BRADENTON -- For those inspired by local figure skaters representing the U.S. at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, watch and support the local Senior Games on Friday at the Walton Racquet Center at 5502 33rd Ave. W. in Bradenton.
Friday
For seniors age 50 and older, the Senior Games are an opportunity for adults to stay active and show off their athletic skills. On Friday, seniors will compete in tennis tournaments, and on Saturday they will compete on the track at Bayshore High School.
Scott Jalwan, the director of the Senior Games, said there are 16 events, including golf, tennis, swimming, bocce ball, and track and field.
But are these games really competitive?
”Yes and no,“ Jalwan said. ”We try to encourage them to keep active lifestyles. The top five in each category qualify for states.“
If you are interested in watching the Senior Games or participating, call Jalwan at (941) 742-5923.
Friday night is the Chinese New Year Cultural Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Florida Museum in Downtown Bradenton.
Roar with the tiger as people celebrate the Year of the Tiger with traditional Lion Dance performances by Sifu Och. There will also be a martial arts demonstration and a workshop by Wing Chun Martial Arts.
People can immerse themselves in Chinese culture through Chinese food, art and entertainment. Head east or west without leaving Bradenton.
This Asian-inspired event is part of the museum’s ”think + drink (culture).“ The admission is $25 at the door or $20 in advance.
Museum members can purchase $15 tickets ahead of time or buy $20 tickets at the door.
To make a reservation or for more information about the Chinese New Year Cultural Celebration at the museum, call Amara Cocilovo at (941) 745-4131.
Saturday
More than 24,000 people are expected to experience the 28th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in Cortez.
”The festival has a whole bunch of things going on,“ said festival organizer Roger Allen. ”We have four bands playing and live music throughout the weekend.“
Every kind of art and craft related to the ocean and island-style living will be at the festival, he said.
But folks heading to a fishing festival by the water will expect tasty treats from the sea and this event will not disappoint, Allen said.
”Expect the freshest seafood in the state of Florida this weekend,“ he said.
Since people will be traveling from all over Florida to enjoy the live music, food, drink and art, keep an eye out for free parking and parking lots around the festival devoted to shuttle transportation into the event.
The festival is on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Historic Cortez Village. Admission is $2.
On Saturday night, if you are looking to be entertained by mystery, music and comedy, go to the Manatee Players playhouse to watch "Curtains."
This murder-mystery runs through March 7 and will be on stage Saturday night at 8 p.m. On Sunday, there is a matinee show at 2 p.m.
”Curtains“ is an old-fashioned musical comedy that takes place in Boston in 1959. When the diva-lead dies on opening night during her curtain call, Lt. Frank Cioffi arrives on the scene to conduct an investigation. This is just the start of the show, and people will watch as Cioffi launches an on-stage investigation that leads to more and more murders throughout the performance.
Can Cioffi solve the murders and save the show before it reaches Broadway?
Tickets are $25.
”It’s a fun show for all ages,“ said Manatee Player Travis Rogers. ”(It’s) a show filled with murder, mystery, music and comedy.“
Sunday
If you decided to enjoy the Cortez festivities on Saturday, then on Sunday consider kayaking with the Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club on Shell Creek from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The meeting location for kayakers is at Hathaway Park at 35421 Washington Loop Road in Punta Gorda. Plan to meet at the new kayak ramp at the second park entrance on the left.
Shell Creek is a pristine river environment with moss-covered tree bowers, sunbathing turtles, water birds and many native plant species.
Just imagine Old Florida at its best. This tour is led by biologist Bill Dunson, a professional nature guide.
The club requires reservations and an on-site signing of a liability waiver. Anyone interested in kicking back and paddling today should call Allain Hale at (941) 423-2713.
Erica Newport is a daily reporter for The Bradenton Times. She covers art, culture and community. If you have a story that might interest Erica, please e-mail her using erica.newport@thebradentontimes.com address. She also takes your questions related to our weekly theme days and provides advice and opinions for our readers.
Please use this e-mail address for Ask Erica: ask.erica@thebradentontimes.com.
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