Arcadia Academy Hosts Christmas in the Valley

The Arcadia Academy will host a number of events as part of the bigger and better 2013 Christmas in the Valley. In years past, the Academy was where the Arcadia Valley Christmas Parade ended after starting in Downtown Ironton. More recently, Christmas in the Valley was a weekend event focused on Main Street in Ironton.

First up is the first ever Family Bunco & Bingo night on Black Friday, November 29, at 7pm at Thee Abbey Kitchen in the Academy. Adults are invited to try their luck at the popular dice game Bunco while kids play Christmas Bingo. Everyone will have a chance to win prizes at this free event. An optional dinner will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

"We have wanted to do a game night for a long time," said Academy owner Darwin Rouse. "Christmas in the Valley is the perfect opportunity."

The following Saturday, December 7, the Christmas Parade will end at the Arcadia Academy Gymnasium where children can have their pictures taken with Santa for a nominal fee. At 7pm, there will be a free Contra Dance & Dinner in the Gym. The event is a fundraiser for local music student Dustin Dunn to apply to music colleges. Donations are encouraged.

"I am really grateful to everyone supporting me," Dustin Dunn said. "I will be performing a number of original compositions."

Darwin is glad to give the young student a chance. "Dustin's going to come back one day after playing in Carnegie Hall and give so much to our community."

The next day, Sunday at 3pm, there will be a free showing of "Miracle of 34th Street" in Thee Abbey Kitchen hosted by the River Valley Region Association. "We have wanted to show a movie at the Academy for a long time." said RVRA President Dr. William McCarter. "The Academy has so much potential for all kinds of events."

The 150 year old Academy is an historic district which has been home to a Civil War Hospital, Methodist College and Ursuline Academy and now features a restaurant, ice cream parlor, B&B, hostel rooms, event facilities and more.

Darwin says they have even bigger and better plans for the Academy, including a "blow out Christmas celebration in 2014."

"The Academy is the crown jewel of Arcadia Valley," said event organizer Melissa McCarter. "And it is quickly becoming our area's 'celebration destination.'"

The Arcadia Academy is at 211 College St. in Arcadia, MO. More information is available at http://arcadiavalleyacademy.com.