On December 18, BHS organizations will host a Christmas Extravaganza, an event they are hoping will be successful enough to become an annual tradition.

“It was Mr. Villarreal’s idea,” Student Council sponsor Melonie Menefee said. “He wanted to do something that was more than just a band performance, something that could be for the entire community and showcase every group in the school.”

The band will perform, as will a group of theatre students. All of the high school groups have booths planned for food or crafts; even some of the junior high groups have joined in. Several groups will have themed baskets for a silent auction, as well.

“We haven’t decided on the basket, but it will be awesome,” band director Jeff Villarreal said. “I really would like it to be an outdoors basket.”

The band will be performing throughout the evening.

“The high school band is going to play Sleigh Ride and Carol of the Bells,” Villarreal said. “There will also be a woodwind ensemble of White Christmas.”

Expect to see crafts, a bounce house, a giant slide, a Texas sleigh ride, a chili cook off, an ugly sweater contest, silent auction, Christmas Carols, and homemade tamales.

“We’re selling hot tamales and singing Jingle Bells in Spanish, also known as Cascabel,” Spanish Club and National Honor Society sponsor Cindy Eppes said. “The students have done a great job at learning the lyrics and I can tell they have enjoyed learning it.”

Since the Belles are unable to perform a routine for lack of space, they are contributing to the Christmas Extravaganza a more beneficial way.

“The Belles will be monitoring and helping as needed,” director and art teacher Amanda Harter said. ”We will have a bake sale table and a Christmas cookies basket for auction.”

The new Forensics Club is creating something forensic-like to do for the Extravaganza.

“We will be helping to make child ID kits with fingerprint cards,” sponsor Patrice Cox. “Then the kids can also make a fingerprint craft.”

Art has something more fun planned for people of all ages.

“Art is going to have a selfie photo op area with props that you can use,” Harter said. “It’s totally free!”

The event will be free to get into and all performances will be free. Christmas crafts will be $1, and the rides outside will be $5 for a band that allows unlimited rides.