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Media Contact: Gentry Baumline
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
386-677-7000
gentry@hayworthcreative.com
Year 2008
Eventful Travel to Florida’s Gulf Islands
For a peaceful island escape, Florida’s Gulf Islands and the surrounding area can be a pretty eventful place. From seafood and symphonies, foreign films and fishing, to parades and plantations, visitors can count on a colorful island-style celebration of Florida’s art, culture, people and pastimes, just about any time of the year.
ONGOING EVENTS
ArtWalk – Village of the Arts
(941) 747-8056
Bradenton’s Downtown District is where many local artists live and work, and the site of a unique monthly Art Festival. Most venues are open every Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the enjoyment of locals as well as tourists. There is an Open Studios & Artwalk the first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. Enter at 11th Avenue and 12th Street West. An interactive map is available at www.villageofthearts.com.
Music on Main
(941) 747-9010
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free concerts along the Mainstreet at Lakewood Ranch.
Live music the first Friday of every month through April from 6-9 p.m. Food and beverages available for purchase. www.mainstreetatlakewoodranch.com
Circus Sarasota
(941) 355-9335
Expect high energy from this thrilling entertainment venue! Enjoy a summer theater show, winter performances under the big top and other exciting programs throughout the year. Log on to their Web site or call for show dates, times, and locations or email info@CircusSarasota.org. Ticket prices are $8 - $30.
www.CircusSarasota.org
Florida West Coast Symphony
(941) 953-4252
Named the top performing arts organization in the state for six years, the Florida West Coast Symphony presents over 100 concerts each year from September through June. Conductor Leif Bjaland has infused the orchestra with a brilliant sound that has led to many standing room only concerts. Call for a season brochure. Rates vary by concert; ranging from free to $58.
www.fwcs.org
Get Down Downtown
(941) 747-2498
Get Down Downtown is the place to be on Bradenton’s Old Main Street, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Held on the third Thursday of each month, outdoor band concerts and food sold from street vendors make this a memorable street party. Chill out or dance in the street, where you’re bound to run into neighbors or meet new friends in downtown Bradenton.
Jazz on the Islands
(941) 729-9177
Enjoy all genres of jazz music at outdoor cafes, restaurants and taverns throughout Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.
Lipizzan Stallions
(941) 322-1501
Marvel at the world famous dancing horses performing at the Ottomar Hermann Training Grounds. Free performances include a glimpse of horses and riders as they prepare for upcoming shows. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Sarasota Polo Club
(941) 907-0000
Come out and watch the fastest game in town! Bring a picnic lunch and tailgate next to the action on the finest polo fields in the country. From December 14 to April 4, the gates open every Sunday at noon. General admission is $7 per person, with children 12 and under free.
www.sarasotapolo.com
ANNUAL EVENTS
January
Poe at the Crosley
January 15-25
Location: Crosley Estate, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Description: The historic Crosley Mansion becomes the home of Edgar Allan Poe’s “Tales of Mystery and Imagination." You will be greeted by a cast of historical and literary characters including the “Master of the Macabre" Edgar Allan Poe. Move from room to room at the Crosley and experience theatrical presentations of Poe’s works.
Contact: Manatee Convention Center, (941) 722-3244 x221, www.poeatthecrosley.com
Manatee County Fair
January 17-27
Location: Manatee County Fairgrounds, Palmetto
Description: The Manatee County Fair offers traditional sights and sounds of the Midway, including a variety of rides, games and attractions. Agriculture and home economics play a significant role in the fair. There are a large number of agricultural exhibits and the efforts of the 4-H Club, Future Farmers of America and Future Homemakers of America are displayed.
Contact: Manatee County Fairgrounds (941) 722-1639
February
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
February 16-17
Location: The Village of Cortez, County Road 684, Bradenton
Description: The Cortez Fishing Festival is an annual celebration that takes place in the picturesque fishing village of Cortez. The festival features fresh seafood, environmental exhibits, entertainment, arts & crafts with a nautical theme, net mending demonstrations, boat tours and rides.
Contact: Karen Bell or Maxine Myford (941) 794-1249
Rubonia Mardi Gras
February 24
Location: Town of Rubonia
Description: Manatee County’s most exciting and unusual event will be held the fourth weekend in February in the town of Rubonia. This year’s 26th Annual Festival will feature live bands, costumes, food and craft vendors and the Wild & Wacky Parade on Sunday.
Contact: Mr. Gordon (941) 722-8654
March
Cortez Village Historic Homes Tour
Location: Village of Cortez
Description: Take a walking tour of Historic homes in the quaint fishing village of Cortez. The Village of Cortez is a community of 500 people and was settled in the late
1880’s by fishing families. For over 100 years, this little community has survived on hard work, fierce pride and a plentiful supply of fresh Florida seafood.
