Lakeland Florida 16th Annual Pigfest - Tiger Town Sport Complex - January 27-28 2012
Where can you get the best barbecue around this time of the year? Lakeland Florida’s Annual Pigfest is the place to be. Not just best barbecue, best entertainment, and best playground for kids, best for all kinds of food. Best part, it is free!
Since 1997 Lakeland Florida has been the host to an annual barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The competition involves people of all ages, men and women. For more information on the history of the Pigfest, read my blog from last year’s event, by clicking the link right here.
This year gates open at 5:30pm on Friday, January 27, 2012 to enjoy an evening of music, food, and games. On Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:00 am is when the real competition begins. Competitors from all over the country will flock to Lakeland Florida to compete in four different categories including Ribs, Chicken, Pork, and Brisket.
There will also be a Kids-Q where children will compete on their own grills. The Kids-Q was started in 2004 when competitors came to the realization they did not want the art of Barbeque to disappear after they were no longer here so they have brought the kids into the mix by giving them a fun way to participate in the competition. And these kids are phenomenal cooks. Not to mention what a great family event! Read more about things to do with kids in and around Lakeland Florida.
Friday’s entertainment at Center Stage is to include nightriders at 6:00 pm and Soul 2 Earth from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. But don’t forget about the Backyard ‘Party Stage’ which will feature Cross Traxx and Vertical Circus. While Saturday Center Stage will include Pushin Eighties from 10:00 am- 1:15 pm followed by Brush Creek from 1:45 pm- 5:00 pm. And the Backyard ‘Party Stage’ will play host to The Sweeney Family Band, Madison Mckenzie, Cross Traxx, and Ace Jackson & The Jump Kings Performing throughout the day. LEGOLAND Florida will once again sponsor the Children’s corner and is said to include bounce houses and many other fun surprises.
The great things about this competition are the benefits it brings to Lakeland and its non-for profit organizations. While the event is free to attend, if you would like to enjoy any of the delicious food and drinks, and believe me you will, you will need to purchase ‘Pigbucks’ at the front gate or at any of the other various locations throughout the venue. All the proceeds from sales of “Pigbucks” goes toward non-for profit organizations in the Lakeland area to include the Junior League and Girls, Inc., just to name a couple. Since its inception in 1997 the Pigfest has given over $650,000 dollars back to our wonderful community. Both of these organizations have a focus on bettering those in our community through education. It is through education that people in our community can better themselves and then reach out to others in need.
I hope you are able to make it out to the 16th Annual Pigfest at Tiger Town Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday January 27-28, 2012. Come partake in the fun filled events and concerts. And bring an empty stomach to taste the world-class food being prepared at this event. Because of events like this is the reason why I love living in Lakeland Florida.
Lakeland FL – Lakeside Village Best Place To Shop And Watch A Movie
This small town of Lakeland has grown into one of the best places to live in Florida and that is just my opinion. Shopping always been an issue here and we had a fair share of mall relocations years past. With the 2005 opening of Lakeside Village, it is considered one of Lakeland’s best places to shop in Polk County. Lakeside Village is an open-air shopping mall located off the Polk Parkway on Harden Boulevard.
A plethora of shoppes, boutiques, specialty shoppes and restaurants are located throughout Lakeside Village. Parking is easy if you don’t mind walking to the center of Lakeside Village with it’s lovely designed water fountain during the year which transforms into gorgeous Christmas tree during the holiday season.
Some of America’s great anchor shoppes like Belk, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Books-A-Million are strategically located, specialty shoppes like Robyn Lynne, Yates and Hagen, Ann Taylor Loft, Tinder Box, FITniche, Victoria Secret, Pro Image, GameStop, Justice for kids, New York & Co and many more.
Restaurants are plenty to choose from. Fine dining or a casual dinner at Grill Smith, Longhorn, bd’s Mongolian Grill, Louis Pappas, Crispers, Chili’s, Abuelos Mexican Embassy, Fish City Grill, Mimi’s Cafe, Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, PicassoZ Art Cafe – a pottery painting studio, and much more.
If you from out of town and made reservations to Hampton Inn & Suites, Courtyard Marriott, Residence Inn, certainly during your stay you can take a relaxed walk around Lakeside Village and enjoy what it has to offer.
Lakeside Village is also home of the Cobb Movie Theater where you can watch today’s best movies in 3D, IMAX, and 18 state of the art equipped sound and seating technology theaters offering it’s best movie watching experience. A popular place to be for young and old to catch movies at just about anytime of the day or night.
Whether you are at Lakeland’s Lakeside Village to shop, pamper, just to stroll around, looking for a casual place to eat, have a desert, shopping for the unique gift for your significant other or just simply go to watch a movie with your kids, Lakeside Village in Lakeland FL has it covered for you, it is the best place for shopping, dining and watching a movie.
