Northwest

OREGON

Pacific City

Jan. 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, plus Wii games.

Feb. 6: Super Bowl XLV. View the game from Cowboy Stadium on our new 52" screen TV in the Family Center. Snacks provided.

Feb. 12: Presidents Day/Valentine's Celebration events include Valentine card craft, decorating heart cookies, Presidential Trivia, and fireplace hot dog roast (chili dogs optional).

February 11-21
Quilt Run 101/11th Annual Oregon Coast Shop Hop
All quilt shops on Highway 101 will participate, from Astoria to Brookings. You must have your passport stamped to qualify for prizes. For information call (503) 842-9392.

WASHINGTON

Birch Bay

December 31
Annual Ring of Fire
A spectacular sight as revelers ring in the New Year by lighting road flares along the Birch Bay shoreline creating a ring of fire, signifying hope for the coming year. Anyone can participate. Held at Birch Bay State Park, less than a mile from the preserve.

Throughout January: Playoffs? Did you say Playoffs? Our Dockside Lodge is your place for NFL Playoff Parties leading up to the Big Daddy Super Bowl Party. Check out our web site for dates and times.

Feb. 6: Big Daddy Super Bowl Party! This is it! Have your Big Bowl at Birch Bay with commercials and all, plus a tailgating 4th Quarter snackback play to remember.

Feb. 11: Valentine's Weekend Potluck at 5 p.m.

Feb. 12: An evening of sweetness is planned for you and the bunch. Come out for the sweetie PIE games and an event of scent.

January 1
28th Annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge
This annual ritual draws hundreds of participants and onlookers each year and is becoming a destination spot for the New Year's holiday. No cost to participate in the plunge into the bay's chilly waters. All registrants receive an "I Took The Plunge" t-shirt and a hot beverage. Prizes awarded for Most Years Plunging, Oldest Participant, Youngest Participant, Best Individual Costume and Best Group Costume. For more information contact the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce at (360) 371-5004.

February 21
Bite of Blaine
This annual event brings together local restaurants and area food confectioners from Blaine and Birch Bay serving up tasty samplings. Attended by hundreds of hungry people, this event sells out every year. Tickets are $25 per person and are not available at the door. For ticket information contact the Blaine Visitor Center at (360) 332-4544.

Chehalis

Throughout December: Winter in the Northwest is beautiful. Decorate your campsite with the lights of the season. Enjoy holiday movie marathons in our festive Family Lodge, plus Christmas cookies and eggnog (plain). It's a great place for Santa to visit.

Dec. 18: Bring your best voice and dash through the snow on the holiday "sleigh ride" as we carol through the campground. Dessert and hot drinks following.

Dec. 26: Country Cafι will be open for Boxing Day Brunch from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with Spiced Cider, Sweet Breads and more.

Throughout January & February: Enjoy a cup of coffee at the all-ages Saturday Matinee in the Adult Lodge. Remember our spa is open daily for folks over age 18.

January 30
Taste of Lewis County
Held at the Hotel Washington, just 15 minutes from the preserve. For more information call (360) 508-0767.

La Conner

Dec. 18: Tree Trimming Party at the Family Center. We'll be serving eggnog and Christmas goodies.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve party with Charlie Moore, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Jan. 1: Rose Bowl Party in the Family Center (approx. 1 p.m.) Bring a snack to add to the potluck table. Feb. 6: Super Bowl Sunday – enjoy the game in the Family Center. Feb. 12: Valentine's Day Dinner – bring your sweetheart to a Surf and Turf Dinner.

January 23
A Gathering of Native Artists
Award-winning Pacific Northwest artists will be featured at a "Gathering of Native Artists" at the Skagit County Historical Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of fine art will be shown and for sale. The Museum is located at 501 South 4th Street, La Conner.

Leavenworth

Dec. 18: Member Christmas party.

