eJourna » Holidays

Chicago’s Celtic Fest Takes Over Millennium Park This Mother’s Day

Tonia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:05:16 +0000

Celtic Fest Chicago

The 14th Annual Celtic Fest Chicago begins a new tradition in Chicago’s Millennium Park this Mother’s Day weekend, May 8 and 9 for two days of unique music and entertainment bringing old world charm to Chicago. Presented by the City of Chicago and FlyNovaScotia.com, Celtic Fest Chicago is FREE to the public and runs from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. A complete schedule including headliners at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion will be announced soon.

The festival brings world renowned artists to Chicago to celebrate the culture of the seven ancient Celtic nations with performers from Ireland; Brittany, France; Galicia, Spain; Scotland; the Isle of Man; Cornwall; Wales; plus the United States and Canada. Celtic music enfolds a variety of rich cultures, as various geographical areas contribute diverse backgrounds and flavors. Celtic Fest Chicago celebrates this history with music and traditions that date back to 300 B.C.

Celtic Fest Chicago features a full line-up of world-class entertainment both days. Highlights of the festival include the Celtic Art Fair, traditional and contemporary Celtic music and dance plus the popular bagpipe parade, along with a Harp and Uilleann Pipe area. Ladies, pick your favorite set of legs at the Men in Kilts Contest. Brave men will show off their legs in kilts for a contest unlike any other. The Next Generation Stage will host local Celtic music school performers and traditional Celtic dancing will be performed throughout the weekend on the Jay Pritzker Pavillion stage.

Celtic Fest Chicago is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and FlyNovaScotia.com. For more information and updates call the Mayor’s Office of Special Events at (312) 744‑3315 or visit www.celticfestchicago.us. For help in planning your trip to Chicago visit www.explorechicago.org. Become a fan of Celtic Fest Chicago on Facebook and follow our updates on Twitter (twitter.com/marylmay).

Image courtesy of Explore Chicago

Priceline.com Releases Its Annual List of Top New Year’s Party Spots

Ron — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:13:04 +0000

Sometimes we parents just need a to take a little adults-only vacation and leave the kids in the trusting care of their loving grandparents. New Year’s Eve seems perfectly suited to a quick adults-only getaway. On the other hand, it’s a also a great time to get your entire family together to ring in the new year. Whether or not you need a break from the kids or want to ring in the new year, family style, you’re probably asking yourself “isn’t it too late? And where should we go?”

Luckily, priceline.com knows the pain of our last-minute indecision and is here to help with their 6th annual list of top 50 destinations for ringing in the New Year. For the 5th year in a row, Las Vegas is the #1 destination for New Year’s revelers. Typically, the list is top-heavy with east– and west-coast locations, but Chicago does weigh in at number 21, so we midwesterners have that going for us.

Another thing we’ve got going for us is slightly cheaper hotel rates this year. According to priceline.com, the average published rate for a 3-star or higher hotel in the U.S. for New Year’s 2009 is $129, which is slightly less than last year’s average published rate of $132. “With room rates in many cities still under pressure, a New Year’s getaway is an exceptional value,” said priceline.com’s in-house travel expert Brian Ek.

For family-friendly fun, four destinations on priceline.com’s list stand out: #21, Chicago’s Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park area; #12, Orlando Disney’s Maingate; #49, Orange County, Disneyland/Orange/Garden Grove; and #50, Orange County, Disneyland/Anaheim.

To compile the list, priceline.com looked at a sampling of more than 30,000 Name Your Own Price® hotel room booking requests made by priceline.com customers for the New Year’s holiday. Because the survey is based on actual booking requests, and not on consumer preference polls or votes, priceline.com believes its annual survey is one of the more accurate predictors of New Year’s travel trends. Also, by focusing on hotels instead of airline tickets, the priceline.com survey is able to include the travel intentions of consumers who will drive to their destination.

“This year, a handful of cities and destinations were the big winners in the sweepstakes for New Year’s revelers,” said Ek. “The Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area captured 7 spots on the list, while New York City and Los Angeles/Orange County each took 6 spots, and Las Vegas was named 4 times. The growing strength of New Orleans as a tourist destination was also evident by being named to the #5 and #8 spots on the list.”

