In and amongst the young lovers, heart throbs and twitterpated couples wandering starry-eyed in our midst, there are many activities listed in Texas for the 28 days of February. Here are a few ideas to get you started on the planner.

ITALY
The Gladiator and Lady Gladiator basketball teams’ district play ends this month. Come and watch the teams and cheer them on. Check out Neotribune Community Calendar at this website for all the details.

February 25 & 26 3rd Annual BBQ Cook-Off Located at the Upchurch Baseball Fields at 201 E. Dilworth. This year the entrants are allowed to cook on Friday evening. Plate lunches will be $6 the day of the cook-off or $5 pre-ordered. Call Arval Gowin at 972-567-8662, Flossie Gowin at 972-523-6799 or Meg Lyons at 214-399-8059 for more information. Join the fun and help us as proceeds will benefit the Italy Lions Club Scholarship and community projects.

WAXAHACHIE
February 3 at 6:30 PM Ellis County Art Association presents Jesus Moroles, an evening of art and conversation, a critically acclaimed sculptor from Rockport, Texas as he presents a slide show of his work and discusses the importance of sculpture in a public venue. Moroles will share his plan to create a public outdoor sculpture – a gift to the citizens of Waxahachie – near downtown. Moroles has more than 2,000 works in place in China, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States, in museum, corporate, public and private collections. Moroles’ work has been included in over one hundred and sixty one-person exhibitions and one hundred and ninety group exhibitions worldwide. Among his distinctions, he is a member of the Board of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, and recipient of the 2007 Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Visual Arts by the Texas Cultural Trust. His most visible public sculpture is “Lapstrake 1987”, a massive 22 feet tall, 64-ton work located across from the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The event is located at 501 W. Main Street. Call 972-741-6154 for more details.

Gingerbread House Annual Chili Cook-Off and Barn Dance
February 4-6 Come to the Ellis County Expo Center for a hopping good time. For sponsorship information, tickets, table reservations, donations and volunteer opportunities, call 972-937-1870.

Sixth Annual Jazz Cafe
February 5, 6:00-10:00 PM
Waxahachie Jazz Band proudly presents its 6th Annual Jazz Cafe evening of dinner and dancing at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at Bealls, Waxahachie Daily Light, and Waxahachie High School band office by January 31st. A silent auction will also be held during the dance. Call 972-923-4600 ext 502 for more details.

Comfort Suites Super Bowl Party
February 6 from 5:00-9:00 PM
Superbowl Viewing Party at the Comfort Suites… Come watch the Superbowl on a 60 inch tv, enjoy food and drinks, and win great prizes from the great shops around Waxahachie. Located at 131 RVG Plaza. Call 469-517-1600 for more information.

Robert Donahue Live at Bonnie and Clyde’s Speakeasy
February 6-They’ve been called the best thing to hit Texas country since crude oil, and the boys from RDB have the chops to back it up. With an explosive mix of rock, blues and a pinch of country thrown in the stew, the Robert Donahue Band serves up a rockin’ good time adrenaline ride of high-powered, in your face, heavy blend of guitar and raw lyrical emotion that can only be described as pure Texas country music. The concert is located at 100 N. College Street in the basement of the Rogers Hotel. Call 469-383-2732 for ticket pricing and time.

Dinner Theatre
February 10-13 at 6:30 PM, Waxahachie Community Theatre presents Forever Plaid starring John Caddell, Clark Hackney, Albert Love and Dave Marcontell, and accompanied by the piano stylings of Don Jones. Dinner theatre performances are Friday and Saturday, February 11 and 12 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, February 13 at 1:30 PM. Performances will be held at the Park Meadows Baptist Church. Forever Plaid is one of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that will have you rolling in the aisles and humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the ‘50s. Tickets are $20 each and seating is by prepaid reservation only. Ticket orders must be received by February 4. Located at 3350 Hwy 77 North, call 972-646-1050 for tickets.

Trade Days of Waxahachie Texas February 12-13 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Two Day Trade Days Event at the Ellis County Expo Building – Free Parking – Free Admission Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-4, appearance by Miss North Texas International 12pm-3pm. Offering handmade items, commercial items, gourmet food items, full concession stand, several snack and refreshment stands and much more. Located at 2300 W. US Hwy 287 Bypass. Call 972-816-3644 for more details.

Share the Love Gala 2011
February 12 beginning at 6:00 PM-Share the Love Gala 2011 Dinner and Auction benefiting CASA of Ellis County How will you impress your Valentine? Please join us for dinner, dancing, wine, roses, chocolate and shopping at the Share the Love Gala 2011. Proceeds will benefit CASA of Ellis County, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused and neglected children. Judge Bob Carroll will also receive a special award for his help in starting this program in Ellis County. Tickets are $50 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 972-937-1455 or e-mail [email protected]. CASA recruits, trains and supervises volunteers who are selected to act as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to be a voice for the child in court. CASA of Ellis County is part of a nationwide organization of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) with 940 programs and 52,000 volunteers nationwide. Located at 1950 N Interstate Highway 35 E . For more information, visit this website or call 972-937-1455.

