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December 2014 | Weekend Edition
 
 
  
 

Q&A with TCBY/Mrs. Fields Franchise Owner: Patrick Kell

The INSIDER took a moment to visit the newly opened TCBY/Mrs. Fields in downtown, El Paso to speak with Patrick Kell, owner operator of the shop. We learned he loves the color purple, chocolate and downtown. 

 
Why choose TCBY/Mrs. Field's to start a new business in El Paso?

As a child, I grew up with a pint of TCBY in my home refrigerator every week, at least. My mother was absolutely in love with TCBY. I remember, fondly, my mother calling my father before he left work to ask him to be sure to stop by TCBY before coming home. We would also spend many weekend afternoons at the TCBY on Montwood dr., enjoying our favorite flavors. 

My mother and I shared the same favorite - the low-fat Strawberry soft serve. And so, I've always had a beautiful memory in my mind of TCBY. I searched for years to find the brand that was right for me. I dabbled in many, but never felt at home. Finally, after more maturity and life experiences, I came full circle - back to The Country's Best Yogurt. I feel at home now. I'm so, so happy to be a member of the TCBY & Mrs. Fields family, as they were very much a part of my family growing up. It feels special to me. I'm happy here.
 

  

 

 
  
 
Important Information about Downtown Construction 

 

The rehabilitation of Downtown El Paso continues its course. Important developments are getting done to improve upon our already beautiful downtown. 

 

A block of Santa Fe Street between Franklin and Main will be shut down due to the rehabilitation of the bridges over the train-way. Santa Fe Street is an important common commute coming in and out of downtown. 

 

The closure/detour will be in place starting December 8th, 2014 to February 28th, 2015. Traffic flow should remain as smooth as it is currently but feel free to search for alternative routes to navigate around downtown. 

 

Feel free to share this information since many people may not be aware of the closure.  

 

Monday December 8th 2014  -February 28th 2015 

400 Block of North Santa Fe Street

Downtown El Paso 

 


  

 

 
  
 
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker 

 

Moscow Ballet's spectacular Great Russian Nutcracker is the must-see event this holiday season! Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as 40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. 

 

Started in North America in 1993, The Moscow's Ballet inaugural season included mainly major cities in the East Coast, since then the annual tour has increased to include about 100 performances on the tour to cities from San Juan to Calgary, and from New York to California, traveling with two simultaneously touring companies of forty dancers each.

 

The New York Times raves "Knock Out!" Experience Tchaikovsky's master score this Christmas with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, a growing Christmas Tree and super-sized Matrushka dolls

 

Tickets can be found at any ticketmaster outlet or the Plaza Theatre box office or by calling 915.546.0609

 

Tuesday December 23rd, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. & 7 p.m. 

Plaza Theatre

125 East Mills Avenue 

Downtown El Paso

Cost: $37-$100

  

 

 
  
 
New Years Eve Ball Drop! 

 

Finally a New Year's party that will drop jaws when the ball drops. The Largest New Year's Party in the Sun City is taking over Club 101 and Stanton Street featuring the only LED Ball Drop in El Paso.

 

Outdoor Block Party -"El Paso's Times Square":
This year everyone's going downtown for the countdown, for Free. The outdoor block party is free for guests, all ages welcome. El Paso's Time Square will be filled with live music DJs, street vendors, food trucks, adult beverages and drinks for the kiddos, heaters, and of course, the ball drop. 

 

The giant LED ball is held by a crane high in the night sky for all to see as everyone counts down to 2015, making it El Paso's Times Square!

 

Inside Club 101:
Step inside Club 101 and turn it up with even more live music, dancing and another ball drop! Inside tickets are only $25 in advance and $35 at the door and include access to indoors and outdoors (tickets valid for 21 and up).

 

Start the New Year right with the VIP experience! Table reservations are $350 and include 6 indoor tickets, a reserved table for 6, VIP bottle service (gratuity included), party favors and access to the entire event footprint.

 

Do not miss this Two giant balls dropping New Year's extravaganza. 

