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Pinellas celebrates the holidays

Article published on Thursday, Dec. 7, 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 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. 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 Park
PINELLAS 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 through Dec. 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.

Winter Wonderland
CLEARWATER – Santa Claus will be at Winter Wonderland through Friday, Dec. 22. The hours are weeknights 6 to 9 and weekends 1 to 9 p.m. at the corner of Drew Street and Fort Harrison Avenue. Activities include the playground, petting zoo, pony rides, Bouncy House, Hot Chocolate Shop, pictures with Santa, entertainment, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus and a giant blow-up slide. Santa’s head reindeer, Rudolph, may be roaming the grounds too. Winter Wonderland is free, but visitors are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item for needy families. Winter Wonderland is coordinated by the Church of Scientology.

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.

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.

Belleair tree lighting
BELLEAIR – The Belleair Civic Association will sponsor its annual holiday tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., at Town Hall. The theme is “Let it Snow” and will feature photos with Santa, cookie decorating and horse-drawn hayrides. Take home a complimentary photo with Santa ornament. Town Hall is at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Call 519-3041.

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.

Marine Max Lighted Boat Parade
ST. PETERSBURG - The Marine Max boat parade will be Friday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., at the Pier. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music. Parade entrants will muster just south of the entrance of Bayboro Harbor. For more information, call 727-821-6443.

Holiday gift basket silent auction
LARGO – The Friends of the Largo Library will offer a Holiday Gift Basket Silent Auction Friday, Dec. 8, through Thursday, Dec. 14. The baskets have various themes, such as babies, gardening and tea for two, and contain books and related items. They are displayed across from the circulation desk. The highest bidder will be notified. The library is at 120 Central Park Drive. Call Pat Bell at 585-3240.

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.

Johns Pass celebrates the holidays
MADEIRA BEACH – An arts and crafts and merchants sidewalk sale is set for Dec. 9 to 10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at John’s Pass. Santa Claus will be available Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. A Toys for Tots drive is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Treasure Island Christmas Lights Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. Santa Claus also will be available Dec. 16, 10 a.m. until noon and from 2 to 3 p.m. The John Hopkins Middle School chorus will perform at 2 p.m. at the bell tower.

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.

Breakfast with Santa
SAFETY HARBOR – Join Santa, the jolly old elf himself, for breakfast and a photo on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Rigsby Recreation Center. The first seating will be from 9 to 10 a.m., and the second seating from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $12 a child and $3 for adults for breakfast, a photo and gift. The center is at 605 Second St. N. To register, call 724-1545.

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 celebration in Ulmer Park
LARGO – Celebrate the holidays on Saturday, Dec. 9, 4 to 7 p.m., in Ulmer Park and in the downtown area. Palms and poinsettias, beautiful decorations, children’s craft activities, holiday music, lighting the palm tree, and of course Santa in the gazebo will highlight the event. Photos with Santa are $3. The event is co-sponsored with the Largo/Mid Pinellas Chamber of Commerce. All ages are welcome to attend free. Parking is available at the Pinellas County School Board. Ulmer Park is at 301 West Bay Drive. Call 587-6740, ext. 5014. Ulmer Park is at 301 West Bay Drive. Call 587-6775.

Memorial Holiday Boat Parade
ISLAND ESTATES – The 2006 Memorial Holiday Boat Parade, organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club, will be Saturday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. The rain date will be Dec. 10. The Island Estates Yacht Club lighted boat 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 Beverly Fey, Paul Adair and Nancy Warfield will be honored. The decorated boats will assemble in Mandalay Channel between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach at 6 p.m. The parade will navigate in and out of many of the Island Estates canals before heading across the Intracoastal Waterway to Coachman Park at about 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. Cash and gift certificate prizes, donated by many area businesses, will be awarded to the best decorated boats. Call IEYC Fleet Captain Bill Blum at 447-1230.

St. Pete Beach holiday festivities
ST. PETE BEACH – Santa Claus will participate in many planned festivities on Saturday, Dec. 9, throughout the community. The city will host its annual Christmas Land Parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade will pass through the Corey Avenue area with Santa and community organizations represented. Next, Santa will arrive Florida-style by boat at 11:30 a.m. at Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center, nestled behind the Dolphin Village Shopping Center where he will have time for personal visits with children. Santa will present each child a surprise to tide them over until Christmas morning.

At 4 p.m., Santa will arrive at Merry Pier, 800 Pass-A-Grille Way to visit with everyone on the docks in anticipation of the annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Entertaining music will be provided by Tom Arnold. There will be lots of fun and activities on the dock leading up to the Blessing of The Fleet and the start of the Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade at 5:45 p.m. The ship’s store at Merry Pier will extend its hours for the evening. The Lighted Boat Parade will travel through Boca Ciega Bay bringing holiday cheer to the residents. Viewing also is available from the docks at Dolphin Village and along the shoreline of the city. Participating boats will be awarded prizes at a dinner on Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., at the Pass-A-Grille Yacht Club. Call 363-9278.