Long Beach

January 15-16
Windless Kite Festival
This indoor kite-flying extravaganza will again feature the Northwest's fine performers flying gracefully to music in a gymnasium. Some fly individually, others work in pairs or trio and still others perform a story with their kites. Held on Long Beach Peninsula, just 7 minutes from the preserve. For more information call (360) 642-4020.

Mt. Vernon

Dec. 18: Preserve Potluck Christmas: Ho Ho Ho: Join the fun for some Christmas cheer, meeting your neighbors and enjoying some good food. We will supply the ham and pork tenderloin; you bring your favorite holiday dish and we will all share the season.

Every First Friday in January & February: Seafood TGIF: Our Seafood TGIF featuring the best pan-fried oysters in the county, awesome clam chowder, shrimp cocktails, steamed clams, and crab cakes. For those that do not enjoy seafood, we also have chicken dinner and Caesar salad. Low prices! R.S.V.P. (360) 724-4811.

Jan. 1: New Year's Day Football Party: Kick off the New Year at our Football Party. Join us in the Family Lodge while members cheer on the festivities. Snacks available.

Jan. 5: Girls' Night Out: Bunco's the name of the game, plus appetizers, dinner, dessert, and refreshments. Prizes and lots of laughter – all for $10.

Feb. 6: Super Bowl Sunday: We will kick off the big day with our Football Party. Join us in the Family Lodge while members cheer on their favorite team. Snacks available.

Feb. 12: Valentine's Theme Dinner & Dance: Plan a special night with your sweetheart! Reserve a night in our beautiful setting and impress your date with a special time, including appetizers, dinner, and flowers and then dance the night away. For reservations call (360) 724-4811.

January 29-30
Skagit River Bald Eagle Festival
Sponsored by the Skagit River Bald Eagle Awareness Team, event features music, storytelling, conservation education, food, entertainment, tours and eagles! Held along the river in Concrete, just 20 miles from our preserve. For information, call (360) 853-7626.

February 19
Mardi Gras in Concrete
Sponsored by the Concrete Chamber of Commerce, come experience the goofiness and gaiety of Mardi Gras, Concrete-style, with lots of fun for the whole family. Music, activities and contests. For more information, visit www.Concrete-WA.com.

Tall Chief

Jan. 1: New Year's Day Wine Tasting for Tall Chief guests.

Jan. 5: Ladies Morning Tea Social; 9 to 10 a.m. Plus, Spaghetti Feed with all the fixings, $5 per plate; from 5 to 8 p.m.

Feb. 5: Super Bowl Sunday Game Day Party featuring Community Chili Pot.

Feb. 12: Valentine's Day Dinner Dance from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Clubhouse.

Feb. 14: "Tea for Two" Lover's Social from 2 to 4 p.m.

California

CALIFORNIA

Idyllwild

Feb. 12: Adults Arts 'n' Crafts: Make a Valentine's Card and bath salt soak for someone special in your life. Kids Arts 'n' Crafts: Kids can make a Mr. Hearty Valentine for their someone special. After Crafts we will have a Valentine's Exchange Party in the lodge complete with popcorn, Valentine candy, and beverages.

January 10-15
2nd Annual Idyllwild
Independent Festival of Cinema
All day film festival at The Rustic Theatre and other locations TBA.

February 13
Be My Valentine Hike
From 1 to 3 p.m. at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument Visitor Center. R.S.V.P. – call (760) 862-9984.

Lake Minden

Dec. 17-20: Christmas Dinner Social: Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck Dinner Social. Then walk off those extra calories while you follow the clues and hunt for the Yule Log. Not quite finished with your Christmas shopping? Take a beading class and make a bracelet or pair of earrings. You can also craft a Christmas ornament. Dec. 24-26: Have a Merry Christmas: Join us for coffee, hot chocolate and good conversation. We'll play card and board games and share holiday memories and stories with old friends and new.

Dec. 31-Jan 2: Happy New Year: Join us for a potluck dinner, Brown Bag Bingo, and karaoke as we ring in the New Year.

