WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1, 2021

Erin Riddle is an amazing photographer who has found a unique niche — she transforms everyday women into vintage pin-up girls.

Lone Star Pin-Ups specializes in creating vintage calendar-style and old Hollywood glamour photos in downtown Temple. The business has been on North Main Street since 2013.

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

People come to Temple for an abundance of reasons — medical care, jobs, shopping and some of the best kolaches anywhere. But since 2013, thousands of women have trekked here from around the country and the globe for one reason — that retro look.

Erin Riddle is an amazing photographer who has found a unique niche — she transforms everyday women into vintage pin-up girls.

“We specialize in vintage pin-ups and old Hollywood glamour, anything from the 1920s to the 1960s,” she said. “We do hair, wardrobe, make-up — everything is retro style.”

“Retro” covers a lot of territory, and Lone Star Pin-Ups — Erin’s studio at 618 N. Main — has an extensive wardrobe department.

“Oh, we have tons of vintage clothing — dresses, old-style swimsuits, cowgirl outfits, flapper dresses, nurse outfits. And military — lots of military,” she said. “We have sizes from extra-small to 4X.”

Erin said Army wives are big customers, and they want sexy military-style photos to give to their husbands and boyfriends.

“We do classy and pretty, and we have customers of all ages,” she said. “We’ve even had 80 year olds. It’s a lot of fun, and some of our customers come back to try different themes.”

So why do women flock to Lone Star Pin-Ups?

“There are many reasons,” Erin said. “Some do the shoots to give as gifts, some of our customers are rewarding themselves for hitting a weight-loss goal. Some just like feeling pretty. That’s what we focus on. It’s not a scary thing like having boudoir photos made. We’re a small niche and our work speaks for itself. Word of mouth is the best advertising.”

So what’s the most popular theme for pin-up sessions?

“Probably the ‘white sheets’ theme,” Erin said. “It’s based on a famous Marilyn Monroe photo. It’s soft and pretty and feminine — sexy but not overly revealing. It’s very simple and very popular.”

Erin said pin-up photos have become popular Christmas gifts for intimate friends, and as a result, Lone Star has been quite busy.

“We do the majority of our shoots on the weekend,” she said. “Depending on what the customer wants, a session could take a few hours or it could take all day. Some customers want multiple hair and make-up styles, and that takes time. Before COVID we were doing about four sessions on a Saturday, but now we limit it to two.”

“At Christmas and Valentines, we urge customers to book sessions about two months in advance, but that doesn’t always workout,” she said with a grin. “We have a lot of last-minute shoppers, and we try to accommodate. After Christmas, we will turn our attention to Valentines. That’s also a busy time.”

Erin, who was born and raised in Killeen, went to school to become a graphic designer. That led to a love of photographs, especially the old ones.

“One day I got dressed up with a friend and we took some silly photos,” Erin said, still grinning. “We showed some friends, and they loved them. I thought: ‘Could this translate into a business?’”

Erin opened Lone Star Pin-Ups in Killeen in 2008 and moved to downtown Temple five years later. She handles the photos, marketing and day-to-day business operations, and a small staff that makes “beautiful faces” by styling hair and applying make-up. Another employee works with customers and assists in choosing themes and photographs for sessions.

For more information about Lone Star Pin-Up and booking a session, visit http://lonestarpinup.com. The site includes pricing and contact information.

Before-and-after photos of a Lone Star customer.

The photos above and below show vintage pin-up creations that look like they belong in a 1940s calendar.

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First Friday features Christmas spirit

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Whether you still have Christmas shopping to do or just need a night out on the town, downtown Temple is the place to be this Friday evening.

December’s First Friday will include extended shopping hours, great bargains, live music and a chance to help local kids have a very merry Christmas.

Here’s a list of some of the activities and specials:

The Hub will be open until 9 p.m., and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos. Grown-ups will be served free beer and wine.