Event details at www.klaq.com and www.club101.com.

Tickets on sale now at Club 101, the KLAQ Studios and holdmyticket.com.

For table reservations call Club 101 at 915-256-7633.

 

Wednesday December 31st, 2014 at 9 p.m.

Club 101 

201 N. Stanton

Downtown El Paso

Cost: Outside- Free, Inside- $25 in advance. 

 


  

 

 
  
 
Santa Claus at The Exploreum!

 

El Paso Exploreum is hosting Santa Claus.Santa is taking a break before his big day in Christmas Day, take advantage of Santa's visit and bring your children to take pictures with him.


Bring your cameras and your wish lists for a personal visit. Have children make requests as they receive a special treat.

 

Santa will appear at the top of each hour during the museum's operating hours. For more information call 915.533.4330

 

Saturday December 20th, 2014 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Sunday December 21st, 2014 from noon to 6 p.m.

El Paso Exploreum

300 W. San Antonio Av. 

Downtown El Paso 

Cost: $8


  

 

 
  
 
The Morning After Champagne Brunch at Union Plaza!

J&K, The Garden and Tabla bring you the latest edition of the 'Morning After' party-series. This time is a holiday themed ' Morning After'.

 

Union Plaza prepares to close December in a morning party before the Christmas and New Year's Celebrations. 

 

The Morning After Ugly Sweater Block Party will be surrounded by brick buildings, champagne bottles, food and beer specials, and music from renowned local favorites as Johnny Kage, Omar Garnika, Tommy Bustillos, and Joey Funk.

 

Enjoy this party and close Downtown for a brunch this Sunday, December 21st!

RSVP at jandkpresent.com. No cover charge before 2 p.m. 

 

Sunday December 21st, 2014 at 9 a.m.

Union Plaza

511 Western St.

Downtown El Paso

Cost: Free before 2 p.m.

  

 

 
  
 
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Tricky Falls!   

Pull out your ugly Christmas sweater and join Bowie Feathers for a festive event and a fun old time.

 

There will be live entertainment music from DJ Bloody Holly, Narcisso Adonis, and Mizz Alfred.

Also, the party will be full of winter cocktails, thematic drinks, Christmas cookies and much more.

 

Bowie Feathers will be accepting unused toys for a Christmas Toy Drive, so bring your appetite, thirst, toys, and holiday spirit to share and make someone else's holiday bettter. 

 

Sunday December 21st, 2014 at 9 p.m.

Bowie Feathers

209 S. El Paso

Downtown El Paso

Cost: Free

For more information call 915.351.9938

 

  

 

 
  
 
New Year's Downtown Celebration! 

 

Downtown El Paso has you covered to receive the New Year with parties or dinners depending on your preferences.

 

Cafe Central, The Garden, Camino Real Hotel, 301 Nightlife, The Garden, Tabla, Tricky Falls, 1914, and many other establishments will gladly receive your group, couples, or single reservations.

 

Each establishment has their theme, dress code, fees, music and entertainment; so for your delight Downtown El Paso has something for every single one of you.

 

Visit our webpage for more information, details, and links to the participation establishments.

 

Happy New Year!

 

Wednesday December 31st, 2014 at 9 p.m.

Downtown El Paso 

Cost: Variable  

 

  

 

 
  
 
Downtown Arts and Farmers Market!

 

Artist and Farmers' Market takes place every Saturday morning. The market offers original arts and crafts, food vending, regionally grown agricultural products and entertainment from local artists, artisans and farmers in El Paso County.

 

Established in 2011, the market offers residents and visitors the
opportunity to shop in an outdoor setting while enjoying great food and free
activities for the entire family. 

 

Help support your local artists and farmers by shopping local every Saturday at the Downtown Artist and Farmers' Market! 

 

This December 20th is the LAST Market of the year! Come hungry and ready to shop. Enjoy great live entertainment, free arts & crafts activities with teaching artists, tasty eats & treats, and of course, the best in holiday gift options from talented vendors. 

