Thanksgiving, beginning of holiday season lead MAIN EVENT

Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season lead the way in this week’s MAIN EVENT.

The United Gospel Rescue Mission in Poplar Bluff will host its annual Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. The free dinner will be served at the mission at about noon, plus call-ahead deliveries are available by calling 573-785-4683.

Black Friday gears up with a long list of events, including the first night of Lake Wappapello’s annual Festival of Lights auto tour. This event will run from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 10, then 5-9 p.m. nightly from Dec. 14-25 at Redman Creek West Campground (the East Campground is closed this year).

Approximately 250,000 lights will transform the campground into a winter wonderland that will help to bring in the holiday spirit as local businesses and individuals decorate sites with as many lights as possible. Santa also will make appearances.

Black Friday also features Christmas movie night from 6-9 p.m. at the Rodgers Theatre in Downtown Poplar Bluff. The classic movie “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, will be playing.

Other upcoming events include:

— Rose Anne Huck Stanard exhibit, now through Dec. 15 WHERE Tinnin Rine Arts Center COST Free WHAT Paintings by the artist show a love of the peacefulness of nature, according to organizers.

— Thanksgiving Day dinner, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 23 WHERE Li’l Black River Cafe, Highway 21, Grandin. COST $18.99. WHAT This is a complete all-you-can-eat meal with drink included. Reservations recommended. For more information, call 573-593-4023.

— Thanksgiving dinner, noon Nov. 23 WHERE United Gospel Rescue Mission, 400 S. Broadway. COST Free. WHAT Dinner will be served at the mission and call-ahead deliveries are available by calling 573-785-4683.

— Black Friday Adoption Event, noon Nov. 24 WHERE PetSmart, 3065 Oak Grove Road. COST Free to attend. WHAT Any pet with black in their coat can adopted with a special discount of 30%. Sponsored by the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri.

— 31st Annual Festival of Lights auto tour, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10 and 14-25. WHERE Redman Creek West Campground, Lake Wappapello. COST Free. WHAT Approximately 250,000 lights will transform the campground into a winter wonderland that will help to bring in the holiday spirit. Local businesses and individuals decorate sites with as many lights as possible. Santa also will make appearances. The event will be open from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 10, then 5-9 every night from Dec. 14-25.

— Christmas movie night, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 24 WHERE Rodgers Theatre COST Free. WHAT Watch Christmas movie “Elf” at the historic Rodgers Theatre.

— Black Friday at Haffy’s, 9 p.m. Nov. 24 WHERE Haffy’s Sports Bar and Grill, 336 Vine St. COST $5. WHAT Carnahan and Company will be performing at a post-Turkey Day jam.

— Elks Dart Tournament, 6 p.m. Nov. 25 WHERE Poplar Bluff Elks Lodge, Highway 67 north. COST $10 buy in. WHAT Sign-ups start at 5 p.m. and darts fly at 6 p.m.

— Backroad Drive, 8 p.m. Nov. 25 WHERE Wappapello Eagles, 9103 Highway T. COST Free for Eagles members, $5 for non-Eagles. WHAT Concert featuring the cover band Backroad Drive.

— PBRMC Lunch & Learn, noon-1 p.m. Nov. 28 WHERE Holiday Inn Ballroom WHAT Elevating emergency excellence, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center hosts. For information, 573-776-9356.

— “Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium,” 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 2, and 2 p.m. Dec. 3 WHERE Kay Porter Theater, Victory Lane. COST $5. WHAT Brooke and Zeke are thrilled to learn that they’ve been cast as the starring roles in the new school musical — a mysterious production called “The Phantom.” But when strange, seemingly supernatural events begin interrupting rehearsals, the friends begin to wonder whether the show they’re acting in might be cursed. Based on the chilling book by R.L. Stine.

— Cookies with Santa and the Grinch, noon Dec. 2. WHERE Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, 1111 W. Pine St. COST $5 for photos with Santa Claus and the Grinch. WHAT Join the Chamber for jolly and a bit of mischief at cookies with Santa & The Grinch.

— Polar Bear Gala 2023, 6-10 p.m. Dec. 2 WHERE Westwood Center, 2445 N. Westwood Blvd. COST $125. WHAT The Boys & Girls Club will celebrate 24 years of serving kids in the community. For sponsorship opportunities, call Terri McCormick 573-776-1690 or email Terri2@bgcpb.org.

— O Come Let Us Adore Him: A Christmas Concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 3 WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center, 2080 Herschel Bess Blvd. COST Free. WHAT A free concert featuring the combined choirs of First United Methodist Church and Fellowship General Baptist Church.

— Holiday Open House, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 3 WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, 318 N. Main St. COST Free. WHAT Celebrate the holidays at the library. Meet Santa and make holiday cards. Plus enjoy cookies and hot chocolate compliments of the Friends of the Library.

— A Christmas Carol, 7 p.m. Dec. 4 WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Three Rivers College. COST $15. WHAT Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas with this original production featuring 26 beloved traditional carols woven throughout this classic tale.

— Eggnog Jog, 10 a.m. Dec. 9 WHERE McLane Park COST $10. WHAT Register by Dec. 1 to receive free race t-shirt.

— December Kids Day at the Museum: The Christmas Miracle of 1950, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 9. WHERE Stars and Stripes Museum and Library. COST Free. WHAT Guests will learn about the Christmas Miracle that took place during the Korean War. Along with lots of free cookies and cocoa, guests will also be able to take pictures with Santa in a 1942 Jeep.

Don’t see your event? Let us know what you’ve got coming up and we’ll add it. Just email dailyamericanrepublic@darnews.com