Bradley Welch, Organist in Concert February 26 at 7:30 PM
Waxahachie Symphony Association presents in concert Bradley Welch, Organist, . at the First United Methodist Church. Family Season – $75. Family Senior Season – $60 Single Season – $40. Single Senior Season – $32. At the door: Adult – $12. Senior Adult – $10. Student under 18 – Free. For more information call Cindy Hess at 972-814-3621 or Lynn Nolte at 903-654-8675 or visit their website.

ENNIS
February 4-27 The Dixie Swim Club Presented by Ennis Public Theatre. 2705-C N. Kaufman St. More details can found on their website or call 972-878-7529.

February 12 beginning at 1:30pm Czech Music Festival at the Sokol Activity Center at 2622 E. Hwy 34. $5 per person and 14 under are free. For information about the 5 bands playing the event, go to their facebook page.

WACO
February 11-13
Waco Civic Theatre, located at 1517 Lake Air Drive, presents On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson. Norman and Ethel Thayer return to their lake house in Maine to celebrate Norman’s birthday. They are joined eventually by their daughter Chelsea, her boyfriend and his young son. Chelsea tries to overcome the estrangement between her and her father as Ethel struggles with the thought of losing Norman. For times and ticket prices, contact Waco Civic Theatre at 254-776-1591 or visit their website.

February 12
Waco Convention Center 6:45pm to 12midnight
Morticians’ Annual Valentine’s Dance features a hamburger supper with all the trimmings, then dancing from 8-12midnight. Reservations required. Check the website for all the details. Don’t miss it!!!

ARLINGTON
February 6 45th Superbowl at Dallas Cowboy Stadium. Information is located on their website or call 214-252-510.

February 25-27 All Texas Garden Show With Neal Sperry Located at the Arlington Convention Center. See ticket prices and times on their website or call 817-459-5000.

FORT WORTH
February 1-5 Stock Show & Rodeo Will Rogers Memorial Center. Go to their website or call 817-877-2420 for times and ticket prices.

DALLAS
February 4-Mar. 5 Scent Bottle Invitational This 18th annual exhibition features one-of-a-kind and limited edition perfume bottles from more than 50 contemporary glass artists nationwide. Kittrell/Riffkind Art Glass, 5100 Beltline Road, Suite 820. More information can be seen on their website or call 972-239-7957.

February 11-12 Dinner in the Diner Enjoy an evening of elegance, entertainment and authentic railroad dining-car recipes aboard a 1937 dining car. Advance ticket purchase necessary. 1105 Washington, Gate #3, Fair Park. For more details, see their website or call 214-428-0101.

February 12 Jazz Meets Gospel featuring Take 6 & Yolanda Adams Take 6, a 10-time Grammy-winning acapella gospel vocal sextet, is joined by Grammy-winner and multi-platinum gospel star Yolanda Adams. Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street. 214-443-1000.

February 4-20 Dallas Children’s Theater Teen Festival Festival focuses on two dramatic works for teens: “hard 2 spel dad” explores often misunderstood learning differences, and “dont u luv me?” offers a look at violence in teen dating. For ages 12 and older. Baker Theater, 5938 Skillman. See their website for more information or call 214-740-0051.

February 17-20, 25-27 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Pops Concerts Features the music of Billy Joel with pianist and vocalist Michael Cavanaugh from Feb. 17–20, and Masters of Film Music featuring the music of George Fenton from Feb. 25–27. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. See times and ticket pricing on their website or call 214-871-4000.

CANTON
February 3-6 First Monday Trade Days First Monday Grounds, Mountain, Dog Town, Marketplace & Old Mill Market. See more information on their website or call 903-567-6556.

February 10-12 Western Swing Valentine’s Party Performers include Eddie McAlvain, The Mavericks, Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys, Jake Hooker and the Outsiders, Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band, Ricky Boen and Texas Mud. Canton Civic Center. See for their website for more information or call 800-243-6502.

BRYAN
February 12 Murder Mystery Dinner Enjoy a Valentine’s Day-themed four-course meal and award-winning wines while trying to solve a mystery and find a killer. Located at Messina Hof Winery. See their website for more information or call 800-736-9463.

February 5-6, 12-13 Wine & Chocolate Trail At wineries on the Bluebonnet Wine Trail, northwest of Houston. For directions, see their website.

GRANBURY
February 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 Nostalgia Concerts Professional cast performs costumed, choreographed, family-friendly live music productions from the golden age of rock ’n’ roll. Granbury Historic Square. Go to their website for more information or call 817-573-0303 or 800-989-8240.

