Siesta Key Crystal Classic Nov 15 – 18

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Sand Sculpting Festival in Sarasota

You are fascinated by sand artists who create magnificent sand buildings? Come to Siesta Key Beach from 15.-18. November 2019!

“The Siesta Key Crystal Classic” is an amazing Master Sand Sculpting competition. Since 2010, international sand sculpting artists meet every November to create numerous sculptures out of tons of fine sand. The jury selects winners for solo and team artists. The announcement will be made on Sunday afternoon.

Competitions

Even for amateurs there will be the opportunity to prove their skills in the “The Crystal Classic Amateur Competition”. For this competition on Saturday, there are different classes. The winners will be awarded the same day.

The “Quick Sand Contests”, which take place several times on Friday and Saturday, are also fascinating. Within 10 minutes, a participant has to create something out of a pile of sand, that fits to a given word. The applause of the audience will be used as an indicator for the best result. Winners advance to the next round. The competition culminates at the finals on Sunday at 12:30.

Highlights

Other highlights of the festival are:

– Learning Curve Tent with tips for building yourself

– Bearfoot Beach Party Tent with live music and bar

– Vendor Village with food, drink and stalls

– Evening illumination of the sculptures

Info

More info at siestakeycrystalclassic.com.

Celebrate Downtown Venice Day – August 11th 2019

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The Venice Downtown Beaufication Project is finished. Come and enjoy the beautiful result on Downtown Venice Day, Saturday, August 11, 2019.

The event starts at noon with a free trolley tour of the city. You will be accompanied by Harry Klinkhamer, Manager of Historical Resources. Learn interesting and amusing facts about the history of the “City on the Gulf”. One lap lasts 45 minutes and starts at the kiosk of the Centennial Park. The trolley will go until 3 pm in the afternoon.

Be active

If you like to be active, bring your bike! At 12.30 pm and at 4 pm, a guided tour will start at the Gazebo in Centennial Park. The bicycle experts from “Bicycles International” will bring you on a leisurely trip to and from the Jetties. For those interested, there is also a free “Fix-a-Flat” workshop where you will learn how to easily and quickly mend a flat tire yourself. The workshop starts at 3:30 pm at the Gazebo.

Local businesses

How about visiting a full-face-painting artist at work? You will meet him by the kiosk between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Or relax with with Afternoon High Tea – at 2 pm at “Café 124” and at 3 am in the “Upper Crust”. Other restaurants and shops along the roads offer specials, raffles and appetizers, such as the famous Rum Punch of the “Down Island Way Boutique”.

Moving into the evening, downtown goers will be able to enjoy extended Happy Hours at “Daiquiri Deck”, “TJ Carney’s”, “Made in Italy”, “Abby’s on Miami”, and “Ciao Gelato” (Wine & Gelato Floats) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Are you a wine lover? “Café Longet” between 5 and 7 pm, to “Olive Grove Wine Bar” or the “Zebra Piano Bar Lounge” welcome you for a wine tasting.

Organizers

Celebrate Downtown Venice Day is organized by Venice Newcomers Club and Newcomers of Venice Alumni.

National Avocado Day – July 31

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On July 31st, we celebrate avocados in the USA!

Did you know that avocados have been collected and consumed by humans for at least 10,000 years? Archaeologists found evidence in Central Mexico. About 3000 BC, avocados were cultivated by Central American peoples such as the Inca and Maya.

The name avocado – also called “alligator pear” in the Caribbean – was first mentioned by the Irish scientist and botanist Hans Sloane, who depicted it in his catalog of plants native to Jamaica.

In 1833, the first avocado trees were planted in Florida. However, it took until the 1950s, until they entered the grocery stores.

Today, avocados are popular worldwide. The creamy, vitamin-rich interior is extremely tasteful and perfect for salads or the famous Mexican guacamole. The beauty industry loves the skin friendly ingredients.

So let’s celebrate – maybe with a homemade guacamole?

Here is one of my favorite recipes

Ingredients:

2 avocados
1 lime
1 onion small
1 chili peppers e.g. pickled jalapeno or fresh green ones
1 tomato
salt according taste

Preparation:

Peel the avocados and mash them in a bowl with a fork. Add the juice of a lime.
Cut the onion, chili and tomato into very small cubes. For tomatoes, it is best to leave out the seeds.
Stir the cubes into the avocado cream, season with salt and serve soon.

