THINGS TO DO
Destin Commons to host 'Norman Rockwell Holidays'

America's favorite artist, Norman Rockwell, branded the American Christmas tradition with his nostalgic art gracing the covers of the Saturday Evening Post magazines for over half a century.

Destin Commons is ringing in the season this year with a remarkable transformation to unveil a nostalgic and memorable "Norman Rockwell Holiday" throughout the center. Destin Commons is the only shopping center in the country that has been granted the rights to this unforgettable Holiday display.

The Holiday décor is all brand new at Destin Commons and reflects a Norman Rockwell theme throughout - from the decorations on the magnificent 50' Christmas tree with interactive light shows choreographed to Christmastime favorite songs; a brand new Santa station; to lights twinkling up and down Main Street; Holiday street lamp banners and vignettes. Both interactive and educational, the Norman Rockwell vignettes are life-size, dimensional and narrate stories about the famous artist.

Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post cover art will be on display throughout December. The museum exhibit will also showcase "Painting in the Commons" where children can come in, sit down at an easel with paper and crayons in hand, and create their own master piece to take home.

Destin Commons is located in the heart of Destin and the corners of Highway 98 and the Mid Bay Bridge Road. For a complete schedule of Santa times, choir performances and other Holiday events, visit www.DestinCommons.com, or call 850-337-8700. Christmas on the Coast this weekend

The Pensacola Children's Chorus, under the direction of Allen and Susan Pote, will present its annual production of "Christmas on the Coast" Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2:30 p.m. at the Pensacola Civic Center.

Over 270 young performers, ages 9 through 18, will dazzle audiences with their singing, choreography and costumes. This Broadway style production will feature medleys of favorite songs and carols of the season, a live nativity, a South American Christmas, Christmas in the Big Apple, Happy Feet, Santa's Workshop and a rousing, toe-tapping Christmas party.

For more information, call 850-434-7760. Dance the night away Saturday

Take your best girl dancing, or just relax and listen to the music of Joe Occhipinti's Big Band on Saturday night, Dec. 8 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the EH Pullum Senior Center in Navarre, located across the street from the Navarre Library.

The band plays a variety of music, so there is something for everyone's taste. Bring snacks for the refreshment table, soft drinks and punch will be provided.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 by stopping by the center, or calling 850-936-1644. They can also be purchased at the door for $10

Dance lessons will be offered that night as well from 6 to 7 p.m. at a cost of $5 per person. HGTV seeks local participation

"If Walls Could Talk" the weekly series, airing Sundays on HGTV, is coming to the Gulf Coast to film homes with intriguing pasts and unusual stories. The show is looking for participants from anywhere within a two hour radius of Mobile, Ala. The series kicks off with new homeowners who make surprising historical discoveries about their homes as they explore and restore them. A lucky few will be amazed to learn that the historic artifacts they've discovered are worth a fortune when the "If Walls Could Talk" appraiser drops by for a look.

Homeowners who would like to be considered for the program should contact Jenna Friederich at 303-712-3146 or email at jfriederich@highnoonentertainment. com.