Compiled by Kathy L. Collins, Arts and Entertainment Editor

If you are looking for something fun to do over the weekend, let this be your guide finding fun, creative and exciting things to do in the area. The Greater Brandon area and Tampa Bay have tons of activities going on every weekend. Get out and enjoy all that this area has to offer.

The Performing Arts Club of Sun City Center presents “Girls’ Nite Out.” Anyone who loves the music of the 60’s will love this show. You can hear hits such as “California Dreamin’” and “Yesterday.” The show will take place at The Rollins Theatre, 970 Cherry Hills Dr. in Sun City Center. Tickets are $10 and can be obtained at the SCC Atrium Ticket Kiosk or by calling 642-0606. The shows will be performed on Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday, March 5 from 8 a.m. to noon, the Brandon Ballet will participate in the FishHawk Trails Community Garage Sales.

On Saturday, March 5 you can take a step back in history and experience Cracker Country, a rural Florida Living History Museum located at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. March is “Make and Take Days.” On Saturday, March 5 and Saturday, March 19, you can make and learn about toys and crafts form rural Florida. Tickets are $7 per adult. Children 6-12 are $6.00. Seniors pay only$6.00.

The Strawberry Ridge Art Guild will hold its 3rd Annual Art Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at on Saturday, March 5 at the Activities Center in Strawberry Ridge located off of S.R. 60 in Valrico. This is an excellent opportunity to see artwork created by experienced artists. For more information, please contact Wilma Hall at 689-8788.

On Saturday, March 5 the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center is holding its 4th Annual Casino Night at the Winthrop Pole Barn located at 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The theme for the evening is western, so grab your boots and cowboy hat and head over to Winthrop for a “rootin’ tootin’ good time” and help raise money for children’s programs. Tickets are $35 for individuals and $60 per couple. This is a 21 and over event. For more information contact BSAC at 689-0908.

You can support the arts by attending the Greater Brandon Arts Council’s 5th Annual Anty Party on Saturday, March 5 in the Mook Gallery at Center Place located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. The Arty Party will go from 7 to 10 p.m. and costs $10 for non-members. Admission is free to members who have renewed their membership. For more information on this fun and fabulous event, please contact Anne Drewry at 655-2773.

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will take place on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa. This is one of the country’s premiere juried outdoor shows. The festival is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

On Sunday, March 6, you can try and keep that New Year’s Resolution to eat healthy alive and well by visiting the First Sunday Farmers’ Market in Park Square. This is a great opportunity to introduce your children to the bountiful fruits and vegetables and other wholesome food that this area offers from local farmers and artisans.

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

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