Be sure to bring your Downtown Arts and Farmers Market gift purchases by the Family Arts & Crafts booth this Saturday where the teaching artists will be well equipped with all of the festive trimmings you need to make Do It Yourself wrapping paper, as always, Free of charge! Nothing sweeter than unique, handmade.
 

Parking is available.

Saturday December 20th, 2014.

9am-1pm

Union Plaza District

Downtown El Paso

 

  

 

 
  
 
Experience the Culture- Holiday Shopping in DWNTWN!

It the last weekend before Christmas and it is time for Christmas shopping and there is no better place in town to supply you with holiday-themed goods as downtown. Shop DWNTWN to experience the border culture while having unique and diverse shopping opportunities at many of the retailers located downtown. 

 

Visit Mercado Paisano located at 400 S. Oregon to find Mexican arts and crafts, Mexican cuisine, and an extensive variety of stores that will make you feel that you are actually in Mexico.

 

Downtown offers you a wide variety of goods at unbelievable prices. Stop by and encounter the latest in fashion in retails stores such as Krystal Jeans, Hollands, Continental Dry Goods, and many more! 

 

Stores such as Mr. Hats, La Coqueta, El Loco Gamez, are among the many stores that offer you the biggest variety in accessories for you or your little ones to be ready for school. 

 

Look good and smell good! Perfumeria Rachelle I & II, Genesis Perfumeria, S K Cosmetics, La Pila Relojeria, GJ Jewelry Shop, and dozens of other stores offer you the greatest selection of beauty supplies and accessories. 

 

Shopping builds an appetite? Downtown is known for the most delicious authentic food from a variety of eateries such as La Feria Grill, Caf� Colon, Hello Day Cafe, and Hong Kong Express. 

 

Do not limit yourself to the stores listed above there about 300 stores located downtown where you can get great products for the best prices while enjoying the rich borderland culture!

  

 

 
  
 
The Dirty River Boys!

 

The Dirty River Boys are paving their own road as they travel it. They are a testament to the idea that "if you can dream it, you can do it," moving with determination ever closer to the light. 

 

Above all is their belief in their music. It motivates them and provides exultation for each member, as well as for the audiences who have become fans by the force field the band creates in live performance.
 

Steely intention aside, there is a magic to being in the right place with the right stuff at the right time. Home in El Paso, the Dirty River Boys yearned to make music the centerpiece of their lives.

 

The Dirty River Boys return home for the last show of this year before retaking their already extensive tour in middle January 2015. 

 

Friday December 19th, 2014 at 7 p.m. 

Tricky Falls

209 S. El Paso St.   

Downtown El Paso

Cost: $12

  

 

 
  
 
Pop-Up Mercado X-Mas Edition!

The Pop-up Mecado X-Mas edition just got better! Tabla invites you to participate in their creative and crafty swap meet. 

 

Do you have any cool items you no longer need? Books, movies, vintage clothes, art, vintage or hand-crafted home decor? Come set up a table and sell or swap your unique items.

 

Find a variety of local vendors from art, music, fair trade artisans, jewelry, baked goods, pet goodies, handmade objects, activities for kids, comics, food and more that can make your X'mas gifts very special. And before or after shopping you can enjoy a delicious lunch from our host Tabla.
 

Shop local and support small local businesses!! 


Saturday December 20th, at 10 a.m. 

Tabla Restaurant

115 Durango Street

Union Plaza 

Downtown El Paso 

 

  

 

 
  
 
Mercado Paisano Posada!  

 

Mercado Paisano invites you to join them for their very first traditional Mexican posada.

 

Mercado Paisano posada consists of live holiday music, Mexican posada gastronomy, and a great fun atmosphere for everyone in the family.

 

Mercado Paisano will be featuring amazing offers and discounts in merchandise inside the mercado, as well as many other surprises for guests and shoppers.

 

Saturday December 20th, 2014 at 1-3 p.m.

