If you’re ready to do some pre-Mardi Gras celebrating,  Roanoke’s got it going on.  Fat Tuesday is this upcoming Tuesday, the 21st, so this weekend is the perfect time to get your party started.

 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY16TH

theartcrowd RECEPTION  will offer door prizes open galleries, and networking opportunities at the Taubman Museum of Art this evening at 5:30.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH

SheVaCon  is the annual sci-fi-horror, and fantasy convention that takes place today through Sunday at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.  Prices vary and there are 3 -day passes available.  Check the website for events, times, schedules, and prices.

KROGER CABIN FEVER SERIES  with music by The Embers starts at 6PM tonight at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door.

BLACK STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE  at Virginia Western Community College invites high school seniors and college students to celebrate Black History Month.  It starts today and runs through Sunday with networking,, music, inspirational speakers, and food.  $50 is all-inclusive and you can check the website for more information on the events.

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB AGILITY TRIALS  is presented by the Star City Canine Training Club and will feature hundreds of dogs competing in agility trials.  This is going on today through Sunday starting at 8AM each day, at the Virginia Horse Center, located at 487 Maury River Road in lexington.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY, 18TH

3RD ANNUAL MARDI GRAS COSTUME BALL  is a fundraiser for Blue Mountain School.  There will be live music, the crowning of  Floyd’s Mardi Gras King and Queen, food, an auction, and much more at the Sun Music Hall, located at 302 S Locust Street in Floyd.  Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, and reserved seating is $20.

MAPLE TAPPING  Learn about maple trees and learn how maple syrup is made from 10AM until noon at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center, located at 2000 J. B. Fishburn Parkway in Roanoke.  Cost is $5.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BOWL-A-THON  is the annual fundraiser for Junior Achievement going on all day at the AMF Hilltop Lanes at 5918 Williamson Road.  Cost is $10 and participants are asked to raise at least $35 each.  Registration covers shoe rental and 3 hours of bowling.

BLAKE SHELTON  at the Roanoke Civic Center with special guests Justin Moore and Dia Frampton tonight at 7:30PM.  Tickets are priced at $21 and $51.75.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH

ROANOKE VALLEY BRIDAL SHOWCASE  is going on today at the Salem Civic Center from 11AM until 5PM.  There will be exhibitors, door prizes, a fashion show, and an optional champagne brunch.  Admission for the showcase is $7 and $25 for the showcase and the champagne brunch.

Grab your sweetheart and head into the weekend.  It looks to be a nice, cold, snuggle by the fire kind of weekend.  Here are some of the love happenings this weekend.

If you’re looking an unusual and unique Valentine’s Day gift to say “I love you,” consider a Singing Valentine. This telegram style message of love offers a surprise visit to a loved one at home, school, a favorite restaurant or in their workplace, whether a spouse, girlfriend, teacher, family member or friend. A Singing Valentine quartet will serenade your sweetheart for just $50. The quartet sings two love songs, presenting the recipient with a personal message and a long-stemmed red rose. Additional roses may also be ordered for the delivery. Call 540.977.0472 to book your Singing Valentine for the 13th or 14th TODAY!!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH

A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR  will be held at the Vinton War Memorial beginning at 7PM.  $75 includes food and 2 drinks.  There will be wine and chocolate pairings, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and music by Sexual Chocolate, and more.  Proceeds will benefit the Conflict Resolution Center.

LOG HOME SHOW  will be at the Roanoke Civic Center today through Sunday.  Today’s hours are from 10AM until 6PM and there will be demonstrations, exhibitors, and more.  Tickets are good for all three days and are $10 and children get in free.

“THE UGLY DUCKLING” AND “THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE”  will be presented by CORBiAN/Light Wire Theatre at 7PM at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg, located at 135 College Avenue.  Ticket prices are from $10 – $15.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH

TRAIN LOVERS’ DAY  Enjoy free train rides, model train displays, children’s activities and more from 10AM until 5PM at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.  Admission is $5 and children under 3 get in free.  The transportation museum is located at 303 Norfolk Avenue.

A VALENTINE’S TO REMEMBER  at 7:30PM tonight at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre with performers J. Anthony Brown and George Willborn.  Tickets are $30 – $45.

ROANOKE SYMPHONY BALL  at the Hotel Roanoke is a formal masked ball to celebrate the Venetian Carnevale.  There will be food, wine the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and loads of celebration beginning at 7PM.  Black tie.

