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Pinellas celebrates the holidays
Compiled by SUZETTE PORTER and LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Monday, Nov. 24, 2008 |
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PINELLAS COUNTY - Floridians go all out for the winter holidays and the year 2008 is no exception. The following is a list of events going on around Pinellas and beyond.
Don’t forget to check out the Out and About page, plus the Entertainment and Community calendars for more holiday happenings.
Downtown Clearwater Wreath Decorating Contest
CLEARWATER - The public is invited to participate in the Clearwater Downtown Development Board's inaugural Deck the District Wreath Decorating Competition, in conjunction with the city's Holiday Light Up Downtown on Cleveland Street. Cash prizes of $50, $30 and $20 for first second and third place winners respectively will be announced at the Friday, Dec. 5 downtown holiday lighting event. A $50 People's Choice prize will also be awarded through popular vote of those who attend. Wreaths entered in the competition will be displayed in store windows along Cleveland Street from Dec. 5 to Jan. 5. Wreaths must be made from all non-perishable materials, decorated by the person submitting the entry and must be all-original, one-of-a-kind. They may be up to 24 inches in diameter but must weigh no more than five pounds. No wreaths containing live greenery will be accepted. Wreaths must be submitted in person Dec. 3 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the lobby of Clearwater City Hall, 112 S. Osceola Ave. Only one entry per person will be accepted and an entry form will be available on-site and must be completed and submitted with the entry. For official rules and further contest information, please call 727-562-4044.
Indian Rocks Beach Homeowners boat parade
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – The IRB Homeowners Association is seeking entries for the city’s lighted holiday boat parade on Saturday, Dec. 20. Big or small, all boats are welcome. There is no charge to participate. Call or e-mail Randy Schwab at 595-6889 or rschwab@irbcity.com.
St. Pete Beach seeks Lighted Boat Parade entries
ST. PETE BEACH - The St. Pete Beach and South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade needs boat entries. The Lighted Boat Parade is a time-honored tradition, making its way past St. Pete Beach and South Pasadena residences through the waters of Boca Ciega Bay. There is no fee to enter and the deadline is December 5. Tons of cash and prizes are given away to winners for best decorated in four different categories. Call 363-9245 to register your boat and join the beach’s best holiday tradition.
Trees & Traditions at Heritage Village
LARGO - Trees & Traditions at Heritage Village continues through Sunday, Jan. 4, at Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Tour the beautifully decorated homes and galleries. Enjoy holiday shopping at the Beach Cottage Gift Shop. Please note that the Village is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information, call 727-582-2123.
Festival of Trees
CLEARWATER – The 24th annual Festival of Trees Tampa Bay is Nov. 26-30 at the Harborview Center, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Hours are Wednesday, Nov. 26, noon to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 27, 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the Friday Night Extravaganza 7 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 30, noon to 5 p.m. General admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 62 and older, $4 for kids age 3 through 16, and children age 2 and younger are free. There is also a Santa’s Breakfast Saturday, Nov. 29, 9 to 10:30 a.m. with admission of $12 each that includes admission to the Festival. The festival includes beautiful trees and gingerbreads for sale, visits and photos with Santa, unique holiday shopping, and food vendors. Proceeds benefit the UPARC Foundation. Visit www.treefest.com.
Poinsettia tree
ST. PETERSBURG - Sunken Gardens has a 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree, made from 360 poinsettias, on display from Nov. 27-Dec. 26. Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors (55+), and $4 children (2-11). Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m.
Sunshine City Kiwanis Tree Lot
ST. PETERSBURG - The Sunshine Kiwanis tree lot will be open Nov. 28-Dec. 24 at 7820 30th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. Hours are 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. Pick for a selection of Fraser firs from 4 foot to 12 foot tall. Proceeds benefit the Sunshine City Kiwanis Youth Foundation. For more information, call 727-641-7772.
Corey Lights Up
ST. PETE BEACH - "Corey Lights Up' on Friday, Nov. 28, for the biggest shopping day of the year. Corey merchants will be "decked" out with holiday spirit and cheer. The evening includes a Holiday Stroll from 5 to p.m. complete with music, holiday caroling and sampling of wines, foods and beverages inside merchant stores. Corey Avenue is "Park & Walk" friendly. Free parking and stores are all within walking distance. For more information, call 366-2003 or visit www.coreyave.com.