Main Street Courtyard will be the scene for the Artist-2-Artist Showcase, an art sale with a variety of vendors. In addition to art, the group will be collecting toys for children in need.

Darling Décor & More will be showing off their recently expanded shop — they are now open at 100 and 110 N. Main — and they will be offering discounts on some Christmas-themed items.

The downtown Precious Memories Florist & Gifts Shop will hold a book-signing event by Earl Nottingham doing a book signing Friday as well as a group of talented carolers from Academie Musique of Central Texas. Also, they’ll be offering a sampling of locally made salsa and peanut brittle.

Twice Upon a Clothesline will be open for First Friday shopping till 8 p.m., and all full-priced items will be 50 percent off the regular price.

Noel Johnson, a local artist, will hold an art sale on the sidewalk next door to O’Briens Irish Pub.

The Parlour Antiques & Oddities will be open with a reception for shoppers featuring free snacks and beverages. Shoppers will also be allowed to spin their prize wheel for discounts and cool prizes.

If shopping makes you hungry — or thirsty — you are in luck. Several downtown restaurants and nightspots are having First Friday specials.

Bird Creek Burgers will offer half-priced appetizers (excluding chili) and happy hour all day. They will also have a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.

O'Briens Irish Pub will present multiple live bands Friday night, including ‘The Midnight Tradesmen’, ‘The Maeflies’, and Matthew McDonald. The Pub will also offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday.

Mo’s Railyard Saloon will offer $2 frozen margaritas throughout the evening at 8 W. Ave. B. Mo’s also will be holding a Christmas Toy Drive, so those who bring an unwrapped toy will get their second drink free. In addition, they’ll put on a live show by Sammy G at 10 p.m.

Want pizza? Treno Pizzeria & Taproom will offer discounts on selected beers and wines, and Treno’s chefs will be baking up tasty pizza pies.

Head to Fire Base Brewing for a special Christmas block celebration and the 4th annual Blue Santa Christmas Toy Drive Party. This event will include a food truck, games, giveaways, vendors, and entertainment by Sammy G. Make a child's Christmas this year by donating a new, unwrapped toy at the brewery.

BJ’s Brewery & Tasting Room will have the ‘Flexin’ Texan’ food truck on-site and lots of cold craft brews on tap for First Friday guests.

Green Door will offer 20-percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday and will host a live piano show by Russell Boyd.

Mexiko Cafe will hold a Christmas block party featuring the live band Astron + 55. The party will include lots of vendors, and please be on the lookout, because the Grinch will make a special appearance and will try to steal the Christmas spirit. Kids will be given the opportunity to interact and take free photos on their parents’ phones/cameras with The Grinch.

Tour Temple & Corky’s Wine Bar will be closed in the early evening for a private event, but will open later, at 10:00 p.m. for a karaoke night with DJ Bryan Houge. Tour Temple will offer their normal Friday-evening Temple Brew Trail Tours.

Nami Japanese Steak & Sushi will offer First Friday discounts on selected sushi rolls, appetizers and drinks.

At Cheeves Brothers Steak House, take your pick of half-price appetizers from 5-7 p..m in their bar and lounge. They also will offer half-priced specials on selected beers, wines by the glass and call-level liquors.

The Yard Food Truck Plaza will offer 10 percent discounts at Chock Full of Cheese, Taqueria Mi Lindo Nayarit and Lulumae’s Cajun Cuisine.

La Dalat will offer 10-percent off appetizers and $3 for coffee or hot tea to anyone who mentions First Friday.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING, CENTRAL TEXAS?

