Pinellas celebrates the holidays
Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006 |
Tis the season, and around Pinellas calendars are filling quickly with a variety of special holiday events and more.
Greek pastries raise money for worthy deeds
ST. PETERSBURG - The Daughters of Penelope, Aeneas Chapter No. 210, will prepare special treats for the holidays, to give or keep. The group will prepare homemade Greek pastries, the proceeds of which benefit charities. Orders are being taken for Baklava (walnuts and fillo dough covered with syrup); Penelope's Signature Pastry (nut-filled butter pastry dipped in syrup and topped with walnuts); Kourambiethes (butter pastry dusted with confectionery sugar); and Koulourakia (braided butter cookies sprinkled with sesame seed). To place an order and for cost information, call Bessie at 866-7309 by Friday, Dec. 1. The treats will be ready for pick up on Thursday, Dec. 14, 5 to 7 p.m., at St. Stefanos Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 3600 76th St. N.
Seminole's Holiday parade
SEMINOLE - The Seminole Chamber of Commerce, Seminole Mall, and the city of Seminole presents the second annual Holiday Night Parade Bright Before Your Eyes on Sunday, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. The parade route will travel from the Seminole Mall down 113th Street culminating at the Seminole Recreation Center. Call 392-3245.
Festival of Trees
CLEARWATER - The UPARC Festival of Trees Tampa Bay is a five-day holiday celebration from Wednesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 26, at Harborview Center, featuring one-of-a-kind lavishly decorated trees in a family-centered fantasy-land. Hours are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday's special Santa's Breakfast at 9 a.m. costs $10 with a reservation.
More than 100 decorated trees from local artists, businesses and community leaders will be for sale. Throughout the festival, families will enjoy live nonstop entertainment, hand-crafted gifts, children's activities, a large train display and animated window display. Gingerbread Lane spotlights the creativity of distinguished local chefs. General admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; ages 3 to 16, $4; and ages 2 and under are free. Harborview Center is at 300 Cleveland St. Call the UPARC Foundation at 797-8712 or visit www.treefest.com.
Breakfast with Santa
CLEARWATER - Santa and his elves will return for the Leading Ladies' fourth annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall's Margarete Heye Great Room. The event will include a tasty, child-friendly buffet breakfast, a keepsake photo with Santa, games and sing-a-long with the elves and Frosty. Also featured will be crafts, face painting, a toy and an opportunity drawing. One lucky winner will take home a new bike and helmet. Cost is $15 a person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds will benefit the youth education programs of Ruth Eckerd Hall. Ruth Eckerd Hall is at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road. Call Karen White at 939-3456 or Stephanie Smith at 712-2723.
Largo's Holiday Parade
LARGO - The city of Largo's Holiday Parade will be on Dec. 2. This year's theme is Holidays Around the World, featuring traditions celebrated by other countries. To participate in the parade, contact Special Events at 587-6740, ext. 5014 or e-mail specialevents@largo.com.
Trees and traditions at Heritage Village
LARGO - Heritage Village, Pinellas County's 21-acre living history museum, kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 2, 1-4 p.m. with multicultural dance performances by member groups of SPIFFS, the St. Petersburg Folkfair Society. In addition, visitors can view holiday trees decorated in colorful global themes in the Visitor Center Galleries. Buildings throughout the Village will be decorated for the holidays and will be open for docent- and self-guided tours. Also, the Pinellas County Historical Society will host their annual open house at Greenwood House. Admission is free. Decorated trees and buildings will be on display throughout December. Heritage Village is located at 11909 125th St N., Largo. For more information, call 727-582-2123 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage.
Santa's Holiday Revue
LARGO - Santa's Holiday Revue is coming to the Largo Cultural Center on Saturday, Dec. 2. This fast paced rollicking musical that takes a joyous 'round the world tour of the dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many more. Students will sing, clap and tap along as they learn new and old traditions, customs and folklore that instills the magic of the season and celebrates the true spirit of cultural diversity. Show times are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for children; $20 for a family four-pack. The Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Drive. For information, call 727-587-6793.
Tree lighting and parade
TREASURE ISLAND – The Treasure Island downtown parade and tree lighting ceremony is scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 2. The parade begins at 5:15 p.m. at Treasure Bay. The best viewing location is the clock tower on 107th Avenue. The tree lighting ceremony is set for 6:15 p.m. at Treasure Island Community Center Park. After the tree lighting ceremony, visit with Santa in the community center. For more information, call 547-4575.
Mayor's Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert
SEMINOLE - The city of Seminole and the Seminole Recreation Division will have its annual Mayor's Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert on Friday, Dec. 1, 7 to 9 p.m., at Seminole City Park. Festivities will include a Holiday Concert featuring the Seminole High School Singers and the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony. Food and beverages will be available for sale by the Seminole Firefighters Local 2896. All proceeds will go to help needy families. The park is at 7464 Ridge Road. Call 391-8345.
