The Outlook

Winter Blues Fest 2012 activities will include a talent show, a cook-off, crafts, workshops, a poker walk, a winter ball – and more.

Here’s the schedule, and for details about each event, visit Monument Square District’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/msdurbana, or call 937-869-8720:

Tuesday, March 6
•    Pamper the Blues Away, noon-4 p.m.: Hair Co. The Salon and Spa, 207 N. Main St., is offering a sale of select services, plus a free paraffin hand treatment to visitors who mention the Pamper the Blues Away Event.
•    Hot Dish Cook-off, 5-6:30 p.m.: Includes a professional category for restaurants and an amateur category, with one winner from each, at Mike Major’s studio, 119 Miami St. Judging by the public, 5-6 p.m., with proceeds going to the Champaign County Arts Council.

Wednesday, March 7
•    Wonder Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Downtown businesses will offer hands-on workshops, demonstrations and more.

Thursday, March 8
•    Kids’ Day, 1-5 p.m.: Stores will offer arts and crafts, puzzles, scavenger hunts, story time and more.
•    Champaign’s Got Talent, 7-9 p.m.: Contestants must enter in advance at Hometown Music, 237 N. Main St., as individuals or groups. For kids and adults, the competition will be held at the Urbana United Methodist Church, 238 N. Main St. Winners will compete in finals to be held July 5 at Grimes Field.

Friday, March 9
•    Dress Blues, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.:  Showing off the latest in “blue” fashions, live mannequins will progress through downtown shops that carry clothing. Refreshments will be served.
•    Chase the Blues Poker Walk, 4-7 p.m.: Walkers start at the Depot Coffeehouse, 644 Miami St., collecting a poker card at each of the stops, which also include The Chocolate Shop, The Boston, Main Street Tattoos and Absolute Floral. The best three poker hands win prizes, including a basket of gifts from downtown businesses. Entry is a donation of a coat, hat, gloves, mittens, scarf or blanket for the Caring Kitchen.

Saturday, March 10
•    Snowman Building Contest, noon-1:30 p.m.:  Free individual and team competition in the gravel lot on Monument Square to build snowmen with whatever is available at the time – if not snow, materials provided by Monument Square District. Most Creative will win a family fun prize.
•    Winter Ball, 7-11 p.m.: An evening of music and fun hosted by Monument Square District at Roberts on Miami, 116 Miami St. Tickets are available at Guild Galleries, 118 N. Main St. This formal event will include light hors d’oeuvres and door prizes of gift certificates from local stores.


Window Display Competition
In addition, downtown businesses are encouraged to enter a Winter Blues Fest window display contest. Windows are to be decorated by February 20, and the winner will be announced March 10. Stores will have ballots for customers, and photos of the displays will be posted on the Monument Square District Facebook page, where visitors can vote.