Get Out: Weekend Planner for Brandon

Greater Brandon gets under way with a host of weekend activities designed to lend a hand, entertain and enjoy the best in local theater.

As always, feel free to post your own events in the comment box below.

Weekend activities include:

COMMUNITY BUSINESS EXPO

• When/Where: May 21, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., North Brandon Family YMCA, 3097 South Kingsway Road.
• Why Go: Third Annual Community Business Expo. Celebrate and learn more about the businesses and organizations that make up the Greater Seffner area. Call: (813) 685-5402.

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

• When/Where: May 21, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., , 121 Carver Ave.
• Why Go: Celebrate 50 years with a barbecue and special Sunday service. Call: (813) 685-6113.

‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’

• When/Where: May 21, 8 p.m. / May 22, 5 p.m. / James McCabe Theater, 506 Fifth St., Valrico.
• Why Go: community theater troupe returns to the stage with a cast of 48, including Abby Bailey, as Kim MacAfee, the lucky teenager selected from among high school students nationwide vying to send Conrad Birdie off to the draft with "one last kiss," televised on The Ed Sullivan Show. Directed by April Golombek.

‘LES MISERABLES’

• When/Where: May 21, 7:30 p.m. / May 22, 3:30 p.m. / Riverview High School Theater, 11311 Boyette Road, Riverview
• Why Go: Newsome and Riverview high schools will present the school edition of the musical. Show dates: May 21 and 27-28 at 7:30 p.m.; May 22 and 29 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Call: (813) 671-5011, Ext. 259.

FEMALE VERSION OF "THE ODD COUPLE"

• When/Where: May 20-21, 8 p.m. / May 22, 2 p.m. / Plant City Entertainment Theatre, 101 North Thomas St., Plant City / Plant City Entertainment, with the Pelican Players
• Why Go: Eight-member cast, starring Terry Fiset as Olive Madison and Mollie Anderson as Florence Unger, take to the stage with the Neil Simon comedy classic. Directed by Bill Turcotte. / Tickets: $10 for members and advance sales; $12 for senior citizens and students through grade 12; $14 general admission. Advance tickets and group sales available at Hardee's Fashions. 

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: SPRING FEST 2011

• When/Where: May 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Barn Theatre at Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview
• Why Go: Sponsored by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. Exhibitors and merchandise vendors are on display at a festival billed as a family friendly event, including a kids play area, food, music, martial arts and dance performances and singing by local high school performers.

BAUBLES, BARBEQUE AND BUBBLES

• When/Where: May 22, 5-9 p.m., Cross Creek Ranch, 12950 E. Wheeler Road, Dover
• Why Go: Fundraiser hosted by the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) in Brandon. Presented by Cross Creek Ranch and Hungry Harry's Barbeque. Cost: $50. Includes a full barbecue dinner, champagne or wine (two drink tickets), dessert and dancing. Attire is best denim and bling. Guests will enjoy a night of western elegance, while helping a worthwhile organization and will have a chance to enter a raffle to win a piece of jewelry donated by Crown Facets Jewelry. This event is one of two signature events held each year by ECHO, whose mission is to provide food and clothing to families facing emergency needs. Call: (813) 685-0935.

THE JACKSON LASKOWSKI ‘KEEP HOPE ALIVE FUNDRAISER’

• When/Where: May 22, 1-11 p.m., . Fox & Hounds British Pub, 229 E. Brandon Blvd.
• Why Go: Created to assist Jackson, 4, in his fight against hepatoblastoma (liver) cancer. Live entertainment, featuring the Irish singer J.J. Smith and local area musicians, a children's play area, pig roast, raffles and more. Proceeds to help the boy's family with medical care, treatments and medications not covered by insurance. Donations accepted. / For information, call: 813-601-6361.Email: dam710@gmail.com.