Central Texas largest and most complete calendar of event:

Temple Public Library

TEEN CRAFT CORNER: Every 4th Monday at 5 p.m. Join us for Teen Craft Corner! Take a break from the stresses of school and life, and create something fun during our monthly craft program! Our crafts will include projects such as string art, painting, learning about artists and their techniques, mixed media, and so much more! All supplies provided. (254) 298-5557

GREAT BOOKS ADULT BOOK CLUB: 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6 p.m. Seminal texts of Western civilization, pre-20th century philosophers, scientists and novelists. Readings span from Homer and Plato to Nietzsche and Freud. (254) 298-5557

BABY BOOKWORMS (Ages 0-12 months: Every Tuesday at 11 a.m.  A half-hour of book sharing, rhymes, songs, exercises and parachute play. (254) 298-5557

SCHOOL-AGE STORY TIME (K-3rd Grade): Every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. A half-hour of short films, stories and constructive play. (254) 298-5557

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME (Ages 3-5): Songs, stories, and a variety of literacy activities. (254) 298-5557

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (Ages 12-18): First Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. Looking to explore the world of D&D but not sure where to start? Join us at the Library for our Beginners Dungeons & Dragons Program!

Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

FACING THE INFERNO: THE WILDFIRE PHOTOGRAPHY OF KARI GREER: Colorful, intimate, and intensely dramatic images that capture the work of wildland firefighters in this new exhibit that runs through Jan. 15. Amazing photography. First responders and immediate family will be admitted free  through Dec. 3.

December

December 1, Wednesday - Comedy Open Mic at Corkys. 8 p.m.

December 2, Thursday — Die Hard at The Beltonian. It IS. a Christmas movie!. 6 p.m.

December 2, Thursday — Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing Co., 7 p.m.

December 3, Friday — Mark Richey at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Christmas and Holiday Season First Friday downtown Temple. 5 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Sammy G’s Toy Drive Block Party at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Clint Walker Blues Band is back at O’Briens Irish Pub. 9 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Karaoke Night at Spare Time. Pick your favorite tune and come ready to WOW the crowd! Join us every Friday from 9 pm to midnight! Don't forget to enjoy our full-service restaurant and bar while you wait for your turn!

December 3, Friday - Late-Night Karaoke at Corky’s. Join DJ Bryan of Hogue Productions who brings you the favorite hits for the crowds singing pleasure. Whether you want to watch the singers, or try it out yourself, Friday Night Karakoe is fun for one and all. 10 p.m. to midnight.

December 3, Friday - Stations of the Nativity at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, 2807 Oakdale in Temple. The Stations are followed by cookies, hot chocolate and activities for children including stories, cookie decorating, and advent themed crafts in the Parish Hall. Join your friends and families at St Lukes for fellowship and create a new family advent tradition this year. 7 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Nolanville Night Market Grinch Fest. Whoville characters, photo ops with The Grinch. Artisans and vendors. 6 p.m.

December 3-4 - Christmas on the Chilsom Trail, Central Avenue and East Street in Belton. 6 p.m.

December 3-5 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 3,4,10,11 — “A Christmas Carol” at Tablerock Amphitheater in Salado. 7 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - The Elks Hoop Shoot, funded by the Elks National Foundation, is a free throw contest for children 8-13. Celebrating 50 years of developing gritty kids. Held at the Ralph Wilson Youth Club.1515 S. 21st St., Temple. 11 a.m.

December 4, Saturday - Fleece Fun Over Cocoa Class at Sammons Community Center. 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your grandchildren to Sammons to create a memorable experience by working together to make a fleece scarf! Enjoy some hot chocolate and refreshments to celebrate the completion of your unique creation. Each person who signs up will walk away with their very own handmade scarf. All materials are provided. Pre-registration is required. $7 Per Person, all ages welcome!

December 4, Saturday - Photos with Santa at Horny Toad Harley-Davidson. Bring your own camera or smartphone and get Free photos with Santa! Limited 3-photos per group.11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Proctor Victory Garden's Mobile Mercantile full of artisanal pickles & pepper jellies will be at Barrow Brewing Company’s Christmas Market during The Salado Stroll. Drop by 108 Royal Street in Salado to sample our briney faire! Noon to 7 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Todd Snider, Cultural Activities Center, 7:30 p.m.