February 25 Last Friday Gallery Night Enjoy local art on Granbury’s town square. Downtown. Call 817-579-7733 to find out more information.

LA GRANGE
February 25-26 Colorado Valley Quilt Guild’s Best Little Quilt Show in Texas This 14th-annual event includes a judged show, exhibits and vendors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Commercial Exhibit Hall, Fayette County Fairgrounds on Hwy. 77 N. You can read more information on their website or call 979-968-5971.

DECATUR
February 25-27 Wise County Antique Auto Swap Meet This 35th-annual event includes more than 3,500 booths. Wise County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds. Read more details on their website or call 940-389-0054.

WASHINGTON
February 26-27 Texas Independence Day Celebration This event celebrates the 175th anniversary of the historic meeting that produced the documents declaring Texas independent from Mexico and led to the creation of the Republic of Texas. Features costumed re-enactors, period craft demonstrations, military encampments, speeches and a Texas birthday cake. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. For more information about this event, please check their website or call 888-273-6426 or 936-878-2214.

FRISCO
February 19-20 WOGA Classic Premier women’s gymnastics event features Level 2-Elite gymnasts from around the globe. Dr Pepper Arena and Frisco Conference Center. Lots more information can be seen on their website or call 972-712-9642.

BELTON
February 22-23 The Real Gun Show at the Bell County Expo Center. Call 254-933-5353 or see their website for all the details.

LUCHENBACH
February 12 Hug-In & Valentine Ball Get back to the basics of love with live music and plenty of boot scootin’ at the annual Valentine Ball. Ranch Road 1376, off Hwy. 290 E. Check out their website or call 830-997-3224.

GRUENE
February 13 Sweethearts’ Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist In the tradition of a New Orleans-style gospel brunch, Gruene Hall serves up awe-inspiring gospel music coupled with a mouth-watering buffet. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to noon. The event is located at 1281 Gruene Road. For more details, see their website or call 830-629-5077.

AUSTIN
February 16-20 National Theatre of Scotland Black Watch This stirring play is based on interviews conducted by Scottish playwright Gregory Burke with veteran soldiers who served in Iraq. For this groundbreaking presentation, the audience is seated on the Bass Concert Hall stage for a rare and intimate view. Bass Concert Hall, UT Austin campus. You can read more on their website or call 512-471-4454.

February 16 Kodo Drummers performers explore the limitless possibilities of the taiko, the traditional Japanese drum. Begins at 8 p.m. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. For pricing, go to their website or call 512-472-5470.

February 18 Gladys Knight in concert The “Empress of Soul” performs a Vegas-style show. Begins at 8 p.m. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. See their website for more information or call 512-472-5470.

February 22-27 Blue Man Group This theater group’s performances combine comedy, music and technology to produce a unique entertainment experience. The Long Center. Blue is the word. Check out their website for more details or call 800-731-7469.

SAN MARCOS
February 19-20 Guadalupe Valley Dog Fanciers Show Watch more than 150 different breeds of dogs competing for championship points and Best in Show. Hays County Civic Center, 300 S. Clovis Barber Drive. Read about the dog tales on their website or call 512-357-6102.

BOERNE
February 12 Chocolate Walk Collect handmade chocolates from vendors in downtown Boerne. Tickets required. Call 830-249-9511 or 830-249-7277 for more details.

ABILENE
February 26 Philharmonic Orchestra Presents: The Songs of Sinatra Frank Sinatra’s band leader and pianist, Vincent Falcone, showcases the hits of Ol’ Blue Eyes along with the vocals of superstar Las Vegas entertainer Clint Holmes. Begins at 8 p.m. Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. Call 325-677-6710 for ticket pricing.

SAN ANTONIO
February 19 Vienna Boys Choir Begins at 7:30 p.m. Lila Cockrell Theater. There are approximately 100 choristers between the ages of ten and fourteen, divided into four touring choirs. The four choirs give around 300 concerts and performances each year in front of almost half a million people. Each group spends nine to eleven weeks of the school year on tour. They visit virtually all European countries, and they are frequent guests in Asia, Australia and the Americas. For detailed information, visit their website.

BEAUMONT
February 5 Celebrate Groundhog Day Cajun Style! Big Al, a 13-foot-plus alligator, has been deemed Southeast Texas’ official “groundhog.” See Big Al and 127 of his reptilian buddies, and find out if it’s time for spring. Gator Country, 21159 F.M. 365. Get more details on their website or call 409-794-WILD.

Whether you are two-stepping across the dance floor in Gruene or listening to melodic tones of the symphony in Dallas, you will be able to court your #1 date in style. Travel a bit or stay close to home, you can always sweeten the pot with a few chocolates and throw a rose in for good measure. Happy trails (and Valentine’s Day) to you from the ItalyNeotribune.com staff.