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

Runway Fashion Show
Date: Wednesday, April 18; 6:30–8:30pm
Venue: Polk Museum of Art – Lakeland
-Polk Museum of Art proudly presents its annual spring fashion show where Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay will provide the fashions.

Rumors
Dates: Thursday, April 19 – Sunday, April 22
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
-This is a Comedy by Neil Simon, America’s best known multi-award winning playwright, at Theatre Winter Haven.

Green Celebration
Date: Friday, April 20; 6–9:30pm
Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade – Lakeland
-Celebrate Earth Day with a free Green Celebration featuring a concert and showcase at Lake Mirror Promenade.

Jazz Victoria Ensemble
Date: Friday, April 20; 7:30–9:30pm
Venue: Lake Wales Arts Center
-Victoria is well-known to local audiences and will assemble a few of her talented friends for an evening of jazz.
-Victoria has had a major career as a jazz pianist and vocalist, having performed at Birdland, Lincoln Center and the Ritz-Carlton New York.

The Hallelujah Girls
Dates: Friday, April 20 – Sunday, April 22
Venue: Haines City Theater
-A comedy written by the authors of “The Dixie Swim Club”, Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten.

The Odd Couple
Dates: Friday, April 20 – Sunday, April 22
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-Lakeland Community Theatre presents The Odd Couple, a 1965 Broadway comedy by Neil Simon, followed by a successful film and television series as well as other derivative works and spin offs.

Broadway at the Ritz
Date: Saturday, April 21; 6:30pm–10:30pm
Venue: Ritz on Central – Winter Haven
-This fundraiser for Theatre Winter Haven features music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and other Broadway composers with The Brass Heart Band.

Child of the Sun Urban Triathlon
Date: Saturday, April 21; 7:30am–12:30pm
Venue: Lakeland
-The Child of the Sun Urban Triathlon offers a swim, urban bike loop, and urban run through downtown Lakeland, and is sponsored by the Lakeland Rotary Club.
-The race is 100% for charity and includes many added benefits like free athlete photos, free pre and post-race stretching, free post-race massages, and more.

Child of the Sun Jazz Festival
Date: Saturday, April 21; 4pm–10pm
Venue: Lake Mirror Amphitheatre – Lakeland
-This is Lakeland’s signature jazz music festival benefitting local charities and featuring legendary jazz musicians, music and an array of food.
-The Jazz Festival is sponsored by sponsored by the Lakeland Rotary Club and partnered with Child of the Sun Urban Triathlon.

Children’s Festival & Picnic in the Park with Explorations V
Date: Saturday, April 21; 10–3pm
Venue: Explorations V Children’s Museum – Lakeland
-A spring celebration, held in support of the nationally recognized “Week of the Young Child.”
-The festival draws attention to the importance of enhancing education through playful, interactive learning adventures using the Museum’s exhibits and will include hands-on activities throughout nearby Munn Park.

Creative Studies: Inspired by Nature
Date: Saturday, April 21; 5–7:30pm
Venue: Polk Museum of Art – Lakeland
-This is an art nature presentation at Polk Museum of Art.
-Learn about the wonders of wilderness from two highly regarded Lakeland conservationists, Andy Quinn and Reinier Munguia.

Good Ol’ Days Festival
Date: Saturday, April 21; 10–2pm
Venue: Homeland Heritage Park – Homeland
-Polk County Parks & Recreation presents the Good Ol’ Days Festival which is great for all ages and designed to provide a look at Homeland Heritage Park and Polk County’s past.

Kids’ Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 21; 10am-4:30pm
Venue: Mulberry Phosphate Museum
-A day for the kids at Mulberry Phosphate Museum featuring activity stations, story time, games, prizes and more.

Lotela Gold 50’s and 60’s Show Band
Date: Saturday, April 21; 7pm–9pm
Venue: Ramon Theater – Frostproof
-Lotela Gold is a Show Band featuring 50’s & 60’s tunes that you love to remember, such as “Earth Angel”, “Hang on Sloopy”, “This Magic Moment”, “Midnight Hour” and so many more.
-A portion of the proceeds will benefit Frostproof High School Project Graduation.

Original Lakeland Gun Show
Dates: Saturday, April 21 – Sunday, April 22; 9am– 4pm
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-See hundreds of displays of guns, ammo, gun parts, reloading supplies, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, camouflage and related items at discount prices.
-Over 600 vendors will participate.
-The Original Lakeland Gun Show is presented by the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club.

