J F M A M J J A S O N D

Submit Your Event to Absolutely Florida!

JANUARY
January 2001 Zora Neal Hurston Festival of Arts & Humanities
This festival highlights the life and works of America's most celebrated collectors and interpreters of Southern rural African-American culture through theatrical performances, educational programs and art exhibits. Location: downtown Eatonville. Information: (407) 647-3307.

January 6-13 Kissimmee-St. Cloud Senior Games
various venue sites throughout Osceola County -The Seniors in the community, ages 50 and older, compete in a variety of activities which may earn them a spot in the State Seniors Games. Call 407-847-2388

January 7 WILD WORLD OF SPORTS Marathon & Half Marathon
The marathon course runs through the Disney theme parks, the Wide World of Sports complex and several Disney resort hotel areas. The weekend's festivities will include the FamilyFun Magazine's Family Fun Run 5K on January 6; in addition to a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, January 5-6 at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. Both Events are SOLD OUT, but there is still plent of room for spectators.Location: Lake Buena Vista Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Prices: $9, plus tax for adults and $7 for children ages 3-9. Special Events will have different prices.

January 13 Jaycees Circus
2pm and 7pm, Kissimmee Civic Center, 201 E. Dakin Avenue Circus lovers come out and enjoy juggling, magic, clown and animal acts, and more? at the 18th Annual Kissimmee-St. Cloud Jaycees Circus. The 120-minute performance will feature first class quality circus performers from around the world. More Information: Call 407-846-8831

January 17-20 B.A.S.S. Top 150 Fishing Tournament
Kissimmee Lakefront - The most successful bass fishermen from around the world come to the Kissimmee Lakefront to compete in four days of fierce competition to land the biggest catches, all for pride and cash prizes. Fans of fishing come from all over to marvel at the catches and root for their favorite angler. Tournament organizers keep the action lively and interesting to the delight of kids and adults, visitors and residents, More Information: Mr. Dewey Kendrick, 334-272-9530

January 18 - 21 Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
7:30p.m. (Jan. 18-19); 11:00a.m. 3:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. (Jan. 20); 2:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. (Jan. 21) TD Waterhouse Centre, Downtown Orlando $11.75, $14.75 and $18.75 407-839-3900

January 20 Kissimmee Chili Cookoff
10am-5pm, Kissimmee Lakefront Park - Highlights: This tasty competition is fun for all. Sample some of the best chili in Central Florida, stomp your feet to some live country music or just take a stroll through an array of arts and crafts at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park. This is an event that is enjoyed by everyone. Cost: FREE Call 407-933-8368

January 20-21 Florida High School Rodeo
Kissimmee Sports Arena- See cowboys and cowgirls battle it out in events such as bull-riding, calf roping, bareback riding and more. More Information: Call 407-933-0020

FEBRUARY
Early February Mount Dora Arts Festival
Live entertainment, children's activities and plenty of food accompany the works of more than 200 artists. The artists compete for awards in painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculpture and numerous other categories. Location: downtown Mount Dora (approximately a 30-minute drive north of Orlando). Information: (352) 383-2165.

Early FebruaryInternational Carillon Festival
Carillonneurs and pianists from around the world perform at Bok Tower Gardens. The festival also includes displays and videotapes from the Anton Brees Carillon Library and guided walking tours through the gardens. Location: Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. Information: (941) 676-1408.

Mid-February through March Spring Training
Some of Major League Baseball's greatest teams spend their seasonal respites in area. Some of the teams which call Central Florida home include Atlanta Braves (Walt Disney World Sports Complex), Cleveland Indians (Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven), Detriot Tigers (Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland), Florida Marlins (Space Coast Stadium near Melbourne), Houston Astros (Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee), Kansas City Royals (Baseball City Stadium in Davenport), New York Yankees (Legends Field in Tampa), Philadelphia Phillies (Jack Russell Memorial Stadium in Clearwater), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (Florida Power Park in St. Petersburg) and the Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin Stadium near Clearwater).

Mid-February through March: Houston Astros Spring Training
Major League Baseball's Houston Astros make Kissimmee-St. Cloud their spring training home. Location: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee. Information: (407) 933-5400.

Late February Bach Festival
The event, which was first held in 1935 to commemorate the birth date of Johann Sebastian Bach, is now the third oldest Bach festival in the United States. The festival is accompanied by a concert series throughout the year. Location: Rollins College, Winter Park. Information: (407) 646-2182.

