Get Out: Weekend Planner for Greater Brandon and Beyond (June 17-19)

The charity race for honorary mayor of Brandon reaches the halfway mark with fundraisers for Barbara Schwabe, at Center Place, and Cami Gibertini, at the Campo Family YMCA, while The Frenzie Life Theatre gets set for its opening weekend productions of Jonathan Larson’s “Tick, Tock … BOOM!” at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico

There’s more on tap this weekend, June 17-19, as the listing below presents. And, as always we welcome your suggestions for a time out this weekend in Greater Brandon and beyond. (Post your suggestions in the comment box below.)

WINES & DESIGNS

• When/Where: 6:30 p.m., June 17, Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon

• Why Go: Fundraising event for honorary mayor of Brandon candidate Barbara Schwabe, whose race is sponsored by Center Place. Create a hand-painted wine glass or beer stein, under the direction of Patty Sisco, of Sketch & Sip. No special talent required. All supplies included. Check out, too, a display of silent auction items — and the art pieces hanging and on display for this month’s “The Artsy Dozen” exhibit by the Creative Native Gallery. Dinner by La Septima Cafe; wine tasting, by Cork & Olive.

• Cost: $30 per person; $50- per couple.  

“TICK, TOCK . . . BOOM!"

• When/Where: 8 p.m., June 17-18 and 24-25, James McCabe Theater, 506 5th St., Valrico.

• Why Go: On stage with The Frenzie Life Theatre, the autobiographical tale of Jonathan Larson, the struggling, young composer responsible for “Rent,” one of Broadway’s biggest hits. Directed by Michael Mercer, the Frenzie production stars Pedro Amaral, Justin Batten and Kim Davis. The show is not recommended for children under age 13 and children under 5 are not permitted.

• Cost/Contact: $15, adults; $10, seniors, students and military with I.D. Cash or checks only at the theater ticket booth, which opens at 7 p.m. For reservations, send an email to, thefrenzie@gmail.com. Call: 813-655-0789.

CAMI'S COMBAT CHALLENGE

• Where/When: 12:30–2:30 p.m., June 18, , 3414 Culbreath Road, Valrico.

• Why Go: Fundraising event for honorary mayor of Brandon candidate Cami Gibertini, whose race is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon. Take a body combat class and receive a T-shirt and snack.

• Cost/Contact:  $2o. Call: 813-315-3120.

FISH FRY FUNDRAISER

• Where/When: Noon-4 p.m., June 18, AMVETS Post 26, 221 South Dover Road, Valrico.

• Why Go: Support the post by purchasing a lunch that includes a fried-fish sandwich, tater tots and cole slaw, for $6. Or, for $3, select a hot dog or dish of macaroni ’n’ cheese. Music, dunk tank, games for kids and drawings for prizes. 

• Cost/Contact: $3 or $6, depending on menu selection. Call: 813-684-1847.

SPAGHETTI SUPPER DINNER

• Where/When: 4-8 p.m., June 18, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., Plant City.

• Why Go: Fundraiser for Plant City Entertainment, a community theater group with 30+ years experience that draws a large number of talent from the Greater Brandon area. Live entertainment, with singers, dancers, musicians and actors. Menu includes spaghetti, with choice or meat or meatless sauce, salad, bread, dessert and tea, coffee or fruit drink. Complementary wine, while supplies last, for diners age 21 or over.

• Cost/Contact:  $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Take-out available. Call: 813-752-0728.

PRE-FATHER’S DAY DINNER DANCE

• Where/When: 6 p.m., June 18, Barn Theatre at Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Avenue, Riverview.

• Why Go: Sweetknockout Promotions presents a dinner-dance catered by Italian Cafe of Riverview, with a first show kicking off at 7:30 p.m. A silent auction and 50/50 raffle at the event will benefit Barbara Schwabe’s charity race for honorary mayor of Brandon. (Note: the ticket price is not a part of the charity drive.)

• Cost/Contact: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Reservations: Lester Freeman at 813-785-4886. Email: llpele@verizon.net. Ticket sales at Italian Kitchen Cafe, 6915 South U.S. Highway 301, Riverview, or Mulligan’s Pub, 11375 Big Bend Road, Riverview.

FLAMENCO CLASS

• Where/When: 10:30 a.m., June 18, Dancin' Motion School of the Arts, 127 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon.

• Why Go: Class with Diana Ayra, for ages 5 through adults.

• Cost/Contact: $40 per month. Register online.

CODEPENDENCY SUPPORT GROUP

• Where/When: 10:30-11 a.m., June 18,, Campbell Hall, 121 Carver St., Brandon.

• Why Go: A codependency support group meets every Saturday. Call: 813-661-8689

SALTWATER FISHING

• Where/When: June 18 and 19, throughout Florida.

• Why Go: Gov. Rick Scott, in his Father’s Day Message, posted June 17, invites “fathers to enjoy the excitement of saltwater fishing in Florida.” No license? No worries, it’s okay by Scott, who adds: “You can share in the fun without a license, although all other regulations will apply.” 

YARD SALE

• Where/When: 7 a.m.-noon, June 19, 7240 US Highway 301 South, Riverview.

• Why Go: Benefits the Alafia American Legion Post 148 yard sale. Spaces available for $7; tables, $5. Breakfast will be served from 9-11 a.m. Call: 813-677-6529. 

EXERCISE AND MEDITATION

• Where/When: 9 a.m., June 19, Paul Sanders Park, 3319 South Kings Ave., Brandon.

• Why Go: Free classes in Falun Gong meditation and exercise, offered Sundays at the park. Call: 813-777-9939

FATHER'S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET

• Where/When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 19, , 401 South Parsons Ave., Brandon. (Open for breakfast at 8 a.m.)

• Why Go: Featured menu items include baked quiche, turkey and stuffing, cabbage rolls, and more. All dads will be entered to win a golf certificate. Call 813-681-3354 for reservations.