Holiday events kick off, benefits being held this weekend

‘Tis the season in Chillicothe. Sorry Thanksgiving. We are fast forwarding right to the big, white bearded guy’s holiday. The downtown tree lighting ceremony is 6 p.m. Friday. Our downtown turned holiday village will feature carriage rides, shopping, caroling, and trolley rides to add to the festivities. Shine On Chillicothe has collected over $100,000 for Yoctangee Park Christmas lights and I for one can’t wait to see what they have been working on. Don’t forget to stop by High Five Cakes at 6:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with the Grinch. HFC never has a day old anything left because they always sell out so grab whatever you can while you are there.

Join LoriG Comedy at the Pioneer School gym for a show benefitting the Recovery Rally with me and Jay Armstrong on Friday. Jay is a veteran of the stage and has worked with Narcotics Anonymous on a national level while traveling the country to tell his own recovery story through comedy. The Night to Shine committee from Pioneer will be offering a spaghetti dinner for purchase prior to the show. Carry-out will be available. My friend Zac McFadden will be at the Cozy Inn from 9 p.m. to midnight while Steiner’s Speakeasy hosts Harold Hensley at 8 p.m. You can find Cory Summar at Old Capitol Brewing.

On Saturday, Nov. 19 a silent auction to benefit the Carver Community Center is being held at the Pump House Center for the Arts. Pencil and crayon drawings by Carver Community Center students have been "Reimagined" by Chillicothe Art League members in ink and acrylic paintings and 3D sculpture. The "Reimagined" pieces are up for silent auction through a closing reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bidding ends at 7:30 and light refreshments will be served. On the music side of things Moldy Money will be playing at The Crosskeys Tavern and Acoustic Rehab hits the Steiner’s stage.

I haven’t been out on the town on Thanksgiving Eve in over a decade but this year you can find me doing my weekly trivia gig at The Pour House at Machinery Hall. This trivia night is a little different from my usual because this one begins at 9 p.m. and it is adult trivia…or what my grandma would refer to as “spicy.” Don’t bring the kids to this one folks. I will be saying all the things. Also, the Pour House kitchen will be staying open until 10 p.m.

Looking ahead…Tickets are now on sale for The Chillicothe Civic Theatre’s presentation of "Elf, The Musical!" On Dec. 8 to 11 at the Majestic Theatre. My partner in entertainment crime Cameron Mitchell is Buddy the Elf and if you miss out on his performance you will regret your life decisions for the rest of your days. Purchase tickets at cctoh.booktix.com.

LoriG and Cameron's Chillicothe Tour of Lights with First Capital Enterprises, INC. begins December 11! Brighten your holiday season with a 90 minute bus tour of lights. Lori G (me) will narrate the ride showing you the best of the best Christmas lights in Chillicothe PLUS carols by Cam in between stops. The tour will visit Steiner's Speakeasy at the halfway mark for a 15-20 minute drink/restroom break where Tara Gillum will be crafting a special cocktail. Each trip will begin and end at The Pour House at Machinery Hall. Two ten person tours a night, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. respectively, on December 11, 16, 18, and 23. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. RIDERS MUST BE 21 AND UP WITH PROPER ID. No exceptions. This event is not for children. Proceeds benefit First Capital Enterprises and their clients.

Until next time. I hope to see you out and laughing.

*For consideration to be included in Matters of Graves Importance email Lori at [email protected]