“Ever since it was sung at Fenway Park by Neil Diamond on the day after the Boston Marathon, and subsequently played at all Major League ballparks, “Sweet Caroline” has become a symbol of hope and the American spirit. We intend to perpetuate this with a special carillon rendition paying tribute to the victims of both the Boston Marathon and Oklahoma tragedies,” said Katy Martin, co-chair of the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk, a charitable endeavor of the Dick Pope/Polk County chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA).

Bok Tower carillonneur Geert D’hollander recorded his Bok Tower carillon version of “Sweet Carillon” especially for the Carillion Classic 5K Run & Walk before leaving on a tour of Europe. This will mark the debut of this classic tune at Bok Tower Gardens.

Runners and walkers who wish to compete can download an entry form, register online and learn more about the event, including team competition, by visiting the Website at www.fprapolk.org and clicking on the Carillon Classic 5K link. The registration fee is $30 for adults and $20 for students.

Race day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., with competition starting at 7:30 a.m. sharp, following the special Boston Marathon/Oklahoma memorial.

The Carillon Classic is being staged by FPRA, in cooperation with Bok Tower Gardens, Youth & Family Alternatives and corporate sponsors, to raise funds for the George W. Harris, Jr. Runaway & Youth Crisis Shelter in Bartow and FPRA scholarship and professional development initiatives. Corporate sponsors are SEMCO Construction, Inc., Heartland for Children, Watson Clinic LLP, the Mosaic Company, A-C-T Environmental Infrastructure, Phoschem Supply Co., Florida’s Natural brand juices, Hill Nissan and Lake Wales Medical Center.

FPRA has issued a call for volunteers to register and greet runners/walkers, staff water stations and help with clean up. All volunteers will receive free admission to Bok Tower Gardens for their entire family, with the first 60 guaranteed a Carillon Classic 5K t-shirt. Potential volunteers should contact John Kazaklis, Carillon Classic 5K volunteer coordinator, at 863-595-0220, ext. 206 or jkazaklis@yfainc.org.

The 5K course was carefully designed to test the athletic skills of runners and walkers, while giving them the opportunity to experience the rolling hills, unique terrain (some sections of the course are gravel and mulch), colorful gardens/citrus groves and beautiful vistas that make Bok Tower Gardens world famous. Runners and walkers will hear the soothing sounds of carillon music, starting with “Sweet Caroline,” as they make their way along the course situated high atop “Iron Mountain,” one of the highest points on the Florida peninsula.

The University of Florida IFAS Polk County Extension and the City of Winter Haven’s Natural Resources Division are offering monthly Watershed Ecology Kayak Tours. The location will vary per tour, and each tour will have a location-specific topic. Most tours take place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Each tour will include an introduction to kayaking safety, paddling technique instruction, introduction to the topic, interpretive tour of the topic at hand and free-paddle time prior to packing up.

What to Bring:

• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Wear sunscreen
• Shoes/Clothes you don’t mind getting wet
• Sealable plastic bags for any electronics
       – bring at your own risk, there will not have waterproof storage available
• A bag lunch and snacks if needed
• Extra water

Upcoming tours by date, location and topic:

One of the best parts about this guided journey is that it is free. Be sure to register as soon as possible, because this tour is limited to just 13 people per session due to a limited number of kayaks. You are welcome to bring your personal kayak or canoe, if you have one, and join the group. To register, please visit:  watershedkayaktours.eventbrite.com.

For any questions regarding the event, contact Shannon McGee at
863-519-8677 ext. 102 or smcgee@ufl.edu or contact MJ Carnevale at
863-291-5646 or mcarnevale@mywinterhaven.com.

Register now, and enjoy your free day on the water learning about common lakefront issues, wildlife habitat, aquatic plant identification and much more!

Find a complete listing of May and June events taking place in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Monday, May 20
Venue:  Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Venue:  Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Venue: Polk County History Center, Bartow
- The museum invites guests to bring lunch and listen to a guest speaker on the third Tuesday every month.
- Lectures will begin at 12:15 and last 30 – 45 minutes, and May’s speaker and topic is: Tracy Revels on Sunshine Tourism.

Living at the Lake
Date: Tuesday, May 21; Wednesday, May 22; Thursday, May 23
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
- ‘Living at the Lake’ is a free workshop series at Circle B Bar Reserve that aims to answer full-time and seasonal residents’ questions regarding water, wildlife, and aquatic plants.
-  Each session addresses different issues relating to living near a lake.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Venue:  Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Thursday, May 23
Venue:  Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

God of Carnage
Date: Friday, May 24 & Saturday, May 25
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
- The 2009 Tony Award winner for Best Play, “God of Carnage”, is an explosive comedic drama exploring the dynamics of two couples who meet over drinks to discuss an episode of bullying perpetrated by the child of one set of beleaguered parents.

