This semi-annual flea market is one of the Top 10 in the country and was the biggest show to date. Vendors from all over set up shop at this event, and shoppers strolled the streets of Lakeland browsing through the vintage clothing, fabulous furniture, hand-made jewelry, original art, shabby chic decor, and antiques that were on display.

If you missed out on this shabby chic, vintage affair, check out some of our photos we took while perusing for ourselves:

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Date: April 2
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Tigers take on the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. in their last home game of 2012 Spring Training.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific
Date: Monday, April 2
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-A musical based on the 2008 Tony Award winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher.
-Group discounts are available.

2012 State Science Fair & Engineering Fair of Florida
Dates: Tuesday, April 3 – Thursday, April 5
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-A three-day display of science project exhibits prepared by aspiring scientists and engineers in grades 6-12.
-Nearly 950 Finalists will display their projects and illustrate their research in competition for awards.

Moonlight Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Tuesday, April 3
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Enjoy an hour-long carillon concert under the light of a full moon with the scent of citrus blossoms in the air.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Exhibition Game
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Tigers kickoff their 2012 season at Joker Marchant in an exhibition game against Southeastern University Fire.
-The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and gates open at 5:00 p.m.

Night Hike at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Thursday, April 5
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Unravel the mysteries of nighttime sights and sounds in the Gardens after the sun goes down.

First Friday
Date: Friday, April 6
Venue: Downtown Lakeland
-Every month people gather to Downtown Lakeland for an evening of FREE family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, car shows and the chance to check out locally-owned restaurants or retail establishments.
-April’s theme: Get the Message Media Night- Area students try their hands at casting the marketing spell through videos and radio ads promoting Downtown Lakeland.

Cruisin’ Winter Haven
Date: Saturday, April 7
Venue: Central Park – Winter Haven
-Free monthly car show and cruise event featuring family activities, entertainment and vendors.

Easter Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, April 7
Venue: Larry Parrish Baseball Complex – Haines City
-The Easter Bunny will be present for pictures at this free egg hunt full of prizes and candy.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Home-Opener
Date: Saturday, April 7
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Flying Tigers open their FSL season against the Tampa Yankees at 6 p.m.
-Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., and the first 1,500 fans receive a 2012 magnetic schedule.
-Publix will sponsor an Easter egg hunt after the game that will feature the Easter Bunny.
-A firework show will follow if weather permits.

85^th Easter Sunrise Service at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Sunday, April 8
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Easter morning worshippers will be offered free admission from 6 to 8 a.m. to experience the majesty of the sun rising.

Easter Sunday Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Sunday, April 8
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Enjoy the sacred day while listening to beloved music performed on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II – April 13-14, 2012 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K – April 14 (LEGOLAND® Florida -Winter Haven)

Ironman 70.3 Florida – May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven) 

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Dates: Now-April 3
Games start at 1:05 p.m.
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium- Lakeland
-Spring Training for the Detroit Tigers has begun!  Check the schedule for daily home games at Joker Marchant Stadium.
This week’s home games:
Tuesday, March 20- Atlanta Braves
Wednesday, March 21- Minnesota Twins
 Saturday, March 24- New York Yankees
 Sunday, March 25- Philadelphia Phillies

Gardena Garden Club 2012 Spring Pilgrimage
Date: Wednesday, March 21; 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Venue: Lake Eloise- Winter Haven
- A Garden and Home Tour on Lake Eloise in Winter Haven
- This is the primary fund-raising event for the Gardenia Garden Club to fund the beautification of Winter Haven Hospital and the Junior Gardeners program.
-The event is open to the public.

Young Frankenstein
Date: Wednesday, March 21; 7:30pm
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The classic Mel Brooks movie is ALIVE…and headed to the Lakeland Center as a musical.
- This new production is winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for BEST MUSICAL!

Jerry Finnegan’s Sister
Dates: Friday, March 23- Saturday, March 24
Venue: Lake Wales Little Theatre
- Theater Performance at Lake Wales Little Theatre

Star Systems
Dates: Friday, March 23- Sunday, March 25
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- 2012 Regional Dance Competition at The Lakeland Center
-This National Talent Competition is open to the public.

WWE RAW presents Road to Wrestlemania Tour
Dates: Friday, March 23; 7:30pm-9:30pm
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-WWE Returns to Lakeland for the first time in five Years.
- Scheduled to to Appear: John Cena; CM Punk; The Miz; Kane; The Divas & more!

Buckler’s Arts & Craft Show
Date: Saturday, March 24
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- For over 20 years Buckler Promotions has held exceptional indoor craft shows and extravaganzas throughout Florida.
- There will be hundreds of award winning exhibitors and thousands of enthusiastic craft loving shoppers.

