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The Central Coast Garden Railroad Society brought its model train display to the Central Coast Zoo during the Holiday Magic event on Dec. 20. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Families turn out for Holiday Magic at Central Coast Zoo
Crowds gather to watch them unwrap treats as zoo celebrates community support and milestones By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The Central Coast Zoo welcomed families and animal lovers for a festive celebration during its annual “Holiday Magic” event on Saturday, Dec. 20, transforming the zoo into a hub of holiday cheer. Throughout the day, visitors gathered at animal habitats to watch zookeepers deliver
specially wrapped enrichment gifts to the zoo’s residents, including meerkats, lemurs, monkeys, parrots, and other species. Each presentation drew crowds, with children and adults alike lining up to see how the animals interacted with their new toys and treats. “It’s standing room only when the animals are getting their [gifts],” said Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield.“Everybody CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
ATERW to identify WW.SLOW h the ability it es with W w ap s n sc e d d n ar la ent g l lowate-friendly l water-effici all a beautifu ca st lo in f o to Create clim s g le n p ki o xam gardens. Lo is just a few combines e within these orld of ideas The website ts w n A la p t? e e g th d t u rb ore abou st your wate and learn m at won’t bu th e ap sc d n la maintenance ay! aw ks ic mouse cl
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Participants in the Christmas Cookie Exchange take a group photo with Santa at the inaugural holiday event Dec. 10 at the Ava Hotel. Photo by Derek Luff/ATN
Inaugural Christmas Cookie exchange huge success Libby Ryan, owner of Just Baked, partnered with The Ava Hotel to host the first-ever community cookie exchange, featuring local bakers, cherished family recipes, and festive awards By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — A new holiday tradition made its debut in downtown Paso Robles this month as local bakers gathered for the inaugural Christmas Cookie Exchange. Hosted by Just Baked in partnership with The Ava Hotel, the first-ever
Cookie Exchange was held Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Ava Hotel. The event invited participants to bring their favorite holiday cookie recipes, exchange baked goods, and compete in several judged categories. The concept was created by Just Baked owner Libby Ryan, who said the event was inspired by childhood memories of baking
Christmas cookies with her mother. “My mom and I used to bake cookies at Christmas when I was little, and I was just looking to bring a bit of nostalgia back into a fun community event that I hope we will continue for years to come,” Ryan told Atascadero News. “I sell cookies to the people in this county every day — I wanted them to CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Country music artist Callie Twisselman, who was raised in Shandon, is shown with her parents, Junis and Lonnie, backstage at the California Mid-State Fair, where she opened for Jon Pardi. Callie will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, Dec. 27, in Nashville. Photo courtesy of Callie Twisselman
California Mid-State Fair Queen Skye Davis (right) and Princesses Amelia Olivo (left) and Morgan Ruiz pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Victorian Teddy Bear Tea on Dec. 20 in Paso Robles. Photo by Camille DeVaul/ATN
Holiday tradition continues with Teddy Bear Tea 35th Annual Victorian Tea brings community together for one final gift from late Main Street leader Norma Moye By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
PASO ROBLES — Laughter and a sea of teddy bears filled the Paso Robles Park Ballroom on Saturday, Dec. 20, as families gathered for one of the community’s most cherished holiday traditions: the Victorian
Teddy Bear Tea. Hosted by the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association, the afternoon event welcomed children and their families from inside the historic ballroom at 1232 Park St., a venue built more than a century ago that offered the perfect backdrop for the celebration. Tables were arranged throughout the room, adorned for tea service, as children arrived clutching beloved teddy bears, with many dressed in holiday outfits to match the festive mood.
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The Teddy Bear Tea has been a fixture of the Paso Robles holiday season for more than three decades and is considered the final chapter in the city’s beloved “Christmas Story.” The event was originally envisioned by longtime Main Street Association Executive Director Norma Moye as a special sendoff for children before Christmas arrives. Moye passed away at the age of 92 on Monday, Dec. 15. “This is one final gift to the children before Christmas comes to town,” Moye CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
NONPROFIT
Callie Twisselman hits Grand Ole Opry Stage for debut show
Country artist celebrates lifelong dream with family in tow and new EP ‘Growing in Grace’ By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — For rising country artist Callie Twisselman, the phone call she received in October was one she had dreamed about for years. On Saturday, Dec. 27, Twisselman will step onto one of country music’s most respected stages, making her official debut at
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the Grand Ole Opry. “It’s very exciting,” Twisselman told Atascadero News of playing at the Nashville landmark. “It’s always been something I’ve dreamt of doing, so I was pretty excited when I got the phone call from my manager.” Twisselman explains that performers rehearse largely on their own until the day of the CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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TPAC PLAYHOUSE Youth Arts | A3
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REDWINGS Horse Sanctuary | A7
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