Priceline.com’s Top 50 New Year’s Destinations

Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity South
New York City, Chelsea Area
New York City, Times Square/Theater District
Miami, South Beach/Ocean Drive
New Orleans, Downtown
New York City, Empire State Building Area
Atlanta, Downtown
New Orleans, French Quarter
Orlando, Sea World/International Drive/Convention Center
Fort Lauderdale, Beach Area
Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity North
Orlando, Disney Maingate
Key West
Orlando, Lake Buena Vista/Downtown Disney
Maui, Wailea/Makena
Oahu, Waikiki Beach
San Francisco, Union Square West/Nob Hill
New York City, Madison Square Garden/Convention Area
Fort Lauderdale, Downtown
Puerto Rico, San Juan
Chicago, Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park Area
Las Vegas, Near Las Vegas Strip East
Chicago, North Michigan Ave./River North Area
Oahu, Waikiki Marina Area
San Antonio, Riverwalk Area
Fort Lauderdale, Ft. Lauderdale/Airport North
Miami, South Beach/Collins Ave. Oceanfront
Toronto, Downtown Toronto South
Newark, Meadowlands/Jersey City
Sydney, City Centre
Boston, Harbor Front/Aquarium
New York City, Midtown East
Los Angeles, Central L.A./Hollywood
Atlanta, Midtown
Miami, Miami Beach
Los Angeles, Central L.A./Beverly Hills/West Hollywood
San Diego, Downtown & Harbor Island
Paris, Eiffel Tower/Port de Versailles/Montparnasse
Seattle, Downtown/Pike Place
Rome, Central City
Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley/Pasadena
Boston, Copley Square/Theater District
New York City, Downtown/SoHo/Financial District
Las Vegas, Convention Center
Miami, Coral Gables/Coconut Grove
Los Angeles, Central L.A./Airport
Amsterdam, City Centre & Museum Quarter
Miami, Downtown
Orange County, Disneyland/Orange/Garden Grove
Orange County, Disneyland/Anaheim

Are you planning a quick getaway to celebrate the New Year? If so, where are you going? Are you including the entire family or planning an adults-only escape from the kids? Share your plans by leaving a comment below!

Happy New Year’s to all!

Second Annual Snow Days Chicago Festival Returns to Grant Park

Ron — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:30:41 +0000

Snow Sculpture, Chicago Snow Days Festival

In the annals of Chicago’s weather history, snow and January have become an infamous combination; but in 2010, it will be a winning combination.

The second Annual Snow Days Chicago festival arrives a little earlier in 2010, opening on Friday, Jan. 29 at 4p.m. and continuing on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30–31, 11a.m.-8p.m.

The festival returns to Grant Park at Michigan Avenue and Balbo.

“We are proud that the City of Chicago offers free events and festivals year-round,” said Executive Director Megan McDonald. “Snow Days Chicago is a family friendly event that takes our January weather and turns it into something fun.”

The main feature of the event is the Snow Sculpting Competition, in collaboration with Snow Visions, Inc. Sculptures will be created by 15 teams of artists, which this year includes teams from China and Canada, states such as North Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois and two Chicago teams.

Each team of 3 sculptors will be creating their masterpiece on Chicago’s lakefront in competition for prize money; decisions on first and second place will be determined by an expert panel.

Sculptors will begin their process on Wednesday, January 27, needing to complete their task in time for voting on Saturday, Jan. 30. Festival attendees will select the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Voting takes place on Saturday, Jan. 30, 11a.m. until 4p.m. and winners will be announced at a ceremony later that day.

Sketches of the sculptures are available on the Snow Days Chicago Web site.

Additionally, 12 teams representing Chicago Public High Schools will design and complete sculptures for display only. Schools participating with student teams are Chicago High School for the Arts, Douglass High School, Foreman High School, Lane Tech High School (2 teams), Gage Park High School, Walter Payton College Preparatory, Lake View High School, Northside College Preparatory (2 teams), Bronzeville Scholastic Institute, and Gallery 37 (various schools).

Back from last year’s event are the Green Valley Dog Drivers providing dog sled demonstrations and weight pulling and snowboarders from the Raging Buffalo Snowboard/Ski Park USASA Team.

Plus the “Activities Igloo” will include plenty of fun ways to warm up such as storytelling, arts and crafts and a Radio Disney show on Saturday 1-2p.m.