Family Fit Fest
Date: Saturday, March 24; 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Venue: Downtown Winter Haven
-The Junior League of Greater Winter Haven presents the 4th Annual Family Fit Fest, a day of fun for families with activities focusing on fitness, nutrition and overall health awareness.
-This is a FREE event that caters to children of all ages.

It Was a Very Good Year
Date: Saturday, March 24
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
- A never before seen musical journey about the life and times of the late Frank Sinatra starring Tony Sands as “The Voice”, singing all his best loved songs.

LEGO® Friends Weekend
Dates: Saturday, March 24 – Sunday, March 25
Venue:  LEGOLAND® Florida- Winter Haven
- LEGO® Friends Weekend is a daytime party for girls that includes a LEGO® Friends building event, entertainment, games, activities and much more.

Nature Faire for Kids
Date: Saturday, March 24; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Venue: Nature Center on Lake Ned – Winter Haven
- Lake Region Audubon Society hosts the annual Nature Faire for Kids including crafts, games, prizes, a fossil hunt, nature exhibits, animals and food.

Purple Day- Walk for Epilepsy
Date: Saturday, March 24
Venue: Lake Hollingsworth – Lakeland
-Celebrate PURPLE DAY, and walk with people from all over the world for epilepsy awareness.
-The walk is held to increase awareness and support for epilepsy in West Central Florida, and The Epilepsy Services Foundation benefits from this event.

Saturday Night Rodeo at Westgate River Ranch Resort
Date: Saturday, March 24; 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Venue: Westgate River Ranch Resort-Lake Wales
-Cowpokes and bronco busters descend upon Westgate River Ranch every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of fun for the whole family at the 1,200-seat rodeo arena.
- Features trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, rodeo clown antics and a patriotic tribute to our armed forces

Presents: Live at Gardens Concert Series with Braun & Wolf
Date: Sunday, March 25; 5:00pm-7:00pm
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens
-Performing on the historic Steinway in the intimate setting at Pinewood Estate, pianist Gary Wolf and violinist-violist Matitiahu Braun return after playing to a standing ovation at Pinewood.
-Reservations required, limited seating

Upcoming Events:

SUN ‘n FUN –March 27-April 1 (Lakeland)

SUN ‘n FUN Splash-In at Fantasy of Flight–March 29 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Legends & Legacies- Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II –April 13-14, 2012 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K –April 14 ( LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Ironman 70.3 Florida –May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Red, Brick & Boom –July 4 ( LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest –October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Various artists will be displaying their works for sale as well as will be competing for various prize money and awards. Other vendors will also be in attendance, and there will be a car, flower and quilt show, along with many food vendors and live entertainment. The historic backdrop will provide for an even more artistic feel to the festival.

Get out to Bartow and don’t miss out on this this amazing tradition and the chance to experience great local art. Admission is FREE and this event is held in collaboration with Race for the Arts.

If a quaint, picnic-style lunch is what you’re in the mood for, then plan a visit to The Back Porch Restaurant at The Barn in Lake Alfred. The Back Porch makes a great place to hold a luncheon, celebrate a special occasion or spend a day with family and friends.

When walking into the restaurant, you are greeted by friendly employees and instructed to take a paper menu with you to your table. It is your choice where to sit. Decide on one of three indoor dining areas with hand-painted tables or choose outdoor patio seating overlooking a nature pond. Once seated, choose from a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Make your choice from weekly specials or from the Wales’ favorite items that can always be found on the menu such as the Back Porch Vegetable Soup or the Turkey D’lite sandwich. Not to mention, the food at The Back Porch is fresh and prepared daily using the Wales’ family recipes.

If the kids are joining and are not interested in the traditional menu options, then the Teddy Bear Picnic (a peanut butter & jelly sandwich or a hot dog with chips and a cookie) is just the choice for them.

The process of ordering and delivering is unlike other restaurants. After looking over the menu, grab a pencil (found on the center of the table), and check off the menu items you have decided on. Once you mark your selections, jot down your table number along with your name on the sticky note attached to the top corner of your menu. Then, take your menu to the counter and check out.

Be sure to decide on a flavored tea or try the sample dips at the front of the restaurant while you wait for your tasty picnic-style lunch. Once your food is prepared, a server will deliver your lunch in a charming, wooden picnic basket using the information you wrote on the sticky note to locate you.

Make a day out of your visit, since The Back Porch is found at The Barn which includes shops such as The Barn Antiques, The Stable, The Seasons Gift Shop and The Back Yard Garden Shop.

