CITY
December promises numerous Holiday-related events hosted by several Beachside communities. Here’s a brief listing…
COCOA 12/1-1/3: Holiday On Ice, an outdoor ice rink open daily for skating, visits with Santa Claus, and a fire pit to make s’mores. The six-week event will also feature “snow nights,” where kids can play in real snow and movie nights featuring holiday classics on the big screen. 12/5-12/6: Holiday Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 12/12: Taste of the Village in Riverfront Park. Come sample the food, services, and products available from Cocoa Village merchants. Enjoy live entertainment on the main stage and a corn hole tournament on the center field. 12/20: Christmas Market, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 12/31: Family New Year’s Event, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Riverfront Park.
CAPE CANAVERAL 12/4: Free Holiday Movie in the Park, featuring the live-action version of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Bring a blanket or lawn chair to Manatee Park at 7 p.m. to enjoy the film. Free popcorn will be on hand and the Kiwanis Club will be selling refreshments. 12/12: The 14th Annual Reindeer Run; 8 a.m. at Cherie Down Park (8492 Ridgewood Ave.). Advance registration is $25; $30 for on-site registration. For more information or to register, call the Cape Canaveral Recreation Department at 868-1226. 12/13: The Annual Tree Lighting Program; 7 p.m. Celebrate with performances by the Dickens Carolers and the Cape View Rocket Chorus at the Cape Canaveral Library. For more information, visit www.cityofcapecanaveral.org.
COCOA BEACH 12/12: Breakfast with Santa at the Cocoa Beach Recreation Center (321 Ramp Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registrations requested; cost is $7. Call 868-3252 or 868-3274 for more details. 12/12: Annual Christmas Street Parade; 2 p.m. 12/12: Christmas Boat Parade; 6 p.m.
SATELLITE BEACH 12/14-12/19: Twilight Santa visits. Santa will begin his travels atop a brightly decorated fire truck on specific routes at 6 p.m. each night and will continue until 9 p.m. 12/14: Jackson Avenue south to Park Avenue, east of South Patrick Drive; 12/15: Park Avenue south to Cinnamon Drive; 12/16: west side of South Patrick Drive, to include Satellite Beach portion of Tortoise Island; 12/17: Cassia Boulevard, south to DeSoto Parkway; 12/18: DeSoto Parkway, south to City Line; 12/19: Pelican Coast. Due to limited time, Santa is unable to make special visits or stops. Other events scheduled through the David R. Schechter Community Center and Satellite Beach Recreation Department: 12/1-12/31: Holiday Dog Food Drive The Satellite Beach Dog Park will be collecting food for the Brevard County Humane Shelter throughout the month. Food, either canned or bags, can be brought to the Satellite Beach Dog Park for delivery to the Shelter. 12/2-12/15: Satellite High School Holiday Concerts. All begin at 7 p.m. in the SHS auditorium. $5 general admission; $3 seniors, students, and children. Shows include an orchestra with show choirs on 12/12; jazz bands on 12/14; and bands and chorus on 12/15. 12/4 and 12/5: Santa’s Workshop performances. The Jr. Theatre workshop group (ages 5-12) will offer two performance of their production “Santa’s Workshop” Friday, 12/4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, 12/5 at 11 a.m. Performances held at the SB Civic Center Auditorium. Tickets are $3 each and are available at the door. 12/9: Phone Calls From Santa’s Elves. The SHS Jr. ROTC along with the SB Rec. Dept. will provide calls from Santa’s Workshop. Parents can call their office at 773-6458 and arrange for their child to receive a call from a Santa elf. Be prepared to give the Department useful information about your child. Mailed forms and calls are accepted through 12/8 at 5pm. Santa’s elves will call on 12/9 only from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A form to complete is available at: www.satellitebeach.org and should be faxed to 777-5207 or mailed to the SB Recreation Department. 12/11-12/13: Bethlehem Walk from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., sponsored by Our Father’s House, 535 Cassia Blvd. 12/12: Santa’s Party. The party, held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. will start in Mrs. Claus’s Winter wonderland Dining Room with yummy desserts, including a chocolate fountain and a complete dinner (meatballs, pasta, salad, and breadsticks), followed by a stop at Santa’s workshop where elves will help you make some beautiful holiday crafts. Then it’s off to the Candyland Dance Room where you’ll learn some of the elves’ best moves. The journey ends with a stop at the North Pole for a photo opportunity with Santa, his elves, and Mrs. Claus (bring your own camera). $5 for children 2-10; $7 ages 11-adult. Please register by 12/4. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. 12/19: Holiday Boat Parade. The Banana River Power Squadron sponsors this parade which starts at 6 p.m. in the north end of Satellite Beach’s Grand Canal. 12/19: Jingle Bell 2-Mile Run. Santa hats will be given to the first 500 entrants along with jingle bells for everyone’s shoes. Best holiday costume and fun stocking awards. Santa will arrive on the fire truck. Run begins at 5:45 p.m. at the Satellite Beach Public Library. Entry fee is $28 ($15 for children 12 and under). Register at www.runningzone.com
INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH 12/11: Christmas In The Park in Gleason Park. The spirit of the season will come alive with festive multicultural and all-time favorite tunes, set to a contemporary beat by the Learning Station. Children and adults alike will sing, dance, move, groove and cheer to the contemporary original sound and interactive holiday songs. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. in the main hall of the IHB Recreation Center.
EAU GALLIE 12/4: Eau Gallie Arts District’s First Friday Art Walk and Holiday Tree Lighting. The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) will hold its monthly on the First Friday Art Walk Event on the 4th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. All art studios, galleries, shops, boutiques, and restaurants in the area will remain open late for a free gallery-walk, featuring exhibition openings, demonstrations, refreshments, and music from the Mark Baker Band. In conjunction, EGAD will hold its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event in Eau Gallie Square. Holiday festivities surrounding the tree lighting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature musical performances by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church’s Adult and Preschool Choirs. In addition, the Brevard Youth Ensemble will perform in Eau Gallie Square and carol along Highland Avenue. EGAD’s special guests, Santa and Jingles, will arrive in Eau Gallie on a 1960s fire truck in time to light the holiday tree at 6 p.m. The galleries and shops in the District will be brimming with opportunities to purchase unique and artistic holiday gifts. Featured in the Walk is Art & Antique Studio’s 6th Annual Holiday Boutique. Also, the Highway Grrls Studio & Gallery will be hosting an exhibition featuring artist Rick Piper and his award-winning art. The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery will continue with their 27th Annual Designer Holiday Craft Show that will feature hand-made holiday gifts from award-winning artisans. Indian River Potter’s Guild will be open as well, and will offer a variety of original pottery pieces for sale. Customers can browse through their gift shop while listening to the inspirational acoustic guitarist and singer Arturo Escharte. Also that night, Jazz Friday will be held in the Brevard Art Museum and will feature Hafer House Jazz. Enjoy the current exhibition while experiencing a live jazz concert from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Other weekend holiday events being held in the District are the Brevard Art Museum’s “Razzle Dazzle” Event and the Historic Rossetter House Garden Wonderland and Holiday Tea. Razzle Dazzle kicks off Thursday, December 3 with a preview opening cocktail party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring imaginative tablescapes, live entertainment, creative catering, and festive cocktails. On Saturday, December 5, the Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens will host their Christmas Garden Wonderland. The House and Gardens will be decorated for the season by local florists and volunteers. Santa will be greeting guests of all ages in the Garden Gazebo from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. while the Brevard Theartrical Dickens Carolers stroll through the lighted garden walk and sing carols. Refreshments will be served. On Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m., the Historic Rossetter House will be open for a Victorian Garden Holiday Tea. Wear your finest Victorian hat and enjoy afternoon tea in the garden and croquet on the lawn or a game of bingo. Call 254-9855 for reservations. On Sunday, December 6 at the Eau Gallie Civic Center, Link Johnsten of Eau Gallie Florist will provide holiday decorating tips. This event includes a wine-pairing demonstration and delicious food stations by local cuisine. General admission is $50 and reserved seating is $100 per person. Call 242-0737 for more information. Visit EGAD online at: www.eaugalliearts.com.
