Good morning, Amarillo.

Amarillo Parks and Rec presented a master plan for John Stiff Memorial Park at a Tuesday city council meeting to develop a 30-acre area into a revenue-generating extension with retail, dining and community spaces.

The phased plan is designed to enhance park amenities and support events while preserving public control.

Northside Toy Drive, aimed at underprivileged kids + families in need, will be held on Dec.

13 at Palo Duro High School from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Local residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys at selected sites until Dec. 19.

The Grinch will host a free pancake breakfast on Saturday, Dec.

13 at HIS Church (6300 Arden Rd) for a chance to meet him. He will return on Friday, Dec. 19 at McDonald's (2910 Soncy Rd) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for hot chocolate, coloring, and a photo booth.

At the Amarillo Civic Center on Wed, Dec.

3, the Texas Wheat Producers Association and Ag Natural Resources Council held their annual ag symposium and lunch and donated $3,500 to the High Plains Food Bank to provide 30,000 meals while a food drive raised over $350,000 to support local families.

Mi Gente, Amarillo’s popular food truck, has opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in the former Butterlove Dinnerhouse at Pucket Plaza Shopping Center, with a soft opening running from 5–9 p.m. this week as staff finalizes the menu and trains on site.

Fairly Group and The OccuNet Company invite locals to Hodgetown for Christmas In The Sky this Friday, with free entry.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and festivities featuring fireworks, Santa pictures in the batting cage, and complimentary hot chocolate, milk, and cookies begin at 7 p.m.

After WT ended funding for its building, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum will relocate to safeguard over 2 million artifacts; its board is in early talks with potential partners + planning a new facility for the collection.

The Amarillo Symphony will perform HAPPY Holiday Pops at Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts on Dec.

19 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., with holiday carols, classic tunes & an interactive sing-a-long featuring the Master Chorale and Annika Spalding. Heroes receive ticket discounts.

Kress Elementary will take 14 third-graders on a field trip to watch Lone Star Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at the Amarillo Civic Center this weekend, funded by a Texas Cultural Trust grant & easing arts education challenges.

Crockett Middle School seventh grader Meagan Madera won the 2025 TFA Billboard Art Contest on Dec.

10 at her school, where community partners celebrated her art that promotes tobacco-free living. Her artwork will appear on local billboards in early 2026 + she received a $500 cash prize.

At Monday evening’s board meeting, Amarillo ISD reviewed a report showing 19% of students were learning English as a second language (mostly Spanish speakers with some Somali) while K-2 test scores improved and 416 students were reclassified this year.

United Way of Amarillo and Canyon held a one-day youth leadership conference on Wednesday that taught high school students community leadership skills.

The event drew 287 students, and organizers expect to exceed 300 attendees next year.

The Parks and Recreation Department found repairs for the aging Southwest and Southeast pools may cost $1 million, leading the agency to propose closing them at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Mayor Stanley asked if a consultant could explore replacement ideas, with a decision planned by January *for a year-round facility*.

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has begun training with Amarillo Zoo staff in preparation for a potential partnership.

The city council will review and vote on the finalized agreement Jan. 13 to improve animal care and expand education programs.

The Amarillo Sod Poodles and other minor league teams under the Arizona Diamondbacks share the MiLB Sportsmanship Award, reflecting their commitment to respect and professionalism on the field.

The honor recognizes steady improvement in on-field behavior + a focus on teamwork.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — O.H.M.S. Cafe & Bar — Ticket discounts available — Wear your ugliest sweater and enjoy a festive night out with drinks and fun.

Amarillo Symphony - Happy Holiday Pops

7:30-9 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Free for veterans and first responders — Celebrate the holidays with favorite carols and a joyful sing-along at this cherished local tradition.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Tickets required — Experience dazzling circus performances set to your favorite holiday music.