Snow Days Chicago will create its own snow, temperature permitting, in mid-January. Snow is then packed into 10 ft blocks suitable for sculpting. (Student teams will carve smaller blocks that are 6 ft tall.) Last year’s first place winner, “A Bug’s Life” is pictured here.

The Mayor’s Office of Special Events recommends public transportation to all its events. Parking is available nearby at the Millennium Garage, East Monroe and Grant Park Underground.

For more information on Snow Days Chicago, visit snowdayschicago.us or call 312–744-3315.

Snow Days Chicago is presented by the City of Chicago and sponsored by Chicago’s Essex Inn, Whole Foods, WBBM AM Newsradio 780, Jack FM, Cuties Clementines and Crush.

Photo by kendoman26(on hold)

Happy Holidays From Our Family to Yours

Ron — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:05:16 +0000

Happy Holidays from eJourna

We’ll be taking the next few days off to spend the holidays with family. We wish you safe journeys on all your holiday travels. May your flights be on time and the road in front of you be clear! We’ll be back on Saturday with more midwest family travel news and stories.

Happy Holidays all!

Photo by SamwiseGamgee69

New Year’s Eve Celebration In New York City

Tonia — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:36:40 +0000

Times Square, New Years Eve

NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for New York City, announced activities surrounding the 2009 New Year’s Eve festivities. The year-end celebration brings hundreds of thousands of people to Times Square, one of the most famous gathering spots in the world. As visitors and residents watch the world-famous New Year’s Eve Ball descend from the flagpole atop One Times Square at midnight on the last day of the year, the eyes of the world are squarely on New York City.

“There is no more exciting place to be on New Year’s Eve than Times Square in New York City—and revelers will find even more space to spread out, with this year’s closure of Times Square to traffic,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company.

The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is a 12-foot geodesic sphere weighing 11,875 pounds. Covered in 2,668 Waterford crystals and powered by 32,256 Philips LUXEON Rebel LED lights, the ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns, producing a spectacular kaleidoscopic effect atop One Times Square. The ball has been on display since Jan. 1, 2009, and is a year-round attraction for visitors from around the world.

More than 100 million television viewers in the United States and more than 1 billion worldwide are expected to watch the ball drop, bringing even more visibility to the Crossroads of the World.

The schedule for the New Year’s Eve festivities is as follows:

4pm

The Revelers

Revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve. By approximately 4pm, the “bow tie” of Times Square (42nd–47th Streets, between Broadway and Seventh Avenue) becomes a focal point for the festivities. The NYPD will direct revelers to gather in separate viewing sections. As one section fills up, police will direct new arrivals to the next section. As the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the Times Square neighborhood along Broadway and Seventh Avenue, and as far north as Central Park.

6–6:03 pm

Lighting and Raising the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

The celebration begins with the lighting and raising of the New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square.

11:59pm

The 60-Second Countdown

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the Times Square 2010 special guest (to be announced) will push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and lead the 60-second countdown to the New Year atop the Countdown Stage at Duffy Square (the center island from Broadway to Seventh Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets).

Midnight

2010 Sign

At the stroke of midnight, the lights on the New Year’s Eve Ball are turned off as the numerals “2010” are illuminated high above Times Square.

Several events will take place leading up to the ball drop, including:

Confetti Wishing Wall–The Confetti Wishing Wall will be at the Times Square Information Center, located at Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets). New Year’s Eve is a time when people of every background come together to express a collective hope for renewal; a yearning for a better personal or global future can sometimes take the form of resolutions or wishes. With that in mind, visitors to the Information Center are invited to write their wishes and resolutions for 2010 on pieces of paper, which will be displayed on the wall. For those who cannot make it to Times Square to add their wishes, a virtual wall has been created at timessquarenyc.org. At midnight on December 31, the wish papers will become part of the confetti that rains down on the City. (Note: specific dates of Confetti Wishing Wall to be posted at timessquarenyc.org)

Good Riddance Day—The co-organizers of New Year’s Eve in Times Square (Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment) are inviting the public to say good-bye, once and for all, to those bad memories at the third annual Good Riddance Day. Shredders will be available for use in Duffy Square so everyone can discard their distasteful, embarrassing and downright depressing memories from 2009. (Note: specific date of Good Riddance Day to be posted at timessquarenyc.org)

For those seeking other New Year’s Eve entertainment options beyond Times Square, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is offering a New Year’s Eve party cruise, which includes a full open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a nonstop DJ, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets for the three-hour cruise are $120 (must be 18 for the cruise, and 21 to drink alcohol). For more information, click on the ”special events” section of circleline42.com.