Jan. 1-2: Museums, Park and Zoos, OH MY!: Gather information about 30 of the most popular destinations within 30 miles of Lake Minden at this informational class about the Sacramento, Woodland, Yuba City and Marysville areas.

Jan 7-9: Book Swapathon: Pack your unwanted, in good condition, books and trade with other bookworms; then join us for a Potluck lunch.

Jan 14-16: Cooking Up Some Fun: Make a Recipe Book and share a few of your favorite camping, potluck or holiday recipes with other members and friends; then stay for Friday Night Dinner Social and Brown Bag Bingo.

Jan 21-23: Beader's Coffee: Share tips, tricks and patterns with other beaders at a Beader's Coffee; then join us for an afternoon of inspiration, beading and pattern sharing.

Jan. 28-31: Crafter's Coffee: Share crafting ideas and patterns with other fun crafters at a Crafter's Coffee, then join us for an afternoon of crafty fun.

Feb. 4-6: Coffee and Cookie Share Social: Beat those wintertime blues! Just say "NO" to cabin fever. Bring your favorite homemade cookies and recipes and we'll share cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and great conversation at a Cookie and Coffee Social. Watch Super Bowl XLV Sunday on our Big Screen TV.

Feb. 11-13: Valentine's Day: Make your sweetie a card or Valentine's Day gift then come to the Friday Night Dinner Social and Brown Bag Bingo.

Feb. 18-20: Puzzle Trade: Gather your puzzles (missing no pieces, please) and trade with other puzzling enthusiasts, then join us for a Potluck Lunch.

Feb. 25-27: Is it Spring Yet?: Beat those winter blues with a spring-themed Oil Painting Class. Not into painting? Then check out one of our many board games.

January 1
Polar Bear Plunge
Slide down the 25-foot waterslide or take a deep breath and jump into the pool! Everyone receives an "I Survived the Plunge" t-shirt. Be the Oldest, Youngest or Best-Dressed Polar Bear and win a prize. Registration required. Sponsored by Yuba City Parks & Recreation, event is held at 421 C St., Yuba City, just 20 miles from the preserve. For more information call (530) 822-4650 or (530) 822-4655.

Lake of the Springs

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve celebration with Candlelight Dinner and Dance. Enjoy the evening with a good dinner followed by the dance featuring Diamondback Band. Let's ring in the New Year together. For more information call (530) 692-3215.

Every Saturday: you can enjoy meeting new friends at the Baked Potato Social and then stay for some Family Bingo. Feb. 12: Valentine Celebration: Bring your sweetheart to our Candlelight Dinner and Dance. For more information call (530) 692-3215.

Palm Springs

Jan. 8: Sock Hop with Bill Clark. Jan. 27: Glossy Rack Sale – all clothing items $12.99. Feb. 12: Musical entertainment by Stan Wayne. Feb. 19: Casino Night: Lots of prizes and fun. All proceeds to benefit Christmas for Kids.

January 6-17
International Film Festival
Sponsored by the Palm Springs International Film Society, this is an opportunity to view hundreds of new films from around the world. This is one of the country's largest film festivals – don't be surprised if you spy notable attendees from L.A.!

Pio Pico

Thursdays in January: Bible Study. Saturdays in January and February: Saturday Marketplace, crafts, 8-Ball Tourney, Wii fun, ping pong tourney and mini-golf tourney.

Jan. 4: Border Patrol talk.

Jan. 7: SkyMed Seminar with wine & cheese.

Jan. 15: Casino Day: Play Blackjack, Poker and Candy Bingo.

Jan. 26-30: Annual King of the Hill Tournaments featuring 9-Ball, Jack & Jill, Singles, Doubles. Prizes awarded in each division. Call (619) 421-1141 for more information.

Feb. 4: SkyMed Seminar with wine & cheese.

Feb. 8: Border Patrol talk.

Feb. 12: Valentine's Weekend: Make a gift for your sweetheart, plus Valentine's Dance.

