Calendars fill with holiday events
Compiled by LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – Floridians traditionally go all out for the winter holidays and 2009 is no exception.
From seasonal plays and concerts to annual events, residents and visitors discover a wide variety of holiday happenings in Pinellas County and around the Tampa Bay area. Following is a list of some of the scheduled events.
Belleair Bluffs
• A complimentary musical holiday celebration is scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 to 8 p.m., at Belleair Bluffs Plaza, 100 Indian Rocks Road N. The event will feature the Bayside String Quartet, principal players from the Florida Orchestra. Also participating is pianist Scott Behler as well as Jack Frost, in costume, playing guitar and singing Christmas music. There will be art and travel shows, complimentary wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres while they last. Some seating will be provided. Guests may bring folding chairs.
Clearwater
• The 28th annual Morton Plant Hospital Holiday Lights Celebration is Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6 to 7 p.m., at Morton Plant Hospital, main entrance parking lot, 300 Pinellas St. The skies above Morton Plant Hospital will glow over a seven-story light display in the shape of a giant Christmas tree. Community members are invited to celebrate the holidays at this free event sponsored by the Morton Plant Caring Partners, the hospital’s volunteer organization that supports community outreach programs including services for cancer survivors.
Hot cocoa and cookies will be served and the Morton Plant Caring Clowns will perform holiday music. A $5 donation will sponsor a light on the tree and wreaths may be sponsored with a $100 donation, in memory of loved ones. Proceeds from the event include supporting Camp Living Springs. The camp is a free, three-day retreat for cancer survivors. This year, 61 cancer survivors enjoyed and participated in Camp Living Springs.
• The Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Christmas is Thursday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road. Special guests will include David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell and Peter White. Tickets range from $48 to $83. Call 791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.
• The opening reception for the Holiday Boutique is Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Studio 1212, 1405 Cleveland St. Shoppers may mingle with the artists at Studio 1212 while browsing their selection of contemporary art, pottery, cards, jewelry and hand-crafted gifts. Studio members have filled a surprise box with hand-crafted items to be raffled off, with proceeds to be donated to the Calvin Hunsinger School. The studio also is collecting items to stock the RCS food pantry. The show will continue through Jan. 30. Call 446-4566 or visit www.studio1212.org.
• The Island Estates Yacht Club will host its Memorial Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. The 35th annual IEYC lighted-boat parade serves as the club’s memorial tribute for members who have passed. This year the club will honor the lives of Jack Heckert, Linda Struble and John Murray. The decorated boats will assemble at 6 p.m., in Mandalay Channel located between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach. At 6:30 p.m., the boats will set sail and parade through many of the Island Estates’ canals. They will travel toward Coachman Park, arriving at 8 p.m., proceeding under the Memorial Causeway Bridge, turning into the Clearwater Marina Channel and finally navigating to the Clearwater Yacht Club judging stand. For a boat registration packet, call Joel Briskman at 688-3144 or 461-1147.
• The Cool Yule Spectacular is Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 and 6 p.m., at the Clearwater Ice Arena, 13940 Icot Blvd. The holiday ice skating show will feature Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus. Members from ISI and U.S. Figure Skating will be performing routines from musical favorites such as “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Blue Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bell Twist.” Reserved seating tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. General admission seating is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Call 536-5843 or visit www.ClearwaterIceArena.com.
Dunedin
• A Holiday Artist Meet and Greet is Friday, Dec. 4, 5 to 8 p.m., at Clay and Paper, 362 Main St. The featured artist is John Moore. Moore will be displaying his sager and horse hair fired pottery. Call 736-0934 or visit www.claypaper.com. All work is for sale and the public is invited.
• “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” is Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., at the Conmy Center, 750A San Salvador Drive. In this latest addition to the series, Sister employs techniques from her favorite television show, “Forensic Files,” to discover the whereabouts of the Magi’s Gold. Forensic tools in hand, Sister creates a living nativity using audience members dressed as the Holy Family, magi, shepherds, sheep, cattle … and of course, an ass. The show combines hysterical audience interaction, musical highlights, wacky prizes, nonstop laughs and the irrepressible, irresistible Sister. Tickets start at $35. Call 738-6159 or visit www.conmycenter.com.
• Birdies Coastal Cottage presents Shopping by Candlelight on Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 to 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy holiday music, complimentary gift-wrapping, wine, cheese and chocolate goodies. The event will take place at both Birdies Coastal Cottage locations, including 733 and 769 Main St. Call 492-0560 or visit www.birdiescoastalcottage.vpweb.com.
