions
•Nightly Street Dances on the park Square
•The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus continues for high-wire fun
Southern Gospel Picnic (August 24 – September 3)
America’s largest Southern Gospel Picnic presents hundreds of performances from Dove Award winners and top gospel acts, including:

•The Booth Brothers, the Triumphant Quartet, Jeff & Sheri Easter, the Isaacs and the Collingsworth Family
•2-hour Southern Gospel Nights Concerts each evening
•Mouthwatering picnic-style foods including the park’s famous chicken: double-battered and golden fried, apple-glazed, orange-glazed and hickory smoked
Country Music Weekend (September 8 – 9)
An ALL-NEW Music Event – A weekend featuring country music legends Diamond Rio and Pam Tillis in concert

National Harvest Festival (September 13 – October 27)
The nation’s largest festival of demonstrating craftsmen features the return of the Salute to the Great American Cowboy:

•NEW: Western Stunt Show features professional stunt men and women performing amazing feats in a light-hearted, Western-themed presentation
•Over 125 visiting craftsmen from around the country demonstrate their art in the nation’s largest festival of demonstrating craftsmen
•Best of Missouri Hands Juried Artists in a special showcase
•Legendary Western star and watercolor artist Buck Taylor returns, with guest appearances by fellow stars of classic Westerns
•Plus Cowboy Poets, wild mustangs, trick horse stunts, trick roping and bull whip demonstrations
An Old Time Christmas (November 3 – December 30)
Heralded “The Most Illuminated Park on Earth” by the Travel Channel and “One of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere” by Midwest Living with:

•NEW: It’s a Wonderful Life, an all-new musical production adapted from the Frank Capra classic, from the award-winning Silver Dollar City show producers
•The Christmas on Main Street light & sound show featuring the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree
•The acclaimed production A Dickens’ Christmas Carol
•The colorful Holiday Light Parade
•A musical Living Nativity
•4 million lights, holiday shows, rides, shopping and Silver Dollar City legendary dining