Central Florida Bridal Showcase
Date: Sunday, April 22; 1–5pm
Venue: Lake Eva Banquet Hall – Haines City
-The 2012 Central Florida Bridal Showcase is a bridal fashion show by Robyn Lynne and will include a drawing for a bridal gown, a grand prize drawing and door prizes.

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)

Friday

• First Friday: Holiday Happenings   6pm-9pm    Downtown Lakeland: Shopping, Santa, Lights, Music and More
• Comedy Buffet   8pm    Richard’s Cafe & Deli    Winter Haven Airport
• Theater: “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail”    7pm    George Jenkins High School
• “Magical Christmas Celebration”    7pm    Along Havendale Blvd. in Auburndale
• “Glitter, Glisten & Snow”    5pm-9pm     New Park Complex     Haines City
• Lakeland Bikefest   5pm      Downtown Lakeland
• Main Street Creamery Car Show    6pm-9pm     Downtown Lakeland
• Theater: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”   7:30pm    Chain of Lakes Complex    Winter Haven
• Art Reception    6pm     Arts on the Park     Downtown Lakeland
• High School Football Playoffs: Tampa Chamberlain at Lakeland    7pm    Bryant Stadium

Saturday

• Theater: “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail”    2pm        George Jenkins High School
• Theater: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”   7:30pm    Chain of Lakes Complex    Winter Haven
• Opera Theater:“Amal and the Night Visitors”   2:30pm and 7:30pm    Polk Theater    Lakeland
• Downtown Farmers Curb Market    8am-2pm    Peterson Plaza    Downtown Lakeland
• Gingerbread Village    1pm-4pm     Historic Baynard House      Auburndale
• Comedy: Ricky Reyes   8pm    Bonkerz Comedy Club and Blue Moon Lounge     Lakeland
• Santa’s Holiday Bash    1pm-3:30pm     Auburndale Civic Center
• Chain of Lakes Holiday Boat Parade    6:30pm       Begins at Lake May in Winter Haven
• Christmas Parade    10am    Begins at Eighth and Leadwith in Haines City
• Art and Kids: Family Fun Workshop    10:30am    Polk Museum of Art    Lakeland
• Snowfest     10am-2pm    Lake Mirror Complex      Lakeland
• Farmers Market     8am-2pm     North Blount Park    Bartow
• Auto Racing: 6pm     Auburndale Motor Speedway
• Art Reception    11am    Polk Museum of Art    Lakeland
• Art reception    6:30pm     Chain of Lakes Complex     Winter Haven

Sunday

• Theater: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”   2:30pm    Chain of Lakes Complex    Winter Haven
• Bartow Adult Concert Band    2:30pm     Bartow Civic Center     Bartow

Here are some other events throughout the weekend:

Friday

• Larry the Cable Guy    7pm and 9:30pm      Youkey Theater, The Lakeland Center
• Live Music: Florida Southern College Band    6:30pm     Branscomb Auditorium     FSC, Lakeland
• Bluegrass and BBQ Festival    6pm-10pm    IMC-Agrico Park      Bartow
• Quilts and Teas Festival    9am-3pm    Historic District     Davenport
• Theater: “Barefoot in the Park”    8pm    Clay Cut Centre    Haines City
• Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel”   7:30pm    Polk Theater    Lakeland

Saturday

• Bluegrass and BBQ Festival    Noon-5pm    IMC-Agrico Park      Bartow
• Theater: “Barefoot in the Park”    8pm    Clay Cut Centre    Haines City
• Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel”  7:30pm    Polk Theater    Lakeland
• Quilts and Teas Festival    9am-3pm    Historic District     Davenport
• Downtown Farmers Curb Market    8am-2pm    Peterson Plaza,  Downtown Lakeland
• Suncoast Gun Show    9am-5pm    The Lakeland Center
• Kids: Ancestors and Heroes Day    10am    Explorations V Children’s Museum    Lakeland
• Farmers Market    8am-2pm    North Blount Park     Bartow
• Auto Racing:   6pm   Auburndale Motor Speedway      Auburndale

Sunday

• Theater: “Barefoot in the Park”    2:30pm    Clay Cut Centre    Haines City
• Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel”   2:30pm    Polk Theater    Lakeland
• Suncoast Gun Show    9am-4pm     The Lakeland Center
• Concert: The Coasters and The Drifters    1pm     Cypress Gardens   Winter Haven

Here is the rest of the long list of things to do this weekend:

Friday

• Live Music: Snafu Band     9pm     Holiday Inn Lakeland South        Lakeland
• Florida International Jet Rally     9am-4:30pm      Lake Wales Airport      Lake Wales
• Imperial Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert     8pm    Lake Mirror Promenade     Lakeland
• Florida Home Show    11am-8pm    The Lakeland Center     Lakeland
• Theater: “Pirates of Penzance”   7:30pm    Harrison Arts Center    Lakeland
• Fall Festival  (Open Normal Park Hours)       Cypress Gardens           Winter Haven

Saturday

• Water, Wings & Wild Things    10am-2pm    Circle B Bar Reserve     Lakeland
• Florida International Jet Rally    9am-4:30pm    Lake Wales Airport    Lake Wales
• Florida Home Show    10am-8pm    The Lakeland Center     Lakeland
• Theater: “Pirates of Penzance”   7:30pm    Harrison Arts Center    Lakeland
• “A Night at the Opera”   7:30pm     Bush Chapel    Southeastern University    Lakeland
• “Rockabilly US Music Show”    7pm    Youkey Theater     The Lakeland Center
• Death by Chocolate    7pm-9pm    Polk Museum of Art    Lakeland
• Pioneer Day    8am     Fort Meade Historical Museum     Ft. Meade
• Downtown Farmers Curb Market     8am-2pm      Peterson Plaza     Downtown Lakeland
• Farmers Market     8am-2pm     North Blount Park     Bartow
• Auto Racing: Auburndale Motor Speedway     6pm     Auburndale
• Fall Festival  (Open Normal Park Hours)       Cypress Gardens           Winter Haven

Sunday

• Florida International Jet Rally    9am-4:30pm    Lake Wales Airport    Lake Wales
• Florida Home Show     10am-6pm    The Lakeland Center     Lakeland
• Theater: “Pirates of Penzance”   2pm    Harrison Arts Center    Lakeland
• Live Music: Bartow Adult Concert Band    2:30pm    Bartow Civic Center     Bartow

Also on the calendar for this weekend:

Friday

• Friday Fest – Street Party – 6pm-9pm – Along Main St. and Central Ave., Bartow
• Classic Car Show – 6pm-9pm – Downtown Lakeland
• Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. St. Lucie Mets – 7pm – Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
• Theater: “Snow White” – 7pm – Clay Cut Centre, Haines City
• Theater: “All Shook Up” – 7:30pm – Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven

Saturday

• Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. St. Lucie Mets – 6pm- Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
• Live Music:Doggie Bag Summer Concert Series - 5:30pm – Dogs Invited for free concert at The Doggie Bag Boutique in Lakeland – Monica Mannn performs
• Theater:“Snow White” – 7pm – Clay Cut Centre, Haines City
• Theater: “All Shook Up” – 7:30pm – Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven
• Downtown Farmers Curb Market – 8am-2pm – Peterson Plaza, Downtown Lakeland
• Art: “Midsummer Nights Dream…A Timeless Art Gala” – 6pm-9pm – Haines City
• Splash Island Nights - 7pm – Cypress Gardens

Sunday

• Theater:“Snow White” – 3pm- Clay Cut Centre, Haines City
• Theater: “All Shook Up” – 2:30pm- Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven

Sunset Tram Tour – A Ride on the Wild Side, Sat., July 5, 8 p.m. – Experience a slow tram tour through the back country of the park to get a glimpse of the parks wildlife as the sun begins to set.  This tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and is suitable for all ages.  Keep in mind that the tram can be a little bumpy and dusty depending on road conditions.  Regular park admission fees apply.  For more information, call (863) 815-6761.

Hope Equine Rescue Poker Event, Sat., July 19, 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Join the Hope Equine Rescue Center for their first Equestrian Poker Ride at Colt Creek State Park to help raise money and awareness of Hope Equine Rescue.  Lunch will be provided to participants by Hope Staff.  All donations received during this event will go to the Hope Equine Rescue Center to fund their efforts.  First riders will depart at 8 a.m. and last will depart at 10:30 a.m.  Regular park admission fees apply.  For more information, contact Julia Marshall at jmarshall@mggi.com.

If you have never been to Colt Creek State Park….where have you been? If you are going for the first time, here are some directions:

Directions to Colt Creek State Park:The park is located 16 miles north of Lakeland, just south of the Withlacoochee River off of State Road 471.  From I-4, take exit #32 and proceed north on U.S. 98 approximately 13 miles.  Turn right onto State Road 471.  From I-75, take exit #301 and proceed east on State Road 50 for approximately 13 miles.  Turn right onto State Road 471.  The entrance to the park is 3.8 miles north of U.S. 98 and 17 miles south of State Road 50.