Late February Florida State Fair
Celebrating the history and development of Florida, the festival includes a exhibits on state culture, livestock and poultry competitions, a crafts fair and daily line-up of live entertainment. Information: (813) 621-7821 or (800) 345-3247.

Weekends February 1-18 Broadway production of "Social Security"
Thursdays-Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm The Osceola Center For The Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee A delightful comedy about the Mores and Manners of New York middle class in the 1980s; A Manhattan art dealer and her suburban sister, their respective husbands and the aged mother who drives them crazy. Written by: Andrew Bergman Call for prices More Information: Call 407-846-6257

February 15-24 Osceola County Fair
Weekdays 2pm-close, Weekends 10am-close Kissimmee Valley Agricultural Center & Fairgrounds, 1901 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. Family and friends come together once again for the Osceola County Fair and Livestock Show. The event showcases the educational, agricultural, horticultural, livestock and other resources of Osceola County, Florida. $3 adults, $1 children 6-12yrs, under 6yrs free. Call for special event ticket prices. More Information: Call 407-846-6046

February 16-18 Silver Spurs Rodeo
2:30pm Silver Spurs Arena - Celebrating its 106th edition, the Silver Spurs Rodeo features professional cowboys competing in bull and bronc riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. The real importance of the Silver Spurs Rodeo is the "tradition" of what the Silver Spurs Rodeo represents and the continuing heritage of ?down home hospitality? in Osceola County. $10 adult, $5 children Call 407-67-RODEO or visit their website

February 24-25 Senior Follies Vaudeville 2001
Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm The Osceola Center For The Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
Don't miss this star-studded show. More Information: Call 407-846-6257

February 25 Festival of Rhythm & Blues
11am-5pm Kissimmee Lakefront Park The largest concert at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park, the Festival of Rhythm & Blues offers a variety of Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Caribbean and African musical styles. To enhance the festive mood, storytellers, crafters, ethnic foods, and black history displays showcase local and nationally recognized African American artists. Cost: FREE More Information: Call 407-847-3174

MARCH
March 2-3 The World Ballet
Time: Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm-The Osceola Center For The Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. Mr. Hernandez presents a performance of new and old world ballets. More Information: Call 407-846-6257

March 2-4 Kissimmee Kiwanis Bluegrass Festival
Fri 1pm-midnight, Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 10am-4pm - Silver Spurs Arena- The 24th Annual Kissimmee Kiwanis Bluegrass Festival is three days of fun, family entertainment and bluegrass music. The event will be held at the Silver Spurs Arena centrally located between St. Cloud and Kissimmee. More Information: 1-813-783-7205


March 9-16 Osceola County Wagon & Trail Ride
Location: Canoe Creek Road Residents and guests can experience the pioneer heritage of traveling from one settlement to another by way of their own horseback or wagon. Through horsemanship, education, fellowship, and reverence for the land, the event promotes the appreciation and preservation of Osceola?s rich cultural traditions of the county?s early pioneers and settlers. Be prepared to camp-out; bring your own horse, wagon, and camping gear. Cost: Weekend ride $30pp, Full week $60pp, children under 17yrs free. : 407-892-4548, P.O. Box 420342, Kissimmee FL 34742-0342

Early March Plant City Strawberry Festival
The Winter Strawberry Capital of the World hosts its annual festival with plenty of strawberry treats, country-and-western concerts, agricultural and livestock exhibits, rides, games, blue ribbon contests and arts and crafts booths. Location: downtown Plant City (about 60 miles west of Orlando). Information: (813) 752-9194.

Early March Central Florida Fair
This family-friendly event features a midway with rides and games, food, exhibits, a petting farm and live entertainment. Location: Central Florida Fair Grounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Information: (407) 295-3247.

Early March Kissimmee Bluegrass Festival
Entertainers in bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music perform in the four-day event. Arts and crafts booths and Southern barbecue accompany the music. Location: Silver Spurs Arena, 1875 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. Information: (800) 473-7773.


Mid-March 15 - Mid-May: Cypress Gardens Spring Flower Festival
This popular springtime event features larger-than-life floral topiaries -- graceful swans, butterflies, peacocks, tropical fish and a 19-foot Easter bunny. The only festival of its kind in the country, the event also includes 30,000 floral bed annuals. Location: Cypress Gardens, 4641 S. Lake Summit Drive, Winter Haven. Information: (800) 282-2123.