• A Holiday Artist Meet and Greet is Friday, Dec. 11, 5 to 8 p.m., at Clay and Paper, 362 Main St. The featured artist will be Joyce Curvin. Curvin will be displaying his recycled whimsical sculpture. Call 736-0934 or visit www.claypaper.com. All work will be for sale and the public is invited.
• A holiday concert of music for cello and organ is Sunday, Dec. 13, 3:30 p.m., at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 639 Edgewater Drive. Part of an ongoing music series at the church, the concert will feature performing artists Theresa Villani on cello, and Robert C. Shone on organ. There will be a holiday sing-along following the concert. A reception will follow the concert in Kirk Hall. Suggested donation is $5. Call 733-4125.
• A Holiday Artist Meet and Greet is Friday, Dec. 18, 5 to 8 p.m., at Clay and Paper, 362 Main St. The featured artist will be Kiaralinda and Todd Ramquist. Ramquist will be displaying wire art. Call 736-0934 or visit www.claypaper.com. All work will be for sale and the public is invited.
• The city of Dunedin Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association, is sponsoring Operation: Twinkle, a lamppost decorating contest throughout the streets of downtown Dunedin. Businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations are invited to be a part of the program. Official lamppost adopters are responsible for decorating a pole of their choice downtown. Each pole will be judged by celebrity judges from the arts organizations in the community. Winners will be selected in categories of Best Holiday Spirit, Best Themed Pole and Best Overall. Winners will be announced at Old-Fashioned Christmas on Dec. 4.
Applications for the contest are available at Gregory’s Salon, 351 Main St.; the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, 301 Main St.; and the Dunedin Community Center 1920 Pinehurst Road. Call Alicia Castricone at 298-3265 or e-mail anunez@dunedinfl.net.
Gulfport
• Holiday Hoopla is Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., along Beach Boulevard in Gulfport. This celebration of arts, crafts, foods and live music will feature roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere amid bright, twinkling, colorful lights. Santa Claus will attend. There will be more than 200 talented exhibitors and unique shops providing shoppers with one-of-a-kind gifts. Live entertainment will include performances from school talent and local musicians to area performing arts groups. Visit gulfportma.com.
• Then One Foggy Winter’s Eve is Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m., at Catherine Hickman Theatre, 5501 27th Ave. S. The annual holiday concert of Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale will feature fun, frolicking and inspiring entertainment. The first half of the performance will showcase Santa’s favorite songs. The second half will include traditional holiday and Christmas music including Britton’s “Ceremony of Carols,” “Harps of Gold” and a soulful rendition of “O Holy Night.” Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $5 for students with valid identification. Call 560-6044 or visit www.una-voce.org.
Largo
• Story Time with Mrs. Claus is Friday, Dec. 4, 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Southwest Complex Recreation Center, 13120 Vonn Road. For ages 6 and younger, the event will include a story, crafts and a holiday snack. Time will be set aside for pictures with Mrs. Claus. Cost is $3 a child. Call 518-3125.
• “Who Stole the Christmas Decorations,” presented by the Single Adults Ministray Comedy Team, is Saturday, Dec. 5, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., in Smiley’s Coffee House at the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Complimentary desserts, Wassail, tea and coffee will be served. The event is free but attendees should request complimentary tickets to insure seating. Call 595-3421 or e-mail FBCIRComedy@yahoo.com.
• Largo’s annual Holiday Stroll is Saturday, Dec. 5, 5 to 9 p.m., at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. The event will boast over a million lights along with seasonal entertainment. Each park shelter will feature a different holiday story and an activity or craft for all ages. The Dallas Brass will perform. The official holiday tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. in the center of the park. The stroll is sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Chick-fil-A of Largo. This family-friendly event is free for all ages and concessions will be available. Limited on-site parking will be offered, along with free shuttles from Largo High and the Pinellas County School Board. Call 587-6740, ext. 5014 or visit www.LargoEvents.com.
• Stages Productions presents “Santa’s Holiday Revue” on Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m., at Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. The third performance of the Children and Family Series will feature an educational musical revue with dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holiday celebrations. The audience will sing, clap and tap along as they learn new and old traditions, customs and folklore that instill the magic of the season. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for children. Call 587-6793 or visit www.largoarts.com.