January 22
Whale Festival on San Diego Bay
Come celebrate the annual migration of the Gray Whales. Festival is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hornblower Cruises is offering one free child's ticket with the purchase of one adult ticket for whale watching cruises.

Ponderosa

January 2
Gold Discovery Day
Events commemorate the discovery of gold in the trailrace of Sutter's Mill include historic demonstrations, tours, speakers and Gold Rush music. Held at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in Coloma, just 1.5 miles from the preserve. For more information visit www.marshallgold.org or call (530) 295-2170.

San Benito

Dec. 25: Christmas Potluck: Every year the preserve cooks up a turkey and ham and everyone comes down with their special Christmas dishes. It's a great time of fellowship.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve: What can you say about a prime rib dinner and dancing till midnight when we toast the New Year? It's a wonderful gala you won't want to miss.

Beginning Jan. 5: Aerobics in the Lodge on Wednesdays. Ice Cream Socials on Thursday and Fridays at 2 p.m.

Jan. 1: Manager's Meeting at 11 a.m. Craft Classes at 3 p.m.

Jan. 2: Cozy on up to the fireplace for our Fireplace Social with marshmallows and cocoa.

Jan. 8: 9-Ball Tournament for teens and adults, plus Wii challenges.

Jan. 16: Cozy on up to the fireplace for our Fireplace Social with marshmallows and cocoa.

Jan. 22: 9-Ball Tournament for teens and adults, plus Wii challenges.

Feb. 2: Cozy on up to the fireplace for our Fireplace Social with marshmallows and cocoa.

Feb. 11: Join us at 6 p.m. for our Sweetheart Candlelight Dinner for Valentine's Day, followed by DJ Mike.

Feb. 19: We'll have a little game of Pirate's Dice with the kids, then Presidents Day Dinner, followed by the Trailride Band. Sunday events include 9-Ball Tournament and Bingo.

Feb. 20: Cozy on up to the fireplace for our Fireplace Social with marshmallows and cocoa.

Snowflower

Come enjoy Winter Sno-Park and cross-country ski trails! Contact the Ranger Station at (530) 389-8241 for latest winter conditions. Remember to travel with chains and snow tires.

Wilderness Lakes

Dec. 18: Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit during the kid's craft time. Take your picture with Santa and make your own picture frame for it. Anna-Maria JAMN Country will you have kickin' up your boots.

Dec. 24: Recreation office open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Potluck at noon in the Family Lodge. Sign-up in recreation beforehand. Bring your favorite dish to feed at least 6 people.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve: Recreation open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on New Year's Day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Feb. 9-13:2011 Annual Pool Tournaments: 2/9 & 2/10 - 9 Ball, 2/11 Jack & Jill, 2/12 - Singles, 2/13 - Doubles

Feb. 19-20:2011 Annual Horseshoe Tournaments: 2/19 - Singles, 2/20 - Doubles

Texas

TEXAS

Bay Landing

Dec. 18: Christmas Potluck Dinner: We provide the ham, turkey and dressing. Please bring a side dish (sign-up in the kitchen so we know what you're bringing.)

Colorado River

Monday through Friday all month: Walk the Trails: Put on your walking shoes and meet Suean at the AC at 8 a.m.

Jan. 15: Potluck Supper/Hobo Stew with Hobo Dress Contest, 5 p.m. at the Farm House. Prize Bingo to follow.

Jan. 29: Baked Potato Potluck, 5 p.m. at the Farm House. We provide the tators, you bring a dish. Jam night with Bill to follow – bring your favorite musical instrument and your voice.

Feb. 5: Hot dogs with fixins', 5 p.m. at the Pavilion. Candy Bar Bingo to follow.

Feb. 19: Beans & Cornbread Potluck, 5 p.m. at the Farm House. Bring your favorite dish or dessert. Game night – TBA.

February 12
Stafford Opera House Dinner Theatre
Enjoy Dinner Theatre in Texas' oldest and largest flat-floor opera house. This month's performance is "The Mystery of Irma Vep". Admission is $35 per person. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and curtain is 7:30 p.m. Held in the historic Stafford Bank Building, 425 Spring Street, Columbus, just 4 miles from the preserve. For more information call (979) 732-5135.