Oakdale neighborhood Christmas Display
ST. PETERSBURG – The 32nd annual Oakdale Christmas Display is Friday, Nov. 28-Jan. 3, 6 to 10 p.m., at 2719 Oakdale St. The display features between 125,000 and 500,000 lights blanketing nearly half an acre. There will be hundreds of animated displays, hands-on games and bubble machines for children, several Christmas trees rising to 70 feet and a walking yard tour that includes an 18-train HO scale model railroad and a fiber optic forest. Recorded directions are available by calling 896-6500 or visit christmasdisplay.org.
Tree of Remembrance
NEW PORT RICHEY – Help Gulfside Regional Hospice decorate its Trees of Remembrance this holiday season. Trees will be placed in various locations throughout Pasco County beginning Nov. 28-Dec. 24. Ornaments on each Tree of Remembrance display names of loved ones we remember or provide a tribute to those loved ones who have touched our lives through the years on a special tag. Prices range from $5 - $25 an ornament. This year, Gulfside will be offering a special commemorative ornament for $100 celebrating the groundbreaking of its Gulfside Center for Hospice Care in Zephyrhills, which will open in 2009. All proceeds from the Tree of Remembrance program help Gulfside Regional Hospice continue to provide care to patients facing life-limiting illnesses regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Tree of Remembrance program or to place an order for an ornament, call 727-845-5707.
Illuminated Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens
LARGO - Illuminated Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens is Nov. 29-Jan. 3, 6 to 10 p.m., at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Celebrate the season and see how more than 425,000 colorful lights can transform Florida Botanical Gardens into a holiday wonderland. Florida Botanical Gardens will be all decked out in a blanket of glittering holiday lights that showcase the beauty of the Gardens’ plants and landscapes. For more information, call 727-582-2100 or visit www.flbg.org.
Season’s Green-ings – Holidays for a Healthy Planet
TARPON SPRINGS - Season’s Green-ings – Holidays for a Healthy Planet is Saturday, Nov. 29, 1 to 2 p.m., at Brooker Creek Preserve, 3950 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Explore ways to keep the green in holiday celebrations when exchanging gifts, decorating homes and sharing meals. To add to the fun, take home handy tip sheets for sustainable gifts, decorating and meal ideas. This free program is best for adults. To register, call 727-453-6800.
Breakfast with Santa
CLEARWATER - On Saturday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m., visit at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Heye Great Room, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. visit with Santa at his sixth annual Visit with the Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall. Enjoy a child-friendly buffet breakfast and get a keepsake photo taken with Santa. Enter a special prize drawing to win a bike. Other activities include face decorations, a sing along with the Teen Troupe and crafts with the Elves. Cost is $20 a person. Make checks payable to Leading Ladies of REH. For more information, call Karen White at 727-939-3456. For reservations, call Terry McHarg @ 727-939-3740. All proceeds benefit the youth education programs at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Passport community outreach programs for the public schools in the Performing Arts.
MOSI's Breakfast with Santa
TAMPA - Museum of Science & Industry is hosting a special holiday breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. Reservations are required for this buffet-style breakfast. Fun holiday activities for families are planned throughout the day. Cost for members is $12 for adults; $10 for children; non-members, $25 for adults and $20 for children. To make a reservation, call 813-987-6000. MOSI is located at 4801 East Fowler Ave., Tampa.
The Holizaar: A Handmade Holiday Extravaganza
ST. PETERSBURG - The St. Pete Craft Heroes are sponsoring The Holizaar: A Handmade Holiday Extravaganza on Sunday Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S. in St. Petersburg. For more information e-mail craftheroes@yahoo.com or visit www.craftheroes.com.
Pet Photos with Santa Paws
SEMINOLE - Bring your pet to the Seminole Chamber of Commerce building at 8400 113 St. N., Seminole on Sunday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 7, for pictures with Santa Paws. A 5 by 7 photo with Santa is $10 and an 8 by 10 photo with Santa is $15. Proceeds will go to purchase pet oxygen masks for the emergency vehicles in Pinellas County. For more information, call Santa Paws at 727-224-7886.
Santa's House Calls
LARGO - Santa’s House Calls, Dec. 1-Dec. 20. – Need a Santa for your holiday get together? Get him from the city of Largo. Times and days vary. $45 per half hour. For reservations, call Kinsit Cooley at 518-3016.
Santa's mailbox
TREASURE ISLAND - Santa’s mailbox is open at Treasure Island City Hall, Dec. 1-12. Include a return address for a letter back from Santa.