INDIALANTIC 12/3-12/18: First Annual Indialantic Holiday Tree Walk. Starting 12/3 at the tree lighting celebration, the City will sponsor a friendly competition between merchants for the best holiday tree in five categories: Best Traditional; Wackiest; Most BLing; Best Seaside, and Most “Indialantic.” The public will vote on who wins in each category with the winners to be announced on 12/18 at 6 p.m. under the tree at Nance Park. Maps of the trees’ locations and voting ballots will be available at various participating establishments and at Town Hall.
MELBOURNE 12/4: First Friday Walk, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 12/4-12/5: Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Crane Community Center (1440 Mosswood Dr.). For more information call Jerri Woodring at 255-4609. 12/5: Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; race begins at 8 a.m. Ballard Park, 924 Thomas Barbour Dr. 12/5: The Bible on Parade, 2 p.m. Costumed characters take spectators back to biblical times. Free. No matter where you are on the parade route, children will be given a raffle ticket. Every ticket gets a gift at “The Celebration” that follows. Free hot dogs, cake, and drinks for everyone along with live music and presentations. The parade starts and returns to The Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd. For more details, visit www.thebibleonparade.org. 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19: 9th Annual Candlelight Shopping and Christmas Traditions, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each Saturday until Christmas, downtown merchants have come together to offer great entertainment and uniquely affordable gifts all set within a traditional holiday atmosphere. Many shops will be serving traditional holiday fare such as wassail, cookies, tea, hot chocolate, mulled cider, and cakes. Visitors can stroll the streets and visit over 70 unique boutiques, shops, restaurants and nightspots, and enjoy a wide variety of solo violins, harp, bagpipers, storytellers and other musicians, entertainers, carolers, church, school and youth choirs, and “Father Christmas.”Special activities will also be featured each night: — 12/5: horse-drawn carriage rides; 12/12: Brevard Theatrical Ensemble and Holiday Light Parade; 12/19: “‘Twas the Week Before Christmas,” with carolers, violinists, Santa and the Dance Mania All-Stars. For more information, go to: www.downtownmelbourne.com, or call Melbourne Main Street at 724-1741. 12/9-12/10: Melbourne Community Orchestra presents “Strike up the Holidays,” 7:30 p.m. the Melbourne Auditorium (625 Hibiscus Blvd.) Admission is free, but tickets are required. For more information call 724-0555., or visit www.mcorchestra.com. 12/12: Light Parade, 6 p.m. The parade route begins on Hibiscus and Babcock Street going south along Babcock Street to 192/New Haven Avenue, continuing east along Strawbridge Avenue and ending at Waverly Place and Strawbridge Avenue. For more information, call 544-1777. 12/13: The 8th Annual Flutes & Voices of Christmas Concert, 2 p.m. The Indialantic Chamber Singers and the Space Coast Flute Orchestra will perform their holiday concert at two venues — 2 p.m. at Suntree United Methodist Church (7400 N. Wickham Rd.; Suntree) and 4:30 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church (106 N. Riverside Dr.; Indialantic). Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted to cover the costs of music and instrument maintenance. For more information, call 960-5000.
