The Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish announces the new BMX Raceway Season Pass and its 2012 USABMX race schedule.

BREC’s BMX Raceway Season Pass will allow unlimited single point races for 2012. The fee is $100 per racer/class. Passes are available beginning Jan. 7 at the BMX Raceway, 7122 Perkins Road.

BREC’s BMX Raceway will host its USABMX races every Saturday at 7 p.m. in 2012. Registration for races will begin at 5 p.m. Registration fee is $10 per racer. Please check brec.org/extremesports for rainouts.

For more information, call 225-766-9039, visit facebook.com/brecextremesports or visit brec.org/extremesports.

By David Spunt

I was on a story Friday, February 25 at the Louisiana State Capitol and I had a chance to visit the observation tower on the 27th floor. I've been reporting in Baton Rouge almost two years, but have never done this before. It was well worth it. It's open Monday through Friday and I suggest you try it for a beautiful view!

The Foundation for Historical Louisiana (FHL) will sponsor a community open house during the holiday festivities planned in downtown Baton Rouge in early December. The public is invited to visit the Old Governor's Mansion at 502 North Boulevard for a free Holiday Open House on Friday, December 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. A donation of canned goods for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank will be collected at the event.

The landmark mansion will be decorated for the holidays through underwriting by LUBA Workers Compensation. Of special interest to parents and grandparents will be a visit from the Mansion's own Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Children may relay their wishes and have a color photo taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus against the back drop of the East Room fireplace for a cost of $10. The photos will be printed and families may pick them up within minutes.

In addition, small children are invited to take a ride on the "Mansion Snowball Express" for an excursion to Galvez Plaza, which will be a pick up and drop off point for mansion visitors. Children are encouraged to come in their pajamas!