Street Painting Festival

Haines City to Hold Street Painting Festival

HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Main Street and Merchants Association will host Polk County’s first Street Painting Festival on Sat. March 6 in Railroad Park. Using the street as a canvas, artists will begin painting at 10:00 a.m. and work throughout the day, finishing by 6:00 p.m. The community event is open to the public and admission is free.

“Street painting is an amazing medium” said Mark Whisler, Main Street Promotion Committee Chair, “We are very excited to be the first in Polk County to host this type of event.” In addition to the live street painting, the festival will offer musical entertainment, street performers, face-painting and children’s activities.

The depot adjacent to Railroad Park will house a free exhibit where local artisans can display and sell their work during the festival. “Railroad Park is an ideal venue for this,” Whisler continued, “the street between the park and the depot will be closed to traffic and there is plenty of free parking.”

Interested artists may attend an orientation workshop on Sat. Feb. 20 hosted by Lee Jones, an Orlando-based artist. Artists are asked to submit two images of their intended work, which must be appropriate for public viewing, at least one week prior to the festival.

It is a family-friendly event and images of violence, gore, nudity or political statements will not be accepted. Artist’s applications and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Haines City Main Street at 863-421-4100.

Downtown Haines City is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Haines City Main Street and Merchants Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established to revitalize the historic downtown district. In partnership with the City of Haines City, Haines City Main Street is focused on developing a vibrant and beautiful downtown while encouraging a strong community spirit.

For More Information:

Ronni Wood

863.421.4100

Car Cruise-in Back in Town

After months of construction, the City of Haines City is pleased to announce that the monthly Cruise In will resume on Saturday, September 19th.

The Cruise In will be held the third Saturday of every month from 5:00 – 9:00 PM in downtown Haines City at the newly renovated Railroad Park.

Whether your ride is antique or classic, you will enjoy browsing through the area, listening to the music from DJ Bob Yost and shopping at the downtown merchants. Grab a bite to eat and visit with friends as you have fun playing our Cruiser Games.

There is great lighting and ample parking in our downtown area. Open to all makes, models and years, there is no registration fee.

To obtain more information or a vendor application, please log on to the Haines City’s website: www.ci.haines-city.fl.us or call the Haines City Parks & Recreation Department at 863-421-3700.

Bike Fest is Back!

The City of Haines City Parks and Recreation Department announces the restarting of their monthly Bike Fest. Postponed last summer due to construction, the Bike Fest will be held from 4-9 PM on the fourth Saturday of every month beginning Saturday, September 26th.

The event is held in the newly renovated Railroad Park in downtown Haines City. Along with vendors and live entertainment, there will be a bike show and games.

Vendor opportunities are available at a cost of $35.00. To become a vendor or for additional information, please log on to the City’s website at www.ci.haines-city.fl.us or contact the Haines City Parks and Recreation Department at 863-421-3700.

Vote for Your Favorite Farmer's Market

Support your local farmer's market and they could win $5,000.

Using Earth Day Principles in the Real World

Did you miss Earth Day?

Treat mom to something different and useful this Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 10th, Free

11am- Rain Barrels
Create and install a rain barrel from start to finish then learn learn how to attach it to a micro-irrigation system. Hands on demonstration.
Barrels are available for $30 each.

Noon- Composting
Step by step guide to starting your own compost system. Workshop starts with the basics of composting kitchen waste, then transferring it to an outside compost system.

Advanced composting topics include incorporating earthworms into your system and using compost for lawn and garden.

1pm- Aquaponics & Container Gardens
Create an edible and sustainable backyard by incorporating aquaponic and container gardening systems. See a working system in progress.

This is an outside location. Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, and hat.

This event is possible through a grant from the Alafia and Peace River basin boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management.

The Health Chic House
12 N 5th St
Haines City, Fl 33844
863-419-8584

Taste of Haines City

It’s that time again. The Haines City Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with area restaurants and Cromer International Press present the “Taste of Haines City”. This event allows ticket holders to experience the excellent services and food that the participating restaurants provide, as well as spend an evening with friends enjoying great entertainment, with complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks.

