Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 1/01-1/03

Happy Wednesday Smarties! Can you believe that in three days we will be in a New Year? Hello 2010! This weekend has several fun activities and they all kick off with First Night for Kids and the Monster Trucks are back, this time indoors. ImaginOn is host to many fun things that the whole family can enjoy. Start the New Year off right by getting out with the family and enjoy.

FIRST NIGHT FOR KIDS
December 31
First Night activities include:
Get to Know The Aluminum Show 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
ImaginOn
The Education Department is partnering with ImaginOn for a Kids’ Workshop on First Night to prepare your child for the performance of The Aluminum Show which combines movement, dance and visual theater. At the Kids’ Workshop, featured artist Hardin Minor with Omimeo Mime Theatre will lead your kids through fun, interactive, and educational activities in preparation of the upcoming show.

The Aluminum Show Costume Station 5:00 p.m. – before the parade begins
Discovery Place (Level 3 of the Museum)
The Blumenthal Center will have artists at Discovery Place before the parade to help your kids create an aluminum mask, hat, or costume. The kids will get to wear their costumes at the parade and the best aluminum costumes will win prize packs which include tickets to The Aluminum Show.

First Night parade/ People’s Procession: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tryon Street
Join hundreds of Charlotteans on Tryon Street as we celebrate New Year’s Eve with the annual People’s Processional, a parade for the people, by the people! This year’s theme will be “aluminum” in support of The Aluminum Show performance at the Knight Theater on January 12th – 31st, 2010. Wear an aluminum color mask, a hat, or dress in an aluminum costume to welcome the new year, do whatever your heart desires just join the growing list of participants. The best aluminum costumes will win prize packs which include tickets to The Aluminum Show.
Cost is $10 Advance / $12 at event / Kids 8 & Under FREE

Rural Hill’s Annual First Footin’
Rural Hill, Huntersville
January 1, 11:00am-2:00pm
Celebrate the New Year with the tradition of walking the property borders for luck in the coming year. The 2-3 mile stroll includes stories of history and folklore. Please wear good walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the season. Guests are encouraged to bring an item for the “Stone Soup” performance and luncheon.

Monster Truck Freestyle Nationals
Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.
January 1-3, Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Sun., 2:00pm
See six of the biggest names in monster trucks take on the wild freestyle course. The race features Bounty Hunter, Rock Star, Stone Crusher and Carolina Crusher, along with Legend Car Racing and other feats of monstrous proportions. Cost is $5 to $50.

Calling All Friends of Frogs
Reedy Creek Nature Center
January 2, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Be ready to identify all the songs that you will soon be hearing. Find out what frogs live near you and how to be a friend to frogs. For all ages. Cost is free.

Movie Madness
ImaginOn
January 2-3, 3:30pm
Come watch a G-rated movie, perfect for families of all ages. Cost is free.

Boogie Woogie Books
ImaginOn
January 2, 10:30am, 11:30am
This musical storytime encourages little ones to snap their fingers, tap their toes and move with the groove! The stories and songs are just perfect for children 2-5 years old.

CSP Giveaway this week: Tootsies Too in Myers Park is hosting an exclusive preview shopping event to CSP readers starting Thursday, January 7th for their NY-style Children’s Shoe Warehouse Sale (opens to the public on Monday, January 11th). Tootsies is giving away a <span style="font-style: italic;
color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;”>private shopping experience to 5 lucky CSP readers. You will get to shop before everyone this Saturday, January 2 from 10a-noon. So you get first dibs on the entire sale – you lucky ducks! All you have to do is enter by clicking here. We will select the 5 winners on New Year’s Eve so don’t procrastinate and check your email. Good luck, Smarties and we’ll see you at the sale! To read the full blog, <a href="http://charlottesmartypants.blogspot.com/2009/12/smarty-alert-tootsies-too-childrens.html
“target=”_blank”>click here.