Mid-March: Winter Park St. Patrick's Day Parade
If your roots are in Ireland -- or you just want to enjoy the springtime with some Irish fun -- you'll want to head to the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration of Winter Park. Kicking off with a parade that marches down Winter Park's Park Avenue, the event features Irish music, dancing and traditional Irish food in adjacent Central Park. Location: Park Avenue, Winter Park. Information: (407) 644-8281

Mid-March and late June: A World of Orchids International Orchid Fair
This biannual fair features thousands of orchids by growers from around the world. Location: World of Orchids, 2501 N. Old Lake Wilson Road (off U.S. Highway 192), Kissimmee. Information: (407) 396-1887.

Mid-March: Bay Hill Invitational
This PGA tour event is hosted by the Bay Hill Club and its owner Arnold Palmer -- who also competes in the tournament. Held since 1978, the event attracts top players who vie for $2 million in prize money. Location: Bay Hill Club and Lodge, 9000 Bay Hill Blvd., Orlando. Information: (407) 876-2888.

Mid-March: Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival
One of the most prestigious outdoor fine arts festivals in the Southeast, the annual event features three days of art, food, music and children's activities, attracting more than 300,000 people each year. More than 200 artists display works in photography, sculpture, watercolor, mixed media, oils, acrylics, metal work, glass, drawing, graphics and clay works. Location: Central Park, Winter Park. Information: (407) 644-8281.

March 17-18 Battle at Narcoossee Mill
Park opens at 10am, Battle at 2pmRalph V. Chisholm Park Re-live history at the 8th annual Battle at Narcoossee Mill, an authentic re-creation of an actual Civil War battle. Held at Ralph V. Chisholm Park in Narcoossee, Florida, this event is educational and entertaining for all ages. Come roam through civil war era camps, watch the mounted Calvary ride back from the past, or enjoy music from the era of the Rebelaires. Cost: $1 adults, children under 15yrs free407-931-7003 or visit our website

March 22-April 8 Broadway production of "The Boys Next Door"
Thursdays-Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm The Osceola Center For The Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee - "A sweet tempered comedy sensitively told and performed, about four mentally challenged men sharing a house under the supervision of a dedicated social worker." Mel Gussow - New York Times.
"Filled with insight, compassion and humor, it is an experience that will bring both laughter and tears to your eyes." Jack Kroll - Newsweek. Written by: Tom Griffin Call for prices More Information: 407-846-6257

March 25 Kissimmee Concert in the Park Series - Caribbean Fusion
Time: 11am-5pm Kissimmee Lakefront Park- The community comes together at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park to celebrate the sounds and tastes of Latin, Hispanic, and Caribbean music. This event offers a multitude of entertainment as well as food and arts and crafts for all to enjoy. Cost: FREE general admission More Information: 407-933-8368

March 29 - April 1 Florida Storytelling Camp, Eustis, FL
Storytelling retreat: workshops and performance by national favorites Donald Davis, Elizabeth Ellis, Diane Ferlatte, Loren Niemi, plus Florida tellers. Sponsored by Florida Storytelling Association. Info: 407-695-3050, http://www.members. nbci. com/flstory

March 29 - May 5 Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival
wo Shakespearean works are performed throughout the month by professional actors at the Walt Disney World Amphitheater at Lake Eola (not at Disney World). This year's plays are "Love's Labour's Lost" and "A Comedy of Errors." Admission: $7-$35. Location: The Walt Disney Ampitheater Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue (between Central Boulevard and Robinson Street), downtown Orlando. Information: (407) 893-4600 .

APRIL
April 6-8 St. Cloud Spring Fling & Florida State Offshore Boat Championships
call for times Participants come from various locations in the eastern United States to be a part of the first offshore boat race of the season sanctioned by the American Powerboat Association. Bring your families to the St. Cloud Lakefront for a weekend of fun and entertainment. Activities also include a Powerboat parade, carnival rides and games, craft booths and competition, antique auto and boat displays, bass tournament and awards, entertaining stage show programs, a community- wide yard sale, and food and drink concessions Cost: FREE general admission More Information: 407-892-1005

April 7 POETRY IN THE PADDOCKS, Ocala
7 pm - An inspiring evening of poetry surrounded by the wonderful atmosphere of an
Ocala Horse Farm. This unique event will feature a special poetry performance reading by acclaimed poet J.D. Russell, who will perform from his wide variety of works and styles. Following the performance, all poets are invited to read and share their own poetry during open mike. Musicians are also welcome to participate in open
mike. Admission - $6 adults, $5 students and senior citizens over 55, $3 children
under 12. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Location - Amik Run Horse Farm, Ocala, FL (please call for directions) For more information or directions, call (352) 861-6466.