Holidays in Harmony
LARGO - Musical and executive director, Tonya Potter Shaw will produce an inaugural holiday show, Holidays in Harmony, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 3-4, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m., at Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. This presentation will warm hearts and delight the senses with captivating original arrangements of traditional, classical and popular seasonal music and dance. Tickets are $19 for adults and $15 for students. All proceeds will go making the arts available to disadvantaged children in the community through Partners N' Progress for the Arts. For more tickets or more information, call the box office at 727-587-6793.
Safford House candlelight tour
TARPON SPRINGS – A Victorian Candlelight Tour with Santa happens Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 4-7, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Safford House Museum, 23 Parkin Court. Visitors will stroll through the historic Safford House which has been decorated for the holidays. Enjoy live holiday music, carolers and refreshments along with visits with Santa. Children will receive a gift and treats from Santa. Musical entertainers will include Robert Perkins, pianist, Dec. 4; Ginger Olson, pianist, Dec. 5; Amy Collins, oboist, Dec. 6; and Bonnie Whitehurst, harp and other instruments, Dec. 7. Tickets are $12 adults, $6 children and members. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
Holiday Gathering
CLEARWATER - The Florida Orchestra and North Suncoast Associates are hosting a celebration of the holidays on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Regency Oaks, 2770 Regency Oaks Blvd., Clearwater. The event begins at 6 p.m. with hors d'ouvres and a dessert buffet; wine and beverages. At 7 p.m., hear a musical program featuring the Arioso String Quartet. The social mixer starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Reservations required by Dec. 1. For information and to make reservations, call Johanna Guzik at 727-734-9727. Valet parking is available.
John's Pass Village Association Christmas Carnival
MADEIRA BEACH - The John's Pass Merchants' Association is hosting a Christmas Carnival, Dec. 4-7, featuring rides and games as well as a sampling of the fine food found in John's Pass Village and a sidewalk sale featuring Christmas specials and free gift wrapping. Throughout December there will be musical programs, bell ringers, jugglers, and novelty acts to entertain the shoppers. Proceeds from the Carnival and other paid activities will be shared with a number of local charities including the Madeira Beach Elementary and Middle Schools, The Gulf Beaches Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, and the VFW among others.
Miracle on Cleveland Street
CLEARWATER – The Clearwater Downtown Partnership presents Miracle on Cleveland Street Friday, Dec. 5, 5 to 8 p.m. on Cleveland Street between Garden and Fort Harrison avenues. Events will include Clearwater’s annual holiday light up, gift vendors, strolling carolers, excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite, the Dickens Group, a 10-foot snow slide with toboggans and a snow play area for kids, live performances, Santa, and The Snow Princess.
Winter Wonderland
CLEARWATER - The 16th annual Winter Wonderland, located on Ft. Harrison just before the intersection with Drew Street, opens Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. and continues through Dec. 21. It is open from 6 to 10 p.m. on the weekends and 4 to 9 p.m. on weekdays. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift, canned or boxed food or a donation that can be deposited in any of the boxes displayed at the site. Pony rides are $2 each and admission to the Bouncy House and giant slides are $1 each. This year, 50 percent of cash donations will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and North Florida. For more information, call 727-442-2099 or visit www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org.
The Holiday Shuffle
ST. PETERSBURG - The St. Pete Craft Heroes present The Holiday Shuffle on Friday, Dec. 5, 7 to 10 p.m., at the historic Mirror Lake Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Drive in St. Petersburg. A wide assortment of products will be available, something for every taste and budget. Admission is free. A portion of vendor fees will be donated to a local non-profit organization. For more information e-mail craftheroes@yahoo.com or visit www.craftheroes.com.
Silver Belles holiday gala
CLEARWATER – The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall will host the eighth annual Silver Belles holiday gala Friday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., in the Margarete Heye Great Room at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The evening will include dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions, opportunity drawing and more. Tickets are $95 a person, including open bar and complimentary wine with dinner. Attire is holiday cocktail, black tie optional. Proceeds benefit the children’s art education program. Contributions are tax deductible. For reservations, call Terry McHarg at 727-939-3740.
