Good morning, Owensboro.

Panther Creek Park will transform into a winter wonderland this Friday—featuring a mile-long driving tour with over 400,000 lights and 50 displays for $5 per car.

Proceeds will benefit local nonprofit organizations—as the event runs nightly through January 1.

Local gift cards offering dining, entertainment, and wellness deals were launched in both Owensboro and Evansville—each card is valued at $150 for only $30.

The Owensboro card covers venues from Big Whiskey’s Restaurant to Free Your Mind Body & Soul Wellness while the Evansville card includes Deep Blue Indoor Play and other local favorites—no expiration applies.

Governor Andy Beshear announced that the Owensboro Art Guild received the Community Arts Award—one of Kentucky’s top arts honors—as part of the 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.

The volunteer-run guild, founded in 1961, has boosted the local arts scene by hosting exhibitions, demonstrations and educational outreach.

CAIN will open the 12th season at Beaver Dam Amphitheater—details on event dates and performers are expected later.

Fifth graders at Foust Elementary in Owensboro have launched their school newspaper—Foust Voices—which will release a new issue every six weeks covering school events, sports and tech news like the iPhone 17.

They meet every other Thursday and plan for the first issue to come out in January.

The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office installed a mobile radar trailer on U.S. 60 West after community concerns about speeding and rising crashes; the trailer collects data to help guide safety measures.

Sheriff Brad Youngman said it will be moved to other high-speed locations to remind drivers to slow down — officials hope it will reduce holiday roadway risks.

State health officials announced a third infant died from whooping cough in the past 12 months—Kentucky’s first such deaths since 2018.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health said none of the infants or their mothers were vaccinated and urged Kentuckians to update immunizations to help stop the rising cases.

On Saturday, November 29th, Owensboro will host SantaCon 2025—a festive pub crawl offering holiday drink specials at local bars.

Registration is open from 4-7 p.m. at Peppermint’s Lodge at RiverPark Center for a $10 fee, with proceeds benefiting Christmas Wish.

Gibson Southern senior Noah Bodenstein performed an electric, acoustic version of the Star-Spangled Banner at a recent regional football game — his tribute recalled Jimi Hendrix’s style and impressed local fans.

Postmodern Jukebox: MAGIC, MOONLIGHT & MISTLETOE Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Cannon Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with a vintage music performance featuring genre-twisting covers of pop hits and classic holiday songs.

Bachelor Santa Premiere

7-8:30 p.m. — RiverPark Center — Ticketed event — Celebrate the magic of Christmas with the world premiere of a heartwarming holiday film shot in Owensboro.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas

7-9 p.m. — Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Christmas with Ricky Skaggs and his band's heartwarming acoustic renditions of holiday classics.

11th Annual 5K Reindeer Run/Walk

8 a.m. — Smothers Park — $30-$40 registration — A festive 5K run/walk with fundraising opportunities, holiday fun, and a special race for kids.

Voice’s of Anderson’s: A Christmas Bazaar

6:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Owensboro Museum of Science and History — $5 admission — Experience holiday cheer with local vendors, theatrical vignettes, and festive treats.