National Military Appreciation Month at Fantasy of Flight
May 1-31

May marks National Military Appreciation Month and Fantasy of Flight is pleased to honor the brave individuals of our armed forces with free admission to all U.S active-duty, retired and reserve military.
To qualify for free general admission, guests must present a valid ID.

Legends & Legacies

Fantasy of Flight also hosts their Legends & Legacies Symposium Series year-round which honors American heroes whose personal contributions became part of our country’s rich history and helped shape our society. This series provides the audience with the rare opportunity to hear personal struggles, challenges and accomplishments first-hand.

Upcoming dates: June 8-9: Reflections of Vietnam
                                   October 12-13: Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival

Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens
Saturday, May 19

Bok Tower Gardens will honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces with special carillon concerts on Saturday, May 19 and free admission to all branches of the military (active, retired and disabled veterans) with valid ID.

Armed Forces Day at Joker Marchant Stadium
Saturday, May 19

Operation Tiger Trot:

-The annual Tiger Trot 5k & Fun Walk will take place at Joker Marchant Stadium Saturday. Registration will begin at 7 a.m., and the race will start at 8 a.m.
-Participants will receive a run shirt, dog tags, yellow ribbon and participation certification – “I SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS,” and prizes include gift certificates, awards, and trophies for 15 age divisions.
-Trophies will be awarded to the Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female as well as age group winners. There will also be special military team awards.
-The Tiger Trot benefits the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, Polk County ROTC programs and The Ledger’s Newspaper in Education Program.

Baseball:

The Lakeland Flying Tigers will honor current and retired members of the military for their service to the country with free admission to the game where they take on the St. Lucie Mets at 6:00 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Following the game will be a patriotic fireworks extravaganza (weather permitting).

Pre-game:

Prior to the game, Roy Powers and the Last Exit Blues Band will perform in the concourse.

The Tigers will also host the North Lakeland Little League’s team party before and during the game where each team will parade onto the field prior to the game.

Memorial Day:

All White Memorial Day Weekend Comedy Jam at Polk Theatre:
Sunday, May 27

IV the Soul presents the 1st Annual All White Memorial Day Comedy Jam featuring Marvin Dixon, Shawty Shawty, Ray Lipowski, Vanessa Fraction, & Goldiee on Sunday, May 27 at Polk Theatre.

Tickets are on sale for $25 General Admission.

Memorial Day Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens:
Monday, May 28

Bok Tower will host a musical salute of gratitude on Monday, May 28 with the Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts. All branches of the military (active, retired and disabled veterans) will receive free admission with valid ID.

Over 2,300 competitors from across the county, state, nation and even world will make their way to Haines City this weekend for the start of Ironman 70.3 Florida. Here, these triathletes will test their athletic abilities, stamina and competitive drive on the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.

Area residents will be able to take in the experience as the triathletes make their way through the course that includes a one-loop swim around Lake Eva, a bike route along one of Florida’s scenic highways and a three-loop run around Lake Eva. Among the triathletes will be seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong whose foundation recently partnered with Ironman in an effort to raise more than $1 million for those affected by cancer.

Previously held at Disney, this year’s Ironman event has relocated to Lake Eva Park in Haines City, just 30 minutes outside of Orlando, and will be held annually at this great setting through 2016.

Beginning at noon on Friday, May 18, the Ironman Village and the Lake Eva Park Bandshell will serve as the hub of all activities for the weekend. The Official Ironman Store will also open, and the public will be able to hear live music until 10:00 p.m.

Also part of the weekend will be the IronKids Florida event, which takes place the morning of Saturday, May 19. Young triathletes ages 6-15 will assemble at the starting line for a 7:00 a.m. start to a shortened version of the adult course.

The Ironman 70.3 Florida race officially begins Sunday at 6:30 a.m. As with previous days, live performances are scheduled throughout the day. The event wraps up Sunday evening and will conclude with an awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m.