Brass Quintet Christmas concert
TARPON SPRINGS – The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet will present a Christmas program of classical favorites on Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., at Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St. The ensemble will perform pieces by George Frideric Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach and a glorious fanfare of Christmas favorites such as “Joy to the World” and “White Christmas.” Known for their great versatility, entertaining narratives and musical skill, the quintet is made up of principal players from The Florida Orchestra, including Robert Smith (trumpet), Kenneth Brown (trumpet), Brandon Beck (horn), Dwight Decker (trombone) and William Mickelsen (tuba). Tickets are $20 adults, $18 members and $12 students. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
Holiday in the Park Winterfest
PINELLAS PARK - Sixth annual Holiday in the Park Winterfest, Dec. 5-6, 6 to 10 p.m. at the England Brothers Band Shell, 5120 80th Ave. Hayrides, entertainment, crafts, games, free admission. Call 541-0760.
Black Nativity
ST. PETERSBURG - The fifth annual local production of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play is scheduled Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, 7:30 p.m. at the Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. Admission is free. Tickets are available at the Palladium Theater Box Office and Soulful Arts Dance Academy. For more information, call Charlotte Quandt at Soulful Arts at 727-822-2555 or e-mail soulfularts@verizon.net.
Largo Holiday Parade
LARGO - Largo Holiday Parade, Dec. 6, 4 to 5 p.m. – Ulmer Park. The parade begins at Fifth Street and continues along the east-bound side of West Bay to Largo Central Park. The theme this year is “Holiday Storytime.”
Holiday Tree Lighting and Stroll
LARGO - Holiday Tree Lighting and Stroll, Dec. 6, 5 to 9 p.m. – Largo Central Park. The lights throughout Central Park provide a setting for musical entertainment, dancing and a story time stroll. Each shelter will feature a different holiday story and interactive activity.
Treasure Island Downtown Parade, Tree Lighting
TREASURE ISLAND - The Treasure Island Downtown Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6, 4:30 p.m., followed by a tree lighting in the park at 6 p.m.
Holiday Conservation Celebration
LARGO - Join St Petersburg Audubon Society and the Florida Native Plant Society for their free annual "Holiday Conservation Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. at the Pinellas County Extension in Largo. This event features environmental exhibits, a silent auction of holiday gift items, door prizes, and a program by world-renowned nature photographer James Valentine. For more information, visit PinellasNativePlants.org or call 727-544-7341.
Give the Gift of Nature
ST. PETERSBURG - Give the Gift of Nature is Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Create beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and families at a free Give the Gift of Nature workshop. Discover how to use common household materials and natural objects to make a unique, memorable gift. Great for everyone 5 years and up. To register, call 727-453-6500.
Mistletoe Craft Market
Dunedin - The city of Dunedin's Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the Mistletoe Craft Market at the Dunedin Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This holiday craft fair features handmade crafts and is seeking qualified vendors. This is an excellent opportunity for artists, craftsmen and specialty shops to display their handmade crafts, ornaments and gift items. Items may include paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, candles, wood, candy, quilts, bakery items, pottery, ceramics, or jewelry. Vendor spaces are 10' by 10' and will be located outside the Dunedin Community Center in Highlander Park, (at the corner of Pinehurst Road and Michigan Blvd). Spaces are only $45 each. For more information on becoming a vendor, call the Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department at 727-812-4530.
Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Street Parade
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – The city’s Holiday Street Parade is Sunday, Dec. 7, with the lineup at the Holiday Inn Harbourside at noon. At 1 p.m. the parade will weave through each “finger” in the city, ending 23 miles later at Kolb Park, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd. After the parade, the city will host the Children’s Holiday Party in the civic auditorium. Entry forms are available at City Hall and must be returned by Friday, Dec. 5.
Frosty Follies Ice Skating Show
CLEARWATER – The annual Frosty Follies on Ice is Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., at Clearwater Ice Arena, 13940 Icot Blvd. A revue of music and ice skating, the show will featuring Suzy Snowflake, Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus. Members from ISI and U.S. Figure Skating will be performing routines and stories from the musical favorites “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “March of the Toys” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” Reserved tickets are $8 adults and $6 children. General admission seating is available for $6 adults and $3 children. Call 536-5843.
Abilities Guild Holiday Gala
CLEARWATER BEACH – The Abilities Guild will be celebrating its seventh annual Holiday Gala with a special tribute to Sally Spencer at the Carlouel Yacht Club on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m. The cost of $85 a person includes cocktails, an elegant gourmet dinner with wine, dancing with the Richie V. band, items for purchase in the live and silent auctions. Tables are for eight. Black tie is optional, but holiday dress is recommended. Valet parking is available. Reservations are required. Proceeds from this event support the Abilities Foundation in its efforts of job training and placement, housing, health and recreation help for disabled people. Call Gloria Hollings-worth at 536-9176 or Elsa Gauler at 764-8584.
