THIS YEAR'S holiday season has arrived with a blanket of snow.
And while many of us have been preoccupied with shopping and decking the halls, a number of local groups have been busy putting the final touches on holiday programs that add a little Christmas magic to your holidays.
Chesapeake High School Theater Group is presenting Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella at 7 p.m. today and tomorrow in the school auditorium, 4796 Mountain Road.
Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children younger than 12 and seniors.
Teacher Karen Simmons said many people might be familiar with this version of the fairy-tale classic since it has been performed on television quite a few times.
Heading the cast of lead characters is Liz Wright as Cinderella, with Nathan Volke as the Prince. Tabitha Sizemore is the evil stepmother, assisted by her equally evil daughters Portia, played by Kristina Sorensen, and Joy, played by Lindsey Grieb.
Cinderella's fairy godmother is played by Gera Hall, with Christopher Uhl as the King and Amy Voith as the Queen.
Other cast members include: Jacob Kahan as the steward; Kristi Rains as the herald; John Pappas as the chef; Steve Baguley and Marty Schmidt as the footmen; and Erin Drenning, Malori Miller and Tiffany Oller as the mice.
The musical is directed by Tim Simmons with Eileen Schaughency assisting. Rose Mullikin is the choreographer with Karen Simmons as music director and Jeremy Ragsdale providing orchestration.
Student stage managers for this production are Sarah Silanskis and Anne Wilmoth.
Information: CHS Music Department, 410-255-5234.
Christmas bazaar
For those who need a dose of sweet homemade goodies to kick off the season, the Ladies Aid Society at Jenkins Memorial Church in Riviera Beach is having a Christmas bazaar and cookie sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.
The bazaar will feature more than 20 crafters selling handmade holiday gifts and home decorating items.
Shoppers also will be able to purchase cookies and candies, baked by congregation members. Rita Gunther, church spokeswoman, said the desserts are available for $4.50 per pound.
The church is at 131 Riviera Drive.
Information: 410-437-2846.
Lighted boat parade
A waterfront tradition along the shores of Stoney and Rock creeks, the Marley Boat Club's lighted boat parade returns to delight neighbors of all ages this evening.
According to Carol Hicks, fleet captain, many club members, their families, friends and a few nonmember boat owners have gone all out decorating their boats for this year's parade.
"I can't begin to count the number of lights on the boats, but it's got to be in the thousands," Hicks said.
The local tradition began 16 years ago as a way for the club to wish everyone along the water's edge a happy holiday season.
The parade of boats will depart about 6 p.m. from Stoney Creek. The fleet will cruise the creek waters and will pass under Stoney Creek Bridge about 7 p.m.
The parade will arrive at the mouth of Rock Creek at 8 p.m., and then on to the Anchor Inn.
All times are approximate and subject to weather conditions.
Information: 410-255-8045.
Florida fruit sale
Need some Florida citrus for your holiday? The East Anne Arundel Lions Club is taking orders for navel oranges, tangerines and ruby red grapefruit through tomorrow.
Orders are also being accepted for one-pound Benson fruitcake.
Orders will be available for pickup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Community United Methodist Church, 8680 Fort Smallwood Road.
Proceeds benefit Lions club community projects.
To order: 410-255-1783, 410-255-1128 or 410-255-7207. E-mail orders accepted at lmsm@erols.com or mgrif10111@aol.com.
Sportfishing meeting
The Pasadena Sportfishing Group will have its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Earleigh Heights fire hall, on Ritchie Highway.
There will be drawings for several prizes, including the big Christmas treasure chest plus a few prizes for ladies.
The doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and refreshments, sold by Earleigh Heights volunteers. Free cake and coffee will be served during the meeting.
Membership in the PSG is free and is open to anglers of all ages.
Information: 410-HEY-FISH (439-3474) or visit the Web site, www.heyfish.com.