Florida's Gulf Islands Visitors Guide® 2009 - (Page 14) April–May April 3-5 DE SOTO SEAFOOD FEST Barcarrota Blvd, Bradenton 941-747-1998, www.desotohq.com One of Florida’s largest outdoor festivals, this downtown riverfront event combines outstanding cuisine with multi-stage entertainment, a large variety of vendors and three continuous days of fun for the entire family. April April 11 EASTER EGG HUNT G.T. Bray Park, 5502 – 33rd Ave. Dr. W. Bradenton , 941-742-5974 www.mymanatee.org/manateeparks.html The family tradition continues this year with a monumental 36,000 count Easter egg hunt for children ages 2 through 8. The De Soto Crewe will deliver Peter Cottontail at 9am sharp. In addition, there will be carnival games and bounce houses for a nominal fee. GULF COAST RHYTHM & RIB FEST Manatee Co. Fairgrounds 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto 941-746-7470 or 941-725-0827 www.gulfcoastribfest.com Featuring award-winning Rib Masters from across the nation and amazing entertainment with the best local bands, regional, and national recording artists. A car and bike show featuring classic, muscle and high performance categories. Families will find plenty to do and will enjoy games, rides, prizes and live entertainment. April 10 CHILDREN’S PARADE & PARTY IN THE PARK Lamb & Sutton Park, Palmetto 941-747-1998, www.desotohq.com The kids are in charge in their own parade down the historic streets of Palmetto! Schools and organizations create the most adorable entries and lead the way to Lamb & Sutton Park where activities and entertainment are held for the entire family. April 25 DE SOTO GRAND PARADE Manatee Ave., Bradenton 941-747-1998, www.desotohq.com Acclaimed as the most dazzling regional parade, this huge illuminated night parade boasts more than 150 entries with over 180,000 onlookers. Don’t miss it! May 1 WHERE THE BOYS ARE South Florida Museum 201 10th St. W., Bradenton 941-746-4131, www.southfloridamuseum.org Always held the first Friday in May, this casual event is packed with fun and features a sampling of cuisine from area restaurants, as well as dancing in the Spanish Plaza. summertime fun. June, July and August is the time for families of all ages and sizes. Summer on Florida’s Gulf Islands is full of celebrations, everything from nighttime hatchings of loggerhead sea turtles, to fireworks displays, to the commencement of Snooty’s Birthday, the area’s manatee mascot. Dive into the endless days and nights of summer, where living is easy! july July 3 BRADENTON BEACH FIREWORKS CELEBRATION Beach House Restaurant 200 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach 941-779-2222, www.groupersandwich.com A spectacular 45-minute fireworks display will be shot from a barge in the water. Plenty of BBQ and drinks. July 18 July 4 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION City of Palmetto, along the Manatee River 941-721-2138, www.palmettofl.org Palmetto! The place to be to celebrate America’s Independence. Along the Manatee River with live entertainment, food for all tastes, children’s activities and fireworks. Festivities start at 11am with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30pm. SNOOTY™ THE MANATEE’S BIRTHDAY BASH & WILDLIFE AWARENESS FESTIVAL South Florida Museum 201 10th St. W, Bradenton 941-746-4131, www.southfloridamuseum.org Always held the Saturday closest to July 21 (Snooty’s actual birthday). This festival features a birthday bash for the resident county mascot Snooty™. Punch and cookies for the kids, games, crafts, and much more. Admission to the party in the Spanish Plaza is free; reduced admission to Museum. september–October September MAIN STREET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH CRAFT FESTIVAL 8131 Lakewood Main St. Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-3750 www.shoplakewoodranchmainstreet.net This two day craft festival will feature local and state-wide crafters. Many of the crafts include woodworking, sewing, pottery, ceramics, glass, jewelry and clothing. Oct 16–18, 24 & 25 PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Hunsader Farms, Co. Rd. 675, Bradenton 941-322-2168, www.hunsaderfarms.com Kids and adults will enjoy a day at Hunsader Farms, a real working farm with homemade apple cider, a petting farm, old country store, pumpkin patch and arts and crafts make this an ideal day in the country for the entire family. Festival to include BMX Stunt Show, Freestyle Moto-X Stunt Show, corn maze, scarecrow displays, hay rides, live music, and much more. September FLORIDA INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE Pirate City, 1701 27th St. E., Bradenton 941-747-3031, www.pirates.com Florida minor league baseball teams compete against each other. Bring the family out for a fun day of baseball at Pirate City – Southern home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 14 1-866-906-TIME to visit http://www.gulfcoastribfest.com http://www.desotohq.com http://www.mymanatee.org/manateeparks.html http://www.desotohq.com http://www.southfloridamuseum.org http://www.desotohq.com http://www.southfloridamuseum.org http://www.palmettofl.org http://www.groupersandwich.com http://www.hunsaderfarms.com http://www.shoplakewoodranchmainstreet.net http://www.pirates.com
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