David Krenz

Austin superintendent

The holiday concert season is fast approaching. Austin Public Schools have outstanding music and fine arts programs and incredibly talented young people who participate in them. At every level, students have been preparing to showcase their hard work and gifts with the Austin community. Now it is your turn to come out and enjoy!  Admission is free except where noted.

Dec. 2: 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Woodson Kindergarten Holiday Concert in AHS Knowlton.

Dec. 6: 7 p.m., grades 5-8 Winter Band Concert in AHS Knowlton Auditorium.

Dec. 7:  9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Neveln Elementary Holiday Concert in the Ellis Auditorium.

Dec. 8: 7 p.m.  grades 5-8 Orchestra Concert in AHS Knowlton Auditorium.

Dec. 9: Banfield Elementary Holiday Concert, grade 1, 9:30 a.m.; grade 4, 10:30 a.m.; grade 2 at 12:30 p.m.; and grade 3 at 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 15: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Southgate Elementary Holiday Concert.

Dec. 15: 7 p.m., grades 5-8 Choir Holiday Concert in AHS Knowlton Auditorium.

Dec. 15: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Sumner Elementary Holiday Concert.

Dec. 19: 7 p.m., Austin High School Holiday Concert at AHS Knowlton Auditorium; adults $7 and students $5.

Holiday at the Paramount

You are also invited to another exciting holiday show at the Historic Paramount Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, where a variety of student music groups will perform in addition to the NW Singers. Tickets for “Christmas at Home” are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $5 for students and can be purchased through the Austin Area Commission for the Arts at 300 N. Main St.. or www.austinareaarts.org.

Santa workshop

There is another fun event for families with children birth to age 8. Be sure to check out the Santa Workshop from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 , at the Community Learning Center, 912 First Ave. NE. There are stories, songs, art projects and treats. Santa will be available for visiting and photos so please bring your camera! This is a free event sponsored by Early Childhood Family Education.

Dome is now open

The public is invited to use the dome for walking and running during the following hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays; and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Just a reminder no food or sunflower seeds are allowed in the dome. Also, no strollers can be brought in due to space limitations. If you would like to inquire about renting the dome, please contact Dan Ball at 460-1928.