Good morning, Pocatello.

Local News 8 welcomed experienced reporter David Pace as a Multimedia Journalist, announced Wednesday by KIFI General Manager Kalvin Pike.

Pace, who worked for local papers and served as press secretary for a U.S. Senator, will start his Monday-Friday reporting next week — his work is set to add more local stories for viewers.

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant in Pocatello is serving a free Thanksgiving dinner today from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a traditional meal including turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, rolls, pies, and soda — community funds helped make the event possible.

Aid for Friends, the only emergency shelter in Bannock County, will hold its 19th annual Homeless Awareness Encampment Dec 6 to 7 at Caldwell Park to kick off its statewide Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge.

The campaign begins Dec 10 at 8 a.m.—Citizens Community Bank will match donations up to $4,000.

Several local restaurants are offering free Thanksgiving meals today for residents in Pocatello and nearby areas.

Puerto Vallarta is at 16-hundred Pocatello Creek Road; Himalayan Flavor serves takeout from noon to 2:30 p.m. at its Pocatello and Idaho Falls locations; A&W provides meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Palate Neighborhood Bistro serves from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; free meals are also available at the Veterans Building starting at 1 p.m.—with the Chevron-fast stop in Maccammon offering one at 3:00 p.m.—until the food runs out.

Historic Downtown Pocatello will host a Christmas Night Light Parade and another festive event this weekend—both set to kick off holiday shopping.

The events mark the town’s transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Local organizers announced the 35th annual Christmas in the Nighttime Skies will return Saturday with a bigger and brighter holiday display for families in Pocatello—more event details are expected soon.

Idaho State University is expanding the Idaho Museum of Natural History through a new partnership with the University of Idaho (the project will use state resources, feature exhibits in the Mines and McLure buildings, and include a ribbon cutting event planned for spring) to broaden access to Idaho's natural history collections.

Omaha Mavericks vs. Idaho State Bengals

11 AM — Recreation & Wellness at Reed Gym — Cost info unavailable — Watch an exciting women's basketball game as the Mavericks face the Bengals.

ISCS Concert: Joy to the World

5:30-11:30 p.m. — L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive concert featuring the Idaho State-Civic Symphony.

Laughing All The Way Holiday Show

7 PM – 1 AM — Pocatello High School — Ticket information TBA — Celebrate the season with this sold-out yuletide extravaganza featuring comedy and cheer.

Kurt Bestor Christmas

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of the season with Utah’s favorite holiday concert featuring live music and festive humor.

PVFM Winter Market

12-5 p.m. — Museum of Clean — Free entry — Celebrate the season with music, magic, and local crafts at a festive winter market.

Skate with Santa

10 AM – 12 PM — Deleta Skating & Family Fun Center — Free entry — Enjoy free pictures with Santa, crafts for kids, and an Ugly Sweater Costume Contest at a festive Christmas party.