Although it doesn’t snow in Lakeland, Florida. Kids will surely have a blast at the 31st Annual Snowfest at Lake Mirror on Saturday December 3, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., which is hosted by the City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department. I remember when I first took my children to the Snowfest, missing playing in the snow in Germany, their faces lit up with joy when they climbed Snow Mountain and slid down. All you have to bring is one canned food item or $1.00 cash. After all these years the price has not gone up. Kids will enjoy jumbo inflatables ($1.00) and a visit from Santa.
“Colonial Christmas”
Step back in time (18th Century) and experience the Holiday Celebration of America’s Founding Fathers. A 90 minutes of interactive 18th century dancing, tavern fare, theatre and games with groups entering every 15 minutes. The Colonial Christmas will be at the home of Josh and J Lenora Bresler at 987 Lake Holllingsworth Drive in Lakeland Fl on December 3rd from 6:00 p.m – 9:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 4th from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets for adults is $15.00 and children under 18 years of age is $10.00. Please call Geneva Classical Academy at (863) 644-1408 for tickets or at the door. Proceeds to benefit Geneva Classical Academy.
“Holiday Music Concerts”
Holiday Music Concerts are happening in area churches, schools and various organizations and here are some of my favorites that I have enjoyed in years past. These musicians and singers are volunteering their time with rehearsals and practicing their music to perfection for your enjoyment. Please attend these Holiday Music Concerts in Lakeland and support your area churches, schools and local community musicians.
Florida Southern College - Christmas Gala - December 3rd, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. – Ring in the holiday season with this beautiful concert. Patrons have reminded them that their Christmas season begins with “The Gala”. Florida Southern College talented student will perform sacred and secular music.
Imperial Symphony Orchestra - Holiday Magic - December 6th, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Youkey Theater in the Lakeland Center. If you have never seen a concert presented by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, this is a must go event. Local musicians under the baton of Mark Thielen, featuring “Four Shaw Cantatas,” arr. Bennett along with the Lakeland Choral Society as well as holiday favorites. Tickets for adults are $20, $30, $40 and children under 12 years are free when accompanied by an adult. Full-time students with ID are free.
Harrison School for the Arts - Music of the Season - December 8th, and December 9th, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrison Arts Theater. Due to popular demand and sold out concerts of years past, the Harrison School for the Arts will have two Music of the Season performances. These talented high school students of the Choral and Orchestra Department will present secular, sacred and holiday favorites for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $5.00 for students and seniors (over 55 years of age) and $7.00 for adults.
Copyright © 2011 By Petra Norris *Holiday Events 2011 – Things To Do In Lakeland FL*
Things To Do – Ice Skating Is Happening In Lakeland Florida
When I was a child, I could not wait until the lake in my hometown froze so we could strap on our skates and have fun. Young and old were having fun either skating, playing ice hockey, and curling. I spent hours on that lake ice skating with my friends and it did not matter how cold it was.$7 Adult, $6 Child(2-12), $5 with your own skates
December 13-16
7pm-10pm
December 17
11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm, 9pm-11pm
December 18
2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm, 9pm-11pm
December 19
11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm
$5 1/4 lb Hot Dog & 12 oz Fountain Drink
$5 Nachos with Cheese & 12 oz Fountain Drink
$5 Tub of buttered Popcorn with a 12 oz Fountain Drink
$5 Soft Baked Pretzel and a 12 oz Fountain Drink
Growing up there was not a Christmas that had gone by where my family and I sat in front of our black and white television set watching Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen in Irving Berlin’s 1954 movie classic, “White Christmas” singing one of my favorite songs, White Christmas.
Rehearsals are underway for the upcoming musical based on one of the beloved timeless films of “White Christmas”. These talented 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts students will, I’m sure, give it their all for this special Pre-Christmas celebration.
Based on the beloved timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. The dazzling score features well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.”
The musical “White Christmas” will take place at Harrison School for the Arts Theater on November 10, 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. and November 13 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for students and senior citizens.
A Special Treat For Veterans – One Free Complimentary Ticket
Directed by Harrison’s Dean of Musical Theatre, Joe Sniegocki. Harrison School for the Arts is proud to present this musical in honor of our veterans on Veteran’s Day weekend. Veterans of any military branch receive one complimentary ticket for themselves and may obtain tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at each performance or secure tickets during regular box office hours. Simply present a military or veteran ID such as active, retired, or reserve ID card, VA Card, VFW Card, American Legion Card, discharge papers, DD214 or other Veterans ID, or wear your military uniform to a performance. Friday’s performance will include a special tribute to veterans. Saturday evening’s performance is dedicated to our sponsor, The Mosaic Company.
