Keeping Up With Santa and Much More

       That Santa Claus is one busy guy as December rolls around. He's all over Racine County making personal appearances, riding in a parade, eating dinner and getting his picture taken. Real Racine is keeping up with Santa and other weekend fun.

            Celebrate at Union Grove.  Head to Union Grove's Village Square Park at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, for the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree. There are free refreshments, including hot chocolate and cookies. Stick around for the arrival of Santa Claus with candy-filled stockings for the kids. It’s all presented by the Union Grove Chamber of Commerce.

            Bunny time.  Max & Ruby, the popular children's book bunnies, are the stars of a touring show that tells the story of the "Nutcracker Suite." Performances are at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Friday at Memorial Hall, 72 Seventh St. Tickets are available at the Festival Hall box office (www.racinecc.com, 262-636-9229) or through www.ticketmaster.com

            Santa and pasta.  Your family can enjoy a mostaccioli dinner with Santa at the Sturtevant Village Hall, 2801 89th St. on Saturday. Dinner is 4-8 p.m. and the kids can see Santa while the adults participate in a basket raffle and take pictures. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults; $5 for kids ages 6 through 12. The event raises money for the annual Sturtevant fireworks show.

            Love a parade.  The Winter Wonderland Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday along Milwaukee and Main streets in the Village of Waterford. Expect music, floats and Santa himself. The annual Community Christmas Tree lighting takes place after the parade at the public library. Kids will receive goodie bags and are invited to visit with Santa. Visit www.absolutelywaterford.org

            Speaking of Santa.  You can get your pet's photo taken with Santa Claus during the next three Wednesdays (Dec. 5, 12 and 19) at Regency Mall, 5538 Durand Ave. Hours are 6-9 p.m. There is a fee. Please use the Southeast Entrance and bring your animals on a leash or in a carrier.

            Mustaches are back in style!  The Kenosha and Racine Mustache Association (KARMA) Mustache Bash is back in Downtown Racine on Saturday evening. The annual event starts at 6 p.m. at four nightspots—Ivanhoe, Evelyn's Club Main, Ricky's Place and the envi Ultra Lounge. Participants can help raise money for prostate cancer awareness and health screening by purchasing an official T-shirt ($10), a paper mustache ($1) or a raffle ticket ($1) to win some great prizes. A group picture will be taken on Monument Square at 10 p.m. Photos and details HERE at KARMA's Facebook page.

            Music and blankets. A new or gently used blanket (or $10 in cash) is your ticket to Blank-Fest at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at McAuliffe's Pub, 3700 Meachem Road. The event includes three bands each evening. Organizers hope to collect 400 blankets that will be donated to area homeless assistance programs.

            We've just scratched the surface this week!  Visit the Real Racine website, www.realracine.com for a complete calendar of events.  For daily updates, like us on Facebook HERE and follow us on Twitter HERE.