The Taste of Haines City will be held on Thursday, February 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the newly renovated Haines City Community Center, 555 Ledwith Avenue. Tickets for this annual event are $25.00 per person with children under five free of charge.

Tickets are now available and may be purchased in advance at the Community Center. All proceeds benefit the Independence Day Celebration, “Thunder on the Ridge.” For tickets or additional information, please contact Barbara at 863-421-9963.

If you would like to know about other special events, you may log on to the City’s web site at http://ci.haines-city.fl.us

Haines City Competition BBQ

On February 21, 2009, in affiliation with the Florida Barbeque Association, the Haines City Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring a new event for the Haines City area, Ribs on the Ridge, which will draw barbeque teams from across Florida and other states. Professional and amateur teams will compete for cash prizes, trophies and “bragging rights.” This is also an opportunity to expose local residents to the art of outdoor barbeque cooking.

In addition to the professional and amateur barbeque divisions, other competitions planned are a
Kid’s-Q division, sauce competition and a dessert contest. Scheduled activities that include live outdoor entertainment featuring local bands will round out the festivities.

We are proud to offer the Ribs on the Ridge event to our community and anticipate a very large crowd which is typical at barbeque events. The event is open to everyone to attend and/or compete. To enter a team, download an application from the City’s website at www.ci.haines-city.fl.us.

We are currently taking vendor applications. They may be downloaded from the website as well. Please contact us at 421-9963 for more information.

Vendors Needed for Ribs on the Ridge

Vendors,
We have a new event we are hosting on February 21, 2009, Ribs on the Ridge. This is a competition BBQ which will bring professional and amateur teams from across Florida and other southern states. In addition, thousands from the area will attend to sample the bbq, listen to the music and shop.

Along with the bbq, there will be other fun activities, entertainment from the stage and an opportunity for vendors. If you would like to advertise your business or sell items you can complete the information below.

If you are interested in competing with a bbq team, please log onto the City’s website at www.ci.haines-city.fl.us and download an application for the bbq competition. Either way, please complete your application and return to me ASAP to reserve a space.

The City of Haines City, Parks & Recreation Dept. Phone: 863.421.3700 Fax: 863.419.3700
Barbara Peck, Events Coordinator
Haines City Community Center
555 Ledwith Avenue
Haines City, Florida 33844
bpeckhcrecdept@tampabay.rr.com

Haines City Adult Basketball

THE CITY OF HAINES CITY PARKS AND RECREATION PRESENTS THE ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Registrations begin now at the Oakland Gym or the Bethune Neighborhood Center at 915 Ave E in Haines City.

Call 863-421-3525 or 863-421-3720 for more details. Games begin in February. Registration deadline is January 30th.

Earth Day 2009 at The Health Chic House Haines City

Save the Date!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Eco-Greetings!

The 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration at The Health Chic House will take place on Saturday, April 11th, 10am-7pm. There is already a full day of workshops and activities scheduled. See the list at Earth Day 2009.

We are currently accepting applications for vendors, workshop presenters, and entertainers. School/civic groups are encouraged to enter their Earth Day projects. Prizes will be awarded for creativity, content, and usefulness.

Visit the Photo Album to see the highlights from last year's event.

If you are interested in volunteering for the event, or for more information call Wendimere Reilly at 863-419-8584 or email healthchichouse@mac.com.

Walk Through Bethlehem

Calvary First Assembly of God Church will present the 3rd annual Walk Through Bethlehem on two weekends this year. The event will take place at Calvary First at 4550 East Johnson Avenue (County Road 580) in Haines City from 6:30 – 9:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the weekends of December 12,13 & 14 and December 19, 20 & 21.

With live animals and a cast of 40 plus in costume you will make your way through Bethlehem searching for lodging in the overcrowded city. Meet the shop keepers, the guards, and other travelers as you experience the sights, the sounds and the smells of this ancient city, Bethlehem. Come and experience what life may have been like during the birth of Christ. This free event is open to the public and is family friendly.

For more information, please visit us on the web at Calvary First or contact us at 863-229-8065.

