Datebook for December 3, 2004

Friday, Dec. 3, 2004 | 9:18 a.m.

Book signing

Author Davy Rothbart will sign copies of his book, "Found: The Best Lost, Tossed, and Forgotten Items from Around the World," at 8 p.m. today at the Funk House, 1228 S. Casino Center. Admission is free.

First Friday

The arts festival First Friday is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today. For a map of the district or events calendar, go online to www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/schedule/html or at the Funk House, 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd. Admission is free.

Auction

The Contemporary Arts Collective is hosting its annual art auction fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at 101 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 101. Tickets are $30. A preview reception is 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today at the CAC. Admission to the reception is free. 382-3886.

Synchronized show

A synchronized swimming holiday show is 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road. Admission is free. 229-6309.

'Drama Queen'

The City of Las Vegas presents the movie "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" as part of its "Friday, Food, Fun and Flicks" series, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Stupak Community Center, 300 W. Boston Ave. Admission is free. 229-2488.

Sock hop

A sock hop for seniors is 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at the Dula Gymnasium, 441 E. Bonanza Road. Admission is $3. 229-6307.

Dance

The United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association holds a "December Dance" from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the UNLV Moyter Student Union Ballroom. Admission is $5 students and members, $7 guests. 656-8690.

Book signings

Author Marilyn Jansen will sign copies of her book, "Amaryllis of Hawaii," at the following Borders bookstores throughout Las Vegas this week:

Noon on Saturday -- 2190 Rainbow Blvd. 638-1866.

3 p.m. Saturday -- 1445 W. Sunset Road. 433-6222.

Noon on Sunday -- 10950 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 150. 382-6101.

3 p.m. Sunday -- 2323 S. Decatur Blvd. 258-0999.

Holiday craft show

The City of Las Vegas presents a holiday craft show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Elton Ave. Admission is free. 229-6359.

Holiday craft fair

The City of Las Vegas presents a holiday craft fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Molasky Community School, 7801 W. Gilmore. Admission is $2. 229-5345.

Family field trip

Clark County Parks and Community Services offers a one-day family field trip to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The tour departs 4:30 a.m. Saturday from the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, and returns at midnight. Cost is $30, and pre-registration is required. 455-7340.

'Magic'

The annual holiday show "Discover the Magic" continues until Dec. 24 at Fashion Show mall. In addition to a 35-foot Christmas tree, holiday fashions by Southern Nevada Cadillac and Fashion show dancers, the show features a video with performances by Clint Holmes, Rita Rudner, the cast of "Mamma Mia!" and "Jubilee," Lance Burton and more. Performances will be at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m., and the show is dark Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free.

'Light the Night'

Ethel M Chocolates invites the public to share in the 11th annual "Light the Night" Cactus Garden experience at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden, 2 Cactus Garden Way. The garden is illuminated from sundown to 10 p.m. seven days a week until Jan. 3. Admission is free. 737-3100.

Holiday events

The District at Green Valley Ranch offers the following Christmas-related activities this week. Call 458-8855 for more information:

Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday -- Gingerbread house demonstration, featuring the chefs of the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday -- Children's cookie decorating.

The District offers the Lamplight Carolers and Holiday Street Vendors from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and from 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 23.

'Gift of Lights'

U.S. Bank presents the 4th annual "The Gift of Lights" at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, until Jan. 2. General admission is $12 per vehicle to enjoy the drive-through holiday light festival. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. 451-0344.

Tai chi classes

Free tai chi classes will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the District at Green Valley Ranch. 458-8855.

Book groups

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District offers the following book discussion groups at area libraries this week:

Mahogany Circle Book Club -- 11 a.m. Saturday, Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. 507-3427.

Rainbow Book Club -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive. 507-3711.

Spring Valley Book Discussion Group -- 7 p.m. Thursday, Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd. 507-3830.