• “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” is Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m., at the Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. This uproariously funny show will take guests back to their youth. The irrepressible “Sister” teaches class to a roomful of “students” (the audience) with a holiday theme. Tickets are $30 in advance, $25 seniors 60 and older and students 19 and younger, and $35 the day of the show. Call 587-6793 or visit LargoArts.com.
• The Palms and Poinsettias Holiday Market is Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Ulmer Park, 301 West Bay Drive. Creators and designers of unique jewelry, paintings, decorations, home decor and a variety of other fine gifts will fill the park. The vendors will be eager to help shoppers find those perfect presents. The event is free. Visit LargoEvents.com.
• Bay City Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m., at the Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. Audience members will join Clara on her journey to save her beloved Nutcracker from the giant mice that battle toy soldiers. Then it’s on to the palace of the Sugarplum Fairy, dancing candies and waltzing flowers. Tickets are $22 in advance, $20 for seniors age 60 and older and students age 19 and younger, and $25 the day of the show. Call 587-6793 or visit LargoArts.com.
• A Breakfast with Santa is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, 9 a.m., at Highland Recreation Complex, 400 Highland Ave. NE. Santa is checking his list to see who will be having breakfast with him at Highland Recreation. Santa’s helpers will be serving and helping with crafts. Registration is required by Dec. 7. To register, call 518-3016.
• Holiday Lights in the Gardens is nightly through Jan. 3, 6 to 10 p.m., at Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road. This premier Pinellas County celebration is a community tradition that visitors and residents can enjoy every evening. A stroll through the shining gardens adds a touch of festivity to everyone’s holidays. The gardens transform into a holiday wonderland with more than 425,000 twinkling lights. Free family-friendly entertainment and music. Food and beverages will be sold. This celebration is free to children under 12 and a donation of $2 an adult is suggested. Just follow the bright glow to free parking available at Heritage Village and Pinellas County Extension. Call 582-2247 or visit www.flbg.orgwww.flbg.org.
Madeira Beach
• The John’s Pass Christmas Craft Show and Sidewalk Sale is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, in John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach. This unique holiday shopping experience will take place in the main parking lot, behind VFW Post 4256. With more than 125 shops and restaurants and 50 arts and crafts vendors, shoppers will have a wide selection as they browse for whimsical and distinctive gifts. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Madeira Beach Fundamental School and the Fishermen Lost at Sea Memorial Fund. Visit johnspassfestivals.com.
Pinellas Park
• The musical production “Gift of Love,” featuring the Living Christmas Tree, is Dec. 13 through 20, at Park Place Wesleyan Church, 4400 70th Ave. N. The production will showcase great music and beautiful lights enhanced with the worship expressions of the Affirmation Ballet Company. Admission is free and a nursery is provided. Performances will be Dec. 13, 6 p.m.; Dec. 14, 16, 18 and 21, 7 p.m.; and Dec. 20, 4 p.m. Call 526-3674 or visit www.ppwc.org.
Redington Beach
• The Redington Beach Property Owner’s Association Inc. hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 5, 4:45 p.m., at Town Park, on Gulf Boulevard and 164th Avenue. The RBPOA event will kick off with the arrival of Santa, courtesy of the Madeira Beach Fire Department. Mayor Simons will lead the children in a countdown and the park will be lit a little after sunset. The Redington Beach Garden club will provide cookies and ornaments to decorate and there will be musical entertainment donated by Bill’s Night Out. Call Anna Wiggers at 510-8957.
St. Pete Beach
• A Famliy Holiday Market is Friday, Dec. 4, 5 to 8 p.m., in the Parish Hall at St. Alban’s Episcopal Day School, 8410 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. Vendors will include Coffee Gourmet, Stepping Stones Christian Jewerly, Angry Squirrel Confections, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Silpada and Party Lites. Parents will serve pasta and juice for the children and wine and cheese appetizers for the adults. There will be a Santa's Workshop provided by Fair Time for the kids to buy for everyone on their holiday list. No items will cost more than $5. Call 432-6481 or e-mail lisa.marone@earthlink.net.
St. Petersburg
• “What the Dickens? Another Christmas Carol,” by Nan Colton, inspired by Charles Dickens, is Dec. 4 through 20, at St. Petersburg Little Theatre, 4025 31st St. S. Performances are Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Matinees are Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Call 866-1973 or visit www.splt.org. The play follows an enthusiastic group of actors determined to “put on the show” despite some drawbacks that would daunt more timid souls. To be part of each actor’s joy at finally being cast in a play at the very end of the year should be sufficient to convince audiences that they need to see grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge once again learn to love his fellow man via illuminating visitations from the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future – plus a few other surprising entrances and exits.
