18th FSS aims to bring holiday cheer Published Dec. 2, 2009 By 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Looking for something to do this holiday season? Whether you're a fitness fanatic looking to get a head start on those New Year's converts or a parent looking for something fun to do with the family, the 18th Force Support Squadron has a slew of activities planned for the month of December. Tinsel Town Kicking off the holiday season this weekend is Tinsel Town, held annually at the Schilling Community Center parking lot. The event starts at 11 a.m. Dec. 5 with food, games and live entertainment. One of the highlights will be a holiday parade scheduled to start at 2 p.m. in front of O'Conner Gym. Participants will march their way toward the Schilling Community Center before kicking off several other events within Tinsel Town. There will be holiday float, build-a-sled and holiday greeting card contests and families can take pictures with Santa. A tree lighting ceremony is also planned in front of Schilling Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment The Air Force's premier entertainers, Tops in Blue, will hold free performances at the Keystone Theater Dec. 21-23 beginning at 6 p.m. The Schilling Community Center will host a theater performance of "Appetite for Murder: Who Killed Santa?" beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 18. Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple; register by Dec. 14. The Teen Center Millennium is planning to host a holiday movie marathon Dec. 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. Travel Don't have enough money to fly the family back to the states this holiday season? How about taking them on a local tour sponsored by Kadena's Information, Tickets and Travel office at the Schilling Community Center? Patrons looking for some cultural exposure can buy tickets for a sumo wrestling tournament in Urasoe Dec. 15-16 or a Japanese Tea Ceremony Dec. 19, or for a Cooking 101 "Okonomiyaki" class Dec. 28. In addition to offering discount tickets to various parks and tourist sites, Kadena ITT offers tours for special holiday celebrations, to include: Itoman City illumination celebration, from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 18 and 31. Cost is $18 for adults and children 16 and older, $15 for children ages six to 15 and $5 for children five and under. Okinawa Children's Zoo Christmas light show, from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 23. Cost is $28 for adults, $15 for children ages four to 15 and $5 for children under four. Southeast Botanical Garden holiday lights, from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 23 and 30. Cost is $22 for adults, $16 from children ages six to 11 and $5 for children under six. West Marine Christmas Dinner Cruise, from 3:15 to 8:15 p.m. Dec. 24. Cost is $175 for an adult couple, $100 for single adult admission, $64 for children ages six to 11 or $5 for children under six. Shopping On Dec. 6, from 2 to 7 p.m., Kadena residents looking for some local novelty gifts can take Kadena ITT's Christmas shopping tour on Kokusai Street, the main tourist shopping center in downtown Naha. Ticket prices are $16 for adults and children ages six and older and $5 for children under age six. Other shopping opportunities include: Northern 100 Yen shopping: Dec. 11, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $9 for adults and children ages 16 and up, $5 for children under 16. Okinawa Prison Craft Fair: Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults and children ages six and older, $5 for children under six. Yomitan Pottery Fair: Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults and children ages six and older, $5 for children under six. Sports, fitness Kadena's Outdoor Recreation is planning to host a Winter Breakout paintball tournament Dec. 27. Registration is open until Dec. 23 at a cost of $35 per player. Prizes will be awarded to the first- and second-place teams. Outdoor Recreation will also spearhead a hiking trip to Mt. Shioya-Fuji Dec. 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Cost is $30 for participants, who must be 13 years or older. Registration deadline is Dec. 11. The Risner Fitness Center staff plans to hold a 13-kilometer Christmas Perimeter Run Dec. 12 beginning at 7 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register for the free event with Senior Airmen Amber Eady and Luis Escobar at Risner. The Banyan Tree Golf Course will host a holiday tournament Dec. 12. Cost for a four-member team is $25 per player (not including cart or green fees). Children who participate in a tournament at Emery Lanes Dec. 19 beginning at 9 a.m. may catch a glimpse of Santa. Registration is $10 per child due by Dec. 18. Does living on a tropical island make you miss winter sports? Kadena ITT offers military discount tickets for Southern Hill Ice Skating Center in Naha Dec. 19-22. Call Kadena ITT at 959-4322 to make reservations or for more information. For more 18th FSS activities, visit http://kadenaforcesupport.com, or pick up a copy of this month's Venture magazine.