MELBOURNE BEACH 12/4: Holiday Bazaar and Preview Party. Join the City of Melbourne Beach for a History Preservation and Awareness Board event to raise funds for the Ryckman House Restoration Project. The preview party and pre-sale features estate items such as silver, local and vintage art, jewelry, china, art deco items, antiques, vintage Merritt Island pottery, brass and bronze items, and crystal. Required tickets are $10, with a limited number available. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. If you’re interested in attending or have items to donate, call Marty Remark at 723-7270. The event will be free and open to the public on 12/5. 12/5: History Center Christmas Exhibit. Continuing into January, the Center will display a collection of special Christmas ornaments depicting historic places in Brevard County. The Center is located at 2373 Oak Street across from Spessard Holland Golf Course and is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 12/10: Christmas Tree Lighting, 6:30 p.m at the Town Hall Complex. 12/12: Children’s Christmas Parade beginning at 9 a.m. The parade route will begin at Ryckman Park, will travel east along Ocean Avenue and will return to Ryckman Park. For more information, contact the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
Recurring non-seasonal events for the City of Cocoa include the Cocoa Florida Tea at the Village’s Porcher House on the third Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m.; Movies in the Park every Friday at 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park (until 12/15) and beginning in 2010, every third Friday at 8 p.m. in Riverfront Park and at the new City Hall location from 1/15/10 through 9/17/10. Also, Brown Bag Jazz Lunches take place every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Myrt Tharpe Gazebo, which also sees the Village’s Farmer’s Market every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on these and other events, go to: www.cocoafl.org.
The Cocoa Beach Public Library will be closed Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 and Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, and will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 31. The Library’s Third Annual Amateur Singer/Songwriter Contest is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ten contestants have been chosen; now it’s time to hear their original songs, judged by a panel of professional singer/songwriters consisting of Sharon Osuna, Sunnyland Steve and Bob Lambert. There will also be a people’s choice award. Criteria will be based on originality, lyrics, melody, and overall presentation. A presentation called “Sailing Half Way Around the World with 80 Year Olds” is set for Wednesday, December 9 at 2 p.m. Join Nancy Abbott and Jim Roberts as they share a Powerpoint presentation of their sailing exploits from Trinidad and across the Pacific to Australia whilst celebrating their 80th birthdays en route. The Music on a Sunday Afternoon series presents “Christmas Around the World” with the Tommy Doyle Band, Sunday, December 13 at 2 p.m. Tommy and Annette will get you in a global frame of mind as they explore Christmas songs from other countries on accordion and keyboard. Special Occasion Music will be played by Lynn and Joseph Gray on guitar and violin in the main library while you browse on Sunday, December 13 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. December 15 sees the Oppose Oil Drilling Campaign Session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Recurring Library events include Master Gardening Clinics each Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Captain’s Room. Children can look forward to a Christmas Puppet Play on Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information on programs, call 868-1104 or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org.
The Surfside Players are putting on a traditional Holiday Cabaret December 11-20. The show will be filled with old-fashioned family Christmas and holiday traditions, and their lobby will also be a drop-off spot for non-perishable food items to help stock local food banks, as well as toys for hospitalized children. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. Call the box office at 783-3127 for details. The Players will also be holding open auditions for “Boy Gets Girl,” by Rebecca Gilman, on Sunday, December 13 and Monday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at the playhouse. The Players need a cast of seven: three women, aged 18 to 50s, and four men, aged 21 to 80. No experience necessary and no advance preparation required. Wear comfortable clothes. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The show will run for two weekends, February 12-21, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. “Boy Gets Girl” is part of Surfside’s “Second Stage” series and is recommended for mature audiences only. For more information, call 783-3127, or visit their website at: www.surfsideplayers.com. The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Road, on the corner of Brevard Avenue and Fifth Street South in Cocoa Beach.
Melbourne City offices that were temporarily located to 830 N. Apollo Boulevard during construction of a new City Hall and a parking garage have returned to 900 Strawbridge Avenue during a move that was completed on Monday, November 23. The offices involved in the move were the Engineering Department; the Code Compliance Division, which includes building inspection and fire prevention services; the Personnel Division; and the Risk Management Division. The new Melbourne City Hall building was completed earlier this year. Work is underway on the four-story parking structure, with a completion expected in early December. The parking garage, located between Strawbridge Avenue and Palmetto Avenue, is to serve the historic Melbourne downtown area along with accommodating City employees and visitors. A parking management plan is being developed and is to include some charges for use of the garage with the revenue to be used to help pay for operations and maintenance. Parking is to be free until the management plan is implemented some time in early 2010.
