Give Thanks
The Billings Food Bank will once again offer the annual community Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, Nov. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. for everyone in the Billings community. Located at 2112 4th Ave., the Food Bank also provides holiday boxes and delivered meals for those who are home-bound.
According to the Food Bank philosophy, no one should go hungry on Thanksgiving. To learn more, to donate or to volunteer your time, call (406) 259-2856.
Messiah Festival Steeped in Tradition
For more than two decades, the Messiah Festival has served as heartwarming, holiday tradition for the Billings community.
On Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m., the Alberta Bair Theater will be filled with the beautiful and moving music of Handel’s Messiah as the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation celebrates the 22nd anniversary performance of the annual Messiah Festival. This event raises money for the Meadowlark House, a temporary home for traveling cancer patients and families receiving treatment in Billings.
People are also reading…
The Messiah Festival is a regional performance of the Christmas selections from Handel’s Messiah, featuring four impressive soloists accompanied by a 28-piece orchestra of Billings’ professionals and the Messiah Festival Choir, made up of local volunteers.
Singers who are interested in participating in the choir are encouraged to attend any of the optional choir practices that will be held in December:
Friday, Dec. 4 @ 7 p.m. – American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 5 @ 2:30 p.m. – Mayflower Congregational Church, Poly and Rehberg
Sunday, Dec. 6 @ 2 p.m. – Warm Up Rehearsal at the First United Methodist Church, 2800 4th Ave. N. (next door to the ABT Theater)
The chorus is an integral part of the performance and the more participants, the better. Conductor David Reynolds strongly encourages anyone interested in singing to join. By giving the gift of your voices for this worthy cause, you will be helping us provide a wonderful asset to the community and show how music can play an important part in shaping the world.
Admission to the event is free, but tickets are required to ensure adequate seating. They can be obtained from the Alberta Bair Theater ticket office, 2801 3rd Ave. N. Hours are Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
For additional information, contact Angela Douglas at St. Vincent Healthcare at angela.douglas@sclhs.net or (406) 238-6204.
Festival of Trees Supports Year-round Activities
For 30 years the residents of Yellowstone County have included the annual Festival of Trees in their holiday traditions. More than 10,000 people participate in the four-day event to view the 40 decorated holiday trees, partake in activities or socialize and support the Family Tree Center December 3 through 6 at the Shrine Auditorium.
The Family Tree Center strives to prevent child abuse and neglect through education, support, role-modeling and access to other community resources. All funds raised at the Festival support this mission.
The festive weekend kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 with the annual Gala dinner and tree auction. Tickets are $75 for individuals or $800 for a reserved, sponsored table (includes two bottles of wine).
On Friday, guests can enjoy Tea in the Trees from 1 to 3 p.m., the craft and gift show from 3 to 8 p.m. and public viewing of the trees from 3 to 8 p.m. The public viewing and the craft and gift show continue on Saturday, plus visitors may have brunch with Santa, enjoy arctic art and the playland or participate in the MSUB’s Writer’s Roundup.
Gate admission prices are $3/person or $10/family; Tea in the Trees tickets are $10 in advance/$12 at the door. Admission to the craft show is free.
For more information about the event, visit familytreecenter.org or call (406) 252-9799.
Holiday Tour of Homes Showcases Seasonal Music and Décor
The Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale celebrates the season with the 11th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Saturday, Dec. 12. Gather your friends and family to enjoy a self-guided tour of extraordinary homes lavishly decorated to reflect the charm of the holidays while enjoying seasonal music, holiday cheer and cookies.
Tickets are $25 in advance and are available at all Gainan’s locations, Cricket Clothing, Wetzels and the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale office or website.
On the day of the event, guests may purchase a tour ticket for $30 at any one of the homes. Holiday home locations are still being finalized, so be sure to visit the BSO&C website for precise addresses as the event date approaches.
For more information, or for a map on the day of the event, see billingssymphony.com or call (406) 252-3610. All proceeds benefit the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale.
Twelfth Night Celebration
It’s a night of magic, a night to celebrate. The Billings Food Bank will host its annual Twelfth Night Celebration, on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016. Let your holiday joy spill over at this all-you-can-eat gala of crawfish, shrimp, gumbo, boiled potatoes and all the southern trimmings.
Start the evening at 5:30 p.m. with a no-host social hour and dinner served at 6:30 p.m., prepared by the chefs of the Fortin Culinary Center. After dinner enjoy a silent auction and music. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Billings Food Bank or by calling (406) 259-2856. The fun and food supports the financial mission and awareness of the Billings Food Bank.
Kick Off the Carnival
Celebrate Fat Tuesday and support the Billings Food Bank at their annual Mardi Gras Gala on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 held at the Holiday Inn. Colors for the celebration were chosen for their special meanings: purple for justice; green for faith; and gold for power. Embrace your favorite for a very special cause—awareness and support of the Billings Food Bank.
Start the evening with a no-host bar at 5:30 p.m. while you browse the silent auction items. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. with the live auction starting at 8 p.m. Top off the evening with dancing to Dixieland music by the Second Avenue Stompers.
Tickets are $50/person or $500 for a reserved table of 10. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the Billings Food Bank at (406) 259-2856.