December 4, Saturday — Marcus Lindsey at Bo’s Barn, 9 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Preschool Story Time at Temple Public Library. 10:30 to 11 a.m.

December 4, Saturday - Barrow Brewing Christmas Market, Salado. Noon.

December 4, Saturday - Santa at the Depot, Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, 5-8 p.m. Put on your jammies, grab your favorite stuffed animal and come enjoy a magical evening with Santa at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Visitors can marvel at the sights and sounds of the holiday season as they wander through the winter lights on the Santa Fe Plaza and enjoy Christmas music. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate available for purchase from Kona Ice while waiting to see the man in the big red suit! TICKETS ON SALE at https://bit.ly/3CfFHFE. ALL tickets are ADVANCE purchase only. Tickets are required for admission. Limited ticket quantity is available. Tickets are $5.00 per person, children 2 and under are free. Ticket includes visit with Santa and a gift bag for children. General museum admission will be closed on December 4th to prepare for Santa's visit.

December 4, Saturday - Lance Wade Thomas rocks O’Briens. 9 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Temple Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert featuring soprano Priscilla Santana and tenor Brian Joyce. Temple High School. 7:30 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Chisholm Trail Christmas Ball featuring Rick Trevino. Bell County Expo Center. 6 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Game of Thrones Trivia Night at Fire Base Brewing. Free to play. 7 to 9 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Epically Hogwarts Holiday at Mayborn Science Center in Killeen. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

December 4-5 - Kris Kringle Mart presented by KC Council 3444, 2218 W. Avenue D, Temple. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 5, Sunday - Organ & Piano Christmas Concert at First United Methodist in Temple featuring Dr. Carl Bradley on the organ and Sam Davis on the piano. 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

December 5, Sunday - Adoration & Benediction at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, 2807 Oakdale in Temple. 9 a.m. to noon.

December 5, Sunday - Elks Rest Memorial Service at BPO Elks Temple Lodge No. 138. 2613 Airport Road in Temple. Please plan to attend in honor of our Absent Members! 1 p.m.

December 6, Monday - The 75th Annual Christmas Parade and City Christmas Tree Lighting will begin at 6:15 p.m. This year's theme is “The Magic of a Traditional Christmas." Details will be made available on templeparks.com.

December 6, Monday — Belton Lake Parade of Lights at Dead Fish Grill. Watch boats on the lake decked with Christmas lights. Hot chocolate and chocolate bombs filled with marshmallows. 6 to 9 p.m.

December 7, Tuesday — Baby Bookworms ages 0 to 12 months at Temple Public Library. 11 to 11:30 a.m.

December 7, Tuesday — Tarok Card Party and Lessons at Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center. We play for fun! Come learn to play Taroks, the 1400s European card game Czech brought to Texas in the 1800s. It’s just as popular today and tournaments are held all over Texas. Jimmy and Carolyn Coufal are award-winning tournament champions who teach and advise us purely for the love of the game. No fees or admissions. Just come join us! 7 to 9 p.m.

December 10, Friday - TISD Jazz Band – Merry Christmas and All That Jazz at Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy Auditorium, 5:30 p.m.

December 10, Friday — Vista’s Jingle Jam 2021 at Vista Community Church. Join us for the most fun, biggest, Christmas party of the year for your whole family. We'll play games, sing Christmas songs, have Christmas cookies and cocoa, and hear the Christmas story in a way kids can understand. And it is totally FREE! We’ll have a Jingle Jam session at 5:30pm and 7pm.

December 10, Friday - Bone at O’Briens. 9 p.m.

December 10, Friday —Branded Heart at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

December 10-12 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 10-12, The Texas Nutcracker, performed by Classical Ballet Conservatory of Lisa's Dance Connection, performance at the Cultural Activities Center.