BUSINESS
The Flying Corkscrew will be bringing in more champagnes and sparkling wines for your special holiday celebrations. They also have plenty of great gift ideas for the upcoming holidays, including memberships for their beer and/or wine clubs and gift cards. Ken and Marilyn also offer some great holiday wine specials. Buy any 6 bottles of wine and you’ll get a 15% discount; buy a case (12 bottles; same or mixed) and receive 20% off. They’re also offering a “free” brewer’s pint glass with every 6 pack of beer (same/mixed) purchased. Don’t miss their special (and complimentary) Holiday Wine & Beer Tasting on Friday, December 11, featuring sparkling wines, dessert wines, and more. The tasting runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in their shop at 1877 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach. Drop in or call 773-8757 to find out more or to learn about their weekly specials. Visit the Flying Corkscrew online at: www.brevardwines.com.
Indian River Outfitters will be holding a Kayak Demo Day on Sunday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ballard Park in Eau Gallie. Stop by this free event and take one of their new 2010 kayaks for a spin. They’ll have fishing kayaks, recreational kayaks, and sit-on-tops free to try. Knowledgeable staff are there to answer all your questions. Visit www.iroutfitters.com for more information, or find them on Facebook. Indian River Outfitters is located at 249 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Indian Harbour Beach. Phone 779-4228 for more details.
Every year for the past six years, Karl Ronstrom at First Photo Studio in Cocoa Beach has been collecting food for Santa. Karl will take a professional 5×7 photo of you or your family with Santa in exchange for one can of food. Donations will go to the House of Hope in Merritt Island, First Methodist Church, and others. Last year, Karl’s Santa Food Drive collected over 1,000 cans of food. Drop in Fridays and Saturdays December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19. Fridays: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Photo Studio is located at 2021 N. Atlantic Ave. (Banana River Square) in Cocoa Beach.
Jumps Tiny Tavern has just opened at 201 Taft Avenue (behind ABC) in North Cocoa Beach. This bar is dedicated to one the owner’s fathers, a Vietnam veteran who lost his life this past March at the age of 60. He loved music and fun with good friends, and that’s the staple at Jumps. They also host a horseshoe league, and are currently accepting sign-ups for Saturday games. Come join the fun and an island atmosphere along with the NFL ticket every Sunday. Call 784-7893 for more information.
City Tropics Bistro has just announced a new early dining menu. Choose from 10 entrees, each for just $6.99 Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Items include: mahi-mahi; 6-oz. sirloin steak; tortellini quattro formaggi; blackened or barbecued chicken; grilled pork chop; 10-oz. Salisbury Steak; pulled turkey with gravy; All-American Chicken Salad, and a chicken Caesar salad. City Tropics is located at 249 Fifth Avenue, Indialantic. Call 723-1300 for more details.
Enjoy the annual Banana River Power Squadron Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 19 with DolphinGirl Cruises & Eco-Tours. They will cruise along with festively lit boats through the Grand Canal, from start to finish. Complimentary hot cocoa, snacks and holiday music along the way. Cruise departs 4:30P p.m. to 9 p.m. (approx end time) on their comfortable, 40′ pontoon boat. Cost is $45 per adult, $40 for seniors and military, and $35 for children ages 2-11. Cruise departs from Sundance Marina, 4399 N. Hwy. US 1, Melbourne. Reservations are required. Call 591-3670, or check out www.dolphingirltours.com for further information.
Let the Art Gallery of Viera help with everyone on your list with their Holiday Gift Shop, open until December 23. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, choose from a wide range of unique, handmade original gifts of exceptional quality to fit every budget. You can even get gift certificates for art classes. Art Gallery of Viera is a Fine Art Gallery and Educational Center, offering a variety of media, local and international artists, and loads of day and evening classes. Visit their website at: www.artgalleryofviera.com, or call 890-1415. The Gallery is located in the Home Center, 5410 Murrell Road, Viera.