The box office will open from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the dates of the evening performances and 12:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. The box office will be open for walk-up purchases from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, November 7, 8, and 9. If you purchase tickets at the box office, only cash and checks are accepted. Credit cards are only accepted on-line and not accepted at the box office.
The box office does not accept cash denominations of $50 or more due to county policy.
Although I have never seen a snowflake falling from the skies in Lakeland Florida in my 18 years living here, who knows, I might get to see snow falling down after all as I will be watching one of my favorite musicals, White Christmas presented by Lakeland FL Harrison School for the Arts.
My recommendation to all my readers in Polk County Florida as I have been working in the box office for a few years now – Get Your Tickets Early!
(Pictured above: Torin Crittendon as Bob Wallace and Audrey Hartfield as Betty Haynes).
City of Lakeland Offers $200 Rebate On Energy Star Refrigerator
Attention City of Lakeland Electric Customers! Lakeland Electric offers $200.00 rebate if you buy a new Energy Star rated refrigerator. You must recycle your old refrigerator by simply have the old refrigerator removed by the company where you bought your new refrigerator within one week of the purchase. Please make sure you have the store clerk where you bought or will buy your energy star rated refrigerator note on your sales receipt that the old refrigerator will be picked up at the time of delivery.- Residential Customers One-Time $50 HVAC Annual Maintenance Rebate
- $100 Attic Insulation Upgrade Rebate
- Compact Fluorescent Lighting Program
- Energy Saving Kits
- $250 Heating and Cooling Rebate
Lakeland FL Munn Park – A Place Where Events Take Place
First Fridays
If you have young children between the ages three to five years, one of the coolest playground in Lakeland FL is the Sunflower Playground in Lakeland FL. I took the time recently and visited Lakeland FL Sunflower Park. Not having children or grandchildren of 3 to 5 years of age, I wondered what Sunflower Park was all about. Sunflower Preschool Playground is located at Barnett Park, which is located nearby Lake Mirror and Botanical Hollis Gardens. The Barnett Park has a playground for older children but truly nothing for the little ones, making them feel left out when their parents brought them to play. 
I look forward to Sunday mornings getting up having a cup of coffee and listening to the radio while reading the Sunday paper. I listen to 97 Country, a very popular local radio station here in Lakeland FL and throughout Central Florida. Sunday mornings segments are always filled with local happenings throughout Lakeland FL and the surrounding cities of Polk County. Just about on any given Sunday morning, the talk show host asked his guests who have moved to Lakeland recently or years ago, how they came to Lakeland FL. The latest guest replied by saying that a police officer from another town told her that Lakeland FL would be his recommendation to raise children because it is a family oriented city.
Time and time again, this conversation comes up about Lakeland FL and that it is a great place to live and what a great place to raise children. Lakeland is not a boring city, there is always things to do around Lakeland throughout the year, from First Fridays to the many festivals held downtown Lakeland and throughout the city of Lakeland all year around.
Parents are always concerned about sending their kids to the best schools. Lakeland has some of the best schools in Florida, from many A-rated public elementary, middle and high schools that include magnet schools and charter schools to fantastic private schools, to Florida Virtual School. Sports and Arts are plenty to choose from, no matter what part of town you choose to live in.
The parks throughout Lakeland from Lake Bonney and Lake Parker to the Diogi Dog park located in the Carter Road County Park are filled with recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy. The playgrounds at for children with all abilities is a favorite for children. The Sunflower Preschool Playground near Barnett Park is the newest addition for two to five year olds. Parents just love this play ground because it is located adjacent to another playground for older children. So while you watch your three year old you can have an eye on your older children enjoying climbing, swinging and playing with other children.
If you consider relocating to Lakeland FL, there are plenty of homes for sale in various price ranges and with over 1500 Lakeland FL Homes for Sale your options are endless. By clicking on this icon below, you will have the opportunity to search for a home without registering. Searching for homes for sale in Lakeland, FL is easy with search categories such as price range, location, size and type.
Copyright © 2011 By Petra Norris * Lakeland FL Best Place For Families | A Family Oriented City*
Lakeland FL Mayfaire By-The-Lake Is One of Florida’s Premier Outdoor Art Festivals – A Mother’s Day Treat!
What started out as a simple craft fair 40 years ago in front of the Lakeland Public Library, Mayfaire By-The-Lake, held every year on Mother’s Day weekend is considered among the Top 100 outdoor art festival in the nation. Lakeland FL Mayfaire By-The-Lake is also the oldest outdoor art festival in Central Florida and truly a treat for the whole family to enjoy.
