Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: November 15-17, 2013

BRADENTON – It's that time of year when the snowbirds are getting back, the weather is cooling off just a bit and everyone figures it's the best time to host a big event. This weekend there are again an abundance of ways to get out and enjoy our beautiful county. From the Manatee River Garden Club's two-day, Thanksgiving-oriented Flower Show, to the return of the Beach Market, to a citrus cook-off, to a concert and even a First Responders challenge, there's plenty for all in this Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Get ideas for your Thanksgiving holiday decorating by attending a Flower Show, sponsored by the Manatee River Garden Club, on Friday, November 15 from 1 - 4 PM and Saturday, November 16 from 10 AM – 4 PM. The event, located at 3120 First Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34280, is open and free to the public. On Saturday handmade crafts and plants will be sold by Club members, vendors will display their wares, and lunch will be available for purchase.

The theme of this year’s Show is “Wild Turkeys Roosting”, the name of a painting by Paul Branson that is seen on the 1938 cover for the magazine The Country Gentleman. Thanksgiving and late fall have always signaled the beginning of the holiday season, days full of family and fun, the promise of more memories in the making, and of course, the flowers and decorations that we use to celebrate these events. The Club is celebrating the connections between family, friends and the Thanksgiving feast with their floral designs, horticulture exhibits, and special exhibits.

More information can be found here, or contact the Show’s chairperson Barbara Beury at (941) 744-7553.

Local Flower Show: A Thanksgiving Perspective

Friday 1 – 4 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Manatee River Garden Club

3120 First Avenue West

Bradenton

Want to get out to the island this weekend? Come and stroll the “world famous” Beach Market at Coquina Beach where you will find fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and more. 

Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach, relax on the beautiful new deck overlooking the Gulf and get some great food and beverages at the Coquina Cafe.

The Beach Market is at 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach at the trolley stop, concession stand area from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The market is stroller, walker and wheelchair accessible.

Beach Market
Sunday
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2650 Gulf Drive S.
Bradenton Beach

On Friday, the Beth McKee Band will perform at Ace's in West Bradenton. McKee has been compared to a young Bonnie Rait and is sure to give fans a show they'll remember at one of Southwest Florida's iconic roadhouses.

Beth has lived through the South from Mississippi to New Orleans, through Florida and Texas, and has known both the joys and hard times that are necessary to create great music. She brings her full-hearted voice to her latest release “Next To Nowhere,” an all-original collection of songs carved from the struggles of real life.

Beth McKee Band
Friday
9 p.m.
Ace's
4343 Palma Sola Blvd
Bradenton
Tickets:$8 adv / $12 door
Non-Smoking Show

Mixon's Fruit Farms will host a very special cook-off this Saturday. Mixon's will have Culinary Arts Classes from several Schools - Southeast High, Suggs Middle & MTI - challenge each other to creating the best menu using citrus.

Once winners are chosen you can sample the delicious creations. Judges by local chefs including: Greg Campbell, Pier 22; Lan Bradeen, Melange; Valarie Longo, Town Taster Magazine and many more.

Citrus Culinary Competition

Saturday

Noon - 2 p.m.
Mixon Fruit Farms
2525 27th Street East
Bradenton

When firefighters, police officers or EMTs arrive and take control you aren’t thinking about how they acquired their skills, stay strong and agile with minds completely focused. You just want their help. This Saturday, you can watch as public safety personnel showcase their prowess during the second annual First Responders Challenge on Saturday, November 16, 2013 when they will compete for prizes and bragging rights as the most skilled among their peers.

This family-friendly event will be held on Manatee Technical Institute’s Lakewood Ranch Campus at 5530 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard beginning at 11 a.m. Admission is free and there will be food concessions along with demonstrations by various public safety agencies such as Bay Flite; Palmetto Police Department attack dog unit; Manatee County Urban Search and Rescue dogs; East Manatee County Fire Rescue emergency extrication teams and the Bradenton Police Department mobile crime scene investigation squad. Young children can be photographed wearing full firefighter turnout gear.

MTI First Reponders Challenge
Saturday
11:00 am
MTI
5530 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard
Lakewood Ranch