If a New Year’s Eve run around Central Park appeals to you, check out the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run, hosted by New York Road Runners. There will be a DJ and dancing at 10pm, a costume parade and contest at 11pm, and fireworks and a four-mile race at midnight. More information can be found at nyrr.org.

Brooklyn residents and visitors can take part in the borough’s largest New Year’s Eve party at Grand Army Plaza, which will include fireworks and live music. The best viewing locations for the fireworks are within Grand Army Plaza, along West Drive in Prospect Park, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and Ninth Street. For more information, go to prospectpark.org.

For more information about visiting New York City, check out the City’s official tourism website at nycgo.com.

Photo by Kenya Allmond

Park City Utah’s Deer Valley Resort Celebrates the Holidays in Style

Tonia — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:28:54 +0000

Riding the ski lift, Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley guests, locals and visitors alike, anticipate with excitement the Resort’s annual holiday events, which have become traditions for the entire Park City community.

To celebrate Christmas, Santa Claus himself will visit Deer Valley on Thursday, December 24, 2009. The jolly old elf will be found in the Snow Park Lodge area at the Resort base from 9 a.m. — 11 a.m., and from noon to 1:30 p.m., will visit guests in the Silver Lake (mid-mountain) area. Guests are invited to bring a camera and have their picture taken with Santa.

Another highlight of Deer Valley’s holiday season is the annual torchlight parade. The parade takes place Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at dusk (approximately 6 p.m.). The Resort’s renowned Ski School will dazzle with torches, synchronized skiing, and all sorts of “illuminating” moves.

The parade takes place on Big Stick ski run on Bald Eagle Mountain and is best viewed from the base of Wide West ski run and complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served on the Snow Park Plaza.

When shopping for holiday gifts this season, remember to consider Deer Valley Resort’s Signatures and Deer Valley Etc. merchandise. Choose from food items like the Resort’s famed Turkey Chili Mix or Jumbo Cookie Mix, and gift items such as fleece vests, Deer Valley logoed coffee mugs, ornaments, jewelry, wine glasses and more.

Also, available as is the beautiful coffee table book, Deer Valley: The Quest for Excellence.

Guests may shop at Signatures in person at three locations: 625 Main Street, Park City (open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round); Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Village (open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during ski season); and Deer Valley’s Snow Park Lodge (open daily 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during ski season). Deer Valley Etc. is open daily during ski season in Snow Park Lodge, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To order Signatures items online from Deer Valley, log onto deervalley.com.

To order via phone, call (800) 833‑2002. Gift certificates are also available.

Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley, Utah

The Deer Valley Gift Card is also a fabulous and flexible holiday gift idea. The Gift Card can be used at any of Deer Valley’s operations; for lift tickets, Ski School, restaurants, Signatures Stores, child care or ski rental. Cards can be purchased for any amount. Cards may be used while at Deer Valley Resort, or for phone orders for Signatures merchandise. Gift cards can be purchased online at deervalley.com or in person at Deer Valley Signatures.

Don’t forget that Deer Valley’s award-winning restaurants are open during the holidays; with options perfect for either an intimate dining experience, or large-group fun.

The elegant Mariposa, winner of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and a #1 Zagat survey placement, is open in the Silver Lake Lodge at mid-mountain, Tuesday through Sunday, 6 – 10 p.m. Call 435–645-6715 for reservations.

Seafood Buffet, listed in the Zagat Restaurant Guide in “America’s Top Restaurants,” is located in the Snow Park Lodge at the Resort base and is open Monday through Saturday, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Call 435–645-6632 for reservations. Royal Street Café, open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., is located in the Silver Lake Lodge at mid-mountain. It features a casual but cosmopolitan menu and atmosphere. Call 435–645-6724 for reservations. Fireside Dinners are served at Empire Canyon Lodge, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 – 9 p.m. Guests will savor raclette, stews, fricassees, fire-roasted meats, and dessert fondue, all served from the Resort’s grand fireplaces. Call 435–645-6632 for reservations.

