Meet Frances Thompson, above right, the indefatigable and multi-talented event planner for today's Holiday on the Plaza, and many other events that occur in the CWE, including the Halloween extravaganza and the recent ArtCWE celebration. This is the ninth year Frances has been the behind-the-scenes guru directing the action with the help of as many volunteers as she can muster, and staffers from Koplar Communications, from left, Nathan Ambus, Doyle Johnson and Tony Moore.
Frances, one of the most organized people you'll meet, has made her list and checked it thrice.
Marvin Brown strung snowflakes in the Holiday Village Workshop tent behind 'Scape where there will be activities for children tucked into every nook and cranny from 1 to 5 p.m. The activities are hosted by The Magic House, Home Depot (wood-working activity), the Science Center, Bowood Farms (make a bird-friendly ornament), Chase Park Plaza, The Cup (cookie decorating), MassageLuxe, and Paul Mitchell The School. Admission is $5 per child (free admission for adults), or a new unwrapped toy. Proceeds benefit Our Little Haven.
Ah, the life of an event planner…here's Frances in her office on Thursday morning making a prototype for an ornament made out of scrabble pieces, one of the activities in the Holiday Village Workshop. The fixings for reindeer food – oatmeal, multi-colored sprinkles, ribbons and tags – were stacked and ready to be filled by the children and taken home for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve.
With one eye on the weather (last year was balmy sweater-weather, this year… baby, it's cold outside), and the other on the ball, Frances is ready to toss out another great event!
Bundle up and join the fun today from 1 to 5 p.m. on Maryland Plaza. Bob Kramer's Marionnettes will be performing inside Bissinger's at 3:15, 3:45 & 4:15; there will be pony rides, a petting zoo, Santa and his sleigh, and weather-permitting (and this is the surprise caveat), we'll have a visit from one of the Clydesdales from 3 to 5 p.m. I love those Budweiser ads with the gorgeous Clydesdales running through the snow – I always tear up. If any creature could weather the weather you would think it would be this horse. But if it's icey or too cold, the Clydesdale will be a no-show. Otherwise, plan on a great photo op.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital is presenting Holiday on the Plaza, and a young transplant patient will be lighting the tree around 4:45. Other sponsors include Budweiser Clydesdales, the Central West End Association, West End Word, and Central West End Families & Friends. Look for Frances Thompson, who will be carrying a clipboard, and making certain the day is as marvelous as always.
She is as cute as she is competent! She is for sure the woman behind the curtain.
Thank you for spotlighting Frances, Nicki! I don’t think many people realize how much she does for the neighborhood. The CWE is truly lucky to have her!