LOG HOME SHOW  will be at the Roanoke Civic Center today through Sunday.  Today’s hours are from 10AM until 6PM and there will be demonstrations, exhibitors, and more.  Tickets are good for all three days and are $10 and children get in free

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH

ROMANTIC SHOWCASE WITH THE ROANOKE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA  is a Valentine’s program featuring composer Howard Hanson’s “Romantic”  symphony and Mahler’s musical love letter to Anna.  Sunday’s performance begins at 3PM and Monday’s performance at 8PM at the Jefferson Center.  Tickets are $21 – $49, and student tickets are $7.

Welcome to February!  I’ve always thought that February is probably the most ho-hum month of all, but the weather this weekend is more of the same and there are a myriad of things to do.  Pick something fun and have a great one!  If I’ve left out something noteworthy,  please let me know and I’ll be happy to add it.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2ND

2012 KAZIM SHRINERS CIRCUS  will be going on today through Sunday at the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum.  Come out and enjoy the animals, the entertainment and more this evening at 6:30.  Tickets are priced from $8 – $18.

BRIDAL GALA & TEA  is a bridal exposition which will feature 2 runway shows, at 1PM and 3PM.  Lots of door prizes, tea and crumpets, and all things wedding related, included appearances by Miss Virginia and the Southwest Virginia Ballet.  It’s free for brides and all others are $7 at the Hotel Roanoke.

ROANOKE HIGHER ED CENTER OPEN HOUSE  from 4 until 6 this afternoon.  Learn about the 200+ degree, certificate, and licensure programs that are currently available.  Representatives will be there to give you all the information.  The Higher Ed center is located at 108 N. Jefferson Street

ROANOKE DIVERSITY CENTER MIXER  This is a community social event designed to promote and create a LGBT community center in Roanoke.  There will be networking and free appetizers beginning at 6PM at Blue 5 Restaurant, located at 312 Second Street in Downtown Roanoke.

AN EVENING WITH DONALD RUMSFELD:  KNOWN AND UNKNOWN    The former Secretary of  Defense will be at the Jefferson Center at 7PM to talk about his bestselling memoir “Known and Unknown”.  General admission is $35 and reserved seating is $50.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3RD

“WINTERFEST BEACH BASH”  this evening from 6 until 10PM at the Salem Civic Center with Project 4 and the Part Time Party Time Band.  Doors open at 5PM and tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.  Advance tickets will be sold at Salem Parks and Recreation, located at 620 Florida Street.

 2012 KAZIM SHRINERS CIRCUS  This evenings show begins at 7:30PM.

BEST IN SHOW   is the annual exhibit of animal art by local artists to benefit the Roanoke Valley SPCA this evening from 6:30 until 9 at the Taubman Museum of Art.

ART BY NIGHT with exhibits, live music, refreshments and more at 10 Downtown Roanoke galleries from 5 until 9PM.  It’s fun and it’s free!

STAR CITY ROLLER GIRLS BOWLER DERBY   will feature a night of bowling, silent auctions, a raffle and more from 9:30PM until 1AM at the Hilltop Lanes, located at 5918 Williamson Road.  $20 includes unlimited bowling and your shoe rental.

SATURDAY, FEB 4TH

2012 KAZIM SHRINERS CIRCUS  will be going on today  at the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum.  Come out and enjoy the animals, the entertainment and more.  Shows today are at 10AM, 3PM, and 7:30PM.  Tickets are priced from $8 – $18.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION  presented by Local Colors will have dragon and lion dances, martial arts, and all manner of Chinese art activities from noon until 4PM at the Taubman Museum of Art.  This is a free event!

SUNDAY, FEB. 5TH

2012 KAZIM SHRINERS CIRCUS  will be going on today  at the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum.  Come out and enjoy the animals, the entertainment and more.  Shows today are at 1:30PM and 6:30PM.  Tickets are priced from $8 – $18.

WOW!  Can you believe it’s the last weekend in January already?  Since it feels like Spring, it’s hard to believe that it’s January in the first place.  Enjoy it while you can…you never know when winter might return with a vengeance!  Here’s a sampling of some of the weekend events.  Hope you have a good one.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26TH

MONSTER TRUCK JAM  is going on today through Saturday.  Today, you can see select trucks at the Williamson Road and Airport Road Advance Auto Parts and the Vinton Taco Bell.  Friday and Saturday’s event will be held at the Roanoke Civic Center at 7:30 each evening with an additional show on Saturday at 2PM.  Tickets for kids are $6 and adult tickets are from $19 – $37.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27TH

RODNEY CARRINGTON, actor, comedian, and country music star will be performing at the Salem Civic Center this evening at 7PM.  Tickets are $42.75.

MONSTER TRUCK JAM  Check Thursday’s listing for the details.