2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run and Walk
Date: Saturday, May 25
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Runners and walkers will be able to experience what may be Florida’s most challenging and picturesque 5K course on Saturday, May 25 by competing in the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk on the grounds of historic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida.

Geo Woodstock
Date: Saturday, May 25
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
- Think of Geo Woodstock as a conference or convention for the international geocaching community and an opportunity to meet cachers from all over the world and learn about the latest and greatest in geocaching tools – GPSr, hides, coins, software, etc.

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team Show
Date: Monday, May 27
Venue: Lake Silver, Winter Haven
- The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team (reestablished in 2012 by former theme park employees) will be performing a Memorial Day show on Lake Silver in Winter Haven.
- Regular shows are the third Saturday of each month, and a special July 4th show will also be presented for the City of Winter Haven’s July 4th celebration.

Memorial Day Carillon Concerts
Date: Monday, May 27
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Half-hour concerts will be performed on the Singing Tower carillon at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. as a musical salute of gratitude to our nation’s veterans and current members of America’s Armed Forces.
- Free admission will be offered to all branches of the military, active, retired and disabled veterans with valid ID.

Historic Lake Mirror Tours
Date: Tuesday, May 28
Venue: Lake Mirror, Lakeland
- Learn about Lakeland’s history on a Historic Lake Mirror Tour which takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each month and is limited to 25 people.
- The next tour is scheduled for June 25, so call the Lake Mirror Rental Office at 863-834-2280 to reserve your spot.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays
Date: Tuesday, May 28
Venue:  Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

The Young, Emerging Artists Show – Through May 29 (Arts on the Park, Lakeland)

Dee Sabean Exhibit – Through May 31 (The Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland)

Florida Artists – Through June 9 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

C. Paul Jennewein: An Usher for a New American Style – Through July 20 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

Explorations V Children’s Museum programming: Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday – weekly Monday through Friday (Explorations V, Lakeland)

For this week’s sporting events, check out “What’s Happening in Central Florida Sports” on CatchCentralFlorida.com.

1. LEGOLAND^® Florida 

LEGOLAND® Florida salutes the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces with Military Appreciation Days throughout 2013. As an appreciation for their continued service, all active duty military personnel including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists are now entitled to a free one-time single day admission to LEGOLAND Florida throughout 2013 and seasonally at the LEGOLAND Water Park. Specifically geared for families with children ages 2 to 12, LEGOLAND Florida also offers substantial savings for family and friends of military personnel so all can enjoy the more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.

Active duty military personnel should present their military ID to LEGOLAND Florida’s ticket window the day they plan to visit to redeem their free admission ticket. Family and friends of military personnel receive substantial discounts on admission tickets and should make purchases in advance through participating military base ticket offices.

For the most current information on operating hours and special events throughout the year at LEGOLAND Florida, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

2. Fantasy of Flight

May 2013 admission is free for US military members (Active, Retired and Reserve – with proof: i.e. Government Issued ID Card, DD214, etc.) at Fantasy of Flight when accompanied by a paying guest. Enjoy more than 40 vintage aircraft, flight simulators, interactive exhibits, Fun with Flight Center for families, the gift shop, restaurant, ropes course and more when you visit Fantasy of Flight.

 Other military discounts throughout the year:

For the other months of the year, US military (Active, Retired and Reserve – with proof of ID) will receive the reduced adult admission of $23.91, plus tax.  (This discount does not require an accompanying paid guest)

3. Bok Tower Gardens

Enjoy half-hour carillon concerts at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at the Gardens in honor of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives to preserve our freedom on Saturday, May 18, 2013..
Free admission will be offered to all branches of the military, active, retired and disabled veterans with valid ID. Concerts included with general admission.

Other patriotic concerts coming up this year:

Memorial Day Carillon Concerts
May 27, 2013, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Half-hour concerts will be performed on the Singing Tower carillon at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. as a musical salute of gratitude to our nation’s veterans and current members of America’s Armed Forces.
Free admission will be offered to all branches of the military, active, retired and disabled veterans with valid ID. Concerts included with general admission.

4. Lakeland Flying Tigers

The Flying Tigers will be honoring current and retired members of the military for their service to the country on Saturday, May 18. Veterans and current military personnel will also receive FREE admission.  There will be a special JROTC Pass and Review celebration on the field prior to the game and a special swearing in ceremony for new recruits.

Also taking place on May 18 at Tigertown:

The Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs at 6:15 p.m. (gates open at 4:30 p.m.) with patriotic fireworks following the game.

