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.

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

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

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.

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.

Vendor Needed for Haines City Cruise-In

The Haines City Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for food concessions and merchants selling other wares for the monthly Cruise-In held the second Saturday of each month.

The next event will be on Saturday, April 12th from 5-9 PM in historic downtown Haines City, The Cruise-In will showcase vehicles from all makes, models and years. Along with vehicles, DJ Butch Johnston will be playing your favorites from the 50’s and 60’s.

The fee for a booth space is $35.00. To obtain more information and a vendor application, please log on to the Haines City’s website: http://ci.haines-city.fl.us or call the Haines City Parks & Recreation Department at 863-421-3700.

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

On Thursday, May 1st the City of Haines City will host its annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer.

The event this year will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 21 North 2nd Street in Haines City. Local Pastors and musicians will be on the program which will begin at 7:30 AM.

Tickets, which include breakfast are $10.00 and may be purchased at the Community Center, 219 South 5th Street, at City Hall, 502 E. Hinson Avenue or by calling 421-3700.

Haines City to Benefit from Southwest Florida Water Management Grants

Four Polk County projects that are expected to reach about 6,000 residents were awarded Community Education Grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District; two of these directly affect Haines City.

The goal of the Community Education Grant Program is to engage adults in water-related issues pertaining to conservation, protection and preservation. Funded by the district's Basin Boards, the program is intended to motivate communities to get involved in watershed protection through various activities and educational formats.

The first project is the "Water and Me" workshop that will take place at the Heritage Days Festival. Participants will learn how to conserve water in the landscape, use and maintain their irrigation system and reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

This project will show Haines City-area residents how to conserve water inside and outside the home. Participants who complete a survey will receive conservation kits that include water conservation products and information. Grant funds will be used to purchase faucet aerators, shower timers, drip counters, hot water gauges and water hose nozzles for participants.The program's goal is to encourage residents to change water-wasting behaviors.

The second project is The Health Chic Earth Day event, which will feature Florida-friendly landscaping and the district's drought messaging. This event is Sunday, April 20th in historic downtown Haines City. Workshops will include Rain Barrels, Composting, Organic Gardening, and Florida Native Plants.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's 2009 Community Education Grant Program will begin its application process in June 2008.

For details, please call the district's communications department at 1-800-423-1475 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757. For the full story check out Polk Online

Hazardous Waste Clean-Up Day

Dispose of your household hazardous waste and electronics, SAFELY, and FREE of CHARGE.

March 22nd, 2008
Haines City Public Works Complex
300 North 5th Street
Haines City

Materials that will be collected include batteries, paint, polishes, automotive products, solvents, insecticides, tires, and electronics. No Business waste...Residential only! For more information, call 863-421-3777.

Crafters Needed for Heritage Days

The City of Haines City is accepting applications for artists and crafters to participate in the 22nd annual Heritage Days Event to be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on March 8 th at Lake Eva Park on South 5 th Street in Haines City .

The event this year will include a Quilt Show in the Civic Center , displays and demonstrations. Local and national entertainment will take the stage throughout the day and the City will also hold an auction of surplus items at the Community Center. More than 50 vendor booth spaces will be available for the event at a cost of $50.00 for a 10’ x 10’ space and are on a first come first serve basis.

Vendors need to supply their own setup and be present for the entire show. No flea market merchandise will be accepted. The deadline for renting spaces is Friday, February 29 th. For more information or to obtain an application, log on to the City’s website at http://ci.haines-city.fl.us Follow this path to the event you are interested in: City Departments - Parks & Recreation - Special Events- Heritage Days or call the Haines City Parks & Recreation Department at 863-421-3700.

Taste of Haines City

It’s that time again. The Haines City Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with Pepsi 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 28th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Haines City Community Center, 219 South 5th Street. Tickets for this annual event are $25.00 per person with children under 5 free of charge.

Participating restaurants include: All Star Grill, Texas Cattle Company, Red Lobster, Carrabbas, Longhorn Steak House, Café Doughmonde, Beef O’Bradys, Outback Steak House, Salt Water Grill, La Fiesta Mexicana, Chili’s Restaurant, Sonny’s Bar-B-Q, Providence Golf Club and catering by Best Western Admirals Inn.

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.” Please call 421-3700 for additional information.

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

Bridal Show

"An Elegant Affair" Bridal Show

Located in Historic Downtown Haines City

Railroad Park on Sunday, February 10 th
10 am - 2:30 pm - Door Prizes & Tastings

Hosted By Wedding Elegance Boutique and Haines City Main Street
Please Contact Cassanna Dwight at 863-419-8515, for Exhibit Space or more details!