Contact: The F.I.S.H. Preserve (941) 704-8598 or www.fishpreserve.org
Manatee Heritage Month
March 1 – 31
Location: Historical sites throughout Manatee County
Description: An annual month-long celebration of Manatee County's rich history. Tours are sponsored by area historical groups to sites such as the Gamble Mansion, the Cortez Fishing Village and the Manatee Village Historical Park. There are also craft demonstrations of weaving, woodworking, quilting, basketry, and doily making.
Contact: Cathy Slusser (941) 741-4070
Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training
March - April
Location: McKechnie Field, 9th St. W. & 17th Ave. W., Bradenton
Description: Workouts are held at Pirate City from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm during March and April. Bring the whole family out to the ball game and indulge in hotdogs and peanuts etc. while enjoying a day of America’s favorite pastime - Baseball.
Contact: Pirate City (941) 747-3031
Gamble Plantation Annual Open House
March 2
Location: Gamble Plantation, 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton
Description: Come experience an authentic Civil War encampment. Free tours of the Mansion and Patten House. Live cannon and Civil War era weapons, period costumes, uniforms, and Civil War field equipment. Early craft demonstrations. Fun, food, music, excitement, and learning for the whole family!
Contact: Gamble Plantation (941) 723-4536
Palmetto Heritage Day March 8
Location: 515 10th Avenue West, Palmetto.
Description: Celebrating Palmetto’s past. Heritage Station Post Office open for business with special one day cancellation. Palmetto Historical Park Open House, live entertainment, yellow rice and chicken luncheon at the Women’s Club of Palmetto.
Contact: Palmetto Historical Commission (941) 723-4991
Anna Maria Island Art League’s Springfest March 8 & 9
Location: Holmes Beach City Hall Park, Anna Maria Island
Description: Enjoy, browse and purchase the works of excellent artists and craftsmen from all over the country, entertainment both days by local groups and food concessions.
Contact: Anna Maria Island Art League (941) 778-2099
De Soto Heritage Festival
Contact: Hernando Desoto Historical Society, (941) 747-1998
Children’s Parade & Party in the Park
March 21
Location: Lamb & Sutton Park, Palmetto
Description: The kids are in charge in their own parade down the historic streets of Palmetto! Schools and organizations create the most adorable entries and lead the way to Lamb & Sutton Park where activities and entertainment are held for the entire family.
Easter Egg Hunt
March 22
Location: G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton
Manatee County Parks & Rec. Dept. (941) 742-5923
Description: The Easter Bunny meets our modern-day de Soto and his Crewe at G.T. Bray Park for a fun-filled egg hunt open to children ages 3 – 8. Prizes, awards and 25,000 eggs!
April
DeSoto Seafood Fest
April 4-6
Location: Barcarrota Blvd., Downtown Bradenton
Description: One of Florida’s largest outdoor festivals, this downtown riverfront event combines outstanding cuisine with multi-stage entertainment, a large variety of vendors and three continuous days of pleasure for the entire family.
Sarasota Film Festival
April 4-13
Location: Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20, Sarasota
Description: Dedicated to exploring the best new stars of Independent film, this 10-day festival will present a non-stop schedule of films, premieres, symposiums and parties.
Contact: Jody Kielbasa (941) 364-9514
www.sarasotafilmfestival.com
DeSoto Bottle Boat Regatta
April 12
Location: Palma Sola Causeway (S.R. 64), Bradenton
Description: Thousands of plastic bottles and only paddles to row with…the perfect mix for teams to compete against each other at one of our most popular events! See families, friends and co-workers splash it up for prizes south side of the Palma Sola Causeway!
De Soto Grand Parade April 26
Location: Manatee Avenue, Bradenton
Description: Acclaimed as the most dazzling regional parade, this huge illuminated night parade boasts more than 150 entries with over 180,000 onlookers! Don’t miss it!
May
Where The Boys Are
Location: South Florida Museum, Bradenton
Description: This casual annual fundraising event is packed with fun and features a sampling of cuisine from more than a dozen area restaurants as well as dancing in the Spanish Plaza.
Contact: South Florida Museum (941) 746-4131
June
Kayak & Outdoor Festival
June 21
Location: Coquina Beach Park, Anna Maria Island
Description: Don’t miss this annual Manatee County Festival that will include Kayak Races for all levels. Festival will feature classes, clinics and demonstrations. Check out the area vendors and local wildlife exhibits set-up throughout the Festival. Sample local fare from area restaurants at the food and beverage tents on site.
Contact: Bradenton Area CVB (941) 729-9177 x233
www.floridasgulfislands.com
Extended Spring Training & Gulf Coast Leagues
June - Aug
Location: McKechnie Field, 9th St. W. & 17th Ave. W., Bradenton
Description: Pittsburgh Pirates extended spring training and Minor Gulf Coast League Baseball games held at McKechnie Field.