Spectator Schedule of Events:

Friday 5/18
Noon – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Opens
Noon – 4 p.m. – Live Performance – Eli
6 – 10 p.m. – Live Performance – Spit Fire
7 p.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Closes

 Saturday 5/19
7 a.m. – IronKids Race Starts
9 a.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Opens
Noon – 1 p.m. – Live performance – Joey Foley and the Midnight Clogging Express
5 p.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Closes
5-9 p.m. – Live Performance – Un4giv’n

 Sunday 5/20
6:30 a.m. – Ironman 70.3 Florida Race Starts
7 a.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Opens
9 – 10 a.m. – Live performance – Jeff “Bull” Ferguson
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Live Performance – Steel Horse
3 p.m. – Ironman Village & Official Ironman Store Closes
4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

Ironman Visitor Information

Military Month Appreciation Celebration
Dates: Now – Thursday, May 31
Venue: Fantasy of Flight – Polk City
-May marks National Military Appreciation Month, and Fantasy of Flight honors the brave individuals of our armed forces by extending free admission to all U.S active-duty, retired and reserve military.

Lakeland Flying Tigers
Dates: Now – September 1
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Lakeland Flying Tigers have returned to Lakeland for the 2012 season.
-This week’s home games are:
May 17 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 6:30 PM
May 18 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 7:11 PM
May 19 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 6:00 PM
May 20 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 1:00 PM

A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Date: Friday, May 18
Venue: Polk Theatre – Lakeland
-The Polk Theatre is bringing back this original production starring outstanding area artists for one more performance.
-The musicians play multiple instruments, and have voices that will have you humming the music for days after hearing the unique arrangements of Cash songs never presented anywhere before.

Always, Patsy Cline
Dates: Friday, May 18 – Saturday, May 20
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.
- The musical play, complete with down-home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits.

Tales of a 4^th Grade Nothing
Dates: Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
-A Theatre Winter Haven Academy Production based on the popular stories of Judy Blume.

Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
- Special carillon concerts to honor brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives to preserve our freedom.

Classic Games Night
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Polk County Historical Museum – Bartow
-Classic Games Night features classic board & card games and classic movies with a twist at the museum.
-Guests can play games provided by the museum or bring their own family favorites to share with others.

Death is a Cabernet, Ol’ Chum
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Ritz on Central – Winter Haven
-Winter Haven’s Ritz Theatre hosts a murder mystery dinner.

Live at the Gardens: Summer Music Series
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-The 11th annual Live at the Gardens Summer Music Series returns once again to our Visitor Center with monthly concerts May – September.
-Concert tickets include all-day admission to the Gardens and an optional dinner will be served at the Blue Palmetto Café before each performance.

Operation Tiger Trot
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Lakeland Flying Tigers Stadium
-This 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk is an Armed Forces Day Celebration and the kick off to the entire day’s events that include a cadet games competition, Armed Forces Day Celebration, baseball game and fireworks.

Ironman 70.3 Florida
Date: Sunday, May 20
Venue: Lake Eva Park – Haines City
-The ninth annual Ironman 70.3 Florida triathlon moves from Orlando to Haines City this year.
-The one-loop bike route goes through Polk County and offers athletes the chance to enjoy views of citrus groves and cattle farms as they ride along the quiet country roads.
-The run course includes three loops around Lake Eva and finishes in a grassy park near the lake.
-The IronKids Florida triathlon will take place Saturday, May 19 at 7:00 a.m.

Upcoming Events:

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

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park Grand Opening – May 26 (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

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)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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

Boktoberfest – October 20 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Located next to the Winter Haven Public Library, Richard’s offers guests a hometown feel in a tranquil setting. Flavorful origins and blends along with fresh scents and aromas are some of the things you can experience, here, while gazing out at the scenery of the sculptures and fountains of Central Park.

This local coffee shop has its own flair and a flavor to suit your every mood, taste or craving. Don’t believe us? Test it out for yourself while choosing from the many origins, blends and flavors. Prefer a tangy aroma and a smooth rich flavor? Select the Costa Rica Reserve SHB origin. Desiring a smokier taste? The Guatemala Antigua SHB origin may be just what you’re looking for. What about a craving for chocolate? Then the Java “Dutch Estate” is a must-try. Feel free to add your own twist by mixing in flavors to create an entirely new taste suited just to your liking.