Glitter, Glisten, & Snow

GLITTER, GLISTEN & SNOW

The annual Glitter, Glisten & Snow event to be held Friday, December 5th from 5-9 PM at the new Parks Complex at 305 South 6th Street, behind Jenkins Academy. This fun filled event appeals to all ages and includes entertainment throughout the evening from local schools and clubs. Craft vendors, exhibitors and food concessions will fill the area. There will be FREE roasted chestnuts, hot cider, home baked cookies and hot chocolate for everyone who attends.

The area will be transformed into a winter wonderland with 10 tons of snow for the children to play in, compliments of Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center. To complete the evening, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck to pose for pictures with the kids.

During the Glitter Glisten & Snow event, we will line the entrance area with luminary candles in honor or memory of your loved ones. Your donation of $5.00 per candle or 3 for $10.00 will place a luminary along the pathway. Please contact Barbara at 421-3700 by Wednesday, December 3rd to place an order .

This event is brought to you by the Haines City Parks and Recreation Department in cooperation with the Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, Tunno Groves and Hugh & Lois McGlashon.

For more information or to download a flyer from the City’s website: http://ci.haines-city.fl.us Follow this path: For Residents - Special Events – Glitter, Glisten & Snow. You may also contact Barbara at the Haines City Parks and Recreation Department, 555 Ledwith Avenue, Haines City FL 33844, phone: 421-3700 or e-mail bpeckhcrecdept@tampabay.rr.com

Art, Zumba & More from the Parks Dept

From: City of Haines City Parks and Recreation Department

The Haines City Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting registrations for the Beginner Art Class to be held at the Bethune Neighborhood Center . The class will meet on Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00am or Thursdays from 2:00-4:00pm, starting Tuesday, September 23, 2008. The fee is $90.00 for six weeks. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Bethune Neighborhood Center at 863-421-3720.

TheHaines City and Parks Recreation Department is currenly offering Zumba a fun and energetic way to tone that waist, burn those calories, and relieve some stress. The classes will be held at the Bethune Neighborhood Center . The class will meet on Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30pm/ Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm-6:00pm . It begins November 17, 2008. First week is FREE. First 10 adults and 10 kids will be free for the month of December as a Christmas Gift. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact the Bethune Nighborhood Center at 863-421-3720.

The Haines City Parks and Recreation Department is offering a new exercise class. Darrin Fielder will teach Darrin’s Total Body Workout. This class is a combination of aerobics, cardio, and weight lifting. The class will meet on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9:00-10:00am or 6:00-7:00pm at the Oakland Gym. The fee is $10.00 per session and is open to anyone ages 15 and up. For more information, please contact the Bethune Neighborhood Center at 863-421-3720 or the Oakland Gym at 863-421-3525.

The Haines City Parks and Recreation Department is currently looking for instructors to teach classes at the Community Center or the Bethune Neighborhood Center . All instructors must pass a background check. Anyone who is interested should contact the Haines City Community Center at 863-421-3700 or the Bethune Neighborhood Center at 863-421-3720.

Main Street Membership Meeting

Hello Merchants and Mainstreet members and prospective members,

There will be a membership meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the EDC office.

Address for the EDC office: 611 Jones Avenue, East, Suite 4, Haines City, FL 33844.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Merchants and Mainstreet Association please attend the meeting. Please bring along any other prospects too.

If you have any questions please call me at 863-422-2525.

Thanks so much and see you soon!

Allison DeVito

If you would like to receive email updates about downtown events and happenings send an email to healthchichouse@mac.com.

Job Opening- Haines City Main Street Director

Main Street Director, Haines City, Florida

Nature of Work
The Main Street Director is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Main Street Program to assist with downtown revitalization and business development efforts in Haines City's Main Street District. The director is familiar with and utilizes the National Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization, Design, Promotions, and Economic Restructuring as the program’s fundamental organizational framework.
Critical elements of the director’s initial activities include economic redevelopment of historic downtown, securing sponsors and increasing memberships.

The full-time position requires a self-motivated, take charge manager, with multidimensional skills and experience. Essential elements of this position include positive people skills and the personality to build strong relationships with businesses, community groups, churches, residents and local government, as well as the ability to successfully fundraise through partnership building, grant writing, and securing sponsor donations.

