Ryan Secrest has announced a contest where people can vote to have Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and hometown favorite/American Idol Kris Allen appear in their hometown. Seacrest is promising the city with the most votes a free concert. As I'm posting this, Little Rock is number 2. Vote for Little Rock today.

Copyright Amanda Galiano

The contest header says "free concert."  If you read the rules, it says they will do a random drawing from all the votes in a 50 mile radius of the winning town and one person will get 2 free tickets, parking and all related fees (retail $100).  To me, that makes it sound like the concert is not really "free" to everyone.

Only one vote is allowed per person/email address. The rules also make no mention of Allison as a performer of the concert, but she is mentioned elsewhere. The contest is slated to run through December 18. The show is slated to take place on February 13, 2010.

In the meantime, check out these photos of Kris in Conway and Kris Allen's new CD on November 17.  It features 13 tracks: "Live Like We're Dying," "Before We Come Undone," "Can't Stay Away," "The Truth," "Written All Over My Face," "Bring It Back," "Red Guitar," "Is it Over," "Let it Rain," "Alright With Me," "Lifetime," "I Need to Know" and "Heartless."

Holiday House is a fun event at the Statehouse Convention Center. The convention center is filled with Christmas decorations, gingerbread houses and lots and lots of shoppers for the weekend.

To me, Holiday House is the kick off the holiday season in Little Rock and something I look forward to every year.

It's also the Junior League of Little Rock's main fundraiser. The Junior League helps Little Rock families in many ways including: FACT (Families and Community Together), Grow (Girls Realizing Opportunity Within), Buckle Up and Bee Safe, Partners for Hope, Stuff the Bus and Nightingales.

Admission prices for Holiday House vary. Tonight is a special preview night from 6-10 p.m. The preview includes shopping, a silent auction and wine. Admission is $35. On the 12th, from 9 a.m. to noon, you can enjoy brunch and coffee while you shop for $25. Lady's Night Out is Thursday from 6-9 p.m. It includes a Mexican buffet and 2 drinks, a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets are $25.

General admission is from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, 9-9 on Friday and 9-6 on Saturday. General admission is $7 for 1 day or 3 days for $15.

Welcome to the weekend in Little Rock. Besides preparing for Thanksgiving, we've got a few other things going on.

November 13-

• Cruisin' in the Rock from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the River Market. It's a monthly cruise-in.
• Little Rock Fashion Week 2009 DVD Release & Screening Party is at 6 p.m. at
  Gusano's on 313 President Clinton Ave. It's free.

November 14-

• Pinnacle is hosting a Fall Hayride & Campfire from 3-5 p.m. $10.
• Family Day at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Crafts, guest speakers and demonstrations.
• Idea Aid: World's First Brainstorm to Tackle Global Poverty is Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at the Heifer Village. Heifer is also having "Kids Cook" Saturday morning.
• The Clinton Library is having a free admission day to kick off "Five Days of Giving" and their coat drive.

I think every day we enjoy the freedoms of our country is Veteran's Day, but November 11 is the day we've designated to reflect on what the armed forces have done for our country. There are many events throughout the state, but here are a few in Little Rock.

The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs will present its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11th at 11 a.m. at the State Capitol. This ceremony is to honor all veterans who have, and are serving this nation, both in war and in peace. Governor Mike Beebe will give the Veterans Day address. The public is invited to attend this ceremony to honor the veterans.

Admission to the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum will be free for veterans, active military and their families from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11.

On a less serious note, Veterans and Active Duty Military Eat Free at Applebee's tomorrow.