December 11, Saturday - Photos with Santa at Horny Toad Harley-Davidson. Bring your own camera or smartphone and get Free photos with Santa! Limited 3-photos per group.11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

December 11, Saturday - Proctor Victory Garden's Mobile Mercantile full of artisanal pickles & pepper jellies will be at Barrow Brewing Company’s Christmas Market during The Salado Stroll. Drop by 108 Royal Street in Salado to sample our briney faire! Noon to 7 p.m.

December 11, Saturday — Winter Wonderland at Wilson Park Recreation Center. Santa’s coming to visit all the good little boys and girls at the Wilson Park Recreation Center. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join us for cookies, hot cocoa, gifts, and pictures during this special family event.The event is FREE; however, registration is required. Register today here: https://bit.ly/3CZEKBV.

December 11, Saturday — Downtown Temple Holiday Market & Food Truck Frenzy. Its Holiday Season! We are excited to partner our market series with another Food Truck Event! Come join us in Downtown Temple and spread some holiday joy by supporting local businesses in our area!We will have plenty of vendors, food trucks to satisfy anyone's cravings, live music and activities for kids! Come find that perfect gift for your loved ones - whether it be a new piece of jewelry, some unique bath products, or a fun knickknack. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

December 11, Saturday - 5th annual Holiday Extravaganza at the Troy Community Center. Shop with local small businesses. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

December 11, Saturday - Tucka Texas Takeover with LJ Echols, Fat Daddy and Mr. Smoke. VFW Post 1820, Temple. 7 p.m.

December 11, Saturday — 35 South at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

December 11, Saturday - Holiday Laser Light Show at Barrow Brewing Co. in Salado. Part of the 61st annual Salado Christmas Stroll. 7 p.m.

December 12, Sunday - Temple High School Band Winter Concert in the THS Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.

December 13, Monday - Temple High School Orchestra Christmas Concert at THS Auditorium, 7 p.m.

December 14, Tuesday - Temple High School Choir Holiday Gift at THS Auditorium. 7:30 p.m.

December 17, Friday - Matt Cearley & The Rowdy Few, O’Briens. 9 p.m.

December 17, Friday — Hyway Traveler at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

December 17, Friday — “It’s a Wonderful Life” at The Beltonian Theatre. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — “It’s a Wonderful Life” at The Beltonian Theatre. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — The Real Gun Show at Bell County Expo Assembly Hall. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December 19, Sunday — The Real Gun Show at Bell County Expo Assembly Hall, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 19, Sunday – When Harry Met Sally… (1989), free movie at Cultural Activities Center. Boy meets girl, boy sees other girls, and girl sees other boys.  Maybe boy and girl should have seen each other.  “I’ll have what she’s having.”  The event will include a pre and post-movie discussion with Dr. Joseph Taberlet. 2 p.m.

December 18, Saturday - Shinyribs, Cultural Activities Center, 7:30 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — People’s Choice at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

December 23, Thursday - Santa & Elvis at Fire Street Pizza. 6-9 p.m.

December 25, Saturday — Christmas Dance at Bo’s Barn featuring Secondhand Rose, 8 p.m.

December 20-25: “The Polar Express” at The Beltonian Theatre. Visit https://TheBeltonianTheatre.com/Movies for show times.

December 31 - January 1 - Texas Elite Pole Vaulting. The Expo Explosion, the second largest indoor pole vaulting event in the country. Bell County Expo Center’s Garth Arena.

December 31, Friday - New Year’s Eve at O’Briens with the Jason Custer Band. 10 p.m.

December 31, Friday - New Year’s Eve at Bo’s Barn with the Craig Howell Band. 9 p.m. $25 includes cover, party favors, champagne, and breakfast with black-eyed peas.

January

January 29, Saturday - Parker McCollum Red Dirt Mardi Gras at Bell County Expo. 8 p.m.

LIST YOUR EVENT! Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line. Keep it short and sweet — what, when and where. You may include a short description. You must include a phone number for verification purposes. The phone number will not be published unless requested by submitter.

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