GET OUT: Weekend Planner for Greater Brandon and Beyond (April 8-10)

On stage, on court, on the field, in the pool and in grand civic spaces for grand civic purposes, the Greater Brandon community will be actively involved this weekend. Suggestions for April 8-9 include things you can do with the kids and things you can do on a date but overwhelmingly this lineup allows for things you can do as a community of interests dedicated to contributing to a greater quality of life across the generations.

"A CHORUS LINE"

• Where/When: The Don Thompson Theatre, 1701 N. Boulevard, Tampa. April 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 2 p.m.

• Why Go:  Students from the Howard W. Blake High School magnet school arts program take to the stage with the Broadway classic, "A Chorus Line." Directed by Seth. A Travaglino, with set design and lighting by Mike Wood, costumes by Jared Porter and music by Dan DuBay. Tickets available online. 

NETWORKING FOR A CAUSE

• Where/When: Brandon Family YMCA,  3097 S. Kingsway Road, April 8 from 8-11 a.m.

• Why Go: This event benefits children’s summer after-school programs. Call: (813) 685-5402.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: ARMWOOD VS. DURANT

• When/Where: Armwood High School, 12000 E. U.S., April 8 at 7 p.m

• Why Go: Watch these two local rivals take to the hardwood at Armwood High. Call:  (813) 744-8040.  

PLANT CITY RELAY FOR LIFE

• Where/When: Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place, April 8-9.

• Why Go: The fight against cancer is everyone’s fight. The last of the eight overnight fundraisers kicks off at Plant City High School on April 8 at 6 p.m. The Plant City Relay For Life is one of the most successful in the state, and the top money maker in the area, with this year’s goal of $250,000 expected to be reached. The event features some 76 teams and 886 participants. Related coverage: “.”

MINNIE'S MASQUERADE

• Where/When: , , 459 Brandon Town Centre Blvd., April 8, 4:30-6 p.m.
• Why Go: Dress children  in their favorite costumes and enjoy with Minnie Mouse a screening of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD, "Minnie's Masquerade," before it airs on television. Participate, too, in arts and crafts, prizes and a costume parade for kids.

CENTER PLACE "ARTI GRAS"

• Where/When: The  hosts its annual patron party at The Regent in Winthrop. The theme for this  year’s  27th annual event is "Arti Gras.” Event is April 9, 7 p.m., at The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview.

• Why Go: Support the arts and enjoy silent and live auctions, dinner, drinks, music and awards. The cost is $100 per person. Call: (813) 685-8888. 

SPLASH-A-THON

• Where/When: , 405 Brandon Blvd., April 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Why Go: Support the award-winning Blue Wave Swim Team with swimmers getting donations for the laps they complete. Funds will be used to purchase new lane lines, lane line reels, custom flags and other equipment. Call: (813) 689-0908, Ext. 19.

COMMUNITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

• When/Where: , 818 N Parsons Ave., 12000 E. U.S., April 9 from at 7 a.m. to noon.

• Why Go: This event raises funds for the Emergency Care Help Organization and the New Horizons Group Home. Along with the flapjacks the event will also feature a pancake-eating contest. Breakfast will be provided by the  restaurant in Greater Brandon. Price: $5. Call: (813) 685-0935.        

ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR AT THE LODGE

• When/Where: , 800 Centennial Lodge Drive,  April 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Why Go: The Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services unit will benefit from this event which features a variety of handcrafted products and artwork. Call: (813) 763-0341.

FIGHT FOR CANCER CARNIVAL

• When/Where:  , 915 Oakfield Drive, April 9 from at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Join A Touch of Wellness and Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority for the Fight For Cancer Carnival. The public is invited for an afternoon of family-friendly fun with 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.

BRANDON BALLET ON STAGE WITH “PAQUITA"

• When/Where:  Spoto Auditorium 8538 Eagle Palm Drive, Riverview, April 9, 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Why Go:  presents two performances of the classical ballet, “Paquita.” The family friendly, 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. Call: (813) 684-4282. “Around 40 students are participating and all are looking forward to it,” said Lindsay Kohn, administrative coordinator for the Brandon Ballet. "I know the rehearsals have been going well and with the students all in high school it’s really a testament to their dedication. Ballet is all about a lot of details and very hard work.”  

EASTER BUNNY COMES TO TOWN

• When/Where: , 459 Brandon Town Center Blvd., Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Why Go: The Easter Bunny comes to the Macy's Plaza and will pose for family photos. There are a variety of portrait packages available. Call:  (813) 661-5100.  "We had a great event last weekend and he will here until April 23. The reaction of kids is funny to see,” said Dawn Arvidson, marketing director. Families can also register to win a $250 Easter shopping spree at the malls Westfield Brandon Mall Facebook page.  

COOKING WITH KIDS

• Where/When: , 2060 E. Badlands Drive., Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Why Go: Guests use a professional kitchen and follow a menu to prepare their meals to take home. A special mom or dad and children’s class is set for April 30 but children are also welcome at any of the two Saturday sessions. Call ahead to confirm ages with owners. Dinner Done! Provides an apron, disposable bakeware and all else needed to make and store entrées. Call: (813) 684-6900.

WINE AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Where/When: , 2086 Badlands Drive

• Why Go: The wine store features wine classes and entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. Call: (813) 315-9856.