Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Coming to Jacksonville January 21-24

December 22, 2015 By Anne

BELIEVE IN THE UNBELIEVABLE!

TICKETS FOR

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY^® PRESENTS LEGENDS^SM

ON SALE NOW FOR JACKSONVILLE SHOW JANUARY 21-24, 2015

Jacksonville, FL (October 19, 2015) – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents LEGENDS^SM unveils the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages. Legendary circus artists from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder. Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena from January 21-24, 2015. Tickets go on sale October 20, 2015 at 9 a.m.

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson guides Paulo the Legend Seeker on a quest to discover real, living legends from around the world. Audiences will experience Alexander Lacey and his enduring bond with his lions, majestic leopard and tigers during one of the most captivating acts. The Solar Hawks, a dream team of acrobats, come together to amaze by attempting four consecutive triple somersaults on a one-of-a-kind double-wide trapeze specifically designed for The Greatest Show On Earth^®. The Riders of the Wind, Cossack trick-riders will thrill as they thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses stealing your breath with their daring stunts. Experience and learn about the special relationship between trainers and treasured Ringling Bros.^® Asian Elephants as each trainer shows off individual elephant’s natural skills and abilities.

Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show starts an hour before the show. Come down to the arena floor and meet the performers of The Greatest Show On Earth,get autographs, take photos and enter to win a one-of-a-kind pachyderm painting.

Ticketholders can purchase an upgrade and go backstage with a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The backstage experience includes an insider look at props and wardrobe, an up close and personal encounter with the animals and a chance to meet stars from the show. Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures and learn educational fun facts. To take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, just log on to ringlingbros.expapp.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone, and provide your name, e-mail and phone number to become a VIP circus insider.

For more information visit Ringling.com.

Performance Schedule: Thursday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 22 at 7:30; Saturday, January 23 at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 24 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presemts LEGENDS start at $15,. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by visiting www.ringling.com or calling 800-745-3000. For group rates and information, call 866-248-8740.

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz^®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Disney Live! Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.FeldEntertainment.com.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

The Avenues Mall Working With Local Non-Profits #RonaldMcdonaldHouse #Salvationarmy #UrbanServ

December 10, 2015 By Marijean

THE AVENUES WORKING WITH LOCAL NON-PROFITS
Jacksonville community is invited to give-back this holiday season

Tis the season for giving! Simon Property Group is pleased to announce that this holiday season, The Avenues is supporting three local not-for-profits including Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Salvation Army and UCOM UrbanServ in an effort to spread generosity and cheer to the less fortunate. The Avenues will accept donations for each organization until December 21, 2015.

“We are thrilled that the Jacksonville community is so supportive of our local not-for-profit groups, and are pleased to be working with these dynamic charities during the holiday season,” said Carla De Maria, director of marketing and business development at The Avenues. “Giving back is truly the reason for the season, and it is a joy to see the city working together for these special causes.”

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville supports the health and well-being of children by providing lodging and other services for critically ill, chronically ill and seriously injured children and their families. The 30-bedroom house allows families to stay together and close to their children during a very trying time. To help provide for these families, The Avenues is serving as a drop-off location for Wish List items, which include items such as paper towels, laundry detergent, non-perishable foods and cleaning supplies. For a detailed list of wish-list items, please visit: http://rmhcjacksonville.org/how-you-can-help/wish-list/

The mission of The Salvation Army during the holiday season is two-fold. The organization has set up their traditional red-kettles outside The Avenues to support the agency’s hunger and homelessness programs, such as the food pantry, throughout the year. The Avenues is also participating in The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, a 36-year old program that provides Christmas gifts for children ages 0-12 whose families have proven financial hardship. The community is invited to pick an angel from the tree. When you pick an angel from the tree, you will have the information you need to make that child’s Christmas brighter, including the child’s first name, clothing size, age, and details about what kinds of gifts they might like to receive.

