CHRISTUS: CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier hosted its annual medical staff and board Christmas Party on Dec. 3 at the Gardens of The American Rose Center. A DJ played holiday classics. There was a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and Christmas movies playing for children to enjoy.

–Mark Crawford

Gingerbread: Twentyfour teams competed for “Best in Show” in cake and gingerbread creations Dec. 12 at Frosted – The Cake Off at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. A Celebrity gingerbread man decorating contest preceded. Frosted displays were set up for viewing and judging followed. The family friendly event included a visit with Santa Claus. The winning celebrity team made a reindeer out of the gingerbread man.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Party: The Sons of Italy held its Christmas party Dec. 19 at Eldorado Casino. Italian food was served and a band provided music for dancing.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Toast: Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center hosted Toast: A Night of Dynamic Duos, which was a spectacular evening of tasty food and exciting music Dec. 31. Jason Brady’s Southern Fork Catering provided the delectable buffet, and dueling piano players provided the unique entertainment. The evening culminated with a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop.

–Mark Crawford

Mardi Gras: The krewes of Centaur and Gemini hosted the annual Twelfth Night celebration Jan. 2 at the Bossier Civic Center. The celebration is the official kick off of the Mardi Gras season in the Ark-La-Tex. Members of royalty, including the captains, kings, queens, dukes, duchesses, prince and princesses from each of the Mardi Gras krewes in town were invited on stage and presented to the crowd.

–Mark Crawford

Showcase: SandysDance Center held its Christmas Showcase 2015 at their facility in Shreveport. There were over 20 exhibitions in ballroom, swing, Latin and country dance genres. Performances by champion dancers Jennifer Yarborough and Bob Clanton, as well as Shannon and Rodney Berry were highlights of the event. Guest performers were Kevin Herring and Sherry Taylor of Dallas, Texas and Tonya Lied and Ram Tanguturi of Monroe. Mike Sullivan of West Monroe was the master of ceremonies.