Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: May 28 - May 30

BRADENTON -- As the season winds down and people plan more relaxing poolside or beachside activities, we want to keep you on the go for a few events around town

There are a few early Memorial Day events to enjoy over the weekend. Read on to learn more.

meant for all types of people, with all kinds of interests. ArtCenter Manatee throws back a few decades to rally in the 1960’s with a flashback, all-media themed exhibit. Then there’s a few family-friendly Memorial Day events all geared up to celebrate heroes. I’m not suggesting that you skip the pool and beach play. I just want you to get out there and make some time to enjoy your community. It’s that time again for Weekend Adventures.

Friday

Oh, the quiet, serenity of a local library and the sounds of books speaking from bygone eras of literature. 

Starting at 10:00 a.m. at the South Manatee Branch Library, located at 6081 26th Street West, join other book-loving folks from around the area for a book discussion group.

"Mark your calendars, as this is a monthly program for people who enjoy the works of popular authors," said Jonathan Sabin.

We know Sabin as the information specialist for Manatee County Public Library System, and he said the presentation will focus on interesting, curious, and sometimes-remarkable facts about a selected author. An engaging group discussion follows each presentation.

This Friday’s author of the month is Alexander McCall Smith. Smith has authored over 60 books and quite famous for his ”Ladies’ Detective Agency“ series.

”This group chooses to focus on the author, as opposed to a particular book,“ he said. ”This group wants to make it more attractive to people who may have read the author’s book, but maybe not all of the author’s books. This way it is a little less limiting.“

Join other book lovers in a discussion about famous author, Alexander Smith, on Friday morning.

So, join the group and chat-up writing styles and tid-bits about the author, or if you are not sure about the writing’s of Alexander Smith, show up and find out more. 

This is a free book discussion group, and it is open to everyone, with seating available on a first come, first serve basis.

We’ll tell you about a family event at the library happening on Saturday next, in case you want something to do with the kids.

Then on Friday evening, after work, head over to ArtCenter Manatee for ”Flashback: A 60’s Revolution“ exhibit.

The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m., and expect to find an open, juried, all media exhibition with a 1960's theme.

ArtCenter Manatee wants to know: How do you remember the 1960’s?

In fact, exhibited art, music and costume will revolve around this theme, and the suggested donation to attend is only $5. Although, it is a free event.

”Everybody has a different individual concept of this era,“ said Peggy Haynes, ArtCenter Manatee’s information officer. ”We’ll also have a feature drink called ÔPurple Haze.’“

In 1960 Paramount Pictures released "Psycho," and in 1968 it was re-released by Universal. Many people remember the 1960's with this film.

Join the community in recognizing the creative efforts of art related to the 1960’s, and don’t forget to wear your favorite fashion from that era. ArtCenter Manatee is located at 209 Ninth Street West in Bradenton.

Saturday

Southeastern Guide Dogs Paws for Patriots is hosting an open-house event for veterans of war on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

”It’s a family-friendly event for people to learn about the guide dog school, especially veterans with visual impairments,“ Jennifer Bement said, public relations officer for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Trainers will be showing people how they work with the dogs, and people will have an opportunity to take a guided walk on the Freedom Walk for guide dogs and their owners.

”We will have hot dogs, water, sodas and snow cones for everyone,“ she said. ”It’s just a great day out for all generations that also includes a puppy petting time.“

Obviously with Memorial Day right around the corner, this organization wants to help serve veterans coming back from various conflicts with vision impairments.

”This is such a terrific program and a wonderful way to pair up our dogs with vets,“ she added.

Expect to meet some vets already using a guide dog. In fact, stay a while and hear their heroic story that landed them with such a loyal friend.

Southeastern Guide Dogs School is located at 4210 77th Street East in Palmetto. If you are a vet or family member of a vet, call Jennifer Bement for more information at (941) 729-5665.

On Saturday, enjoy Paws for Patriots, an event for vets and their families.

I told you I’d loop back around to a family day at the Central Main Library on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

It’s the family storytelling literacy program, and it’s quite popular for readers of all ages.

Jonathan Sabin said this program is meant for everyone and focuses on literature a child or a grandfather could enjoy together.

The event will be held in this branch's children’s library, located at 1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West, in Bradenton.

But, as we all know, many teenagers really don’t think libraries are cool. Well, until they get to college and find themselves living in the stacks, marinating information for the next day’s exam or paper.

Braden River Branch Library wants to change this, and a library staffer will meet with a teen advisory group to discuss the needs of teens at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

”We want to know what teens want,“ Sabin said. ”We want to know what kinds of things are interesting to teenagers, and what kinds of programs they want us to do. This event is to encourage teenagers to come out to the library and utilize our resources.“

Braden River’s address is 4915 53rd Avenue East, and Sabin said to call (941) 748-5555 to ask questions regarding any of their programs and events.

Get out of the hot and into the cool with books at your library.

Please note that the annual "Old Salt Fish Tourney" that was originally scheduled for May 27 through May 30 has been cancelled at Galati Marine, due to the oil spill crisis. The Bradenton Times was alerted to this cancellation on Wednesday and told that the impact is widespread, as many of the nonprofits to benefit from the tournament will not recieve funds.

Lakewood Ranch is throwing a Memorial Day parade, and people can enjoy the celebration off Main Street all afternoon on Sunday.

Sunday

Although Memorial Day is officially recognized on Monday, Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street is getting a head start on the celebrations.

A ”Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade“ will start at noon on Sunday and lasts for a few hours.

The parade can be enjoyed at 8131 Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, and honors active and retired enlisted personnel, police and fire officers.

Come alone, with friends or family and enjoy live music, beer and barbecue, face painting, a bicycle decorating contest, a fire truck and balloons.

Also, use this day to honor those in service by bringing non-perishable food items that will be sent to troops who are serving in military operations around the world.

So, if you already have plans on Memorial Day Monday, this event is a great way to connect with community and celebrate the meaning of the holiday.

”This event is for everyone,“ said Greg Spring, a Lakewood Ranch ambassador. ”It’s all in our title as a tribute to celebrate heroes and Memorial Day.“

”How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes,“ wrote poet, Maya Angelou.