For more information or a complete schedule of holiday events and festivities, log on to deervalley.com.

Ski lift photo by tkellyphoto

Stein Eriksen Lodge photo by Stein Eriksen Lodge

Create Your Own Biltmore Christmas at Home

Tonia — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:00:02 +0000

Seminars by Biltmore’s staff available during Biltmore’s annual Christmas at Biltmore, now through Jan. 3, 2010

Before diving into your holiday decorating this year, consider immersing yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas at Biltmore to glean ideas for a Vanderbilt-inspired holiday display of your own. Biltmore House and the surrounding 8,000 acres of the estate is celebrating its annual Christmas at Biltmore, now through Jan. 3, 2010.

In addition to touring Biltmore House and the estate, you can take part in holiday seminars conducted by Biltmore staff. Reservations are not required; however, space may be limited so guests should arrive early. Seminar attendance is free with your day’s admission to the estate. Here is the seminar schedule:

Centerpieces for Holiday Entertaining, daily, now through Jan. 3: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at A Gardener’s Place in the Conservatory.
Decorating a Christmas Wreath, daily, now through Jan. 3: Turn an ordinary silk Christmas wreath into an elegant and interesting design. 1 and 3 p.m. at A Gardener’s Place in the Conservatory.
Red Wine and Chocolate, daily, now through Jan. 3: Discover why chocolate and red wine is a match made in heaven. 2, 3, 4 and 6 p.m. at the Winery.

With more than 100 decorated Christmas trees; hundreds of wreaths, bows and poinsettias; more than 150,000 lights in Biltmore House and across the estate; at least 10,000 feet of fresh garland; and more than 25,000 ornaments — you’re sure to walk away with an idea or two for your home this holiday season.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings — Now through Jan. 2

Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where luminaries and a brilliant display of twinkling lights on the Front Lawn set the tone for tours of Biltmore House, requires separate entry from daytime admission. New this year are ballroom dancers in vintage costume gliding across the floor in the Winter Garden. A story teller regales visitors with readings from traditional holiday tales such as “The Little Match Girl,” “The Gift of the Magi” and Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Choirs perform European carols, with musicians providing seasonal music.

Across Biltmore

Holiday hospitality extends across the entire estate. Biltmore Winery offers self-guided tours and complimentary wine tastings. Santa Claus will visit River Bend Barn on Saturdays, now through Dec. 20. Guests may enjoy a festive meal at Bistro, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Cafe or The Dining Room at Inn on Biltmore Estate. For guests looking to extend their stay at Biltmore, the four-star Inn offers several packages for holidays, including special New Year’s Eve packages. Or, you may choose to stay at any one of Biltmore’s area hotel partners. For ticket and booking information, call 877-BILTMORE or visit www.biltmore.com.

28th Annual Holiday Magic Festival Lights Up Brookfield Zoo

Ron — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Brookfield, IL—This December, bundle up and get in the holiday spirit at the Chicago Zoological Society’s 28th annual Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo. During the festive event, guests can enjoy the one million lights illuminating the zoo’s walkways from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, December 12–13, and 19–20 and Saturday to Thursday, December 26–31.

Animal costumed characters greet zoogoers during Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic

This year’s Holiday Magic will feature new elements including the Wild Lights Spectacular light show at Roosevelt Fountain and an indoor 41-foot by 25-foot model railroad candyland-theme display that can simultaneously run up to 13 trains. The festival will also include professional ice-carving demonstrations, the Great Chicago Kiddie Express train ride, live musical and dance performances, celebrity storytellers, magicians, special Zoo Chats with keepers, a chance to see some favorite animals, visits with Santa Claus and costumed characters, and much more! For a complete schedule of events and up-to-date information on entertainment, activities, and animal exhibits that will be open on specific nights, go online to www.CZS.org. Guests will also receive a schedule of events when they arrive.

A perfect and unique way for loved ones to share fond memories during the holiday season, Holiday Magic is one of the brightest and most decorative events in the area and will kick off with an opening ceremony on Saturday, December 5, at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony will spark holiday cheer when the lights that adorn the corporate sponsored trees surrounding Roosevelt Fountain, are switched on for the Wild Lights Spectacular light show. With 50 trees decorated in LED lights, the new choreographed show will take place every hour on the half hour between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. each night. Families can also enjoy the hundreds of community trees decorated with hand-crafted ornaments on the zoo’s malls.