 Also, don’t forget about Sunny Central Florida’s other great parks. Polk County Leisure Services offers more than 60 facilities for sports, camping, picnics and anything else you want to do outdoors, including a great new dog park. Check them all out here.

So, celebrate with us and leave the “great indoors” for the Great Outdoors in July…and every month.

Cypress Gardens: (All Weekend) Fireworks, night ski show and live music on the lakeside.

Bartow: July 4th Extravaganza – At Bartow’s IMC Park; Thursday, July 3: Community bbq with special guest US Congressman Adam Putnam – 5:30pm-7pm; Friday, July 4: 2:30pm-9:30pm – Patriotic music, Police K-9 demonstrations, Military tributes, gospel music and fireworks.

Lakeland: Thursday, July 3 – Central Florida Eurocars presents: Red, White & Kaboom! – Free fireworks and live music for the whole family. 6-9:30pm at Lake Mirror Promenade. Live music by Lee Sabler and CitiHeat.

Lakeland: Friday, July 4: Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle – 5pm – Fireworks following the game.

Haines City: Friday, July 4 – Noon-10pm at Lake Eva Park: “Thunder on the Ridge” – One of Polk County’s largest fireworks displays and a concert by Aaron Tippin starting at 7:30pm. Also: Watermelon eating contests, shopping, food vendors and more.

Winter Haven: Thursday, July 3 – 7pm at Lake Silver: “Rock N’ Freedom Fest” – live bands, fun and games for children and fireworks at 9:30pm.

Lake Alfred: Friday, July 4 – Lions Park in Lake Alfred – The day includes a fishing tournament, live performances, activities for children, food and fireworks.

Bok Tower:Friday, July 4 – Bok Tower Gardens hosts “Independence Day Carillon Concerts” with shows at 1pm and 3pm. The concerts are included in park admission; all military (active and retired) admitted free with military ID.

Lake Wales: Saturday, July 5 – “Fourth of July on the Fifth!” – Lake Wales Park: 10am-9pm – The event features a DJ, food and fireworks that begin at 9pm.

Frostproof: Friday, July 4 – “Wall Street Park Celebration” – All day event includes a parade, live entertainment, food and fireworks at 9pm.

Auburndale: Friday, July 4 – Fireworks at 9:15 over Lake Ariana

Dundee: Friday, July 4 – “Light up the Shores of Lake Marie” – 5:30pm – Fireworks at 9:30pm – Also includes food vendors, and children’s activities.

No matter where you go or how you celebrate, have a safe and fun Fourth of July.

Here are some more fun events and happenings to keep you busy this weekend. Get out there and enjoy! Check back here early next week for a special edition of “Out and About” with your guide to Fourth of July events in Sunny Central Florida.

Friday

• Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs - 7pm – Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
• Live Music: Fever Band – 8:30pm – Best Western Admiral’s Inn, Winter Haven
• Arts and Crafts Event – 11am-1:30pm – Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven

Saturday

• Concert: Jars of Clay – 6:30pm – Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven
• Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs - 6pm (Fireworks Following)- Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
• Downtown Farmers Curb Market - 8am-2pm – Peterson Building, Downtown Lakeland
• Suncoast Gun Show - 9am-5pm – The Lakeland Center, Lakeland
• Sportscard Show – 9am-4pm – Howard Johnson Hotel – Lakeland
• Bikefest – 4pm-9pm – Railroad Park, Haines City
• Concert: Southbound Band – 7:30pm – Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
• Eagle Lake Hometown Festival – 11am-9pm – Railroad Park, Eagle Lake
• Classic Car Cruise In – 5:30pm-9pm – Burger King, South Lakeland (Harden Blvd)
• Farmers Market – 8am-2pm – North Blount Park, Bartow
• Auto Racing – 6pm – Auburndale Motor Speedway

Sunday

• Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs - 6pm- Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
• Suncoast Gun Show - 9am-4pm – The Lakeland Center, Lakeland

Some of the best-selling items to date include alligator paraphernalia, such as stuffed versions of the reptiles–not the orange and blue kind though–the real thing.

Make the Polk Outpost 27 General Store your next stop for Polk County related items. It is located on Highway 27, just a half mile south of I-4 (at Exit 55).