Traveling around Texas is educational and entertaining. Take a look at what you can do in the Lone Star State.

ITALY
The Italy Cub Scout troup will pick up non-perishable food items in their nifty yellow bags distributed within the city last Saturday and will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, Feb 21. The proceeds will help the Italy Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry located at the First United Methodist Church in Italy at 124 Harpold St.

The Italy Gladiators will “warm up” for the playoffs against Cross Roads in Italy at 6:00 pm on Friday. Playoffs begin Monday night in West against Chilton at 7:00 pm. Go gold and white!

WAXAHACHIE

Historic Waxahchie Work Day Feb 21 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Calling all volunteers and make a difference with Historic Preservation! Help beautify the area surrounding the Wyatt and Calaboose buildings in downtown. These buildings are located in the parking lot of the Citizens National Bank, Singleton Plaza. Tasks to be completed include brick columns, walkways, light construction and general clean up. No construction experience is necessary, but all participants should bring a pair of work gloves.

The Elvis Chronicles with David Allen This is a musical recreation of the life of Elvis Presley and will be held at the Chautauqua Auditorium located at 405 W. Jefferson Street on Feb 21. Portraying all the eras of Elvis’ career in one production, is decorated entertainer & Elvis Tribute Artist, David Allen. You will experience all the memorable outfits, songs and just pure Elvis fun in one show. VIP $20, General Admission $15. Call 972-533-5847 for more information. Showtime is 7pm or view the David Allen website.

6th Annual Mardi Gras Parade Saturday, February 21 at 3:00 pm at historic downtown. This is hosted by College Street Pub. Live Music and entertainment starts at noon in in the parking lot at The Barbeque Pit, located at 106 Water Street. For more parade information, call 972-938-2062.

ODESSA
Shrimpfest Feb 23 which includes Cajun style all-you-can-eat shrmp feast, jazz music and live and silent auction. Ellen Noel Art Museum benefit. Held at the Ector County Coliseum Building G, 42nd Street and Andrews Highway. Call 432-550-9696 for more details.

GRAND PRAIRIE
ROBIN WILLIAMS: WEAPONS OF SELF-DESTRUCTION TOUR will perform at the NOKIA Theatre on Feb 20 at 8:00 pm. For ticket info see their website.

TEXAS MONTHLY gives you some suggestions as well…

DALLAS
DALLAS OPERA La Bohème—Puccini’s popular opera about a circle of poor Parisian artists is tinged with love and suffering. Thru Feb 21. Call for times. $38—$204. You can find more information on their website. Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave (214-443-1000).

Bob the Builder Feb 21-22 at the Majestic Theatre. For more details, go to their website. This is fun for the whole family.

Tommy Davidson comedian, actor and singer will perform at The Improv in Addison tonight though Sunday. For more details, go to the Improv’s website.

The Dallas Car Show Feb 18-22 at the Dallas Convention Center. See the newest lines of hybrids and vehicles that will help our economy.

EL PASO
EL PASO RHINOS Western States Hockey League. Feb 20—22: Dallas Hawks. Fri & Sat at 7:30, Sun at 5:30. $5—$20. Check out their website. Located at the Sierra Providence Events Center, 4100 E. Paisano (915-479-7825).

FORT WORTH
TEXAS BALLET THEATER Swan Lake—the graceful Odette finds love with her prince despite being turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Feb 20—22. Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7. $19—$99. You can find more details on their website. The ballet will performe at Bass Performance Hall, 4th & Calhoun (877-828-9200).

GALVESTON
MARDI GRAS! GALVESTON In 1985 millionaire and native son George P. Mitchell resurrected for good the city’s historic on-again, off-again love affair with this pre-Lenten bacchanalia, which stretches back to 1867. A quarter of a million revelers will descend on the island to attend more than fifty galas and events and the eleven extravagant parades, including the climactic Fat Tuesday Parade. Thru Feb 24. For schedule & prices call or go to their website. Various locations (888-425-4753).

HOUSTON
MERCURY BAROQUE These world-class musicians play authentic period music on historically appropriate instruments. Feb 14: Birds, Bees, and Brandenburg. Bach: Complete Brandenburg Concertos. At 8. $20—$47. To see more details, see their website. The performances will be at Wortham Center, Cullen Theater, 501 Texas Ave (713-533-0080).

The Chieftains Feb. 25-traditional Irish music legends at Jones Hall. Check out their website or call 713-227-4SPA.

SAN ANTONIO
GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Alma de Mujer—the Guadalupe Dance Company presents a theatrically staged, flamenco-tinged production that explores love, loss, struggle, and spirituality from a female perspective. Feb 20—22. Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 3. Gen adm $15 ($12 adv); GCAC members $12 ($10 adv); senior citizens, students & children 4—12 $10 ($8 adv); 3 & under free. For more information, check out their website. You can see the performances at the Guadalupe Theatre, 1301 Guadalupe (210-271-3151).

MERCEDES
RIO GRANDE VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL Four days of performances (from country and bluegrass to folk and mariachi) lead up to Sunday’s (free) Gospel Jam. Biscuits and gravy will be served every morning (from 8 to 10) and a jamming tent will be set up, so bring your lawn chairs and instruments. Feb 18—22. Call for schedule. Gen adm $5, children 12 & under free; parking $3. To see more details, see their website. They will be performed at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds, 1000 N. Texas (956-373-0130).