Happy Friday, Amarillo. In today’s edition: West Nile prevention guidance, merry and bright craft show, portraits with Santa, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

West Nile prevention guidance: Texas health officials reported a second human West Nile case in Potter County, with at least 29 confirmed activity across at least nine Panhandle counties in 2025 — learn symptoms and prevention steps.

City weighs infrastructure amendment: Canyon commissioners tabled an amendment for Circle K’s Mayra Park development, delaying water line plans for a project adding 600 homes, with a finalized agreement expected by the January meeting — get all the details.

Building healthier school communities: The American Heart Association has honored Amarillo educator Melissa Smith as one of nine national leaders for advancing student health through the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge — see how to get involved.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Wear PJs for Polar Express movie night
• Experience timeless magic in this ballet performance
• Decorate cookies, meet Santa, tour Christmas lights
• Enjoy breakfast, crafts, and Santa photos
• Lay wreaths to honor fallen veterans
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Community beautification in action: Project Clean-Up is back in holiday mode, giving some TLC to the area around Amarillo Country Club. Fuller and Son’s crew tackled blocks between Bell and Western, from I-40 north to the club. Have a spot that needs sprucing? You can nominate neighborhoods for upcoming cleanups. See how to nominate.

Expanded counseling access announced: Amarillo College has launched a TELUS Health partnership, giving all AC students free, 24/7 mental health support by phone, video, text, and in person. It offers unlimited sessions, evening and weekend hours, and a broader counselor network, while saving the college about $200,000 a year and better serving students juggling work and family. Get all the details.

Garage-door beer vibes: Grab a seat at Pondaseta Brewing Co., a former tire shop turned Amarillo favorite pouring from 21 taps. Roll up the bay doors for that garage vibe, catch weekly trivia and live music, and hit the house food trailer for burgers, tacos, and loaded fries.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🎤 Erica Lane Music @ Globe-News Performing Arts Center | Friday (12/5) at 7:30pm – Whether you still miss vinyl or just miss quiet, Erica Lane rolls in with that big, powerful voice and a crew of world-class players to jump-start the holidays. Expect genre hopping, goosebumps, and the kind of cheer you actually want to hear.

🎤 Live Music with Jay Siegel @ Old Tascosa Brewery | Friday (12/5) at 8:00pm – Nothing beats live music after a long day, especially with Jay Siegel on the mic. Expect a relaxed set, tight musicianship, and a vibe where you can sip something decent, catch up with friends, and still hear the lyrics. Low effort, high quality.

This weekend

🧶 3rd Annual Merry and Bright Craft Show @ First Christian Church ‘Disciples of Christ’ Amarillo, TX | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Skip the big-box chaos and wander an all-indoor, free craft market packed with local makers, live music, and kid distractions that actually work. Sip coffee or herbal tea, sniff fresh bread and candles, then hunt for crochet, plants, jewelry, and one mysterious surprise.

😂 Next Stop Comedy @ Old Tascosa Brewery | Saturday (12/06) at 7:00pm – Big laughs roll into the neighborhood as touring comics take over the brewery for a night of sharp sets and good vibes. The lineups change every show, so you never know what kind of hilarious chaos awaits. Grab a pint, grab a seat, and prepare to laugh loudly in public.

🎧 S. Reidy @ The 806 | Saturday (12/06) at 9:00pm – Settle into the cozy glow of The 806 for an intimate night with genre-blending artist S. Reidy. Expect thoughtful lyrics, atmospheric vibes, and the kind of performance that pulls you in close. Perfect for ending your Saturday on a soulful, indie note.

🛍️ Holiday Market @ Valdez Roofing | Sunday (12/7) at 10:00am – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to shop local without battling a big-box parking lot, here it is. Valdez Roofing is swapping shingles for sugar cookies with a cozy holiday market, local vendors, cocoa, and neighborly chit-chat. Gift list, meet finish line.

🎅 Portraits with Santa @ Western Photo Service | Sunday (12/7) at 1:00pm – Whether your holiday card is still a blank or you just want proof the kids met the big guy, swing by for one-day Santa portraits. Little ones hand over wish lists, you get frame-worthy shots, and no mall chaos, just smiles, keepsakes, and hometown cheer.

🎩 Sunday Funday Matinee @ Amarillo Magic Co. | Sunday (12/07) at 2:00pm – Bring the whole crew for 90 minutes of upbeat magic, comedy, and interactive surprises that keep kids and grown-ups equally entertained. It’s the kind of show that makes skeptics gasp and little ones wiggle with excitement. Seats are limited—but the wonder definitely isn’t.

Next week

🎆 New Year, New Habits @ IPOW Physical Therapy & Wellness | Monday (12/8) at 6:00pm – Think your willpower needs a spotter? This Bridge Program puts a personal trainer in your corner for thoughtful weight loss, real strength gains, and steady support, no fads. Space is limited, so snag a spot before your New Year oomph fades to Netflix.

🤠 Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas @ Amarillo Little Theatre | Monday (12/8) at 7:00pm – Trade mall carols for a Cowboy Christmas with Michael Martin Murphey and his Rio Grande Band, where twang meets twinkle lights, Western art, big-sky video, and trail-dust photography. It is part concert, part prairie postcard. Tickets go on sale soon, so corral your crew.

🎅 Christmas Photos with Santa @ Green Door Group, LLC | Tuesday (12/9) at 6:00pm – Skip the mall chaos and get your annual Santa pics without the elbowing crowds. Sip hot chocolate, negotiate your wish list, and let the kids, grandkids, pets, or reluctant spouses smile for once. It is festive, easy, and mercifully close to parking.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/6 Merry and Bright Craft Show @ First Christian Church – 9 am
• 12/8 Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas @ Amarillo Little Theatre – 7 pm
• 12/9 Christmas Photos with Santa @ Green Door Group – 6 pm
• 12/10 AAF Amarillo Christmas and Bingo Party @ Amarillo Club – 11:45 am
• 12/12 Aaron Watson Family Christmas Tour @ Globe-News Performing Arts Center – 8 pm
• 12/12 Ben Garcia @ Golden Light Cantina – 7 pm
• 12/12 Katie Beth Mihm Trio @ Butler’s – 9 pm
• 12/13 Goldenlight Beer Garden @ Goldenlight Beer & Wine Garden – 8 pm