To go along with the magical-themed festival, guests can watch as 400-pound blocks of ice are transformed into beautiful works of frozen art by professional ice sculptors, courtesy of Lang Ice. Sculptors will be located at the Nature Stage at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m. In addition, professional magicians Matt Scherer and Terry Murphy will captivate zoogoers of all ages with their mystifying moves at the Bison Pavilion and Safari Grill.

Guests can warm up in Brookfield Zoo’s heated Holly Jolly Theater, located in the Swan Pavilion, for storytelling by local celebrities, as well as other live entertainment featuring dance troupes, choirs, and musicians.

A winter celebration like Holiday Magic would not be complete without Santa Claus and some good old-fashioned caroling. In Candy Cane Corner, located just east of the Formal Pool, kids can share their holiday wish lists with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through December 20). Inside Candy Cane Corner, guests can also view Holly-Days Village—large window displays featuring Old World Village, Gumdrop Village, and North Pole Village settings, complete with more than 70 miniature buildings, trees, people, a train, cobblestone sidewalks, and more.

The Canterbury Carollers, a Victorian ensemble who will perform a glorious arrangement of traditional carols, will have guests going exhibit to exhibit as they spread holiday cheer during nightly “Singing to the Animals.” Serenading takes place with llamas and reindeer at 5:30 p.m., tigers at 6:30 p.m., and camels at 7:30 p.m. Guests are invited to a special videotaping of “Singing to the Dolphins” on Saturday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Dolphin Arena. The video will be sent to Minneapolis Zoo to spread holiday cheer to Brookfield Zoo’s dolphins and keepers, where they are temporarily residing while the Seven Seas exhibit is being renovated.

Kids of all ages can ring in the New Year at a special Zoo Year’s Eve celebration on December 31. At 6:00 p.m. Radio Disney’s Road Crew will crank up the festivities with music, games, and prizes in the Holly Jolly Theater and lead an early countdown at 8:00 p.m. In addition, there will be an early countdown in Hamill Family Play Zoo geared toward families with young children ages 6 and under. Prior to the countdown, kids can make their own noisemaker and join in the Play Zoo parade at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

During this year’s event, many animal exhibits will be open, including Australia House, Baboon Island, Children’s Zoo (free admission), Hamill Family Play Zoo (free admission), The Fragile Desert, big cats walkway, The Living Coast, The Swamp, and Tropic World (closed on select nights). Guests will also have the opportunity to have their photos taken with some of the animals from Children’s Zoo, including Heidi, one of the zoo’s reindeers.

Those wanting to do some holiday shopping can visit any of the zoo’s gift shops for a wide selection of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones on their list. In addition, restaurants and food stands will be open for those who work up an appetite or desire holiday treats such as cookies, hot chocolate, hot cider, cappuccino, and soup.

During Holiday Magic, guests should park in Brookfield Zoo’s main parking lot (First Avenue and 31st Street). Activities are free (with the exception of rides and photo opportunity with animals) with paid admission of $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3–11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are free. Car parking is $8; bus parking is $10.75.

Holiday Magic is sponsored by ComEd and American Airlines. For more information about Holiday Magic, call Brookfield Zoo at (708) 688‑8000.

Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

Mummers 101: The Scoop on Philly’s New Year’s Day Tradition

Tonia — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:05:12 +0000

Tips For Watching 10,000 Men And Women Twirl, Sashay & Strut Up Broad Street

Philadelphia Mummers

PHILADELPHIA, /PRNewswire/ — New Year’s Day is about celebrating, and there’s no better place to fete than at the Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade, a 110-year-old tradition in which 10,000 people dressed in lavish costumes twirl, sashay, pirouette and strut up Broad Street.

Who? Mummers are men and women of all ages who belong to more than 40 social clubs that make up the organization. The clubs, split into five divisions — Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades — function mainly to stage their playful performances on New Year’s Day.