For more than 35 years, UCOM UrbanServ, Inc has worked tirelessly to serve the hungry and poor in our community. This year, Jacksonville residents can drop off nonperishable goods at The Avenues during the holiday season and help UCOM UrbanServ ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

About The Avenues
The Avenues is Jacksonville’s premier family-friendly shopping destination. A multi-level indoor shopping center offering more than 1.1 million square-feet of shopping, The Avenues is home to 5 department stores including Belk, Dillard’s, Forever 21, JCPenney and Sears, plus more than 150 of the most exciting stores in Northeast Florida. Retailers include Aeropostale, Aldo, American Eagle, Banana Republic, bareMinerals, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Charming Charlie, Express, Francesca’s Collections, H&M, LOFT, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, MAC Cosmetics, New York & Company, The Limited, Victoria’s Secret, and more. The mall is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. For additional information, please contact the mall management office at (904) 363-3054 or visit www.shoptheavenues.com.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER HOSTS 10th ANNUAL HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

November 9, 2015 By Marijean

Celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season at the 10th Annual St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular on November 14, 2015! Holiday shoppers, families and visitors are invited to attend the action-packed day of free family fun and musical performances!

St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular!

The annual holiday celebration kicks off at 2 p.m. with free festivities and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors will enjoy ice skating, magicians, holiday photo opportunities, games, giveaways, costume characters, holiday entertainment and more. Additionally, St. Johns Town Center retailers will offer holiday shopping opportunities, in-store promotions and specials throughout the weekend.

Main stage entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with dynamic holiday performances, including a show-stopping finale by headliner, Bea Miller. The Main Stage is located in the Town Green in front of Maggiano’s Little Italy on Midtown Parkway.

Bea Miller will be performing at this free event!

For Holiday Spectacular’s grand finale, Santa will lead the crowd in an official countdown to light the dazzling 32-foot tree and kick off an energetic fireworks finale at 8 p.m. Santa will then be available at the Santa House near Dick’s Sporting Goods to hear holiday wish lists.

WHERE: St. Johns Town Center
4663 River City Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32246

WHEN: Saturday, November 14

EVENT
HIGHLIGHTS:

2 p.m.- Family Activities Begin

6 p.m.- Main Stage Performances Begin

7:10 p.m.- Bea Miller Performs

8 p.m.- Santa Arrives and Lights the Tree

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Santa’s Arrival at The Avenues Mall

November 3, 2015 By Marijean

THE AVENUES SPREADS CHRISTMAS CHEER WITH SANTA’S ARRIVAL
Kids are invited to welcome Santa as he makes his helicopter landing from the North Pole to Jacksonville!

WHAT: Santa Claus is coming to town! Jacksonville-area families are invited to celebrate the joy of the holiday season and welcome jolly ol’ Saint Nick to The Avenues! Santa will make a spectacular helicopter landing at The Avenues on November 6 for all to see!

The fifth annual event will feature live entertainment by X-Hale and a holiday show by Mad Science. Additionally, attendees will enjoy bounce houses, face painting, photo booth, food, games, and a magical fireworks show.

After meeting everyone on the nice list, Santa will take his place at his winter wonderland home in Center Court, where he will pose for photos and listen to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve.

COST: Free. *Santa photo prices vary; please see Santa Set in Center Court for more details.

WHEN: 5th Annual Santa’s Arrival
Friday, November 6 from 6-8 p.m.

WHERE: The Avenues – Buffalo Wild Wings Parking Lot
10300 Southside Boulevard  Jacksonville, FL 32256

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Operation Christmas Child

October 28, 2015 By Marijean

Deliver Good News and Great Joy to Boys and Girls Around the World

Every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism discipleship- transforming the lives of children and their families around the world.

That’s what happens through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to millions of children who have little or nothing.
Each shoebox is individually packed by someone like you, filled with stuffed animals, balls, small toys, school supplies, and other fun items.

After receiving shoebox gifts, many children are invited to participate in The Greatest Journey, the 12-lesson discipleship program developed by Samaritan’s Purse where they learn how to faithfully follow Christ and share the Gospel with others.
If you have a heart for children and a passion for prayer, I encourage you to get involved in Operation Christmas Child. Learn how to pack a shoebox and where to drop it off during our National Collection Week, November 16-23.

Here are some suggestions of what to put in the box:

Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.

School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

Non-liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.

Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.

Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets.

A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.

Here are some drop off location in the Jacksonville area:

Jacksonville, FL – Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church
Jacksonville, FL – Crown Point Baptist Church
Saint Augustine, FL – Village Church Youth Center
Saint Johns, FL – Fruit Cove Baptist Church
Fleming Island, FL – Hibernia Baptist Church
Jacksonville, FL – North Jacksonville Baptist Church