April 12-14 Kissimmee Klassic Softball Tournament
Time: 12th : 4pm,6pm,8pm; 13th: 5pm,7pm; 14th: 12pm,2pm,4pm,6pm Osceola County Softball Complex - Held annually each year at the Osceola County Softball Complex, the Kissimmee Klassic Softball Tournament is one of the premier tournaments not just in the Southeast, but in the whole country. With the 6A, 5A, & 4A defending state champs in attendance along with a field that could see all 16 teams ranked at some time, the stage is set to watch one of the truly outstanding sports events in softball history. Cost: $4/day adults, $8 tournament pass, children under 14yrs admitted free with paying adult More Information: 407-518-5407

April 29 Jazzfest Kissimmee
12 noon-7pm Kissimmee Lakefront Park- Celebrating its 8th annual year of operation, Jazzfest Kissimmee is recognized as a regional event that showcases professional jazz artists and the best talent in the area including high school jazz bands. Future plans are to include an evening ticketed event with a national artist in addition to the free concerts, and offer jazz clinics to local aspiring musicians. Cost: FREE More Information: 407-846-6257

April 15-23 Disney's Easter Parade
Each year the Magic Kingdom hosts its own Easter Parade, complete with floats, live performances, dancing Disney characters and Easter music. The parade is taped and later aired on ABC on Easter Day. Location: Main Street U.S.A inside the Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista. Information: (407) 824-4321.

Saturday April 22 Marshmallow Drop
Each year the Barnett Park in Orlando hosts the Marshmallow Drop in which a helicopter filled with marshmallows hovers over an open field and drops thousands of the white sticky puffs to the ground. Children (aged 4-12) race into the field to gather them and then exchange their full baskets for a box of candy. Location: Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive. Information: (407) 836-6200.

Easter morning (April 23, 2000) Bok Tower Gardens Easter Sunrise Service
Since 1926, people have gathered at Bok Tower Gardens for the Easter sunrise service. The 7 a.m. service features carillon music played with 57 bronze bells, ranging in weight from 17 pounds to almost 12 tons. Surrounded by thousands of azaleas, camellias and magnolias as well as a colony of wood ducks and 126 other wild birds, the gardens are the perfect spot the spend a spring day. The Easter service attracts about 2,000 people each year. Time: 7 a.m. Location: Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales (about 55 miles southwest of Orlando). Information: (941) 676-1408.

April 28-June 11 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Disney's biggest horticultural feat of the year blooms with flower and garden displays representing the international themes of Epcot's World Showcase. The month-long festival includes tours of the gardens, a concert series, brunch, gardening demonstrations, tips and lecture series. Location: Epcot, Lake Buena Vista. Information: (407) 824-4321.

April 28-May 7 International Fringe Festival
Downtown Orlando becomes a stage for hundreds of theatrical performances, including comedy, drama, musicals and children's theater. Shows are performed at various outdoor and indoor venues. Location: downtown Orlando. Information: (407) 648-0077.

April 15-16 Maitland Spring Art Festival
The annual juried arts and fine crafts festival showcases original artwork, including paintings, photography, metal work, ceramics and other fine arts. Location: Lake Lily on U.S. Highway 17-92 and Maitland Avenue, Maitland. Information: (407) 644-0741.

April 29-30 JazzFest Kissimmee
Professional and local amateur jazz musicians perform during this festive two-day event. A variety of art exhibits, a food court and wine and beer garden are also featured. Location: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Monument Avenue and Lakeshore Drive, Kissimmee. Information: (407) 846-6257.

MAY
Mid-April-May Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Disney's biggest horticultural feat of the year blooms with flower and garden displays representing the international themes of Epcot's World Showcase. The month-long festival includes tours of the gardens, a concert series, brunch, gardening demonstrations, tips and lecture series. Location: Epcot, Lake Buena Vista. Information: (407) 824-4321.

Late May Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival
Join more than 30,000 people who attend each year and consume more than 200,000 ears of corn. The festival features family fun with corn-eating contests, carnival rides, live entertainment, games, arts and crafts. Ticket price includes a meal of ham, potato salad, baked beans, roll, iced tea, and all the Zellwood Sweet Corn you can eat. Location: 4253 Ponkan Road, off Highway 441, Zellwood (about 25 miles northwest of Orlando). Phone: (407) 886-0014.