Snowfest and Holiday Festivities
ST. PETERSBURG - The city of St. Petersburg's Recreation Department sponsors the annual Snowfest event in North Straub Park, Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Santa Parade begins at 10 a.m. at First Avenue South and Fifth Street South to Bayshore Drive. then to the Vinoy Park. The parade is the kickoff to Snowfest. Activities include a toboggan slide with real snow, skate on a simulated ice rink, pony rides, make-n-take arts projects plus lots more. A wristband for Snowfest event activities costs $6 and includes all activities. Also, Santa visits with children nightly from Dec. 2 through Dec. 23 in North Straub Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Don't miss the Giant Greeting Card display along Bayshore Drive at Vinoy Park. Call 892-5197 or 893-7441 for more information.
The Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition
ST. PETERSBURG - Competing caroling groups will gather in South Straub Park on Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 p.m., for the first-ever Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition to raise funds to support the work of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic and First Night St. Petersburg. Figgy Pudding is a caroling contest that invites friends, families, neighbors and co-workers to assemble groups of five or more to sing together as they entertain and garner donations from people strolling through Straub Park.
Spectators will be treated to beautiful holiday music and a few comical displays as teams compete for recognition at the Figgy Pudding Awards Ceremony in categories such as Best Choral Performance, Most Original Performance, and the People's Choice Award. "Carolers of every experience and talent level are encouraged to enter the competition," said Jane Egbert, Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. To enter the competition, volunteer or sponsor the event, call Rebecca Russell-Gootee at 821-1200, ext. 114 for more information.
Holiday Gala benefits Abilities Guild
CLEARWATER BEACH - The Abilities Guild will have its fifth Holiday Gala on Sunday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., at Carlouel Yacht Club. Participants will be greeted by Marge and Larry Dimmitt, honorary chairmen. Cocktails, silent and live auctions and a photo with Santa will be offered. A gourmet dinner with complimentary dinner wine will precede dancing to the music of Ritchie V. The auction includes wines, dinners, brunches, golf packages, sports memorabilia, jewelry, tickets and more. The cost is $80 a person; tables seat eight. Black tie is optional and valet parking is available. Proceeds support Abilities Foundation and their efforts of job training and placement, housing, health and recreation for disabled people. The club is at 1091 Eldorado Ave. For reservations, call Gloria at 536-9176.
Mrs. Santa Luncheon
ST. PETERSBURG - The Beach Branch of All Children's Hospital Guild will be hosting the 43rd Mrs. Santa Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. Cash Bar opens at 10:30 a.m. with the luncheon at noon. There will be a Fashion Show presented by Dillards. Cost is $45. All proceeds will go to the new All Children's Hospital Neonatal Unit. For tickets and reservations, call Marilyn Massimore at 341-1930.
Holiday parade
CLEARWATER – The city will host its annual parade on Friday, Dec. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., along Cleveland Street. The night parade will feature illuminated floats costumed Krewes, clown troupes, collector cars and trucks, marching bands, novelty groups and walking units. Bring a chair and enjoy the holiday festivities. For more information, call 562-4813.
Guilfoil Ballet presents 'The Nutcracker'
ST. PETERSBURG - The Guilfoil Ballet Theater will present its fourth annual performance of "The Nutcracker" on Friday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Palladium Theater. This year's production includes more than 100 dancers from throughout Pinellas County as well as Orlando and Kissimmee. Special guests in the performance will be Italian Ballerina Patricia Storelli and GBT's artistic director Andrew Guilfoil as the Sugar Plum and Cavalier. Tickets are $16 adults and are available by calling 442-9394. Reduced ticket fees for schools and private groups. The Palladium is at 253 Fifth Ave. Visit www.mypalladium.org or www.guilfoilballettheater.com.
Winterfest Holiday Festival
SEMINOLE The seventh annual Winterfest Holiday Festival will be on Saturday, Dec. 9, 5 to 9 p.m., also at Seminole City Park. Activities will include holiday music, holiday entertainers, the arrival of Santa Claus, Santa's Village, holiday lights hayrides, ice carving demonstrations, holiday crafts, bounce houses, and the white stuff, "snow mountain," for the kids to play on and more. Food and beverages will be available for sale by the Seminole Firefighters Local 2896. All proceeds will go to help needy families. The park is at 7464 Ridge Road. Call 391-8345.
Illuminated Boat Parade
ST. PETE BEACH - The city of St. Pete Beach will join with South Pasadena to host the annual Illuminated Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:45 p.m., beginning at Merry Pier. The parade will proceed through the channels of St. Pete Beach and South Pasadena. This event has grown in popularity and has proven to be a great celebration of the boating communities. Those interested in participating in the 2006 Illuminated Boat Parade may call 363-2146.
