GET OUT: Greater Brandon Weekend Planner

Greater Brandon lives up to its reputation as a family friendly community with two Relays For Life, a Spring Jubilee, live theater and auditions for kids and teens and activities for adults and kids, including a behind-the-scenes look at a Brandon Ballet production.

Here’s your latest edition of the Brandon Patch “Get Out” planner.

As always, we welcome your suggestions in the comment box below.

BRANDON TEEN IDOL AUDITIONS

• When/Where: March 31, 6:30-8 p.m., Brandon Family YMCA, 3097 South Kingsway Road, Seffner. Also, April 2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Why Go: Showcase your talents and support community youth. Teens are invited to the Brandon Family YMCA to audition for a spot in the Brandon Teen Idol Competition on April 30th. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument or crack jokes, this audition is for you. Bring you own audition music on CD. Contact: Diana Niles, 813-685-5402.

MUSIC WITH MAR

• When/Where: Weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m., , 121 Carver Ave., Brandon.

• Why Go: To learn more about music through an education class focused on fun. “Music With Mar,” created by Maryann Harman, is for kids and adults together. The class is led by Angela Nolte. 

• Cost: $7 per family.

• When/Where: April 2 at 11 a.m., , 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon.

• Why Go: Great way to spend quality time with your family — and your neighbors. Moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers and kids share time together with fun stories, games, music and other activities coordinated by library staff.

“"

• When/Where: April 1, 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m., Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon.

• Why Go: Stages Productions brings to life "The Frog Prince.” Through songs and comedy witness compassion, the value of keeping promises and the worth of true beauty. Suitable for children in pre-kindergarten through grade 3.

• Cost: $6 for members, $7 for nonmembers. Tickets must be purchased in advance (call: 813-685-8888).

• When/Where: April 1, 2-9 p.m., Bell Shoals Academy,  2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon.

• Why Go: "Go Wild” is a fundraiser for the annual Spring Jubilee at St. Stephens Catholic School.  Outside activities at Bell Shoals, scheduled for 2-6 p.m., include laser tag, hamster balls, a snow slide, face painting, bounce-arounds, snow cones and popcorn. Jaymer-Que BBQ at 6 p.m. will provide pre-sold dinner in the special events center. Live auction, 6:30-9 p.m., includes gift baskets, tickets to professional sporting events, gift cards and weekend getaways.

• Cost: Price varies by activity.

ST. STEPHEN SPRING JUBILEE

• When/Where: March 31 to April 3, St. Stephen Catholic School, 10424 St. Stephen Circle, Riverview (off Boyette Road). (Note: Opening day has been postponed to April 1, due to inclement weather.)

• Why Go: A midway with 32 rides from Arnold's Amusements features thrills rides and games. Hourly entertainment under the "Big Top” and food choices prepared by St. Stephen Catholic Church volunteers, Beef O' Brady's and The Alley. In addition to a wine and beer garden, menu items include New Orleans-style crabcakes, barbecue, fish ’n' chips, Philly steak sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, fries, Cuban sandwiches and ice cream.

• Cost: Free admission and parking. Armbands for all rides cost $17 in advance, $20 at the fair.

RELAY FOR LIFE: SAY GOODNIGHT TO CANCER

• Where/When: April 1-2, starting at 6 p.m., , 1101 Victoria St., Brandon. 

• Why Go:  To raise awareness and funds for cancer research, prevention and support. 
• Features: Hosted by the American Cancer Society, the Relay will feature the Survivors Lap, celebrating the lives of cancer survivors, the Luminaria Ceremony, honoring individuals who lost their lives to cancer, and various fundraising activities throughout the night.
• Cost: Food and drinks, crafts, and other vendors will be onsite to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

SEFFNER/DOVER RELAY FOR LIFE

• Where/When: April 1-2, starting at 6 p.m., Burnett Middle School, 1010 North Kingsway Road, Seffner.

• Why Go:  To raise awareness and funds for cancer research, prevention and support. 

• Features: Hosted by the American Cancer Society, the Relay will feature the Survivors Lap, celebrating the lives of cancer survivors, the Luminaria Ceremony, honoring individuals who lost their lives to cancer, and various fundraising activities throughout the night.

• Cost: Food and drinks, crafts, and other vendors will be onsite to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

• Where/When: April 2, 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m., Brandon Ballet, 161 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon.

• Why Go: View an open dress rehearsal of the classical ballet “Paquita.” Guests ages 4 and older will receive an information packet about the choreographer, composers and history of the ballet.
• Cost: Free

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Looking for more information on Relay for Life events? Check our recent update on events in Brandon, Bloomingdale, FishHawk, Plant City, Riverview and Seffner.