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Pinellas celebrates the holidays
Article published on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006 |
Tis the season, and around Pinellas calendars are filling quickly with a variety of special holiday events and more.
Schools to perform holiday shows at Biltmore resort
CLEARWATER – Groups of students will showcase their musical skills performing holiday entertainment in late November and December at the Belleview Biltmore Resort. All performances will take place between 5 and 7 p.m. in the old lobby. The current lineup is as follows:
Dec. 5 – Palm Harbor University High School orchestra.
Dec. 6 – DePaul School, 25 to 30 violinists.
Dec. 7 – Skycrest Elementary, 32 students with recorders and bells.
Dec. 12 – Belleair Montessori Academy, piano, bells and guitar.
Dec. 15 – Safety Harbor Middle, 70 student chorus.
Dec. 18 – Grace Lutheran, adult hand bell choir.
Dec. 19 – Westlake Christian, 60 student chorus.
Dec. 21 – Strings Things Chamber, eight student ensemble. The Belleview Biltmore Resort is at 25 Belleview Blvd. Call Kari Elofson at 373-3000.
Lights of Lake ParkPINELLAS COUNTY - Lights of Lake Park, a community effort and annual holiday light display benefiting The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, will illuminate the Lake Parks Estates subdivision from Dec. 1-31. The display is created each year by Eddie Dow and a group of about 100 homeowners in the Lake Park Estates, 97th Street North and 109th Avenue in Largo and Seminole. Neighbors in Lake Park Estates subdivision decorate their homes for the holidays with lavish lights and decorative ornaments of all shapes and sizes. Donations are accepted at the event on behalf of The Hospice to support programs for patients and families in honor of the care provided to Eddie's late wife, Ruby Dow.
The lights will be displayed during the following times: Monday - Thursday: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday - Sunday: 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Christmas Eve through New Years hours are extended from 6:30 p.m. until ? For a map, visit www.thehospice.org and click on News and Events for December.
Directions:
• From Starkey Road - Head west on Bryan Dairy Road. Go across the first bridge and turn right at the first traffic light at 109th Avenue North. Go to the bottom of the hill and follow the arrows.
• From Seminole Boulevard - Go east on 102nd Avenue North. Cross the Lake Seminole Bridge. Go to second traffic light at 109th Avenue and turn left and follow the arrows.
Seasonal Sensations to illuminate botanical gardens
LARGO – Seasonal Sensations, an illuminated garden, a free December holiday wonderland, featuring more than 425,000 holiday lights at The Florida Botanical Gardens and Pinellas County Extension continues through Jan. 3, 2007. The Florida Botanical Gardens is at 12520 Ulmerton Road. Call 582-2100 or visit www.flbg.org.
Santa visits
ST. PETERSBURG - The city of St. Petersburg's Recreation Department sponsors Santa visits with children nightly 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.
Belleair Bluffs holiday tree lighting
BELLEAIR BLUFFS – The annual Belleair Bluffs’ holiday tree lighting program will be Monday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m., at the Community Center. The Salvation Army Band will provide music while all gather for the event. Following a welcome by Mayor Chris Arbutine and songs by the Indian Rocks Christian School Elementary Chorus and The Ladies Ensemble, the tree will be lit heralding the arrival of Santa. Hayrides will be offered until 8 p.m. The city will provide the annual tree ornament and the Belleair Bluffs Civic Association and the Belleair Bluffs Business Association will provide refreshments. The Community Center is at 2747 Sunset Blvd.
Santa’s Holiday Revue
LARGO – First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks will host the Indian Rocks Family Theater and Stages Productions’ Santa’s Holiday Revue on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., in the Fellowship Center. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Christmas program. Tickets are $5; children under 3 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the church office Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the door the night of the event. The church is at 12685 Ulmerton Road. Call 372-6715 or visit www.indianrocks.org.
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.
Lights of Love
TARPON SPRINGS - Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 7. The official tree lighting will begin at 7 p.m. with a music program. Santa will be present. This is a fundraiser for Helen Ellis Hospital Auxilliary. For more information, call Hellen Ellis Memorial Hosptial at 727-942-5048.
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.
Dinner and tour of lights
SEMINOLE – Oakhurst United Methodist Church will host seniors for a ham dinner and tour of lights on Friday, Dec. 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Buses will take participants on a tour of holiday lights at 7 p.m. and return at 8:30 for cookies and punch. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated. Home-made cookies are needed. For reservations, call the church at 391-4769 or Joanne Nelson at 398-6440 by Tuesday, Dec. 5. The church is at 13400 Park Blvd.
Celebrate the holidays with SPC Lifelong Learning
PINELLAS COUNTY – St. Petersburg College Lifelong Learning will sponsor holiday activities; one will be a visit to historic Lake Wales Bok Tower and Victorian Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 8. The cost is $59 and includes transportation, admissions and lunch. Also, morning musical performances in St. Petersburg are planned for Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Coffee Concert at Mahaffey Theater. For reservations, call Lifelong Learning at 341-3184.
Journey to Bethlehem
CLEARWATER – Global Family Fellowship will present The Journey to Bethlehem, Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8 through 10 and Dec. 15 through 17. This outdoor walk-through drama is set in Bethlehem on Christmas night. Attendees will observe the Wise Men, hear the angels’ message and interact with the townspeople. Accommodation made for the handicapped. Dress according to weather. Global Family Fellowship is at 2289 N. Hercules Ave. Call 733-4600.
