For hints on Carolina cooking, knitting with ease, crafting with kids and playing the keys, UNC-TV is the place to be during FESTIVAL 2006! Get ready to create with an exciting array of do-it-yourself programs.

FESTIVAL 2006 kicks off Saturday, February 25, at 8 AM, with a second helping of how-to fun for the little ones on Kid Concoctions II. John and Danita Thomas show more ways to create commercial-quality "concoctions" and "contraptions" quickly, easily-and inexpensively-by using common household ingredients like flour, cornstarch, old coffee grounds and starch. At 11 AM, artist paints mingle with favorite tastes with the return of the FESTIVAL favorite Recipes From Home With Bob Timberlake. Join this internationally known artist at his Lexington home as he and Bob Garner share a behind-the-scenes look at the delicious indigenous meals featured in Timberlake's colorful cookbook.

Saturday, March 4, at 10 AM, one of public television's craftiest stars introduces you to the exciting world of today's hipster knitters in the premiere of Learn To Knit. Vicki Payne will keep you in stitches sharing fascinating facts about yarn, knitting groups and the history of the hobby. With expert knitting advisor Kathleen Sams also on hand for hands-on knitting lessons, you'll learn all the basics with easy and engaging demonstrations. At noon, everyone's favorite travel companion, Rick Steves, presents his exciting, new Vive la France special. Seeing the unique ways locals embrace life in Provence, the French Riviera and Normandy proves once again that UNC-TV is the next best thing to a plane ticket. After you've tackled traveling the globe, try your hand at tickling the ivories with Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston's quick and easy piano program, Play Piano in a Flash, at 2 PM. Master a style simpler than traditional piano lessons-with an absolute minimum of note reading-and play like a pro in no time. Best of all, Houston makes it fun every step of the way.

Sunday, March 5, enjoy an afternoon full of blooming innovation when expert gardener Jerry Baker appears LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio-to present three all-new FESTIVAL specials guaranteed to turn your thumb green and help your greenery grow. Starting at noon, Baker shares his expertise and creative tips for great yards with the premiere of Jerry Baker's Year 'Round Flower Care, Jerry Baker's Year 'Round Lawn Care and Jerry Baker's Year 'Round Tree, Shrub &Evergreen Care.

Saturday, March 18, at noon, Don Mauer brings his great taste to your Tar Heel grill-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio for the premiere of Don Mauer With the Complete Idiot's Guide to Grilling. Just in time for spring, this avid cook and TV personality shows how to replace fat with flavor in an all-new special that brings guilt-free grilling to your own backyard.

Speaking of cooking, see a special Sunday, March 19, at 11:30 AM, from the legendary woman who really shook things up and put some sizzle into television. Collected from her original 1960s series, Julia Child Memories-The French Chef, demonstrates such classic recipes as boeuf bourguignon (from her debut show),"The Lobster Show," "Queen of Sheba" chocolate cake and other delicious dishes. In her signature style, and with bloopers intact, this savory special will make you say, "Bon Appétit!"

Saturday, March 25, at 8:30 AM, grab your kids and their grandparents and gather around your television for an entertaining encore presentation of Kid Concoctions II! If you missed it the first time, be sure to catch this creative collection of clever and educational family fun projects.

For FESTIVAL 2006 updates about other local programs airing throughout FESTIVAL 2006, information about in-studio guests, program airdates and times, please visit www.unctv.org. Look for even more exciting programs throughout FESTIVAL 2006-Saturday, February 25, through Sunday, March 26-only on UNC-TV.

UNC-TV is North Carolina's member supported, 11-station statewide television network committed to using telecommunications wisely and imaginatively to inform, educate, and enrich all North Carolinians.

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