One of the many events going this weekend in the area is the 2nd Annual Artisan’s Affair on Friday, November 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cork and Olive located at 3468 Lithia Pinecrest Rd.

 Compiled by Kathy L. Collins, Arts and Entertainment Editor

 With the weekend and holidays fast approaching, everyone is getting ready for well deserved time off to spend with family and friends. Are you looking for something fun to do? There are so many great events going on this weekend. Let this be your guide to locate fun events in the area.

Kids of all ages will have fun at Nativity Catholic Church’s “Novemberfest.” Nativity is located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. They will have rides, food, entertainment and games. Visit “Novemberfest” on Friday, November 12 from 4 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday, November 13, the fun will run from 12 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday you can attend 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call 681-4608.

If you are looking for family oriented live theatre, then venture into downtown Tampa on either Friday, November 12 at 10:30 a.m. or on Saturday, November 13 at 11 a.m. and see Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre’s “The Ugly Duckling Starring Pinky Flamingo” at the historic Tampa Theatre. General admission is $8.50 and children under 24 months old are free. Call 659-0659 or visit www.puppetworld.com for reservations.

The Pelican Players present “Angel Street” on Friday, November 12 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 13 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Borini Theatre in the Kings Point North Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Dr. in Sun City Center. Tickets are $10. For information call 387-3458.

Back by popular demand is the 2nd Annual Artisan’s Affair on Friday, November 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cork and Olive located at 3468 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. (Steinmart Shopping Center) in Valrico. This is a great opportunity to support local merchants and fantastically talented local artists, and you can even pick up some early holiday gifts!

On Friday November 12 the Brandon Foundation is holding its Annual Evening of Hope at Bell Shoal’s Baptist Church located at 2102 Bell Shoals Road. Tickets are $25. Proceeds from this event help support the Brandon Foundation’s Angel Program. For more information call 299-6745.

On Saturday November 13, the 2nd Annual Rotary Rides will take place in downtown Bartow. This is a fun, family event which features several bike tours (one to 12 mile ride begins at 8:30 a.m.; 100 mile tour begins at 7:30 a.m.; metric 100 tour begins at 7:45 a.m.; 36 mile ride begins at 8 a.m.; and the 18 mile tour begins at 8:15 a.m.), a car show, craft fair, food and entertainment. All proceeds go to the Area Literacy Project of Rotary District 6890. For more information visit www.rotaryrides.org.

Come out to the first River Hills Holiday Expo on Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at River Hills Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Parkway in Valrico. For information call 653-1554.

FAOPA and Music Showcase will present “School House Rock Jr.” on Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14 at Music Showcase located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For tickets and information call 685-5998.

The Plant City Players and Newsome Performing Arts will present “The Wizard of Oz” on stage at Plant City High School Theatre in Plant City. Shows will be on Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. An afternoon matinee at 2:30 p.m. will be performed on Sunday, November 14. For tickets and information call 863-606-85OZ or visit www.plantcityplayers.com.

Email kcollins@ospreyobserver.com with any upcoming arts and entertainment events you would like to include in this weekly column.

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