Santa Lucia Festival of Lessons and Carols
LARGO – The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will celebrate Santa Lucia Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. Jasmine Luxa will portray the young Santa Lucia with a crown of candles, the Swedish custom to usher in the Christmas season. Also included will be a Baroque ensemble, Festival Choir, youth choir, handbell choir and pipe organ. Complimentary tickets are available at the church, 455 Missouri Ave. Call 585-9969.

Christmas Cantata
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – Church of the Isles will present “Unto Us a Child is Born,” a Christmas cantata, on Sunday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. Yves Fava and Bob Sargent, soloists, will join the Chancel Choir. The annual Women’s Fellowship Christmas Luncheon will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m., in Pilgrim Hall. Music will be provided by singer Helen Henry. The cost is $7. The church is at 200 24th Ave. For reservations, call 595-1038 by Sunday, Dec. 10.

Advent service
PINELLAS PARK – A special evening Advent service, “A Celtic Service of Deep Peace: Remembering Spirit” will be on Sunday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m., at Good Samaritan Church. A simple meal, “Soup for the Soul,” starts the evening in Brockus Fellowship Hall and then moves to the sanctuary for silence, prayer, scripture, music and guided meditation. The church is at 6085 Park Blvd. Call 544-8558 for reservations.

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.

Biltmore to host brunch with Santa
CLEARWATER – The Belleview Biltmore’s Brunch with Santa will be offered on Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17. With the holiday season in full bloom at the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort, guests of the hotel and residents of the Tampa Bay area are invited to participate in the brunch at the Biltmore’s Palm Grill. Children can meet and share with Santa their heart’s desire and take home a free photo for lasting memories. Reservations are strongly recommended. The Biltmore is at 25 Belleview Blvd. Call 373-3768 or visit www.BelleviewBiltmore.com.

Seminole High holiday concert
SEMINOLE – The music department and its 350 students of Seminole High School will perform its annual holiday concert on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. The bands, choruses and orchestra will perform traditional Christmas and Hanukkah songs. Vivaldi’s “Gloria” will be performed by the choruses and orchestra and the concert will close with the wind ensemble and choruses singing carols. The art department of Seminole High will present a preconcert display, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., of student’s art work in the lobby of the auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at the door the evening of the concert for $5. Children under the age of 6 will be admitted free.

Holiday Extravaganza open house
LARGO - Arden Courts Alzheimer's Assisted Living Facility will kick off the holidays with some live entertainment by The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, Largo Middle School Chorus and the Largo High School Madrigal Singers on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6 to 8 p.m., at 300 Highland Ave. N.E. Have a picture taken with Santa. Refreshments will be served. R.S.V.P. to 727-559-8411.

Santa Meet, Greet and Eat
LARGO – Faith United Methodist Church of Largo will host Santa Meet, Greet and Eat on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Barrington Terrace. The members of Faith UMC want to provide their neighbors the opportunity to enjoy holiday music and refreshments as well as photograph their children visiting the Jolly Elf in a relaxed setting at no cost. The Barrington Terrace is at 333 16th Ave. S.E., off Seminole Boulevard on 16th Ave. S.E. Call 345-4740.

Drive Thru Nativity
CLEARWATER – A Drive Thru Nativity will be offered by Clearwater First Nazarene from Friday, Dec. 15, through Sunday, Dec. 17, 7 to 9 p.m. The church parking lot will offer a trip through time into Bethlehem. More than 100 participants and live animals help re-enact the Christmas story. Admission is free. The church is at 1875 Nursery Road.

Safety Harbor Parade
SAFETY HARBOR – Floats, old time cars, Shriners and Santa Claus are some of the highlights of the Annual Safety Harbor Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m., on Main Street. Pride in our country is the theme, “Let Freedom Ring.” The parade will line up on Bayshore Drive and travel down Main Street, ending at City Hall. Call Julie Inman or Kellian Gerlach, Safety Harbor Leisure Services, at 724-1530.

Tarpon Springs 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.

Christmas luncheon
SEMINOLE – Seminole Recreation will have its Christmas luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the auditorium. The Christmas meal will be ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce, salad, rolls, ice tea, coffee, and red and green Christmas cake. Anne Marie will entertain by singing Christmas songs and some old-time favorites. The cost of the meal is $7 a person and a recreation card is not required. The afternoon movie will be “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” starring Chevy Chase. To register, call Dan at 391-8345.

'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.
Article published on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006
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Don Minie
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