May 19 Kissimmee Concert in the Park Series - Symphony in the Park
Time: 6:30pm-10pm Kissimmee Lakefront Park - The Concert in the Park Series ends with the soft, symphonic sounds of the Orlando Philharmonic. The opening performance from the Osceola Center for the Arts Jazz Orchestra sets the tone for this special evening at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The Philharmonic, under the direction of Andrew Lane, takes center stage for the finale of the concert series. Cost: FREE More Information: 407-933-8368

Weekends May 17-June 3 Broadway production of "The Pirates of Penzance"
Thursdays-Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm - The Osceola Center For The Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee A light operetta - "One of the most joyously creative productions in all musical theater", this is a melodious tale of pirates with a weakness for orphans and unswerving loyalty to the queen. For sheer light-heartedness, visit the lair of these loony pirates. Written by: W.S. Gilbert & A.S. Sullivan
Cost: call for prices More Information: 407-846-6257

JUNE
Mid June VIBE Live!
Downtown Disney Pleasure Island's annual Black Music Month celebration features hip-hop, R&B and soul recording artists. Location: Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney, Lake Buena Vista. Information: (407) 824-4321.

Mid June Florida Film Festival
The festival features more than 100 films, documentaries and film shorts from across the globe. Other events include seminars, student competitions, celebrity tributes and parties. Location: Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. Information: (407) 629-1088.

JULY

July 4 Lake Eola Picnic in the Park
A local tradition, the Lake Eola Fourth of July celebration features games, activities, entertainment and spectacular fireworks. Location: Lake Eola, Rosalind Avenue (between Central Boulevard and Robinson Street), downtown Orlando. Time: 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Information: (407) 246-2827.

July 4 City of Kissimmee July 4th Celebration
Time: 12 noon-10pm Location: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Memorial Park & South Park- Come see a spectacular, patriotic celebration and fireworks display at the Kissimmee Lakefront. This family event offers live entertainment, amusement rides, karaoke, food festival, arts & crafts, strolling entertainment, and of course fireworks. A variety of entertainment and activities are held at the Lakefront in various locations throughout Memorial Park and South Park. Cost: FREE general admission 407-933-8368

July 4 St. Cloud 4th of July Celebration
Time: 12 noon-10pm Location: St. Cloud Lakefront - Continuing a 4th of July celebration that began on the Lakefront in St. Cloud in the 1930?s, this event has grown to represent a community ?get-together? with a dynamic fireworks display. The day-long event includes activities such as local bands, cloggers, patriotic singing by choral groups, carnival rides, and arts and crafts displays. Cost: FREE 407-892-3671

AUGUST
Mid-August: Maude the Elephant's Birthday Party
Maude the Elephant joins Central Florida Zoological Park visitors in celebration of her birthday. Children enjoy birthday cake with Maude, as well as participate in hands-on activities. Location: Central Florida Zoological Park, 3755 N. U.S. Highway 17-92, Lake Monroe. Information: (407) 323-4450.

SEPTEMBER
Eary September Disneyana Convention
More than 1,000 Disney fans and collectors gather annually for the popular limited-edition collectibles sale, gala, auction, workshops, theme parties and seminars, held at Disney's Contemporary Resort. For more information, call (407) 824-4321.

Mid September 16th Annual Night of Joy at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
This contemporary Christian music celebration in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom features top-name artists each year. Concerts take place after the park closes. Tickets can be purchased from the Guest Relations desk at any Disney theme park or from any TicketMaster location. Location: Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista. Further information: (407) 824-4321.

Mid September Universal Studios Rock the Universe
This Christian Music festival usually runs the same weekend as Disney's Nights of Joy, featuring a hipper, edgier festival, playing to a more youth-driven market. It showcases less mainstream artists whose sound is a little harder; but whose message is still sacred. Tickets can be purchased from the Guest Relations desk at either Universal theme park or from any TicketMaster location. For reservations, call (407) 224-5500.

Mid September Annual Mexican Fiesta
This day of festivities at Lake Eola commemorates Mexican Independence Day and highlights Mexican traditions, food, arts, music and folklore. Location: Orlando Festival Park, at E. Amelia St. and Maguire Blvd. Information: (407) 420-6896.

Mid September Osceola Art Festival
Artists from across the state exhibit oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, photography and graphics along the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga. The annual festival also features food and entertainment. Location Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Monument Avenue and Lakeshore Drive, Kissimmee. Admission: free. Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: (407) 846-6257.

Late September ABC Super Soap Weekend
This event features appearances from favorite daytime soap stars at Disney-MGM Studios. Stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live," "Port Charles" and "General Hospital" meet with fans during this annual event. For more information, call (407) 824-4321.