St. Petersburg Little Theatre to present ‘Oft Told Story’
ST. PETERSBURG – The St. Petersburg Little Theatre will present “The Oft Told Story” on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. This will mark the fourth annual performance of the musical written by local St. Petersburg residents Alan and Margot Armstrong and directed by Alan Armstrong. The story depicts the events surrounding the birth of Jesus retold by the animals. Featuring six actors who transform themselves on stage into 14 different characters, the performance blends traditional Christmas carols and original songs.
Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children under 12. The show is complimentary for all SPLT season ticket holders but prior reservations will be required to hold a seat. The theater will donate 100 seats a show to local charities who support families with children that are experiencing hardships during the holidays. The theater is at 4025 31st St. S. Call 866-1973 or visit www.splt.info.
'Deck the Halls' sale and fundraiser
ST. PETERSBURG - The 19th annual Deck the Halls sale of artist-made holiday decoration for the benefit of The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast is set Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Artspace, 10 Fifth St. N. All ornaments and decorations are $5, regardless of size and detail. All proceeds from the sale of donated ornaments will benefit Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Refreshments will be served. Call Mary Klein at 727-418-8887 or visit www.artspaceartists.com.
Holiday boat parade
TREASURE ISLAND – The Holiday Boat Parade will cast off from the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club at 6:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Rain date is Dec. 11. The parade route will take the decorated boats around Paradise Island, through the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge at 7 p.m.; through the main channels between the Isle of Palms and Isle of Capri, ending at John's Pass. The best viewing locations are the Treasure Island Yacht Club, 115th Avenue, John's Pass and the west bridge of the Treasure Island Causeway. For more information, call 547-4575.
Redington Beaches and Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade
GULF BEACHES - The Redington Beaches and Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade Committee announced that the annual Holiday Boat Parade will be on Sunday, Dec. 17, beginning at 6 p.m. The captain's meeting for participating boats will be on Thursday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., at the Town Hall of North Redington Beach, 190 173rd Ave. Participating boats are requested to rendezvous just north of the Tom Stuart (Madeira Beach) Causeway at approximately 5:30 p.m.
The boats will cover a route following the Intracoastal Waterway from just north of the Tom Stuart Causeway Bridge (Redington Beach) to The Pub restaurant in Indian Shores. It meanders into the creeks and canals that branch off the IW, passing along the shoreline of each of the participating communities. The awards ceremony will take place at The Pub. The management of The Pub has extended an invitation to all participants to dock their boats overnight in the restaurant's marina.
Last year, the total prize value exceeded $3,000, which the committee hopes to better. Major prizes, consisting of gift baskets and cash, are given to the top three boats in each category. The categories judged are based on the lengths of the participating boats.
Entry forms for the parade are available now at the town halls of the participating towns and at local marinas. The Boat Parade Committee has allocated up to $25 a boat for the rental of portable generators to operate the decorative lighting used by the boats. Boat captains should submit a copy of their rental receipt in order to claim reimbursement. Call Nick Simons, committee chairman, at 421-0885.
'Chocolate Nutcracker' at the Mahaffey Theater
ST. PETERSBURG - LaVerne Reed Productions will present "Chocolate Nutcracker" on Friday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 23, 1 and 7:30 p.m., at the Mahaffey Theater. An annual holiday treat celebrating cultures across the globe and encouraging acceptance of diversity, "Chocolate" is a multicultural interpretation of the traditional ballet version told through the eyes of a little girl of color. More than 250 young, local, aspiring dancers ranging from the ages of 4 to 21 are part of the cast that will bring this adaptation of "The Nutcracker" to life. Scenes are performed in a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, African and Brazilian.
Like the ballet version, "Chocolate Nutcracker" is performed in cities around the country during the holiday season. Now in its ninth season in the bay area, this will mark the first performance in the newly renovated Mahaffey Theater.Tickets are $52, $42 and $32. There is a $5 discount on all children, senior citizens, students and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at 898-2100. For group sales, call 441-6460. Mahaffey Theater is at 400 First St. S.
Santa taking reservations
BELLEAIR - The town's annual Santa Claus Christmas gift delivery will be Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 20, 21 and 22, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Residents can request that Santa Claus deliver a gift to someone 12 years old and under at their home. Reservation forms will be available at Town Hall. Early reservations are suggested, as there will be a limited number of deliveries each evening.
Each gift to be delivered should be wrapped and tagged clearly with the name of the recipient, the delivery address and phone number. Gifts shall be limited to one for each recipient and limited in size to 12-by-12-inches, including wrapping and ribbon decoration. Gifts may be delivered to Town Hall, 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., between Monday, Dec. 11, through Monday, Dec. 18, by 4 p.m. Call Suzy Metcalf at 588-3769, ext. 312.
More events will be added to this listing throughout the holiday season. To submit an event for the holiday calendar, send an e-mail to webmaster@tbnweekly.com.
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Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006
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