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.
Lighted Boat Parade and Outdoor Holiday Movie
TARPON SPINGS - The recreational department will sponsor a lighted boat parade and outdoor holiday movie on Saturday, Dec. 9. The event begins at dusk. The vessels will proceed down the anclote Rier and into the bayous where Santa will give out treats to the children in Spring Bayou. There is no charge to participate but all vessels must be registed to enter. Registration forms may be obtrain at the City Marina and at the Recreation Division administrative office. Trophies will be awarded to the best decorate boats. Call 727-942-5628 for more details.
Students to perform 'It's a Wonderful Life, the Musical
ST. PETERSBURG – Northside Christian School will present the Dickensian story, “It’s a Wonderful Life, the Musical” Friday, Dec. 8, to Sunday, Dec. 10. Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets, $10 or $15, are available at the Family Christian Store at The Shoppes at Park Place, Northside Baptist Church or the school, 600 38th Ave. N. Call the church at 381-3642 or school at 541-7593, ext. 231.
Holiday Family Fest and Parade
DUNEDIN - Holiday activities are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Edgewater Park. Enjoy entertainment, a craft show and more. The holiday parade begins at 11 a.m. on Alt. 19 south of Wilson Park and travels to just past Edgewater Park. More than 100 entries plus Santa will be part of the annual event. Call 727-298-3260.
Pinellas Park Christmas Parade
PINELLAS PARK – The 34th annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, promises to be bigger and more imaginative than any other. That’s the prediction of Jerry Garner, parade committee chairman, who along with city officials and volunteers on Nov. 22 set the line up of bands, floats and other attractions. The lineup of bands, floats, cars and marching units will begin at 4 p.m. The parade begins promptly at 6. The rain date is Dec. 16. The parade begins from Park Boulevard and 58th Street, down Park Boulevard to U.S. 19 where it ends with Santa Claus on his sleigh. Donations of new unwrapped toys can be left at drop boxes around the city or at the Pinellas Park/Mid County Chamber of Commerce counter at Park Station.
St. Jerome serves breakfast with Santa
LARGO – The 15th annual breakfast with Santa will be on Saturday, Dec. 9, 8 to 11 a.m., at St. Jerome Early Childhood Center. A variety of activities will be offered. Tickets are $5 each or $25 for a family of five or more and includes breakfast, face painting, kiddie crafts and a visit with Santa. Raffle tickets also are available. Tickets can be purchased at the center or at the door. The center is at 10895 Hamlin Blvd. Call 596-9491.
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.
Candlelight service at Serenity Gardens
LARGO – Serenity Gardens Memorial Park and Moss Feaster Funeral Home will sponsor their 17th annual Candlelight Remembrance Service on Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., at the Serenity Gardens grounds. The Candlelight Remembrance Service will be accented by music, song and devotions in a setting with more than 10,000 illuminated candles dedicated to the memory of the dearly departed. Serenity Gardens Memorial Park is at 13401 Indian Rocks Road. Call 595-2914.
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.
IEYC Holiday Boat Parade
ISLAND ESTATES – The 2006 Memorial Holiday Boat Parade, organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. The rain date is Dec. 10. There will be a pre-parade captain’s meeting Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Clearwater Yacht Club. The Island Estates Yacht Club lighted water parade is one of the largest and most popular marine events in the Clearwater area and will be celebrating its 32nd year. The parade also honors the memory of Island Estates Yacht Club members who passed away during the year. This year the water pageant will honor Beverly Fey and Paul Adair. The decorated boats will assemble in Mandalay Channel between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach at 6 p.m. At 6:30, Capt. Thom Kicinski in Sea Dancer will lead the parade in and out of many of the Island Estate canals before heading over to Coachman Park around 8 p.m. From there the boats will go under the new Memorial Causeway Bridge turning into the Clearwater Marina channel before navigating to the Clearwater Yacht Club judging stand. Contact IEYC Fleet Capt. William Blum at 447-1230 or at wblum1@tampabay.rr.com.
Christmas Parade
TARPON SPRINGS - The annual Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 16. The parade will wind through downtown Tapron Springs on Alt. 19 and is followed by a party at Craig Park. For information, call the Tarpon Springs Chamber at 727-937-6109 or the Recreation Department at 727-942-5628 or send an e-mail to Chamber@tarponsprings.com.
Treasure Island tour of homes
TREASURE ISLAND – The Treasure Island Tour of Homes will take place on Sunday, Dec. 17. Planning for the event is under way. Six to 10 homes will be on display with each house decorated in a holiday theme. Tickets will be $20. Additional details are forthcoming.
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. Call Nick Simons, committee chairman, at 421-0885.
'A New Heart for Christmas'
LARGO – First Baptist Church and Stages Productions will present “A New Heart for Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m., and on Sunday and Monday, Dec. 17 and 18, 7 p.m., in the Worship Center. This Broadway-style musical will feature the church’s Celebration Choir and Orchestra, Children’s Choirs and full drama cast. Tickets are $10, $5 for children age 4 to 18; children 3 and under are free. The church is at 12685 Ulmerton Road. Call 595-3421 or visit www.indianrocks.org.
Holiday band concert
DUNEDIN - The city of Dunedin will present its annual Holiday Band concert on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., at the Hale Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave. Call 727-298-3260.
'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 Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006
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