MAIN EVENTS: It’s Not Too Late Today To . . .

As the 99th day of the year approaches noon, keep in mind these six things to do in Greater Brandon — and not too far beyond — before the day is done. This April 9 list features a ballet, two live theater performances, arts and crafts, a carnival for the fight against cancer and the area’s annual major arts gala fundraiser.

Don’t miss, too, our recent posting: “You Know You’re in Brandon When . . .” A light-hearted and nostalgic look at the community that begs for your contributions as well.

As for today:

• SEE THE BALLET — On stage at the Spoto High School auditorium is the Brandon Ballet with two performances of “Paquita,” at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The family friendly, classical, one-hour ballet tells the tale of a Gypsy girl who falls in love with Lucien, a French nobleman, as Paquita learns of her true identity. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children and students and  $12 for seniors over age 55. The school is at 8538 Eagle Palm Drive in Riverview. Call: (813) 684-4282.  

• GO TO THE THEATER — Students from the Howard W. Blake High School magnet school of the arts take to the stage at 2 p.m. with the Broadway classic, "A Chorus Line.” The show, at the school’s million-dollar Don Thompson Theatre, is directed by Seth. A Travaglino, with set design and lighting by Mike Wood, costumes by Jared Porter and music by Dan DuBay. The theatre is at 1701 North Boulevard in Tampa. Blake houses Hillsborough County’s magnet school for the visual, performing and communication arts, which is open for auditions and portfolio-review admissions to students throughout Hillsborough County. Tickets available online. 

• FIND GREAT DEALS IN ARTS AND CRAFTS — The Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services unit will benefit from the arts and crafts fair at the Brandon Elks Lodge through 3 p.m. Featured is a variety of handcrafted products and artwork. The lodge is at 800 Centennial Lodge Drive. Call: (813) 763-0341.

• HELP FIGHT CANCER — Support the drive for a cure at a carnival hosted by , 915 Oakfield Drive, in conjunction with the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin sorority.  The Fight For Cancer Carnival runs through 4 p.m. and features bounce houses, live music and dance performances, games and great food for all ages. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude's Research Hospital. Call: (813) 689-7799.

• HOOK INTO TINKERBELL — The Brandon-based Stagedoor Performing Arts community theater troupe stages “Neverland,” the story of Peter Pan, at 8 p.m. at the South Bay Community Church in Apollo Beach. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets cost $12 for general admission and $10 for students, seniors and military. The show was written and composed by Terry Abbott, who graduated from Brandon High in 1986. The family friendly musical is directed by Domin Pazo, who graduated from Brandon in 1985. The church, at 13498 U.S. Highway 301, is just south of Big Bend Road. 

• SUPPORT THE ARTS — The  hosts its annual patron party at The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, in the southeast corner of the Winthrop town community in Riverview, just west of Brandon. The theme for this  year’s  27th annual event is "Arti Gras.” Featuring silent and live auctions, dinner, drinks, music and awards, the cost per person is $100 and helps fun the non-profit organization’s operation throughout the year. The event kicks off at  7 p.m.