“Oz,” Gingerbread Cookie Day and pet photos with Santa

This week starts with “The Wizard of Oz,” celebrates Gingerbread Cookie Day and ends with Santa Claus posing for pet photos:

Get going: Nov. 17 is Take a Hike Day. Great places to walk in this area include Petrifying Springs County Park, on County Highway A; the Pike Trail, which runs about 10 miles along Lake Michigan; Prairie Springs Park, at highways 165 and H in Pleasant Prairie; and Silver Lake Park, on County Highway F. Wherever you go, wear sturdy shoes and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

An artful afternoon: The annual Winter Juried Show opens with a free reception 1-4 p.m. today at the Anderson Arts Center, 6603 Third Ave. The exhibition will be on view through Jan. 5.

Follow the Yellow brick Road: The Broadway musical “The Wizard of Oz,” based on the classic film, has its final performance 2 p.m. today in the auditorium at Westosha Central High School, 24617 75th St. in Paddock Lake. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children age 4 and younger are admitted free of charge. For ticket information, log on at westoshadrama.com.

A royal decree: Nov. 18 is Princess Day, which is the perfect excuse for sporting a tiara while walking your dog.

Read all about it: Head to the Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave., for Family Storytime 6-6:30 this evening. Participants will read stories, sing songs, and have fun. Admission is free. For more details on library programs, go to mykpl.info.

Getting creative: Head to the Northside Libary for a Mini Art Extravaganza. From 5-6 p.m., participants are invited to use the library’s supplies to “show off your creativity and help us celebrate World Recycling Month, using the take-home kit, along with other recycled materials, to create your own mini masterpiece.” Everyone is welcome to this free activity.

On stage tonight: Christian Life’s production of “High School Musical” opens today. The hit show tells the story of the students in East High School and their adventures in putting on, well, a high school musical! Performances are 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 19), 4 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 21), 6:30 p.m. Friday (Nov. 22) and 2:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 23) in the Journey Church Auditorium, 10700 75th St. Tickets are $8-$10 in advance. To order tickets online, follow the link at kclsed.org/arts/. At the door, tickets are are $2 more.

Spread the love: We’re more than halfway through November, which is Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month. Grab a jar of your favorite jelly and start spreading!

A whale of a program: The Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Ave., is hosting a “Museum Munchkins” program from 9:30 to 10 this morning. Today’s focus is on narwhals, a medium-sized toothed whale that possesses a large “tusk” from a protruding canine tooth. This is a free program.

That sweet spot: Nov. 21 is Gingerbread Cookie Day, celebrating the traditional spicy/sweet treat. According to Swedish folk tradition, gingerbread man cookies hold magical powers for making wishes come true. What do we wish for? More cookies!

Feeling special: It’s is another Third Thursday celebration in Downtown Kenosha. On the third Thursday of each month, Downtown venues offer activities, extended hours and special deals. For more details, log on at godowntownkenosha.com.

Get rolling: Nov. 22 is Go For a Ride Day, so hop on your favorite mode of transportation: your ebike, skateboard, motorcycle or your brother’s sports car.

Live music: Looking for some tunes to end the work week? Old Junk plays rockabilly at Pavle’s Lounge, 1724 52nd St., starting at 8 p.m. Over at Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave., Would You Kindly? plays indie rock, starting at 9 p.m.

Read all about it: It’s another Free Book Friday at Studio Moonfall, 5031 Seventh Ave. Anyone who visits the store from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 22 will get a free book. For more details, go to Studio Moonfall’s Facebook page.

Home, sweet home: Nov. 23 is Adoption Day. Celebrate finding your “forever home” or consider adding to your own family.

Smile, Rover! K9 Kibble, 5919 Sheridan Road, offers pet photos with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23. No appointments are required. The cost is $5 and includes 5-by-7-inch photo. Additional packages are available that include ornaments, greeting cards and other items with Mr. Fluffy’s adorable face on them.