Lake Conroe

Dec. 18-19: Here Comes Santa Weekend: Come join us for holiday fun this weekend as Santa is scheduled to make a stop at the Activity Center to hear last minute wishes. We'll get a group and go caroling throughout the preserve.

Dec. 31-Jan 1: New Year's Eve Party Weekend: Come ring in 2011 with us. We'll be getting down to some serious partying, so join us for lots of dancing and our midnight balloon drop.

Thank You/January Birthday Weekend: January is National Thank You Month, so come join us to make delightful thank you cards, play games and share your New Year's resolutions for 2011 while having birthday cake and coffee to celebrate January birthdays.

Jan. 8: Chocolate Lover's Weekend: Come spend the weekend for a deliciously chocolate covered timel We'll have a Hot Chocolate Social around the chocolate fountain, play Surprise Bingo and have lots of chocolate covered yummy fun.

Jan. 15: Grandparent's Weekend: Bring or borrow a grandparent or grandchild for this weekend of camping fun. We'll play games, roast marshmallows and tell tall tales around an evening fire.

Jan. 22: Not-So-Newlywed Game: How well do you know your mate? Come and show everyone by participating in our annual Not-So-Newlywed game. It's great fun and prizes will be awarded. We will have a Dessert Bake-off at the AC. Bring your favorite dessert and see how it ranks. We'll also be playing Farkle, Left Right Center and other games in the AC.

Jan. 29: White Elephant Bingo Weekend: Got a few things stuck in the back of your closet you can't use but can't bear to throw away? Things like a purple and orange ashtray or a how-to manual for dusting doorknobs? Consider bringing them and regifting to some lucky bingo player this weekend

Feb 5: Super Bowl/Happy February Birthday Weekend: Come join us in celebrating February birthdays with cake and lots of fun. Then on Sunday we'll gather at the AC to watch the Big Game so bring your favorite football finger foods and something to drink and plan to cheer on your team.

Feb. 12: Sweetheart's Day Weekend: Bring your sweetheart to the AC this weekend and celebrate the sweetest day of the year. Make a Valentine's Day card to give to that special person in your life. We'll also have a Sweetness Tea Social with cookies and other goodies.

Feb. 19: Feathered Friends Weekend: February is National Bird Feeding Month so plan to come to the AC to make a pinecone bird feeder, show off your bird identifying skills and share those amazing pictures you've taken of our feathered friends. We'll also be playing some minute-to-win-it games in the AC so don't miss the fun.

Feb. 26: Circus of Pets Weekend: Come one, come all…and bring your pets? It's all about Fido, Kitty and Tweety Bird this weekend. We'll show ‘em off with a pet look-alike contest, a best dressed pet contest, a pet parade and other animal-type fun and games. We'll have a doggone good time!

February 18-March 6
Always Patsy Cline
Featuring 20 of Patsy Cline's hit songs, this is a musical play/concert held in the historic Creighton Theatre every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The theatre is located at 234 N. Main in Conroe, just 10 miles from the preserve. For information call (936) 441-7469.

Lake Tawakoni

Jan. 1: Football Frenzy – Adult Lodge.

Jan. 22: Potluck Dinner and Games – Adult Lodge.

Feb. 12: Sweetheart Party Games and Snacks – Adult Lodge.

Lake Texoma

Jan. 2: Resolution Party: Let's get started on making those resolutions happen this year.

Jan. 9: Playoff Weekend: Let's watch some football. You can enjoy the playoffs on our Big Screen TV.

Jan. 16: Scrapbooking: Grab those holiday pictures and let's put them to use.

Jan. 23: Wine & Cheese tasting time again. We will enjoy all of this in our Adult Lodge.

Jan. 30: Birthday Bingo: Celebrate all January birthdays.

