BRADENTON -- It's fall and we've even had a few mildly brisk mornings to prove it. The farmers markets are in full swing, the pumpkin festivals are here, and the pigskin is flying. Crack your windows and turn off the A.C. – it's time for a weekend adventure in Bradenton!
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Manatee Hurricane QB Cord Sandberg Photo by Page & Moore |
Manatee High is rolling toward a national title and even after losing star RB Mike Blakely to an ankle injury last week, their offense looked like a finely tuned machine. Blakely had looked to have been nursing an injury since at least the Southeast game, but was still a class above the competition on a wounded limb. In his absence, the latest QB from the Sandberg dynasty again emerged as the star and this sophomore signal caller may prove to be the best yet in a family full of football studs.
Manatee should have an easy time with struggling Braden River and if the Southeast that played last week shows up for Sarasota they should beat the Sailors. Palmetto has a shot to upset Riverview and I'd pick Lakewood Ranch and Bayshore to be the best local match-up this week.
High School Football
Friday 7:30 p.m.
Manatee @ Braden River (preview coverage)
Lakewood Ranch @ Bayshore
Southeast @ Sarasota
Palmetto @ Riverview
Bradenton Christian @ Out-of-Door Academy
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Lakewood Ranch is 15! It's hard to believe, but our cute, little cattle ranch turned fake-plastic planned community is old enough for its learner's permit! I kid the LWR – and I live there, so come on out for the big birthday bash at the Polo Club this Friday.
There will be plenty of activities for both adults and children – a hay maze, hay rides, a history of the Ranch display, face painting, corn holing provided by Mercedes Benz, live music by the Billy Rice Band, NASCAR stock cars on display, an obstacle course provided by The Sarasota County Sheriff, cowboy & polo demonstrations, a pumpkin patch provided by Harvest Church with a decorating area, a free screening of a Charlie Brown movie (The Great Pumpkin, I hope) provided by Verizon, and much more!
$10 boxed BBQ dinners will be available and admission is free. While I'm at it, let me mention that tickets for the 9th annual Suncoast Food & Wine Festival at the Polo Club are also on sale. This is the premier tasting event in the area with over 300 wines and 35 fine-dining restaurants in addition to craft beer tastings, celebrity chef demonstrations, a silent auction and live music – plus it's all for charity. Go to www.suncoastfoodandwinefest.com for more info on that event and to order tickets, which must be purchased in advance as they will not be available at the door.
Lakewood Ranch 15th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, October 15
Free Admission
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch Polo Club
8201 Polo Club Lane
Sarasota
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This Saturday, Hunsader Farms kicks off their annual Pumpkin Festival and if you have kids, it's an event you don't want to miss. The seasonal farm market holds a celebration every fall that includes a serious corn maze, a very unique petting zoo, hayrides and of course -- pumpkins. There's also a very cool park that never fails to keep my kids busy for at least an hour, so head way out east to one of the most gorgeous enclaves in Manatee County and check it out.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
Weekends Oct 16-31
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
5500 CR 675
Bradenton
941-322-2168
website
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Also on Saturday, Anna Maria will be hosting the 10th annual Bayfest along historic Pine Avenue. There’ll be an all-day music festival featuring eight acts, including Anna Maria’s own Koko Ray and the Soul Providers at 7 p.m. followed by the Billy Rice Band who'll be fresh off their gig at the Polo Club shindig the day before. There’ll be a classic car show at 3 p.m. plus arts, crafts and a huge children’s area with games and activities. So get out to the island and take in this truly unique local festival.
Bayfest
Pine Street, from Bay Blvd to the City Pier
Anna Maria
Saturday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
website
The Bradenton Women's Club is hosting a family fishing clinic aimed at teaching youngsters basic angling techniques. Captain Jonnie Walker will discuss the finer points of bay area fishing and conduct a hands on castnetting clinic. Admission is just $5 and benefits HOPE Family Services of Bradenton.
BWC Fishing Clinic
$5 (children under 6 free)
Saturday, October 16
1705 Manatee Ave West
Bradenton
1 p.m. – 3p.m.
bwcfishingclinic@yahoo.com
941.896.6541
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