While coffee is the obvious specialty, it isn’t the only thing you will find here. Tasty pastries, sweets, sandwiches, salads and specialty beverages such as espresso, frozen coolers, teas, smoothies and ciders are also on the menu at Richard’s.

Guests who stop into the coffee shop will have access to free WiFi along with Richard’s loyalty program, saving both time and money. If you don’t have the time to stay awhile, but still need a coffee fix, just call ahead to create your own flavor or take advantage of the café’s online ordering.

With café hours seven days a week, this fine coffee shop makes a great place to break up your monotonous schedule and getaway from life for a bit.

Annual Juried Art Show
Dates: Monday, May 7 – Friday, May 18
Venue: Florida Southern College – Lakeland
-Lakeland Art Guild’s 41st Annual Juried Art Show takes place at the Melvin Gallery at FSC.

Lakeland Flying Tigers
Dates: Now – September 1
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium
-The Lakeland Flying Tigers have returned to Lakeland for the 2012 season.
-This week’s home games are:
May 8 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 6:30 PM
May 9 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 10:30 AM
May 10 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 6:30 PM
May 11 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, 7:11 PM

Benefit for Bailee
Dates: Friday, May 11 – Sunday, May 13
Venue: Triple Canopy Ranch – Lake Wales
-Sky Powersports and Triple Canopy Ranch are holding an ATV weekend fundraiser to help with Bailee Kent’s medical expenses.
-The three-day event will feature live entertainment from several artists, a corn-hole tournament,  activities, bonfires, raffles, prizes, and an auction along with swamp buggy rides, monster truck rides and ATV Demo rides.
-All proceeds will be donated to Bailee Kent, 18 year old Webber student who recently suffered a massive stroke.

Legends & Legacies: D-Day Invasion of Normandy
Dates: Friday, May 11 – Saturday, May 12
Venue: Fantasy of Flight – Polk City
-This event features D-Day heroes in an open-forum/question-and-answer session as well as meet/greet and autograph signings.

National Public Gardens Day at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Friday, May 11
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-This national event is sponsored by the American Public Gardens Association and designed to raise awareness about the role America’s public gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation and education in communities nationwide.
-Present a current membership card to any public garden at the entrance gate to receive free admission to the Gardens.

The Real Thing
Dates: Friday, May 11 – Saturday, May 12
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-Lakeland Community Theatre brings Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing, Winner of the 1984 Tony Award for Best Play, to the stage.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake
Dates: Saturday, May 12 – Sunday, May 13
Venue: Lakeland
-The 41st annual Polk Museum of Art MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2012.
-Mayfaire is a free community weekend that features children’s art activities, musical performances and food, all centered around beautiful, award-winning art.

Mayfaire Saturday Night
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade – Lakeland
-A free street party at the Lake Mirror Promenade featuring live music and fireworks.

The Firebird
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: Polk Theatre – Lakeland
-A spin on the classic Firebird story by Artistic Director Carol Erkes and Associate Director Ferdinand De Jesus, along with new contemporary works by guest choreographers including Earl Mosely.

Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts
Date: Sunday, May 13
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Bok Tower Gardens celebrates Mother’s Day with Carillon concerts and free admission for all mothers.

Upcoming Events:

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)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

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)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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

For all runners, walkers and those just looking to get into shape, the Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk on May 26 is your opportunity to run a course that’s never been ran before! Held at the beautiful and historical Bok Tower Gardens, the Carillon Classic is an experience like no other. With a tranquil setting on 157-acres of garden woodland and home to the magnificent bell tower housing one of the world’s greatest carillons, Bok Tower makes an ideal location for a picturesque 5k.

Runners and walkers will trek the natural rolling hills of the course and navigate through the gardens while carillon music, the tower and gorgeous views serve as the backdrop.

Participants will receive a dri-fit t-shirt and post-race refreshments, and the top three winners from standard age divisions will receive a trophy. Following the race, all participants and spectators are invited to enjoy the gardens for the day free-of-charge making it a great way to spend Memorial weekend with the family.

This inaugural event will be hosted by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, and proceeds will benefit its educational and professional initiatives, as well as the George W. Harris, Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter.