The director reports to and works directly with the Main Street Board of Directors, coordinating select projects, special events, fundraising initiatives, volunteer management activities and any other responsibilities deemed appropriate. The director will be responsible to keep accurate accounting of Main Street finances, including payable and receivable accounts, grant income and expense, and special fundraising activities. Essential elements of this position include establishing good rapport, communications and partnerships with other organizations, committees, elected officials, governmental agencies and the media.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices involving development and revitalization of the economic and business community; knowledge of grant programs, including grant management principles and techniques to attain desired economical and efficient results; ability to exercise sound professional judgment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, the business community and the general public; ability to communicate effectively with the public at all levels; ability to perform public relation duties in a manner conducive to maintaining and enhancing the image and reputation of the Main Street program and the City of Haines City.

Training and Experience
Experience managing a Main Street Program strongly desired but not required.
Graduate of a four-year college or university or a combination of experience and education in business/community development/historic preservation. Experience in marketing, economic development and not-for-profit organizations is highly desired. Must have excellent verbal, organizational and computer skills, including use of Quickbooks, Microsoft Office Word, Publisher, Excel, Access and Outlook.

For more information, email Allison, at allison@hainescityedc.com.

Haines City Health Walk

The Haines City Family Health Walk will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2008.

Join dozens of others in this 5 mile police escorted walk that will wind through the new 8 acre Park, with checkpoints along the way offering drinks and assistance. Walker registration will begin at 7:00 AM and the free family health walk will step off at 7:30 from Cook Field located at 915 Avenue E.

Following the walk, from 9 AM until noon, many health care agencies will be on hand to offer free health screenings and information in the Bethune Neighbor Center .

Participating agencies include; American Hearing Clinic, Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, Day Surgery Center, Hope Hospice, Cypress Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Arthritis Foundation, Associates in Dermatology, Bloodnet, Kaden Communications, American Red Cross, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, Darrin’s Total Body Workout, WSIR 1490 AM Radio, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Alzheimer’s Association and others.

For more information, please log onto the Haines City ’s website: ci.haines-city.fl.us or contact Dan at 421-3720 or Barbara at 421-3700. Sponsored by the Haines City Parks & Recreation Department.

Haines City Farmer's Market Moves to Court Street

As streetscaping continues for Historic Downtown Main Street various events have been shuffled. The Haines City Farmer's Market that is normally held at Railroad Park has temporarily been moved to Court Street. Court Street is the short street that connects 5th and 6th. The Health Chic House is at one end and Cafe Cabaret is at the other.

This year-round market is open on Wednesday's from 8am-2pm. You can get produce, freshly baked breads, plants, and other items. The market is also a great place to meet your neighbors, learning cooking tips from the vendors, and share in lively conversation.

While you are downtown stop at one of the restaurants for lunch, get a haircut, or do some shopping. Your downtown businesses appreciate your support and patronage during our renovations.

Earth Day Haines City Event List

Earth Day Celebration
Your Guide to a Fun & Eco-Friendly Festival!

April, 20th 10-5
Historic Downtown Haines City
863-419-8584

Workshops held at either The Health Chic House (THCH) or South By Southwest (SBS)

Early risers stop at Zook’s or Doughmonde for coffee & breakfast.
9:55 a.m. - Earth Day Kick-off & Dedication by Mayor Philip Hinkle (THCH Front Porch)

Workshops
10:00 a.m. Using Rain Barrels – Free, Rain Barrels available for $20 each (THCH Outside)
10:30 a.m. Beginner’s Guide to Creating an Herb Garden – Free (SBS, Back Porch)
11:00 a.m. Introduction to Composting – Free, Supplies available for sale (THCH Outside)
Noon All About Organic Gardening – Free (THCH Outside)
1:00 p.m Intro to Using Herbs for Health – $20 (THCH Inside)
2:00 p.m. Florida-friendly Landscaping – Right Plant, Right Place, Free (THCH Outside)
2:30 p.m. Beneficial Bugs for Hire – Free (SBS, Back Porch)
3:00 p.m. Using Herbs: Plant to Oil to Salve – Free (THCH Outside)