Very Merry Christmas Party
LARGO - Very Merry Christmas Party, Dec. 10, 5 to 9 p.m. – Largo Central Park. The show includes food and a golf cart tour of the lights in Central Park. Hot cider, Christmas carols and Santa Claus. Call the Community Center for tickets at 727-518-3131.
Regency Oaks Indoor Grand Holiday Display
CLEARWATER - Regency Oaks, 2720 Regency Oaks Blvd., Clearwater, is opening its doors to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for its third annual Tis the Season Holiday Display through Jan. 7, 2009. Attendance is free and all guests will receive a free 2009 Resident Art Calendar while supplies last. RSVP to 727-252-0540 and to get directions. Grand Opening is Dec. 10, 1 to 4 p.m., with complimentary holiday refreshments provided in the information center. After that, regular hours for the Holiday Display will continue on Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Victorian Christmas Stroll
SEMINOLE – The St. Petersburg College Lifelong Learning Department plans a trip to the Victorian Christmas Stroll at the University of Tampa on Thursday, Dec. 11. The tour will include a look at historic homes in Ybor City, early businesses, and famous landmarks. Cost is $75, which includes transportation, admission and lunch. Call 341-3184 for information or to R.S.V.P. by Thursday, Dec. 4.
Andrew Peterson Christmas concert
LARGO – Singer, songwriter and author Andrew Peterson performs his Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road. Joined by friends and special guests Bebo Norman, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Andrew Osenga, Todd Bragg, Garett Buell, Cason Cooley, Gabe Scott and Ben Shive, his annual Christmas tour, features Peterson’s acclaimed Christmas song cycle “Behold The Lamb Of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ.” This tour will mark the ninth year that Peterson and friends have taken their Christmas concert on the road. Cost is $5. Call 595-3421.
Palms and Poinsettias
LARGO - Palms and Poinsettias, Dec. 12, 5 to 8 p.m. – Ulmer Park. Paired with out Holiday sunset sounds, the event is an evening of music, crafts and games. Santa will be arriving by fire engine to meet with children. The downtown Christmas tree will be decorated.
Winter Wonderland
LARGO - Winter Wonderland, Dec. 12, 6 to 8 p.m. – McGough Nature Park, 11901 146th St. N. Play in the “snow” and enjoy hot chocolate under the stars.
'The Nutcracker'
LARGO - Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Dec. 12-13, 7:30 p.m., Dec.14, 2 p.m. – Largo Cultural Center. Brought to you by the Bay City Ballet. Visit largoarts.com for more information.
‘Babes in Toyland’
TARPON SPRINGS – Victor Herbert’s “Babes in Toyland” will be presented from Dec. 12-21 at Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St. Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Matinees will be Sundays, 2 p.m. With book and lyrics by Glen Mac Donough and music by Victor Herbert, this holiday musical tells the story of Alan and Jane, two young people trying to escape the clutches of their mean uncle Barnaby who is trying to steal their inheritance. They journey to Toyland, a beguiling world of fairy tales and Mother Goose. They meet up with tree spirits, animals, the bumbling Inspector Marmaduke and the Master Toymaker. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 members and $12 students. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
Santa’s Holiday Review
LARGO - Santa’s Holiday Review, Stages Productions, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Largo Cultural Center. This musical takes an around-the-world tour of dances and songs. Students will sing, clap, and tap along as they learn new and old traditions. Visit largoarts.com for more information.
Dunedin Holiday Parade
DUNEDIN - The Parks and Recreation Department of the city of Dunedin invites schools, businesses, community organizations and church groups to participate in the annual Holiday Parade. This year’s theme is “Winter Holidays Around the World.” The parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. Marching bands, twirlers, street performers and floats are sought to join in this family-friendly fun event. This year’s route will be along Douglas Avenue from Dunedin Stadium north to Pioneer Park and is co-sponsored by the Dunedin Youth Guild. The Dunedin Youth Guild offers two $100 prizes. One for the Best Children's Performance and the other for the Best Children's Theme Decorated. There will be a concert immediately following the parade by the Dunedin Highland Middle School Band in the park. For more information or to register to participate in the parade, call Jorie Peterson at 727-812-4536.
