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Holiday calendars filled with fun
Compiled by SUZETTE PORTER and LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 |
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| Kristin Hubbell, 16, who attends Seminole High School, and her brother, James Hubbell, 13, who attends Seminole Middle School, help the Kiwanis Club of Seminole prepare Christmas trees for sale at the lot next to the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, 8400 113th St. N. Proceeds go to youth projects in the community. |
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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, Music and Concerts, Stage and Theater pages, plus the Entertainment and Community calendars for more holiday happenings.
Kiwanis Christmas tree sale
SEMINOLE – The Kiwanis Club of Seminole is selling Christmas trees at the lot next to the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, 8400 113th St. N. Hours are Monday through Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. All trees will be Fraser firs. This is the 47th year of the tree sale by the club. Proceeds go to youth projects in the community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winter Wonderland
CLEARWATER - The 16th annual Winter Wonderland, located on Ft. Harrison just before the intersection with Drew Street, 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.
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 through Jan. 7 for the third annual Tis the Season Holiday Display. RSVP to 727-252-0540 and to get directions. Hours are 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.
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.
Santa’s Workshop
SAFETY HARBOR – Kids are invited to Santa’s Workshop Friday, Dec. 12, 6 to 10 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Community Center, 650 Ninth Ave. S., Safety Harbor. Grades kindergarten through fifth are welcome while parents shop, wrap gifts or just have a night out. Preregistration is required and dinner is included. Call 724-1530.
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.
St. Pete Beach Parade
ST. PETE BEACH - For the first time ever, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard will be leading the 2008 St. Pete Beach Holiday Land Parade, Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 9 a.m. Parade starts at 70th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard to Corey Avenue then down to City Hall. The event kicks off the House of Cigars annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the House of Cigars at the North West corner of Corey Avenue and Gulf Boulevard on Saturday Dec. 13 and meet the Marines in person all day long, culminating with a Live Latin Jazz Toys For Tots Party with The Latin Katz from 9 p.m. to midnight.
'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.
Breakfast with Santa
SAFETY HARBOR – Join Santa for breakfast and a picture Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Rigsby Recreation Center, 605 Second St. N., Safety Harbor. Ages 10 and younger are welcome. Call 724-1545.
Winterfest
SEMINOLE – The city of Seminole and the Seminole Recreation Division plan the ninth annual Winterfest Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Seminole City Park, 7464 Ridge Road. The free event begins at 5 p.m. and runs for four hours. Activities will include the tree lighting ceremony, Seminole High School choir, holiday entertainers, the arrival of Santa Claus, holiday lights, hayrides, puppet shows, Ice carving demonstrations, holiday crafts, bounce houses, and a “snow mountain” for kids to play on. Food and beverage will be available for sale by the Seminole Firefighters Local 2896. All proceeds will go to help local families.
Breakfast with Santa
CLEARWATER - Light of Christ Early Childhood Center's eighth annual Breakfast with Santa is Satuday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to noon, at Light of Christ Catholic Church, 2176 Marilyn St., Clearwater. Tickets are $3 per person and include pancakes, eggs, sausage, photo opportunities with Santa, a children’s craft room, stories with Mrs. Claus, Secret Santa store, drawings and more. Tickets are on sale at the preschool office. Call 442-4797 to reserve tickets.
Candlelight concert
TARPON SPRINGS - Charles Cheeseman and the Tarpon Springs High School Concert Choir will present a Candlelight Holiday Concert at the Tarpon Springs Public Library. 138 E. Lemon St., on Friday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy a festive selection of holiday favorites. The performance will be outside in front of the Library's entrance. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. All ages are welcome to attend this free event. For more information or questions, please call the Library at 727-943-4922.
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.
Holiday Movies Under The Stars
SEMINOLE – The Seminole Recreation Division will be showing “Fred Claus” as part of the annual Holiday Movies Under the Stars on Friday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m., at Seminole City Park, 7464 Ridge Road. The free movie is about one-upmanship, jealousy, clashing neighbors, home decoration, and the true spirit of the holidays. It stars Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti in a story about how even the most dysfunctional family can pull together for the holidays. Shining Waters Girl Scout Troop will perform a special yule log presentation and providing some festive singing and cookies. Santa Claus is also expected to make an appearance. Popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 391-8345 for more details.
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.
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.
Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade
TARPON SPRINGS - The Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m., followed by a candy can hunt and visit with Santa in Craig Park. Call 727-937-6109.
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.
Light up the Bayou
TARPON SPRINGS - Christmas Eve: Light up the Bayou by Sunset Hills Elementary is Wednesday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. to midnight, at Craig Park. Free. See the entire bayou lit up by candlelight.
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Article published on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008
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