Enjoy!

Chipotle

By the way – If you would like to celebrate National Avocado Day away from home, you can use the Chipotle offer: On July 31, there will be a free portion of guacamole for every regular entree. You have to pre-order with the Chipotle App or online here on the Chipotle page.

Chipotle in Venice is located Bird Bay Plaza, 519 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice, FL 34285.

National Doughnut Day – June 7 2019

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Do you like doughnuts? I do! These delicious treats have conquered the world. How wonderful that there is even a National Doughnut Day!

History

On the first Friday in June each year, people in the US celebrate National Doughnut Day. It remembers The Salvation Army Lassies, the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I at the front lines in Europe. With home made foods those brave volunteers brought a morale boost to the troops. The doughnuts were often baked in oil inside the metal helmets of the soldiers.

In 1938 National Doughnut Day was created by The Salvation Army to honor these women and to start a fund-raising for Chicago’s Salvation Army. The goal was to help the needy during the Great Depression. National Doughnut Day was born.

About the Doughnut

A doughnut is a ring-shaped sweet snack that is made of fried dough. It can be rolled in sugar or topped or glazed with icing. There are also doughnuts filled with jam, custard, or cream.

Food historians believe, that the doughnut came to the US with Dutch immigrants in the 19^th century.

In the late 20^th century, the shortened form “donuts” became popular with a successful doughnut chain, but still “doughnut” remains the most common spelling.

Let’s celebrate!

Take some friends and enjoy the sweet snacks at your local doughnut store. Many doughnut stores have special offers on this day, so be sure to check.

Maybe you love baking? Try a new recipe and treat you and your loved ones at home.

Or continue the spirit of charity and volunteer for the local Salvation Army chapter or another non-profit organization that works with the armed forces.

Doughnuts in Venice Florida

You are in Venice at National Doughnut Day? Be sure to visit Yummies Donuts, they are amazing.

On Friday June 7^th, they will give ONE FREE glazed doughnut to everyone!!! (Until running out, so hurry!)

For more info, visit their website yummiesdonuts.com

Welcome to the Downtown Venice Craft Festival January 26 + 27

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Downtown Venice Florida with its lovely historic buildings is the perfect setting for a Craft Festival. Along West Venice Avenue, some of the nation’s best crafters offer a wide variety of ceramics, jewelry, metal works and much more. Stroll along the numerous small stands and talk directly with the artists. Chances are good that you fell in love with something that seems to be perfect for you or your home.

There is also a Green Market with live flora and delicious food such as freshly popped kettle corn and spicy sauces.

Combine your visit with some shopping in the unique little stores and enjoy a rest at one of the cozy cafés, restaurants and bars within the charming downtown streets of Venice, the City on the Gulf.

12th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival

When: Saturday, January 26th, 2019 – 10:00am to 5:00pm

Sunday, January 27th, 2019 – 10:00am to 5:00pm

Where: 401 West Venice Ave in Venice, FL

Cost: Free Admission

Info: artfestival.com

Enjoy the Venice Christmas Boat Parade on Dec 1st

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The Venice Christmas Boat Parade is an amazing attraction since 1989. Every year it gets bigger and better. Off course, Venice with its Intercoastal Waterway is the perfect place for a boat parade, as there are a lot of public areas for visitors to enoy the beautifully lighted and decorated boats passing by. There are also several great restaurants along the water that offer spectacular views.

The parade starts December 1^st at 6 pm just north of the Albee Rd. Bridge near Casey Key. It continues down the Intracoastal Waterway and out to the channel marker in the jetty. The parade continues south and turns around before Circus Bridge.

Best is to have a look at the map to pick your favorite location. And be sure to be early as this event is very popular!

For info please visit the website VeniceChristmasBoatParade.com.

Villa Happy Gator Venice Florida – Talking about Eco-Friendliness

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We love Florida and its wonderful nature – that’s why at Villa Happy Gator we want to do our utmost to ensure that our precious nature is as little affected as possible by our house and its care.