The Carillon Classic will take place rain or shine on Saturday, May 26, and the entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for students (1st-12th Grade) who are registered by Friday, May 11. Registering after May 11 will incur an additional $5 charge. Race day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., while the 5k Run & Walk gun time is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.

For more information, please contact Danny Kushmer, FPRA Chapter President, at 863-559-8062 or by email. You can also contact Cindy Rodriguez or Jim DeGennaro .

Register online

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:

Military Appreciation Month Celebration
Dates: Tuesday, May 1–Thursday, May 31
Venue: Fantasy of Flight – Polk City
-May marks National Military Appreciation Month and Fantasy of Flight is pleased to honor the brave individuals of our armed forces by extending free admission to all U.S active-duty, retired and reserve military.

ISO “Magic at the Symphony”
Date: Tuesday, May 1
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-Magic at the Symphony is a symphony performance in the Youkey Theater at The Lakeland Center Featuring Illusionist Lyn Dilles.

Earth Day Celebration
Date: Thursday, May 3
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Students will participate in hands-on activities by environmental exhibitors from across Central Florida.
-The topics will include: protecting wildlife, Florida’s ancient islands, forestry, water conservation, gardening, and more.

Central Park Stroll
Date: Thursday, May 3
Venue: Downtown Winter Haven
-The Central Park Stroll is a celebration of the 12th Annual Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition, a joint project of Polk Museum of Art and the City of Winter Haven.

First Friday
Date: Friday, May 4
Venue: Munn Park – Lakeland
-First Friday is one of the most popular reoccurring events in Downtown Lakeland held on the first Friday of every month.
-May’s theme is Public Works Night and is presented with the City of Lakeland’s Public Works Department.
-There will be lots of displays, demonstrations, giveaways, entertainment and music throughout Downtown.

Annual Juried Art Show
Date: Friday, May 4
Venue: Florida Southern College – Lakeland
-Lakeland Art Guild’s 41st Annual Juried Art Show takes place at the Melvin Gallery at FSC.
-The show opens on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm. and extends between May 4 and May 29.

Harrison School for the Arts Spring Dance Concert
Dates: Friday, May 4 – Saturday, May 5
Venue: Harrison Theatre – Lakeland
-The performance’s choreography will showcase new works by Harrison faculty, Susan Olson and Shelley Bourgeois, in ballet and modern dance.

Laughs by the Lake
Date: Friday, May 4
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-An unscripted, unrehearsed, improvisation comedy routine by The Improv Addicts at the Lakeland Community Theatre.

Concert Under the Stars
Date: Saturday, May 5
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Spend an enchanted moonlit evening on the Great Lawn with acoustic jazz performances by Solas and opening act by Frank Vignola Quintet.
-Concert Under the Stars features a casual atmosphere, a beer garden, and fun for the whole family.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

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)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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

Everyone’s favorite Bok Tower Gardens’ outdoor gathering returns on Saturday, May 5!

 The 22^nd Annual Concert Under the Stars offers guests an enchanted moonlit evening on the Great Lawn of this historic attraction. Make it a date night or gather the family to hear live music and watch the sun set over the tower as it is sure to be an enjoyable time. Concert Under the Stars features a casual atmosphere, a beer garden, acoustic jazz and giveaways throughout the evening.

Bok Tower jazzes it up this year with acoustic jazz performances by the American Irish band Solas and an opening act by guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola and Quintet.

Visitors can enter giveaways during the evening, including a private tour for six of the Singing Tower, dinner for eight at the Pinewood Estate and $100 to spend at the Tower & Garden Gift Shop. The popular picnic contest will return, and drawing on the theme of the night, prizes will be awarded for Jazziest, Most Original and Best Irish.

Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket along with flashlights. Guests can also bring picnics and drinks or can partake in pre-ordered meals from the Blue Palmetto Café.  Food and refreshments, including beer and wine, will also be available for sale.

Tickets for this concert event are $25 per person. Children (ages 5-12) cost $10, while those under the age of five are admitted free.

For Concert Under the Stars’ ticket giveaways, follow Visit Central Florida on Facebook and Twitter, and be on the lookout over the next week!