You’re sick to death of writing that final paper. Iowa’s blustery winds and icy sidewalks make walking to class even more unbearable. And Christmas shopping promises to crush your already strained credit cards. A fun solution to all of these problems lies a couple hundred miles to the south of Ames, where Kansas Citians are gearing up for the Third Annual Dickens Holiday Fair.

The fair begins this weekend at the Municipal Auditorium, located on 13th Street between Central and Wyandotte Streets in downtown K.C., Mo. It is presented courtesy of the Missouri Repertory Theatre, The Kansas City Star and Price Chopper as a benefit for The Rep.

Besides being a great excuse for a road trip (either before or after finals), the Dickens Fair also offers a slew of entertainment for every age. The first weekend kicks off with special on-stage appearances by Shari Lewis’ life-sized Lamp Chop; the second weekend will feature the guest appearance of Gerald Charles Dickens, Charles’ great, great-grandson, as he signs books and shares family stories, while the third weekend will showcase Winnie the Pooh and friends in stories from The Coterie’s well-known production.

Aside from that entertainment, the Fair offers food beyond even Dom DeLuise’s wildest fantasies. Just to make sure everyone’s arteries clog, a variety of stuff, including fish and chips, farmhouse stew in bread bowls, roast beef and sausages, will be available.

Those with sugar cravings can indulge in pie, tarts, cookies and pudding. For those with their waistlines in mind, they are offering pastas, fruits, nuts and juices.

“It’s good, kind of Victorian fare, but like a lot of people, I’m always looking for a good salad,” said Dana Klassen, media relations manager for the fair. “We’re trying to please every palate.”

Besides the tasty vittles, those whose shopping lists are longer than the lines at the mall will dig the expanded marketplace and 60-plus craft booths. From wooden toys, to hand-sewn books, to puppets, to jewelry, to “an incredible selection of marbles,” you’ll find the most unique gifts in town. “And you don’t have to go to the mall,” Klassen added.

The fair runs Dec. 1 through 3, Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. Tickets are $9 at the door or $7.50 in advance. To buy tickets in advance, contact the Central Ticket Office to charge by phone at (816) 235-2700. For more information, please call 889-STAR, extension 4267.

The easiest way to get to Municipal Auditorium is by Interstate-35 south. Take the Broadway exit, and follow the road underneath the new Bartle Hall extension (it’ll be like driving in the Bat Cave). Then take a right on 12th Street, and a right on Wyandotte. Trust us on this: it’s the best way to get around down there.