Owned and operated by the Wales family for over 43 years, The Barn is the epitome of family tradition. Whether you are hunting for antiques, shopping for home accessories, searching for garden and lawn accessories or just browsing for gifts and seasonal décor, The Barn offers it all.

For weekly specials and other updates, visit The Back Porch  and The Stable on Facebook.

The Wales’ family just celebrated the 43^rd opening day of The Barn which is located on Highway 557A in Lake Alfred. While the shops at The Barn are only open October-May, The Back Porch Restaurant is now open year-round.

Reaching the entrance from the main road, I followed several cars through the main gate, and immediately saw signs for parking.  Somewhat surprised by this I continued on along the long entrance driveway, past fruiting citrus groves , seeing yet more signs for parking and even stops for a shuttle.   It was becoming obvious, even to me, that Bok Tower was expecting a lot of visitors.

Tentatively, I continued on, not really knowing what to expect, and was greeted by smiling traffic marshalls, indicating that I should park on the grassy bank beyond the normal car parking  area. Happy to follow their instructions I  parked and got out of the car.  Looking around I was amazed at the numbers of people carrying plants, or walking among the display booths.

I walked down to where the booths were distributed and came to a stop at the first one ;  there was a beautiful eye-catching shrub in its full glory right there in front of me.  Chatting to a couple of bystanders, I found out that it would probably need a little more care than I would be able to give it, so I moved on .

I really should have brought a lot more money and some way of carrying plants, I realised, watching people who obviously knew more than me, rolling their little shopping trollies around, filled to the brim with their purchases.   Passing many of the displays, I made a mental note to myself to get back to them later.

One of my gardening ambitions was to have an olive tree, and slowly, stopping every few feet to look at yet more exotic and beautifully displayed plants, I made my way to where the Olive Trees were for sale.     Luckily I happened to get there just at the moment when the owner of the nursery was explaining to other purchasers how to care for their tree, so I shamelessly eavesdropped.

Having learned that if I bought my tree it really didn’t need a huge amount of care, I satisfied my desire  and bought a four year old olive tree.   As I was wondering how to carry it back to the car, a Boy Scout materialised at my side and made an offer I couldn’t refuse.   Handing him my beloved tree, I led him back to the car where we were able to set it in the back safely.   A couple of dollars tip and off he went to help other buyers.

I meandered back to the displays and flitted, like a butterfly , from booth to booth.  I had such a great time, seeing plants I’d only read about, learning  about them from experts., and buying some of them!   Roses to herbs, exotics to orchids, bamboos to bonsai, everything was there for me to admire, and buy!    It was so difficult to restrain myself.

Music started up from the bandstand, and I saw happy smiling faces everywhere.   I met a gentleman with his little Peek-a-poo ( that’s a  pekingnese/poodle mix) who had been trained as a Therapy Dog.  All the children swarmed around that little pooch.   More and more people were arriving.  Boy Scouts were running errands back and forth.  Folk were having fun.

Having completed my purchases, delighted with the items I had bought, I packed them into the car  and made my way to the food and drink vendors for a well earned snack.   Many people were by now sitting in the stands listening to some fabulous music, while for me, my morning was almost over, and it was time to head home.

Carefully, I drove back onto the exit road, while yet more visitors were still coming in to take advantage of the lovely weather and fantastic day out  offered by Bok Tower.   I shall be back later on this year, and again at Christmas , to visit Pinewood House, one of my Holiday traditions.  And next year, there is a Winter Dog Day in the Park, and I’ll definitely be there with my little Jack Russell for that.

Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success for me, and see you soon.

The new Downtown Lakeland App is FREE, and available for both Apple and Android mobile devices. More than half of all cell phone users will have smart phones this year, and those that download this app will be available to keep you up to date on all events and activities without having to be at your computer desk.

Mobile media apps are proving to be a strong marketing tool in reaching demographics and this technology is becoming more popular. DLP members can use the app to keep in touch with ther existing customers and reach new ones by posting information about events and activities.

This app is great for visitors also, as “it’s a great way to quickly find out where to eat, shop and what to do,” says Julie Townsend, Executive Director of the DLP.

This FREE Downtown Lakeland app is now available and keyword search is: DLPAPP.

The Central Park Stroll will take place on Thursday, May 5  from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will coincidently have a “Cinco de Mayo” theme. There will be music by the Marcus Brixa Jazz Trio and free art activities for children. The stroll will be a celebration of the selected art and “stollers” will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite sculptures in order for a People’s Choice Award to be given. For more information on the Stroll, click here.