Tiger Trot 5K
The Flying Tigers’ annual Tiger Trot 5K will take place on Saturday at Joker Marchant Stadium.  The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration and packet pickup beginning at 7:00 a.m.  Trophies will be awarded to the Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female as well as age group winners.  The 5K entry fee is $30 and includes race t-shirt (while supplies last) and a special dog tag.  The Tiger Trot benefits the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, Our Childrens Academy & Rehab and The Ledger’s Newspaper in Education Program.  To register please visit LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

North Lakeland Little League Team Party
The Flying Tigers will be hosting North Lakeland Little League’s team parties before and during the game.  Each team will parade on the field prior to the game.

5. Sunsplash Vacation Homes

Sunsplash Vacation Homes is offering $85 per night for a three bedroom home or $95 per night for a four bedroom home to all renters, this month, in May. Sunsplash three, four and five bedroom vacation villas with pools  located in beautiful quiet communities in Central Florida’s Davenport.
Reserve your vacation home at this discounted rank by going to: www.sunsplash.com.

Find a complete listing of May and June events taking place in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

Guided Bird Hike
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
- This 2.5 mile walking birding tour will take you through the Marsh Rabbit Run Trail and on to Wading Bird Way Trail at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs
Date: Friday, May 17
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Bok Tower Gardens is bringing special half-hour carillon concerts at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in honor of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives to preserve our freedom.
- Free admission will be offered to all branches of the military, active, retired and disabled veterans with valid ID.

Highland City Community Market
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: First Baptist Church of Highland City
- This free community market features fresh produce, homemade food specialties, hand-crafted items, food vendors, new items, local businesses, pet services and more each month.

IronKids Florida
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Lake Eva Park, Haines City
- Athletes ages 6-15 will compete in one of three age groups that includes a swim in the outdoor Lake Eva Aquatic Center, a challenging 2-mile loop bike course and a scenic run course around the lake and throughout the park.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Missouri Monsters
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- This season, the Lakeland Raiders, a member of the Ultimate Indoor Football League, hosted six home games at The Lakeland Center, with only one remianing on May 18, 2013.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Photography Ethics Workshop  
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
- This presentation will be given by Steven Leach, an avid sports and nature photographer, member of PSA (Photographic Society of America), winner of the International Photographic Awards and published photographer.
- For a list of scheduled topics at this workshop, please go to: visitcentralflorida.org/events/photography-ethics-workshop.

Spring Lake Plaza Fresh Goods & Crafts Market
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Winter Haven
- This monthly market offers a great variety of fresh goods made by local residents, fresh produce and vegetables, Caribbean food, barbeque, face painting, chocolate specialties, cupcakes, jams and much more.

Tiger Trot 5K
Date: Saturday, May 18
Venue: Tigertown, Lakeland
- The Tiger Trot 5k Run and Walk will take place May 18, 2013 at the historic Joker Marchant Stadium at Tigertown, home of the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers.
- The course will start in the stadium parking lot and run through beautiful Lake Parker Park, ending on the warning track near third base in the stadium.

Florida Trails Hike
Date: Sunday, May 19
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
- Join a member of the local Florida Trails Chapter for a free guided hike of Alligator Alley at Circle B Bar Reserve.
- Nature hikes require sign-up, and sign ups begin on the first working day of each month.

Ironman 70.3 Florida
Date: Sunday, May 19
Venue: Lake Eva Park, Haines City
- Ironman 70.3 Florida returns to Lake Eva Park for the second year, and triathletes will compete  against one another through the 1.2 mile swim in Lake Eva, the 56 mile bike route through Polk County, and  the 13.1 mile run course around Lake Eva and through downtown Haines City.
- Vendors will be onsite for triathletes and spectators both at Lake Eva Park May 17-19, 2013.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs
Date: Sunday, May 19
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Tram Nature Tour
Date: Sunday, May 19
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
- Take a personalized tour of Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.
- Nature hikes require sign-up, and sign ups begin on the first working day of each month.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Monday, May 20
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
- Home games for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland’s minor league baseball team, are held at Joker Marchant Stadium.
- Find ticket information and daily promotions on our website at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Venue: Polk County History Center, Bartow
- The museum invites guests to bring lunch and listen to a guest speaker on the third Tuesday every month.
- Lectures will begin at 12:15 and last 30 – 45 minutes, and May’s speaker and topic is: Tracy Revels on Sunshine Tourism.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

The Young, Emerging Artists Show – Through May 29 (Arts on the Park, Lakeland)

Dee Sabean Exhibit – Through May 31 (The Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland)

Florida Artists – Through June 9 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

C. Paul Jennewein: An Usher for a New American Style – Through July 20 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

Explorations V Children’s Museum programming: Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday – weekly Monday through Friday (Explorations V, Lakeland)

For this week’s sporting events, check out “What’s Happening in Central Florida Sports” on CatchCentralFlorida.com.

