Dec 16-17:
Jingle and Mingle: Join Holly Parsons of WB4-North for the Annual “Jingle and Mingle.” Semi-formal dress encouraged. Cocktails provided. 7:30 p.m, La Quinta Inn Ballroom, 8700 Riverdale Ln., Merryville, $20, www.wb4north.com/jingleandmingle
Dec. 18:
Merryville Community Orchestra: Merryville High School performing arts students and community members present selections from “The Nutcracker.” Not to be missed!, 2 p.m, Peters Auditorium, North Umberland High School, 400 Gano Dr., Merryville, Free admission, 813-830-9149.
Dec. 19:
Mandatory Festival Preparations: Preparations for the Festival begin downtown at 5 p.m.!
Dec. 20:
Teeth Whitening and You: Ken Macalane, D.D.S. who has improved more than 600 smiles helps you determine if low-cost teeth whitening is right for you, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m, Merryville Hospital Grand Pavilion, 2nd fl., 3000 Thurrybelt Rd., Merryville, Free admission, www.kenswhiteningpen.com
Assembly of the Garlands of Sloom: Get to know community members as they come together to craft the first of the Grey Offerings. Refreshments provided. There will be a raffle. 1 p.m. La Quinta Inn Ballroom, 8700 Riverdale Ln., Merryville, 813-104-4800.
Open Mic Night: Sing your heart out at legendary Larry’s Lounge! Doors open at 11 p.m., Performers to arrive by 10 p.m., Larry’s Lounge, 888 South Barnaby Highway, Merryville, $3, www.larryslounge.com/openmicnights
Dec. 21:
Retirement Breakfast: Merryvile Federal Credit Union opens its doors to prospective retirees! Come for a free breakfast and information on how to diversify your retirement fund. Plus a few surprise guests! Merryville Federal Credit Union, 1587 Lauden Dr., Merryville, Free admission.
Community Art Corner: Join local artist Melanie Vasasn for a fun, family-friendly art lesson, where you will learn the basics of watercolor and how to carve wicker tetrahedrons in honor of Sloom’s Pestilent Infinity. Paint and wicker provided. 2 to 3 p.m., Merryville Art Center, 788 Prospector Rd., Merryville, $5 fee, 813-760-9999.
Pet Photos with Holly Parsons: Bring your pets, large and small, for holiday pictures with Holly Parsons of WB4-North. Four of the pets attending will be selected to serve as offerings to Sloom. Pre-registered pets receive a toy. www.wb4north.com/petphotos.sloom
Dec. 22:
Clear Minds, Bright Futures Bake Sale: Fresh baked goods to benefit Clear Minds, Bright Futures, a group of Merryville teens working to promote drug-free communities. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Merryville High School, 400 Gano Dr., Merryville, $5 to $10. Half of all proceeds to the purchase of fowl for the All-Devourer.
Dec. 23:
Raffle-N-Fun: Family and friends unite for an evening under the stars featuring festive live music, light shows, and fresh food, culminating in the lottery that will select Sloom’s Child. The winner will be notified by Pastor Ericson, the Mouth of Sloom. 8 p.m., Merryville Community Center, 110 Merryville Road, Merryville, Free admission.
Dec 24:
Community Caroling: Join community members as we go door to door singing traditional holiday carols “Sloom A’cometh” “Sitting by the Fireside, Waiting for Sloom” “Have you seen Sloom? Me Neither, You Cannot Look Directly at Him”. Merryville Square, 167 Main Street, Merryville.
Dec. 25:
Sloom Emerges: Family and friends bask in awe as Sloom, The Deliverer, emerges from Merryville Lake to claim Sloom’s Child and the Grey Offerings. This event is open to Merryville residents only. No out of towners. 6:42 p.m. Merryville Lake Docks, 800 South Broward Ln., Merryville.
Dec 26:
Community Event: SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
Dec. 27:
Community Event: Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom. Sloom.
Dec. 28:
Community Event: sloom.
Dec. 29:
Weight Loss for Winners (WLFW): An afternoon of education and weight-loss support. 5 p.m., Merrvyille Business Center, 6572 Corduroy Pl.., Free admission, www.wlfw.com
Dec. 30:
Community Event: SLOOM. THE DELIVERER. SLOOM. THE ALL-DEVOURER. SLOOM. THE SKY CRACKER. SLOOM. THE REVENANT. SLOOM. THE LICH. SLOOM. THE BLIGHTWRAITH. SLOOM. THE STINKLING. SLOOM. THE MOTHER. SLOOM. THE SISTER. SLOOM. THE CHILD.
Dec 31:
Holly Parson’s New Year’s Eve Bash: Ring in the New Year with Holly Parsons of WB-North at the hottest party in Merryville. Larry’s Lounge transforms for an evening of lights, dancing, and live music! 10:30 p.m. Larry’s Lounge, 888 South Barnaby Highway, Merryville, $3. Must be 21 or over.
— CJS ’16