Fun Things to Do
• Kiddie Train, Face Painting, Bath Salt Art, Coloring, Wrist Band Making (Court Street)
• Pony Rides, Bounce House, Coloring (Zook’s Café Intersection)
• Local School Performances – FFA Ag Team- 10:05am, Dance Team- 2pm
• High Noon Human Checker Game Competition- Haines City Fire vs. Police (Court)
• Music by DJ Ken Henson from Pamalicious 12 – 5 p.m., Catherine Price, 2 – 4pm (Court)
• Relaxing Chair Massage & Detox Foot Baths (THCH)

Be Eco-Conscious
• Enter to Win A Cruise or Tons of Other Prizes – Take Your Reduce Your Use Pledge (THCH)
• Recycle Your Old Electronics & Computers – The WAY Center (Under Parking Garage)
• Please Recycle Your Glass & Plastic Cups and Bottles (containers at THCH & Zook’s)

Exhibits, Vendors & Free Goodies
• Information & Kids Stamp Books- Main Street Organization
• Toilet Facilities Located next to Court Street
• Free Bio-bags & Trees- Cromer Printing
• Enter to Win a Rain Barrel and Micro Irrigation – Green Earth Expo
• Audition to be a guest co-host on a Radio Show – The Girls Gone Green
• Spinal Screenings & Kids Bean Bag Toss – 4 Corners Chiropractic
• Water Conservation Materials – Water Conservation Board
• Free Seeds & Trees – Dolphin Printing
• Coloring Station – Pre-Paid Legal
• Voter Registration
• Craft Vendors- Ozzie’s Wood Burning, Linda Kay Creations
• Cool off & Watch a Water Conservation Film 11:15am & 2:15pm (THCH)
• Plants for Sale- Polk Training Center

Shopping
• By Design – Home Décor, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Epic – Tattoo Shop, 4 – 8 p.m.
• Shoppes At Van Buren – 7 stores, upstairs, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday's Child - Children, Copperfield's Christmas, Darla & Cooper-Pets, Waltzing Matilda's-Bags
Seventh Avenue - Gift Baskets, Abigail's Cottage-Shabby Chic, The Grape & Olive-Kitchen
• South By Southwest – Western, Southwestern, & Native American home décor, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The Health Chic House – Supplements, Shoes & Clothing, Green Cleaning, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Main Street Hosts Earth Day Celebration

The Haines City Main Street Organization is pleased to host the 1st Annual Earth Day Celebration in Historic Downtown Haines City on Sunday, April 20th. Events & Exhibits are 10am-5pm.

Zooks Cafe & La Fiesta Mexicana will stay open later with evening entertainment.

The event will include workshops, music, kids activities, local artists and assorted exhibits. For more information call 863-419-8584 or visit Earth Day Florida.

9:55am- Earth Day Kick-off & Dedication by Mayor Philip Hinkle

Workshops Include:

10:00am- Using Rain Barrels- Free, Rain Barrels available for $20 each
10:30am- Beginner’s Guide to Creating an Herb Garden- Free
11:00am- Introduction to Composting- Free, Supplies available for sale
12:00pm- All About Organic Gardening, Free
1:00pm- Intro to Using Herbs for Health, $20
2:00pm- Florida-friendly Landscaping- Right Plant, Right Place, Free
2:30pm- Beneficial Bugs for Hire, Free (SBS, Back Porch)
3:00pm- Using Herbs: Plant to Oil to Salve, Free

The Main Street Information booth will open at 10am on Court Street, across from The Health Chic House. Check the blog daily for more updates.

Railroad Park Streetscape Project Update

Railroad Park Renovation/Streetscape Project Update -

The City of Haines City and Haines City Main Street is anticipating a revised projected start date of May 1, 2008. As the project gets underway, there will be periodic updates for this project, which will give downtown business and property owners an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about this major revitalization project.

For more information, contact Ann Freling, Main Street Coordinator, at 863-421-9950.