Contact: Pirate City (941) 747-3031
July
Bradenton Beach Fireworks Celebration July 3
Location: Beach House Restaurant, Bradenton Beach
Description: A spectacular 45 minute fireworks display will be shot from a barge in the water. Plenty of BBQ and drinks.
Contact: Beach House Restaurant (941) 779-2222
4th of July Celebration July 4
Location: Green Bridge, Palmetto
Description: Celebrate our independence this year along the Palmetto Riverfront with live entertainment, food for all tastes and fireworks. Festivities start at 3 pm; a spectacular fireworks display will take place at 9 pm.
Contact: Jeff Seger, Palmetto City Hall (941) 721-2138
Snooty the Manatee's Birthday Bash
July 19
Location: South Florida Museum, 201 10th Street W, Bradenton
Description: Featuring a Birthday Bash for the resident County mascot, Snooty™. Punch and Birthday cookies for the kids. Every child wins a prize at game booths. Reduced admission to Museum.
Contact: South Florida Museum (941) 746-4131
September
Florida Instructional League
Sept - Oct
Location: McKechnie Field, 9th St. W. & 17th Ave. W., Bradenton
Description: Florida minor league baseball teams compete against each other. Concession stands are not open, however, there are soda machines. Bring the family out for a fun day of baseball at McKechnie Field - Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Contact: Pirate City (941) 747-3031
October
Pumpkin Festival
October 17-19 & 25-26
Location: Hunsader Farms, County Road 675, Bradenton
Description: Kids and adults will enjoy a day at Hunsader Farms, a real working farm with homemade apple cider, a petting farm, hay rides, live music, old country store, pumpkin patch and arts and crafts make this an ideal day in the Country for the entire family.
Contact: Hunsader Farms (941) 322-2168
November
Sarasota Medieval Fair
Location: Hunsader Farms, County Road 675, Bradenton
Description: Ladies and Knights, Peasants and Nobles! By Royal Decree, you are cordially invited to the Sarasota Medieval Fair! Witness hundreds of costumed performers leading you into continuous laughter, suspense, and drama on 8 entertainment arenas holding over 75 performances daily. Come one and all, to two weekends of Tournaments, Feasts, and Performances.
Contact: (888) 303-FAIR (3247)
www.SarasotaMedievalFair.com
Snooty’s Gala
November 1
Location: South Florida Museum, Bradenton
Description: Bradenton’s premier black-tie social event, Snooty’s Gala, benefits the South Florida Museum. Gala guests dine on gourmet cuisine and dance under the stars to live entertainment in the Museum’s beautiful Spanish Plaza.
Contact: South Florida Museum (941) 746-4131
Taste of Manatee
November 1
Location: Barcarrotta Blvd, Bradenton
Description: Annual event to benefit Meals on Wheels Plus. 20+ restaurants, arts and crafts,kids games, music and a sports bar with TVs to watch the Bucs Game. Plan to attend this one day event, located on the beautiful Manatee River, and show support for your favorite restaurants.
Contact: Meals on Wheels (941) 747-4655
Holidays at the Crosley
Location: Powel Crosley Museum, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Description: Dozens of beautifully decorated trees will be displayed. Other exhibits include: Crosley radios, antique Crosley automobiles, and an elaborate vintage model railroad. Entertainment, a gift boutique, historic photo display, and a bayside café round out the activities.
Contact: Manatee Convention & Civic Center (941) 722-3244
December
A Dickens Christmas at the Crosley December
Location: Powel Crosley Museum, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Description: What better way to spend the holidays than at the Powel Crosley Mansion with the charming and eccentric characters from some of Charles Dickens’ most memorable literary offerings? Move from room to room at the Crosley and experience songs and stories of the holiday season featuring excerpts of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and other classic tales.
Contact: (941) 722-3244 x221;
www.shakespeareonthebay.com
Winter Wonderland
Location: Old Main Street, Bradenton
Description: Always held the first weekend in December; Winter Wonderland is three evenings of family fun! The Jingle Bell Run along the Riverwalk (Thursday pm), the Holiday Boat Parade (Friday at sunset) and the Street Festival, complete with snow mountains, Santa, crafts, and live entertainment (Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm).
Contact: Marianne Barnebey (941) 932-9400 x449
Gamble Plantation Holiday Open House
Location: Gamble Plantation, 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton
Description: Come experience an authentic Civil War encampment. Free tours of the Gamble Mansion and Patten House. Live cannon and Civil War era weapons, period costumes, uniforms, and Civil War field equipment. Early craft demonstrations. Fun, food, music, excitement, and learning for the whole family!
Contact: Gamble Plantation (941) 723-4536
Anna Maria Island Art League’s WinterFest
Location: Holmes Beach City Hall Park, 5801 Marina Drive, Anna Maria
Description: Enjoy, browse and purchase the works of excellent artists and craftsmen from all over Florida, entertainment both days by local groups, food concessions.
Contact: Anna Maria Island Art League (941) 778-2099
www.annamariaislandartleague.org
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