Feb. 6: Super Bowl Party: Come and enjoy the Super Bowl with us.

Feb. 13: Valentine's Weekend: It's love time all over again. Bring your someone special and relax.

Feb. 20: Newlywed and Not-so-Newlywed Game: We will put you to the test about how much you know about your partner.

Feb. 27: Chocolate Lovers and Birthday Bingo: Bring anything you want dipped in chocolate and celebrate February birthdays.

Medina Lake

Jan. 1: Dessert Trays: We celebrated the night away last night and the holidays are over so let's celebrate some more with complimentary dessert trays.

Jan 8: Island Day: During the day we will have Hawaiian games and costume contest; then join us for a Hawaiian Dinner that will include Hawaiian meatballs, Aloha pork chops, pineapple chicken, Hawaiian beef, sweet and sour chicken and Hawaiian sides.

Jan. 14: Fish Fry instead of Wienie Roast.

Jan. 15: All Day Flea Market (commercial items allowed).

Jan. 22: Casino Night at 7 p.m. will include Blackjack, Poker, Craps, and Roulette.

Jan. 29: Medina Prize Game, plus Brown Bag Bingo and Hat Bingo – come see what that is all about!

Feb. 5: We will have cake and ice cream to celebrate February Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Feb. 6: Super Bowl Sunday Party: Top of the Trail will put out party trays for your enjoyment while you watch the game; 5 p.m. BYOB.

Feb. 12: Valentine's Weekend: Let's play some Bingo.

Feb. 26: Winter Texas Party: We will say goodbye to another great winter season at our Annual Party, plus All Day Flea Market (commercial items included), jam session, BBQ dinner and dance in the evening.

January 8
2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl
The nation's top 90 high school football players meet in an East versus West Showdown! Plus, the nation's top 125 high school marching musicians will perform during halftime. Event will be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, located at 100 Montana Street. For more information call (210) 207-3663.

February 3-20
2011 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Folks come from all around to enjoy the events and music (Country and Tejano) at this show, held at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. For more information, call (210) 444-5000.

February 5
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game
Presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, this event has the top college players in the nation convene for a showdown showcasing their skills for NFL scouts in homes of becoming the next NFL star. Held at the Alamodome in San Antonio. For more information call (210) 207-3663.

Lake Texoma

Dec. 18-19: Movie & Relaxation Weekend.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve featuring the music of Trey Houston.

Medina Lake

Dec. 18: Movie night with popcorn.

Dec. 25: Christmas Day: Join us for our annual Christmas Day Potluck at 1 p.m. We'll serve ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, rolls and drinks. You bring a side dish and dessert.

Dec. 31: Ring in the New Year with us. Bring your appetizers and beverages to the AC. Bimbo and the Borderline Band will help us welcome 2011.

Southeast

FLORIDA

Orlando

Dec. 18: Christmas Dinner and Pictures with Santa, plus entertainment by Chrissy Harriman.

Dec. 25: Mike Thomas performs. Dec. 31: New Year's Eve party with entertainment by Past Tense.

Ballroom Entertainment Schedule:

Jan. 8: Tom Eldridge.

Jan. 15: ShBoom.

Jan. 24: Special Monday Night Concert featuring Mike Thomas.

Jan. 29: Shamrocks in the Wind.

Feb. 5: Chrissy Harriman.

Feb. 12: Valentine Party featuring Mike Madawi and our annual "Not-So-Newlywed"Game.

Feb. 19: Two for the Show.

Feb. 26: Diana and Friends. Block Party every 3rd Saturday of the Month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes music, crafts, and plenty of tables to snoop over! Join the fun. Held outside in front of the Rec Center. Craft Show every Sunday in our Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VIRGINIA

Chesapeake Bay

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Party: Rent a cabin for the weekend or just come and join us for our annual New Year's Eve Party. Ring in the New Year with your TT friends.

Feb. 6: Super Bowl Party in Adult Lodge all day long – activities include X-Box and Wii games, cornhole and a Potluck.