• Still No Room at the Inn Carol Sing is Friday, Dec. 4, 7 to 9 p.m., at ASAP Homeless Services, 423 11th Ave. S. The caroling will begin at the ASAP Drop-in Center. Carolers will sing at homeless shelters and other sites in downtown St. Petersburg, ending with refreshments in Straub Park next to the Pier at 9 p.m. Carolers should park in the Salvador Dalí Museum lot at the corner of 11th Avenue and Third Street South across the street from the museum. Rides back to cars after the caroling will be provided. Call 823-5665.
• The 22nd annual Jim Rosenkrans Memorial Toy Run is Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m., departing on a predetermined route through St. Petersburg from Jim’s Harley-Davidson of St. Petersburg, 2805 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Every participant must furnish a new, unwrapped toy or a $15 donation. Those who bring in four cans of food will receive a commemorative drink coolie. Preregistration is under way and will continue through Friday, Dec. 4. Last-minute registration will end Dec. 6, 9 a.m. Last year’s roster consisted of 2,500 people and 1,800 bikes. The event has raised over $1 million since its inception.
• The sixth annual Chanukah Extravaganza is Sunday, Dec. 13, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at South Straub Park, in downtown St. Petersburg. Hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Petersburg, this free community-wide celebration will feature a giant 8-foot Menorah carved out of a huge block of ice. The event also will include a Bohemian Fire show with fire juggling, fire eating and fire dancing; a hands-on Olive Oil press, face painting, hot latkes, fresh homemade donuts, music, crafts and dreidels. Call 344-4900 or visit www.ChabadSP.com.
• Gift Galleria at Congregation B’nai Israel is Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Congregation B’nai Israel, 300 58th St. N. The galleria will cater to holiday shoppers with reasonably priced fine crafts and unique gifts for men, women, children and pets. Local and national artisans will showcase their jewelry, handbags, accessories, children’s items, leather, ceramics and decorative housewares. Admission is free. Call 381-4900.
Tarpon Springs
• “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, is Dec. 4 through 13, at Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St. Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Matinees will be Sunday, 2 p.m. Directed by Tom Orr, the production will bring to the stage this perennial family holiday favorite which follows the miserly Scrooge as he encounters the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for members and $12 for students. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
• The Bay Baroque Christmas Concert is Sunday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m., at Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane. The holiday program will include pieces by Pachelbel, Handel, Buxtehude and Telemann. Bay Baroque is Patrick Baran, baroque violin; Kim McCormick, baroque flute; John Robison, baroque oboe and recorder; Theresa Villani, viola da gamba; and Robert Shone, harpsichord. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $13 for members and students. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
• The Safford House Victorian Christmas is Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 10 through 13, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Safford House Museum, 23 Parkin Court. The open house at the 1883 Safford House will feature Victorian carolers, complimentary refreshments, holiday gift shop, live music and free digital photos with a Victorian Santa. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for members. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
• The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet Christmas Concert is Friday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m., at Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St. The quintet will present a Christmas program of Handel, J.S. Bach and a glorious fanfare of Christmas favorites such as “Joy to the World” and “Winter Wonderland.” 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 for adults, $18 for members and $12 for students. Call 942-5605 or visit www.tarponarts.org.
Treasure Island
• The Treasure Island Christmas Boat Parade and Holiday Celebration is Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, 400 Treasure Island Causeway. The holiday celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. with the Boat Parade leaving the yacht club at 6:20 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the recreation department at City Hall or Treasure Bay on Paradise Boulevard between Dec. 1 and 11 and receive a pass to watch the parade from a spectacular vantage point and to participate in the events at the yacht club. The toys will be donated to the Edward’s Family Foundation. Holiday music and complimentary hot dogs, chowder, hot cider and cookies will be served poolside. Santa also will make an appearance. The rain date is Monday, Dec. 14. For more information, call 727-367-4511.
• The city of Treasure Island’s Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony is Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Treasure Island Community Center and Park, Gulf Boulevard at 106th Avenue. The parade, sponsored by the Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce, starts at 5 p.m. at Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis, 10315 Paradise Blvd. The route is from Paradise Boulevard, down 107th Avenue, around the clock tower to the Community Center. The popular event will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, antique cars, various local clubs and organizations, floats and much more. After the parade, children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Community Center, and join Santa and Mayor Bob Minning in the lighting of the City’s holiday decorations at approximately 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the lighting of the holiday decorations.
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Article published on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009
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