Celebrate the weekend and put that work week in the past with a step back in time by watching the original production of ”Dracula,“ or visit the Service Club’s 45th Charity Antiques and Collectibles show featuring 50 local and national vendors. It’s that time again for Weekend Adventures.
Friday
Studio 84 Productions at State College of Florida puts on a biting presentation of ”Dracula“ at 8 p.m. Friday in the Howard Studio Theater, building 11.
It’s a haunting translation of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, said director Ken Erickson.
”Well, the script we are using is 10 years old and the truest one to the novel,“ he said.
For a taste of the original theatrical vampire, call the Neal Performing Arts Hall Box Office at (941) 752-5252.
Tickets are $10 and students or college staff tickets are $5.
”You can’t go to the movies for the ticket price,“ Erickson said.
But if you prefer a little age to your evening, without the fangs, support local children's charities and go to the Manatee Convention Center in Palmetto.
There are more than 50 local and national specialty vendors at the center, and from 5 to 9 p.m. they will offer a special preview to the Service Club’s 45th Charity Antiques & Collectibles Show.
The show is also on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
But on Friday evening at the show’s opening preview, club members are serving homemade appetizers, soups and desserts.
A treat of a treat for anyone interested in supporting local children's services while shopping and eating homemade treasures.
Advance tickets are $10, or $20 at the door. On Saturday and Sunday, admission is $6. Regardless of when you purchase your ticket, it is good through the weekend.
Chairwoman Vicki Zulanas said there will be something for everyone at the show.
”On Friday night we will have music and the event fits everyone’s budget,“ she said.
For tickets to the event, call Zulanas at (941) 746-5352, and to make a difference in the needs of children in Manatee County, visit the event over the weekend.
Saturday
Tiny Green Thumbs at Gamble Creek Farm is sure to have little hands and big ones, too, digging in the dirt on Saturday.
If you and your child missed the first day of ”Tiny Green Thumbs“ back in the fall, Saturday morning is here.
From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. kids get to learn the importance of tending to the crop by weeding, feeding and watering. They also get to go on a bug hunt.
The farm folks at Gamble Creek said that children must be accompanied by a parent, but this is to guarantee a fun day at the farm.
Tickets are $15 for members of the farm and $20 for non-members.
Then parents and kids should rest for a night out at the Comic Shack. It’s the only ”cool comic“ shop in town, and Saturday nights are all the buzz for the Yu-Gi-Oh game.
Oh, we know, maybe you don’t know Yu-Gi-Oh.
But don’t let that stop you from hanging out with owner Mark ”Wolfgang“ at the Comic Shack in Bradenton at 4115 18th St. W.
”This is a card game based on a TV show for ages 8 to 45 to older,“ he said.
The games start at 5 p.m. and one could play a game for ”cheap“ the entire night.
”You can come in and play games and spend $5 all night,“ ”Wolfgang“ said.
By the way, the owner’s last name is sort of a comic strip alter-ego, too. His real last name is Uhl, and in German his name references wolves. Thus he is the perfect comic shop enthusiast, and he has been one for more than 30 years.
The Bradenton Gladiators are hosting the ultimate Mardi Gras Gala at the Manatee Central Banquet Hall at 515 Ninth St. E. in Bradenton on Saturday night.
It’s all about authentic Mardi Gras cuisine, music, and dancing.
It benefits the Bradenton Gladiators’ youth camps and clinics, mentoring and motivational speaking programs for hundreds of at-risk youths.
Edrick Sweeting said the money raised helps not only at-risk youths but also adults who are starting over with their life and facing challenges.
”The event is mainly for ages 18 and older, but we have had families show up for the event in the past,“ he said.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Call Sweeting at (941) 320-7576 and help make a difference in the community.
Sunday
Calling all photographers and steam ”trainees“ to the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish.
It’s a ”Photography and Antique Cars“ themed weekend, and this steam train lets off the perfect stack for that dream shot.
Gene Hughey, a volunteer at the museum and a train conductor, took The Bradenton Times on a ride down the tracks last weekend when bandits and cowboys took over at Periwinkle Junction.
He said this weekend is for those people who love to take pictures of trains.
”The train will go to the same place as last Saturday (Periwinkle Junction) and we (will) let folks off the train,“ he said. ”Then the fire train goes by with a lot of fuss and smoke. Then the steam train goes by several times doing the same thing.“
Sounds like a steamy Sunday, and the Florida Railroad Museum is run by a full staff of volunteers and people wanting to share the area's railroading history with the community.
To experience the final weekend of the museum’s Month of Steam, head over to Parrish at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m Saturday and Sunday for a ride on Steam Train 75 .
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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