Our technical equipment is up to date and regularly maintained by specialist companies. Thus, the air conditioning works very economical and effective while maintaining high comfort. Our pool is a saltwater pool and therefore usually comes without any chlorine addition. The result is crystal clear water, which is good to the eyes and skin with a pleasant smell.

Pest Control is indispensable in the warm humid climate of Florida. But there are gentle methods that are good for the environment and for humans. We chose a system that even carries the USDA Organic label: “The Sentinel” – small, green containers that are placed around the house to form a protective barrier. Only in very rare situations, something stronger has to be used.

Our lawn is free from regular pesticide spraying. The lively vegetation attracts many colorful birds that we have here in South Venice.

Garden, walk- and driveways are kept clean by hand. In cooperation with our gardener we are in the process of testing an ecological weed killer to reduce the effort a bit.

Our cleaning team also is very sensitive. Vinegar and soda are common companions when cleaning.

Sarasota County is top in recycling. Paper and plastic are collected separately. Our guests will find sufficient containers as well as detailed instructions for the correct sorting.

The city of Venice and Sarasota County have recently adopted ambitious plans to reduce their impact on the environment, which we support.

In addition, we examine promising ecological projects in the area, whether we decide to sponsor them. We are always looking for new ideas to make Villa Happy Gator even greener. We thank our guests that have been very supportive and appreciate our efforts.

Beach Yoga on our Venice Beaches – You will LOVE it!

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Beach Yoga – Venice Beaches

Reconnect your mind, body and spirit with the beauty of nature. Disconnect from any stress and be soothed by the sounds of the ocean. Breathe in the fresh morning air while watching the sun rise and feel the power of yoga – beach yoga. Wouldn’t this be a perfect way to start your day?

Maybe you prefer to stretch and energize your body at the end of the day, surrounded by the stunning nature of our Venice Beaches? Join a Sunset Class and experience the fantastic atmosphere when the sun is going down slowly and enchanting everything with beautiful colors.

There are many great reasons to do Yoga. Yoga is relaxing, it lowers stress, strengthens, improves balance and posture, sharpens awareness and helps one breath better. Beach Yoga provides all of that plus a soft and forgiving surface, fresh air, beautiful views, a connection with nature, sunlight, vitamin D and the company of many like minded new and old friends.

Bring a blanket or a mat, a bottle of water and clothing that allows freedom of movement. The Yoga classes are designed for all abilities and ages. Locals and visitors are equally welcome.

Classes are supported by free will donations.

Join the team of certified yoga teachers:

Nokomis Beach

Meet Katja, Lois and Toby at the North Jetty on Casey Key. For schedule and more info go to northjettybeachyoga.

Venice Beach

Meet Elin at the Venice Beach Pavillon. For schedule and info go to yogawithelin.

Manasota Beach

Meet Katja, Louis and Toby at Manasota Beach. For schedule and info see yogamanasotabeach.

Come and visit the 26th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival June 16 + 17

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The charming city of Venice in Sarasota County is the location of this popular event. Some of the nation’s best crafters will gather at City Hall. Peruse booths filled with stained glass, photography, personalized products for children and dogs alike, and much more!

Find original art and unique gift items. This is a real alternative to crowded mall shopping.

You can also stroll the Green Market for plants, handmade soaps, tangy BBQ sauces, and live orchids.

Admission is free. For direction and info, please visit the artfestival’s website.

Oscar Scherer’s 29th Annual Earth Day – April 21 – Oscar Scherer Statepark Osprey FL

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Celebrate Earth Day in the great outdoors of Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey.

Enjoy a day full of planned, fun family-oriented activities like live music, earth friendly food vendors, tram tours and kayaking. There will be a photo contest & exhibit and some guided hikes.

Oscar Scherer’s 29th Annual Earth Day will be Sat. April 21st. Free Event 10:00 – 4:00. Check back on their website for more information and beginning April 1st see 22 days with 22 ways to help the environment with a random winner each day and a top winner announced at the festival.

The park is over 1,380 acres in size, with 15 miles of nature walks and a 3 acre fresh-water lake, Lake Osprey, where you can rent canoes and kayaks as well. And there’s a playground for the kids.

Make sure to get a list of the day’s schedule and activities when you stop at the ranger booth at the entrance.

Oscar Scherer State Park

1843 S Tamiami Trail
Osprey FL 34229
941.483.5956

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