VIRGINIA HUNTFEST  will feature celebrity guests, vendors, outfitters and lots of activities at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Today’s hours are from 1 – 8PM,  Saturday from 10AM until 8PM, and Sunday from 10AM until 5PM.  Children’s tickets are $5, adults $10, or a family of 4 is $20.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH

VIRGINIA HUNTFEST  will feature celebrity guests, vendors, outfitters and lots of activities at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Today’s hours are from 10AM until 8PM, and Sunday from 10AM until 5PM.  Children’s tickets are $5, adults $10, or a family of 4 is $20.

SPECTACULAR SATURDAY’S AT THE TAUBMAN  a free event with fun for all of the family.  This Saturday, enjoy print making, an architectural tour, and more from 10 until 5PM at the Taubman Museum.

MONSTER TRUCK JAM  The last day is today.  Check Thursday’s listing for the details.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29TH

VIRGINIA HUNTFEST  will feature celebrity guests, vendors, outfitters and lots of activities at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Today’s hours are  from 10AM until 5PM.  Children’s tickets are $5, adults $10, or a family of 4 is $20.

By Jamie Press

Social Security Manager in Roanoke

Social Security is as American as baseball and apple pie. Not everyone likes apples or baseball games, but almost every American who reaches retirement age will receive Social Security retirement benefits. In fact, 96 percent of Americans are covered by Social Security.

If you’re ready to retire in the near future, this article is for you. We’d like to share with you a few important items about Social Security retirement benefits and how to apply for them.

When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.

To qualify for retirement benefits, 10 years is the minimum.  However, the amount of your benefit is determined by how long you work and how much you earn.  Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits.  If there were some years when you did not work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily or earned more.

Also, your age when you retire makes a difference in your benefit amount.  The full retirement age (the age at which full retirement benefits are payable) has been gradually rising from age 65 to age 67.  You can retire as early as age 62, but if benefits start before you reach your full retirement age, your monthly payment is reduced. Find out what your full retirement age is by referring to the convenient chart in our publication, Retirement Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html. It’s in the second section.           

Just as you can choose an early retirement and get a reduced payment, you also can choose to keep working beyond your full retirement age to take advantage of a larger payment.  Your benefit will increase automatically by a certain percentage from the time you reach your full retirement age until you start receiving your benefits or until you reach age 70.

The decision of when to retire is an individual one and depends on a number of personal factors. To help you weigh the factors, we suggest you read our online fact sheet, When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, Retiremavailable at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

You may want to consider your options by using our Retirement Estimator to get instant, personalized estimates of future benefits. You can plug in different retirement ages and scenarios to help you make a more informed retirement decision. Try it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

When you decide to retire, the easiest and most convenient way to do it is right from the comfort of your home or office computer. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov where you can apply for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, there are no forms to sign or documents to send; once you submit your electronic application, that’s it!

In addition to using our award-winning website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778) or visit the Social Security office nearest you.

Either way you choose to apply, be sure to have your bank account information handy so we can set up your payments to be deposited directly into your account.

To learn more, please read our publication, Retirement Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html.

Brrrrr!  That just about sums it up for this upcoming weekend.  It’s going to be chilly,  so find something warm to do.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13TH

Rascal Flatts, along with Sara Evans  will be in concert tonight at the Roanoke Civic Center at 7:30PM.  Tickets are $39.75 and $54.75 

Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show  runs through Sunday at the Roanoke Civic Center Special Events Center.  You’ll find the latest products for every aspect of your home.  Today’s hours are from 2 until 7, Saturday’s hours are from 10 until 7 and Sunday from 11 until 5.  Tickets are $8.50 for adults and senior citizens get in for $6 on Friday only.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14TH

Don Pullen Tribute Concert  is a 70th birthday tribute to Roanoke native Don Pullen’s music.  There will also be a photo and art exhibit and the launching of a children’s music scholarship fund in Pullen’s honor.  The tribute begins at 8PM at the Jefferson Center  Tickets are $16 – $26.

Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show  today’s hours are from 10 until 7.  Check Friday’s listing and web link for more info.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15TH

Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show going on today from 11 until 5.  Check Friday’s listing for the web link and more information.

The holidays are behind us and everybody’s getting back to their regular routines.  There are some cool things going on this weekend, the weather’s looking good, so get out and enjoy some of the fun things that Roanoke has to offer.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6TH

BUCHANAN’S EPIPHANY TREE BURNING  If you haven’t disposed of your Christmas tree and want to do it in “Old World” style, gather your friends and trees and meet at the Buchanan Town Park at 455 Lowe Street for Twelfth Night.  Add your tree to the bonfire and enjoy light refreshments from 7 until 9PM.  This is a free event.