Mercado Paisano

400 S. Oregon St.

Downtown El Paso 

 

  

 

 
  
 
#Project301 presents Shaded at 301 Nightlife

Project 301 is a music initiative by 301 Nightlife of bringing renowned DJs, quality underground music, and DJs recently signed by major labels with the potential of becoming big Electronic music stars.

 

This series of events are often free just by making an online RSVP (at eventbrite), which guarantees your entrance and no-cover charge if the guest arrives before 11 p.m.

 

This week features SHADED known for his signature sound - a weaving combination of funky, psychedelic vibes and textures, making his sets something to remember. His sound is undeniable in character and is breathing new life into the techno house world

 

For additional information and table reservations call 915.307.5514. All #project301 concerts are for guests ages 18 and over. 

 

Friday December 19th, 2014 at 9 p.m.

301 Nightlife

301 S. Ochoa 

Downtown El Paso

Cost: Free if RSVP

 

  

 

 
  
 
123 B.C. - The Balearic Islands under Rome through Archaeological Evidence given by Sebastian Ribas-Normand

In the year 123 B.C. Quintus Caecilius Metellus, Consul of Rome, took over the military campaign of conquest of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Iberian Peninsula. 

 

The Balearic Islands were renowned for their Slingers, who had been recruited as mercenaries by Carthaginians, and after the 2nd Punic War, by Romans as well as auxiliaries. The islands were included in the Tarraconensis Province of Hispania (Spain).

 

This lecture aims to do a visual trip through the History of the Islands from their conquest by Metellus in 123 B.C., until the end of the 5th Century A.D. when Roman rule is replaced by the Vandal kingdom. 

 

Images from multiple archaeological sites and numerous artifacts will explain the rich history left at a provincial level by the Romans, being a perfect example of what would have happened throughout the Empire and that is known as Romanization.

 

Saturday December 20th, 2014 at 2 p.m.

El Paso Museum of History

510 N. Santa Fe St. 

Downtown El Paso

 

  

 

 
  
 
Citizenship Classes at the Library!

Whether you moved to the United States for better school and/or work opportunities or to be with your family, this beautiful land gives you the right to earn your United States of America citizenship.

 

The extensive procedures and paperwork can be a hassle, the El Paso Public Libraries are helping individuals with Citizenship classes to help and ease the load of this important process. 

 

The classes are offered every Tuesday in all library branches at 5 p.m. For Additional information call 915.543.5433

 

Tuesday December 23rd, 2014

El Paso Public Library-Main Branch

501 N. Oregon Street

Downtown El Paso

  

 

 
  
 
Teen Hangout at Armijo Library!

Come hangout or send your teen every Tuesday to the Armijo Library and join them in the fun of Science, Technology, Math, Engineering, video games, graffiti art, movie nights, Young Adult Literature, painting, music, and much more! Open to all tweens and teens. 

For two full hours every Tuesday the El Paso Public Library- Armijo Branch has an afternoon loaded with fun, creativity, and relationship building, plus snacks are provided for free!  

 

Tuesday December 23rd, 2014 4:30-6:30

Armijo Library

620 E. 7th Avenue. 

Downtown El Paso

  

 

 
  
 
World Cinema Series- El Paso Museum of Art!

The World Cinema Series continues with another film screening. This event is free, however a $3.00 suggested non-member adult donation is appreciated and will be used to purchase books for the Algur H. Meadows Library. 

 

Due to restrictions imposed by the film licensing organization the museum is not able to publicly list of the titles of the films being shown. 

 

Seating is limited to 220 people and is on a first come, first served basis. Entrance stickers may be obtained at the El Paso Museum of Art Store

 

Saturday December 27th at 2 p.m.

El Paso Museum of Art Energy Auditorium

1 Arts Festival Plaza

Arts District

Downtown El Paso 

  

 

 
  
 
Dwntwn Pictorial Parking Guide!

Below is a pictorial guide of some of the parking garages and surface lots shown on the parking map.  Not all are pictured however, this may serve to help you better plan, so come gameday you have a game-plan.  (Costs are not listed as they are subject to change)