As the holidays near closer and closer, I'm sure everyone's schedule is going to fill up with get-togethers, events and holiday parties.
This weekend is no exception with lots going on around East Texas as we inch closer to Thanksgiving.
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Tonight check out a free one-night-only screening of "Handmade Nation" at the Cole Art Center, in downtown Nacogdoches. The film explores a burgeoning art community that is based on traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics and feminism. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and the screenings tend to fill up fast.
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Saturday night, the First Street Arts Center, in downtown Lufkin, is hosting "Inspired by Nature," an event featuring artwork, jewelry and crafts made and inspired from nature. The event features live music from the Write Around Texas songwriter's group and refreshments. The opening reception is from 6 to 8 p.m.
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Also Saturday night, Robert Cooperman and the Kid Icarus Project perform at the Hotel Fredonia, in downtown Nacogdoches. The band is bringing its own acoustic-rock style to the Fredonia and it should be a pretty packed show. The music lasts from 7:30 until 10:30 p.m.
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For those Michael Jackson fans out there, this Saturday the TOP Ladies of Distinction are hosting a Michael Jackson look-alike contest from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Lufkin Boys and Girls Club. The winner will be announced at the group's annual banquet at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center on Nov. 27.
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The Texas Gold Star Opry is coming to Lufkin again this Saturday night and also features a talent portion, in which talented hopefuls can audition for earlier in the day at 1 p.m. at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center. The Branson-style opry show kicks off later in the night at 7 p.m. and features a very large list of local performers.
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In movie news, "Paranormal Activity" is burning up the movie charts and being heralded as the new "Blair Witch Project." The ghostly low-budget film was made for a meager $10,000 and is now No. 1 at the box-office. I've been dying to see this one and am hoping to get a group together to check it out — that is they aren't too afraid! Check it out at theaters in both Lufkin and Nacogdoches if you dare!
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"Everybody's working for the weekend..." For some reason that song keeps popping up in my head as I try to finish up things tonight. I think we're all ready to blow off some steam and enjoy the crisp weather in East Texas — a very nice reprieve from last week's torrential downpours. Hope to see you all out and about and if you don't see your event listed on this page, shoot us an e-mail and we'll post it for you.