ART BY NIGHT  10 Downtown galleries are open and more than 120 artists participate in this downtown walking tour from 5 until 9PM, with live music, refreshments, and great conversations with the artists.

CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO  will be going on today through Sunday at the Salem Civic Center.  There will be shows today and Saturday beginning at 7:30PM and Sunday at 2PM.  Check the website for more information and prices.

KEN FARMER ON ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES  Join the owner of Ken Farmer Auctions and Appraisals for a lecture about antiques, autctions, and collecting.  This free event begins at 6:30PM at the new South County Library, located at 6303 Merriman Road.  Tickets are required.  540.561.8024

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7TH

STAMPEDE CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO  continues today.  See Friday’s listing for more information and links to the website.

WINTER MAGIC  is a show for  adults and kids featuring music, magic, and comedy.  This free event is being held at 11AM and 2PM at the new South County Library, located at 6303 Merriman Road.

ROANOKE CHILDREN’S THEATRE WINTER AUDITIONS  will be held from 11AM until 4PM at the Taubman Museum of Art.  Sign ups begin at 10AM.  They are seeking adult and youth for the productions of “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “Go Dog Go”  Check the website for more information and requirements,

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH

STAMPEDE CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO  continues today at the Salem Civic Center.  Check Friday’s listing for more information.

“ROCK OF AGES”  presented by Broadway in Roanoke  a play about  love and music in the ’80s at 7PM at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Tickets are priced from $32 – $59.50.

Out with the old and bring on the new!  Hope everyone had a great Christmas and is looking forward to the New Year.  There are some great events to choose, but whatever you do to celebrate, celebrate in style and do so responsibly.   Happy New Year Everyone, and thanks for following and reading.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

3RD ANNUAL BOUNCY BALL DROP  presented by the Science Museum of Western Virignia will take place at 12 Noon  on the ground floor level of Center in the Square.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2012 FASHION & BENEFIT GALA  Rip the Runway   is a semi-formal cocktail event to be held at the Roanoke City Market Building beginning at 10PM.  There will be a fashion show featuring Roanoke designers, vendors, and stylists with proceeds going to benefit the March of Dimes.  Tickets are $35 are include a champagne toast and party favors.  

PERCEPTOR OMICRON’S NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA AT THE HOTEL ROANOKE   will feature a prime rib buffet, champagne and a balloon drop.  Music will be provided in the Roanoke Ballroom by The Kings with Project 4 and special guest Josh Shilling.  The William Penn Quartet will be providing music in the Crystal Ballroom.  The event begins at 7PM and tickets are $87.50 per person and $175 per couple.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT CHATEAU MORRISETTE  will have tastings  from 10AM until 6PM and the restaurant will be open from 11AM  until 8PM.

VINTON’S NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA  is a 21 and older event with hors d’oeuvres and a DJ at the Vinton War Memorial..  Mixers will be provided and black tie is optional.  Ticke  ts are $50 per person and $80 per couple.

MARINER’S LANDING RESORT NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION  starts this evening at 7:30.  Live music, party favors and more for $15 per person.  Overnight accommodations are also available.  Call 540.297.4900 for reservations.

ROANOKE VALLEY GUN SHOW  will be going on today and tomorrow at the Roanoke Civic Center with over 500 tables of merchandise.  Today’s hours are 9AM until 5PM.  Admission is $8.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1ST 2012!

NEW YEAR’S DAY AT CHATEAU MORRISETTE  Come celebrate the 1st day of 2012 and enjoy the beauty of the winery and taste their wines.  The restaurant is open from 11 until 3.

NEW YEARS’ DAY RUN & WALK TO MILL MOUNTAIN STAR  Celebrate the beginning of the new year by running or walking to the Star with the Star City Striders.  If you get there by 9AM, you can be a part of the group photo.  It’s not a race and it’s not timed;  it’s just fun and it’s free!

ROANOKE VALLEY GUN SHOW  is going on today at the Roanoke Civic Center from 9 AM until 4PM.  Admission is $8.    

If you’re like me and still haven’t gotten your shopping done, you better get a move on.  It will be here before you know it.  There  are plenty of holiday festivities going on to help capture the spirit if you haven’t found yours yet. So, get out and enjoy – it’s going to be a nice, warm weekend!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15TH

“CHRISTMAS COOKIES”  is a holiday musical for the whole family presented at the Taubman Museum of Art by the Roanoke Children’s Theatre.  Please check the website for times.  The musical runs through December 23rd.