On November 11, Space Coast Harley-Davidson implemented new hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., close Sunday and Monday. Space Coast Harley-Davidson is located at 1440 Executive Circle NE in Palm Bay. Call 259-1311 for more information.
Complexion’s Center For Clinical Skin in Merritt Island announces the addition of derma rolling to its extensive menu of skin care treatments. Innovative skin needling, or derma rolling, is set to give non-ablative lasers a run for their money. Derma rolling is an effective treatment for anti-aging, enlarged pores, and acne scarring. The technique is a definitive credit-crunch skin rescue option — simple yet effective and suitable for all skin types and skin tones; laser-like results for sun damaged skin, facial and décolleté lines and stretch marks at a fraction of the cost. Derma roller results include skin tightening, skin texture improvement, pore size reduction and improved capillary blood supply. Complexion’s Center For Clinical Skin Care is located at 1355 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Suite I on Merritt Island. They are open Monday through Friday, with evening and weekend appointments available upon request. For more information, call 986-8866, or visit www.complexionsskincare.net.
EVENTS
Sunday, December 20 sees the 2009 Winter Arts & Music Festival in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Enjoy live music from the likes of Peter Baldwin; Kaleigh Baker; Will Frazier of Whole Wheat Bread; Nathan Anderson of JunkieRush; Jeremy Collings of Lady & the Tramps; Skart (of Supervillians); Bryce Creighton of Scholars Word, and many others. Over 60 local vendors will be participating in the community gathering for all ages. The free event will run from Noon to 7 p.m. For more details, visit: www.winterartsandmusicfestival.com.
The Kelly Slater Project will be holding a Holiday Wine Tasting at Cocoa Beach’s Big Surf Cafe to raise funds for their Kelly Slater sculpture on December 19 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is $20 for the wine tasting, unlimited hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a raffle ticket. For sponsorship information or to learn more, call 302-1484 or visit www.thekellyslaterproject.com. Big Surf Cafe is located at 3210 S. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach.
Take part in the Space Coast Sentinels of Freedom “Jingle Ball Drop” Saturday, December 19 from Noon to 3 p.m. Purchase a numbered golf ball to be dropped from a helicopter onto the green at the Duran Golf Course in Viera. Cost is $50 to purchase a golf ball (price includes entry and lunch for two on the day of the event). Eleven prizes will be offered: one $10,000 for the closest target and 10 $1,000 prizes for the next 10 balls closest to the target. Only 1,000 balls will be sold. First come, first served. The Sentinels of Freedom Space Coast, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to provide medical, educational, social, and vocational assistance to members of the US Armed Forces who have suffered sever injuries in the line of duty after September 11, 2001. Registration information is available online at: www.sentinelsoffreedomfl.org, or by calling 266-8810.
December is Migration Month at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach. Got to www.barrierislandcenter.com to find out about scheduled beach clean-ups, hikes, paddles, art projects, and their Barrier Island Bash, set for December 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the Caribbean Conservation Corporation for an elegant evening of sea turtles and art to celebrate a fantastic year of sea turtle conservation. The Bash will feature live music, a wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and exhibits by local artists. Proceeds from artwork sales will benefit sea turtle education at the Center. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. RSVP and purchase tickets online at: www.cccturtle.org, or call 1-800-678-7853.
Sign up now to join the Mad Hatter Party Bus to Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Saturday, January 30. The bathroom-equipped bus leaves Wal-Mart in Viera; parking is available at the nearby Murphy gas station. Booze and coolers are permitted on the party bus. Cost for the day trip is $65, which includes VIP seating for the VIP parade with an Ybor City follow-on party and food. Return to Viera around midnight. Details and credit card payments at: www.piratesatthepier.com. For more details, contact gary@madhatterpromotions.com, or call 543-1346.
