Elf Shop opens for children

The ninth annual Elf Shop will open for business at the Industrial Building at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. and continue to 3 p.m. today, according to its sponsor Turning Point, which is the Self-Help Center's transitional housing program at the Life Steps Campus.

Adults check in their children. Each child is given a dollar bill to spend on new and slightly used gifts ranging in price from a nickel to $1. Volunteers dressed as elves and reindeer escort each child through the store and help them pick out gifts for their immediate family. After payment, additional volunteers wrap them.

Last year, more than 650 children attended and volunteers wrapped more than 3,700 gifts.

Grant Street celebrates listing

Grant Street Grocery and Market is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to a release from the Casper Historic Preservation Commission.

A celebration will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Grant Street Grocery and Market, 815 S. Grant St. Following remarks from the commission and city council, the grocer will hold a cheese tasting from 2 to 5 p.m.

For a video on the listing, visit www.trib.com.

Public ice skating cancelled

The public skating session at the Casper Ice Arena from 1 to 3 p.m. today has been cancelled because of the Casper Amateur Hockey Club's Mini-Mite/Mite Hockey Jamboree, according to a release.

Players ages 4-8 from around the region will play through Sunday morning. Admission is free and spectators are encouraged.

The regularly scheduled public skating session will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call (307) 235-8484 or visit www.casperwy.gov.

I Cantori presents holiday show

The Casper College opera band I Cantori will present several musical numbers as part of "Holiday On the Homestead" today at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, according to a release.

The band's program will begin at 12:15 p.m. and will include the songs "Mama," "Land and Liberty," "the Sacred Flame" and "Adeste Fideles" ("O Come All Ye Faithful").

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. "Holiday on The Homestead" is free and open to the public.

Casper Rec holds 'Drop & Shop'

The Casper Recreation Center will offer a special "Drop & Shop" program for children ages 5-2 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. today and on Dec. 20, according to a release.

Moms and dads can do some last minute shopping while the kids have fun with games, crafts and more. A $13 fee includes dinner.

For more information, call (307) 235-8383 or visit www.casperwy.gov.

City hosts 'Santa Saturday'

The city of Casper will host "Santa Saturday" on Dec. 20 throughout the various facilities within the Recreation Division, according to a release. Admission is $3 per participant per facility.

The Casper Ice Arena will host "Skate with Santa" from 1 to 3 p.m. Santa will skates with kids, and children can also take sleigh rides on the ice with Santa.

From 3 to 4 p.m., Santa will be at the Casper Recreation Center to shoot play basketball Refreshments will be served in the lobby, and parents are welcome to take photos.

Santa will then be at the Casper Family Aquatic Center's deck and lobby from 4 to 6 p.m. Admission includes swimming, cookies and hot chocolate. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

For more information, call the Casper Recreation Center at (307) 235-8383 or the Casper Ice Arena at (307) 235-8484, or visit www.casperwy.gov.

Two-for-one for Larry the Cable Guy

Through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, the Casper Events Center is selling two-for-one tickets to Dan Whitney's performance as Larry the Cable Guy, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on May 17, according to a release.

Larry the Cable Guy is famous for adding the catchphrase "Git-R-Done" to the American lexicon as part of his comedy routine.

Tickets are priced at $44.50 and are available at the box office, www.caspereventscenter.com or at (800) 442-2256.

Fort hosts old-fashioned Christmas

Fort Caspar Museum will host a workshop on making old-fashioned Christmas ornaments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 20, according to a release.

Families can choose between ornaments of trees, fish or candy canes, cornucopias, paper chains or feather stars.

The program and related activities are free, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call Erin Rose at (307) 235-8462 or visit www.fortcasparwyoming.com.

Rec opens 'Rec Bowl 2008'

In the spirit of the college football bowl season, the Casper Recreation Center, Aquatic Center, and Ice Arena will host "The Rec Bowl 2008" through Jan. 10, according to a release.

Anyone who purchases a membership to the Recreation Center, Aquatic Center, Ice Arena, Hogadon Ski Area, or Casper Municipal Golf Course will receive a gift, draw a prize number from the "Rec Bowl", and receive a prize that corresponds with that number.

Prizes include free nine-hole golf passes, one-day lift tickets, daily passes, free recreation classes, T-shirts, and an MP3 player.

For more information, call (307) 235-8383 or visit www.casperwy.gov.