NYC…LIVE IN ROANOKE  is a free event at Roanoke’s Main Library on S. Jefferson.  Author Elena DeRosa endeavors to create a bridge between her eBook “Fractured Facade” setting of Roanoke and New York City.  There will be musical entertainment and artist’s exhibits.  Please bring a new toy and a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Rescue Mission of Roanoke.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16TH

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS  continues tonight from 6 until 10PM with the SPCA Pet Costume Contest and lots of other activities.  Check the website for all of the events, times, and places.

STAGG BOWL  XXXIX  will be played under the lights this evening at 7PM at the Salem Civic Center. Tickets start at $12.50.

JIM BRICKMAN: A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION  at the Roanoke Civic Center this evening at 7:30PM. Tickets start at $32.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17TH

THE MAGIC TOYSHOP  presented by the Roanoke Ballet Theatre tonight at the Jefferson Center at 6:30PM.  Ticket prices are $10 for children and $20 for adults.

CHRISTMAS TIME’S A’COMING  from 12 noon until 5PM at the Peaks of Otter Winery where you can enjoy cinnamon wine by the fire and finish up that last minute Christmas shopping.

LADY ANTEBELLUM  The “Own the Night”  tour with guests Josh Kelly and Edens Egde will perform tonight at the Roanoke Civic Center at 7:30PM.  Tickets are $39.50 and $59.50.

HOLIDAY COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE STAR CITY COMEDY CLUB  with Alex Stone and Greg Lausch at $8 at the comedy club located at Corned Beef and Co. on S. Jefferson Street.  Admission is $10.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH

CHRISTMAS TIME’S A’COMING  from 12 noon until 5PM at the Peaks of Otter Winery where you can enjoy cinnamon wine by the fire and finish up that last minute Christmas shopping.

We’ll be saying “goodbye” to the mild weather we’ve been having with this weekend being more attuned with getting you in the holiday spirit.  There are great events going on this weekend for kids and adults.  Have fun and let the countdown begin.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8TH

CHRISTMAS COOKIES is a holiday musical for the family presented by the Roanoke Children’s Theatre.  All performances are held at the Taubman Museum of Art.  This performance runs through December 23rd.  Please check the website for times and ticket information.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be playing today through Sunday at the Showtimers Community Theatre, located at  2067 McVitty Road.  Adult tickets are $12 and children’s tickets are $5.  Check the website for show times.

“A CHRISTMAS CACTUS” will be playing at Attic Productions, located at  7490 Roanoke Road in Fincastle.  Tickets for this Christmas Eve mystery play are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS continues tonight from 6PM until 10PM.  Check the website for the many events going on this evening.  The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 at Elm and Jefferson.  Entertainment and carriage rides are just part of the fun things going on.

ROANOKE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS  HOLIDAY POPS SPECTACULAR starts tonight at 7PM at the Salem Civic Center.  Tickets are $7 – $28.

NATIONAL ELKS HOME LIGHTING CEREMONY Enjoy this annual event at the National Elks Home, located at 931 Ashland Avenue in Bedford, beginning at 5PM.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH

HOLIDAY COCKTAIL CRAWL with proceeds benefiting the Square Society begins at 2PM and ends at 9PM.  Tickets are $10 and you must be 21+.  Check the website for the participating venues and ticket information.

2011 ROANOKE JUNGLE BELL RUN/WALK you can get a team together, dress in your favorite holiday garb and raise funds in this annual walk/run in Downtown Roanoke.  Check the website for more information on how you can donate or participate in this fund raiser for the Arthritis Foundation.

NUTCRACKER BALLET will be presented tonight and Sunday by the Southwest Virginia Ballet.   Today’s performance will be at 7PM and Sunday’s at 3PM at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Tickets are $14 – $41 and can be purchased online.

SPECTACULAR SATURDAY at the Taubman Museum of Art from 10AM until 5PM and is free.  There will be holiday card making, tours and live entertainment.

HOLIDAY EXPRESS MARKET & CANDY CANE SHIFTER an event for kids at the Virginia Museum of Transportation from 10AM until 5PM.  Kids can shop and purchase affordable gifts and have a free train ride on the Candy Cane Shifter.  Adults are $5 and children 12 and under are free.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH

SONGS OF THE SEASON presented by the Roanoke College Children’s Choir at Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center.  There will be 2 performances at 1:30PM and 4PM.  Tickets are $10 – $16 and can be purchased online.

JEFF DUNHAM: CONTROLLED CHAOS Enjoy Jeff Dunham, comedian and ventriloquist at the Roanoke Civic Center at 5PM.  Tickets are $46.50.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12TH

VINCE GILL & AMY GRANT This Gammy award winning husband and wife team will perform at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre at the Roanoke Civic Center at 7:30.  Tickets are $57 and $67.