Pinellas Park Holiday Parade
PINELLAS PARK - Pinellas Park Holiday Parade, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. Parade starts from 58th Street and Park Boulevard and continues to Shoppes at Park Place Mall. This year’s theme is “Touchdown for the Holidays.” Call 547-8050.
Mr. & Mrs. Santa Paws
LARGO - Mr. & Mrs. Santa Paws and Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. at Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Pet photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Paws headline this Animal Services Holiday Open House that is filled with exhibits, tours and refreshments to celebrate the season. From 10 a.m. to noon, have a photo taken for a $5 donation, which directly benefits to the Animal Welfare Trust Fund. From noon to 2 p.m., free prizes and giveaways abound. Special holiday rates on adoptions and rabies shots make this a “purr-fect” outing for the entire family. To learn more, call 727-682-2600.
Island Estates Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade
CLEARWATER – The 2008 Memorial Holiday Boat Parade, organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Dec. 14. The pre-parade captain’s meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m., at the Clearwater Yacht Club. The Island Estates Yacht Club lighted boat parade is one of the largest and most popular marine events in the area and will be celebrating its 34th year. The parade also honors the memory of IEYC members who passed away during the year. This year the water pageant will be dedicated to the memory of Nul Ulgen. The decorated boats will assemble in Mandalay Channel between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach by 6 p.m. At 6:30 the parade will pass by the Island Way Grill and then begin winding in and out of the many Island Estates canals before heading to Coachman Park about 8 p.m. From there the parade will pass under the Memorial Bridge, head West to green marker 7, where it will proceed south to the Clearwater Yacht Club’s judging stand. Cash and gift certificate prizes donated by area businesses will be awarded to the best decorated boats. There is no parade entry fee. If interested in participating, contact Vice-Commodore Fran Briskman at 461-1147 or Joelbrisk@yahoo.com.
Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade
TREASURE ISLAND - The Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade, leaves Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 6:20 p.m. and heads north to John’s Pass.
Dunedin Community Chorus Holiday Concert
DUNEDIN - Dunedin Community Chorus Holiday Concert, “A Reason For the Season, is Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m., at the Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road in Edinburgh Hall. The group will perform a wide variety of holiday music from Handel to Helvey and more. This versatile chorus is accompanied by JoAnn Metropoulos and Melanie McWilliams, assisted by trumpets, percussion and the talent bell choir from the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin. Suggested donation is $5.
Christmas Spectacular
PINELLAS PARK - Christmas Spectacular, Dec. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at he Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. Sponsored by the Classical Christian School for the Arts. Call 547-6820.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’
TARPON SPRINGS – VOICExperience with Sherrill Milnes performs “Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St. Milnes will read the Clement C. Moore classic Christmas story. The VOICExperience singers perform traditional holiday carols. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 members and $12 students. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
Dunedin Concert Band Holiday and Christmas Concert
DUNEDIN – The Dunedin Concert Band, under the direction of Louis Alan Zagar, presents its annual Holiday and Christmas Concert on Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., in the Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road. Opening the performance will be the band’s fresh and exciting curtain-raiser “Strike Up the Band,” by George Gershwin. Other songs to be performed include the great jazz tune “Harlem Nocturne” and a swinging Dixieland version of the old familiar song “Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey.” The Dunedin Concert Band will continue its holiday musical offerings with a wonderful collection of songs of the season. A special community sing-a-long that recognizes those who cannot be with friends and family during the holidays will complete the concert as the band performs a beautiful new arrangement of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Admission is free, but a free-will offering will be collected at the end of the concert. Call Steven Sherman at 812-4533.
Red, White and Snow
LARGO – Red, White and Snow, a holiday event, will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 20, noon to 2 p.m., at the Highland Recreation Complex, 400 Highland Ave. Participants will create colorful crafts, search for candy canes, and sing seasonal songs of cheer with very special guest Santa Claus. Cost is $6 a child. Call 518-3016.
Hmong New Year
PINELLAS PARK - Hmong New Year, Dec. 20-21, at the England Brothers Band Shell, 5120 80th Ave. Authentic Asian cuisine, traditional music and dancing, beauty pageant, soccer and volley ball tournament. Call 644-2899.
Gingerbread Man Cookie Competition
LARGO - Gingerbread Man Cookie Competition, Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m. – Largo Public Library. Come and hear some gingerbread man stories, decorate a cookie and have some holiday fun.
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Article published on Monday, Nov. 24, 2008
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