Wednesday, January 30, 2008

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, CafĂ© 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

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

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!

Friday, January 4, 2008

Blue Grass Festival

Event: Blue Grass Festival
Location: Lake Eva Park
Date: January 11-13 th
Time: Friday Evening “Jam Session”
Saturday 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Activities :
Local and national Blue Grass acts perform throughout the week end. Included in the line up: Lonesome River Band, The Lewis Family, Roger Bass, Joey Foley & the Midnight Clogging Express, and many more!

Directions to Lake Eva Park in Haines City: US 27 (South from I-4 or North from 60) exit Hwy 17/92 East to South 5 th Street. Turn right and follow the signs.

Food & Merchandise Concessions

RV Parking available (rough camping only)

Sponsored By: City of Haines City, Parks & Recreation Department

For Additional Information log onto Haines City Special Events or contact the Haines City Parks and Recreation Department at 863-421-3700.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Building Your Local Farmer's Market Podcast

Click on the link above to listen to Wendimere Reilly interview farmer's market guru, Sharon Yeago, Market Manager of the popular High Springs Farmer's Market near Gainsville. Florida is experiencing record growth in the number of new farmer's markets opening throughout the state. Yeago explains how these markets are being used as a valuable tool for economic revitalization and community development. Learn how easy it is to bring your wares to market and how the market can help our downtown. And don't forget to visit the Haines City Farmer's Market at Railroad Park on Wednesdays from 8am-2pm.

On Wednesday, Dec 12th at 10am, students from the Davenport School of the Arts will be touring the market as part of a project for The Health Chic Kids and Polk County Healthy Kid Ambassador Program.

For more information about The Haines City Farmer's Market contact Ann Freeling at 421-9950.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Farmer's Market Guru Sharon Yeago to Speak in Haines City

She runs the hottest farmer's market in the state of Florida. She teaches Seniors and part-time backyard gardeners how to make some extra cash by "going to market," and has even convinced prominent decision makers that "going local" is good for food security. And now is your chance to meet her as Haines City Main Street presents- "The Local Farmer's Market, Good for You, Good for Business, Good for the Community," on Wednesday, Nov 28th, 2pm, City Hall, Haines City.

According to Sharon Yeago, "community farmers’ markets are an excellent marketing opportunity particularly for small and newly established farmers to make money, contribute to their community’s stability and most importantly of all - tell the story about how vital farming is to Florida!"

Sharon is the immediate past Chairman of the Board for the Florida Association of Community Farmers Markets, and is currently directing their Buy Local Florida grant program. Sharon developed this program and it is successfully bringing more small farmers to market, creating new community markets, and educating market managers on working with small farmers, value added products and best management practices.

Sharon has been a community farmers market manager for the past 7 years and currently manages the High Springs Farmers Market. She also manages the High Springs Food Security Project, a grant funded program sponsored by the Project for Public Spaces and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Prior to joining the agricultural community, Sharon developed extensive experience in the nonprofit world through her work with cultural and music programming.

Bethune Academy Art Auction to Benefit Orphanage

On Monday, Dec. 17th , Bethune Academy students will host an Egyptian Festival and Art Auction to benefit the children of the Pierce Orphanage in Kokstad, South Africa . Come view art featuring Egyptian themes and symbols, munch on goodies, and participate in a silent auction for hand-painted musical instruments. All proceeds will go directly to the Pierce Orphanage. This event is the culmination of a three-month project involving students in grades K-5. Bidding will begin at 11:30 and close at noon. We look forward to seeing you on Dec. 17th !

Holiday Home Tour

Haines City Holiday Home Tour
Friday, November 30, 2007
Two tours available: 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Visit 4 beautifully decorated Haines City homes decorated from top to bottom with Holiday Spirit and all the trimmings!
Tour begins at "Shoppes at Van Buren" in beautiful downtown
633 Ingraham Avenue (refreshments/buses provided)
and ends at "A Different View" with some sweet treats!!

Benefit for Haines City Main Street and Northeast Historical Society
$30 per ticket
Contact Sharon Gardner (863) 422-4035