<strong>Cassandra Gillens’ eighth annual holiday sale</strong>

A party with the artist for collectors of all levels, 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 24.

In her Lowcountry career, Cassandra Gillens has exhibited her work in Taipei, China, her paintings have been featured in Southern Living Magazine, and included in the movie “Nights of Rodanthe.” So, at the end of each year the grateful artist throws a party for collectors big and small, as a way of giving thanks and starting the new year right. For 2012, the theme of her party, and of her latest series of paintings, is “BJ’s Juke Joint.”

For one day only, Saturday, Nov. 24, ARTworks will be shakin’ with Gillens’ distinctive work, performers will be shimmying around in costume, and collectors will have a chance at finding new, original paintings in many sizes and a wide price range. This reception is free and open to the public.

ARTworks is located at 2127 Boundary Street in Beaufort Town Center; www.ArtWorksInBeaufort.org, call 843-379-2787.

<strong>Wine Tasting Party to benefit Boys &amp; Girls Club</strong>

Eat, Drink and Be Merry pre-holiday wine tasting party will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lowcountry Produce Market &amp; Cafe, 302 Carteret St., Beaufort. Get ready for the holiday and give to a good cause: For every case of wine purchased, a $15 donation will go to the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Beaufort. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call Liz Vallino at 843-379-5430, ext. 2, or Lowcountry Produce at 843-322-1900..

<strong>Extravaganza supports Habitat for Humanity </strong>

Holiday Extravaganza to support Habitat for Humanity will be Friday, November 30, from 4-7 p.m. with the Newcastle Square Merchants in Beaufort. Live broadcast by 94.5 The Coast, and a $5 donation to Habitat for Humanity for an organic wine tasting presented by Ben Arnold at Herban

Marketplace. There will be live holiday music and fun for all. The merchants of Newcastle Square   will  donate  10%  of  all  sales  to  Habitat  for  Humanity Beaufort. Please  come  and  share  the  holiday  spirit  by helping Habitat for Humanity help our community. For  more  information, call Herban Marketplace at 379-5550.

<strong>ABLE Foundation Christmas Ornaments for sale </strong>

ABLE Foundation, the Disabilities Foundation for Beaufort County, wants to remind everyone that their annual ornament can be found in stores now.  The 2012 ornament features a Heron and is the fourth in a commemorative series depicting favorite Lowcountry scenes. The ornament, which can also be used as a medallion, was created locally and was commissioned from Buf’s in Beaufort. All proceeds go to support Camp Treasure Chest, a summer camp put on by the ABLE Foundation for children with special needs.

Ornaments are available at:

• Smiles by Wyles Dentistry, 134 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island

• Budget Print, 510 Carteret Street

• Sea Eagle Market, 2242 Boundary Street

• Green Herring Gallery, 1001 Bay Street

• Harbor Island Beach and Raquet Club, Harbor Island

• New Image Salon, 1615 Paris Ave., Port Royal

• Offices of Disabilities and Special Needs Dept, 100 Clear Water Way, Beaufort.

<strong>Musical Theater: Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish </strong>

The full-stage, original musical, Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish, is intended for people of all ages and races who want to catch the holiday spirit and will be presented Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m. at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Center For the Arts. The production stars Aunt Pearlie Sue, nationally acclaimed storyteller, and her Gullah Kinfolk, a professional singing cast of 20 members, who bring history alive on stage. This musical performance depicts the last Christmas before the Civil War. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Admission is $10 for those aged 7 to 17. For more information, contact the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at 843-986-1102 or www.bcbcc.org.

<strong>Annual Night on the Town and Light Up the Night</strong>

Main Street Beaufort, USA proudly presents the 27th Annual A Night on the Town. This opening of the Christmas and holiday shopping season takes place on Friday evening, Dec. 7, beginning at 6 p.m., and ending at about 9 p.m. A long standing tradition of the community, A Night on the Town is a mix of traditional and the contemporary. The evening will have a surprise around every corner and a number of things that will entertain, delight and get you in the holiday spirit. Shops will stay open late to welcome customers with special treats and a preview of their unique selection of items. The evening also includes the city of Beaufort’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, entertainment by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, choral performances and a visit from Santa.

Take your pick of holiday parades by land or sea in Beaufort. Join Main Street Beaufort, USA and the Beaufort Sail and Power Squadron Saturday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 p.m. for the Light Up the Night boat parade on the Beaufort River. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park provides the best view of the parade. The first boats will start arriving at the park by 5 p.m. Hot chocolate will be available courtesy of The Greenery.

The traditional Beaufort Christmas Parade will be Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. through the streets of downtown Beaufort. Floats, bands, groups of walkers and personal cars and trucks are expected to participate. For more information, contact Main Street Beaufort, USA at 843-525-6644 or email info@downtownbeaufort.com.
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