What? The day’s highlight is the parade itself, which begins in South Philadelphia in the morning and winds its way up Broad Street to City Hall about six hours later. After they’ve displayed their floats, costumes, dances and music, the Comics, Fancies and String Bands head down to 2(nd) Street to spend the rest of the day and night celebrating. But there’s more work ahead for members of the Fancy Brigades, who put on two elaborate Broadway-style performances for ticket holders at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Where? One of the best places to view the spectacle is from the judging stands outside City Hall, but tickets must be reserved in advance. (See below.) For sidewalk seating, arrive early and set up near a drill location, where String Bands perform. These spots are usually at the intersections of Broad Street and the following streets: Sansom, Washington, Wolf/Ritner and Shunk. Fancy Brigades start at Oregon Avenue in the mid-afternoon but only get as far as Washington Avenue. (Tip: Because each division starts at a different intersection, the only non-ticketed place to watch all of them is at Broad Street and Washington Avenue.)

When? The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends sometime before 6:00 p.m. Fancy Brigades hold two ticketed competitions at the Pennsylvania Convention Center — the first at 12:00 noon and the second at 5:00 p.m.

Why? Mummery traces its roots to ancient Roman laborers who ushered in the festival of Saturnalia by marching in masks while exchanging gifts and satirizing the issues of the day. In the 1600s, Swedish settlers to Philadelphia’s outskirts honored Christmas by beseeching their neighbors for dessert and liquor by dressing up, chanting and shooting firearms. The party eventually migrated to New Year’s Day and evolved into a series of neighborhood parades. In 1901, the tradition began in earnest with the first recognized and judged Mummers Parade.

How? Tickets for bleacher seating at City Hall (15(th) & Market Streets) are available at the Independence Visitor Center (6(th) & Market Streets, (215) 965‑7676) for $19.00. Tickets to both Fancy Brigade Finales can be purchased online for $12-$17 at comcasttix.com.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537‑7676.

Photo by valkrye131

Youth Group Winter Getaways at YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch

Tonia — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:45:12 +0000

Snow Mountain Ranch Welcomes Winter Youth Groups with $59 Rates. Low rates plus nonstop FREE activities make Snow Mountain Ranch the perfect group getaway destination.

Snow Mountain Ranch

Winter Park, Colo., — YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, Colorado is combining two of the most important things in planning a youth group getaway – fun and affordability.

Striving to keep winter ski vacations accessible and active at the same time, Snow Mountain Ranch is offering an incredible Youth Group Package available to groups of 12 or more.

Offered Dec. 1, 2009 – April 1, 2010, Snow Mountain Ranch’s Youth Group Package includes:

* Overnight lodge accommodations
* Breakfast and dinner each day
* Complimentary meeting space for the group
* Access to non-stop FREE activities including:
* Snowshoeing
* Ice skating
* Sledding
* Tubing
* Free cross-country skiing and Snowshoe trail passes ($10 value)

Rates start at just $59 per person, per night Sunday — Thursday and $69 per person, per night on Fridays and Saturdays.

The package is based on availability, requires a two-night minimum stay and excludes holiday periods. Rental fees for equipment are not included.

Additional free winter activities include indoor basketball, swimming, library visits, indoor roller-skating, wildlife viewing and more. Fee-based activities include sleigh rides, horseback riding, climbing wall and craft shop.

To make a reservation at either Snow Mountain Ranch, visit www.ymcarockies.org, or call 1–800-777‑9622.

Snow Mountain Ranch is located between the Winter Park Ski Resort and the town of Grand Lake, just 80 miles west of Denver. This 5,000-acre ranch provides a secluded and restful destination for families to reconnect. With just 50 cabins and 170 lodge rooms, Snow Mountain Ranch is a true retreat from the every day.

Similar to Snow Mountain Ranch, Estes Park Center YMCA of the Rockies offers a plethora of activities to bring every family closer together. Surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park, the YMCA Estes Park Center is just 65 miles northwest of Denver on 860 acres of ponderosa pines. Estes Park Center offers guests the choice of 200 cabins, ranging in size from two to 16 bedrooms, and 600 lodge rooms.

The lodges are within walking distance of most activities, and a stay in a lodge room includes complimentary breakfast for two.

On-site activities include a zip line, horseback riding, archery, fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, a brand new craft center and an indoor swimming pool.

For more than 100 years, families have been drawn to the YMCA of the Rockies Mission and its core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. YMCAs nationwide are 100 percent non-profit charities striving to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

For more information on the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center or Snow Mountain Ranch, visit www.ymcarockies.org.

Photo by kmoliver