Begun as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals and is listed among Sunshine Artist magazine’s “Top 100 Best Fine Art Shows.” Mayfaire is a juried show that will feature the work of approximately 165 artists displaying their jewelry, sculptures, paintings and more.

A full slate of live entertainment will be presented on the stage in front of the Lakeland Public Library, and the Children’s Art Tent and Kids Zone will again be located in the Museum parking lot.

Held annually on Mother’s Day weekend, Mayfaire attracts about 65,000 visitors. Parking is free at nearby Florida Southern College, and shuttle service to the parking lots and around the lake is provided free of charge.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 11, Mayfaire Saturday Night moves the fun to the Lake Mirror Promenade for a free street dance party and fireworks display. Music will be provided by MPiRE. In addition, about 1,200 athletes are expected to participate in the 34^rd Annual Mayfaire Classic 5K Road Race & Walk, sponsored by the Lakeland Runners Club. The race begins at 7 p.m. at Lake Mirror Center. Find more information at http://lakelandrunnersclub.org/races/mayfaire/.

During MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake, Polk Museum of Art admission is free to everyone. This year, the Museum proudly hosts “C. Paul Jennewein: An Usher for a New American Style” featuring selections from the Tampa Museum of Art. Upstairs, the Museum is featuring an exhibition of “Florida Artists,” including artwork we are showing works by Florida artists, including many former Mayfaire purchase award winners. The Museum Shop is having a fabulous Mother’s Day sale, too!

Volunteers are instrumental in making MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake such a huge success every year. Volunteers are needed to drive the May Ferrys, provide artist hospitality and help in the Children’s Art Tent. To volunteer, please call 863.688.7743, ext. 237.

For more information, please visit www.PolkMuseumofArt.org/Mayfaire; look for MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake on Facebook; or follow @PolkMoA on Twitter (use #Mayfaire).

Polk Museum of Art

Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Central Florida. The Museum is one of the Top 10 art museums in the State of Florida, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the only art museum accredited by the American Association of Museums serving the 561,000 residents of Polk County. Museum hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays; 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sundays; and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free for Museum members. General admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors (62 and older). Children and students with student IDs are admitted for free. Special exhibition fees may apply. Admission is free to all from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday mornings. The Museum is fully accessible.

Find a complete listing of May and June events taking place in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally
Date: Thursday, May 9
Venue: Munn Park, Lakeland
- Tasting Tampa brings food trucks and their delicious cuisine to Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland on the second Thursday of every month.

David Tutera’s Dream Bigger Tour
Date: Friday, May 10
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- During the show, guests will be immersed in a fast-paced, interactive experience that has an “Ellen” vibe to it, and the show will be geared toward everyone – fans of David, brides, future brides and even the bride that never stops being a bride.

ISO “Pops By the Lake”
Date: Friday, May 10
Venue: Lake Mirror Complex, Lakeland
- This Imperial Symphony Orchestra concert takes place at Lake Mirror Promenade/Amphitheatre with a program that includes hits from Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Journey, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon and Grease.
- A pre-concert will take place two hours before the show with music by “Blu Moon” at 6:00 p.m.

National Public Gardens Day
Date: Friday, May 10
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- This national event is 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.

Adaptive Water Ski Event
Date: Saturday, May 11
Venue: Lake Silver, Winter Haven
- The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team and On The Edge Children’s Foundation, Inc. will host a free adaptive water ski event on Saturday, May 11 at Martin Luther King Park on Lake Silver in Winter Haven. – With the aid of adaptive water ski equipment, and the Cypress Gardens water skiers, amputees, paralyzed individuals, and mentally challenged adults and children ages six and older may enjoy water skiing.

MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake
Date: Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12
Venue: Lake Morton & Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
- Begun as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals and is listed among Sunshine Artist magazine’s “Top 100 Best Fine Art Shows.”
- Mayfaire is a juried show that will feature the work of approximately 165 artists displaying their jewelry, sculptures, paintings and more

Tram Nature Tour
Date: Saturday, May 11; Sunday, May 12
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
- Take a personalized tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.
- Nature Tour sign-ups begin on the first working day of each month.

Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts
Date: Sunday, May 12
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Free admission will be offered to all mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day.
- There will also be a plant sale and two carillon concerts, beginning at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 12.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

The Young, Emerging Artists Show – Through May 29 (Arts on the Park, Lakeland)

Dee Sabean Exhibit – Through May 31 (The Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland)

Florida Artists – Through June 9 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

C. Paul Jennewein: An Usher for a New American Style – Through July 20 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

Explorations V Children’s Museum programming: Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday – weekly Monday through Friday (Explorations V, Lakeland)

For this week’s sporting events, check out “What’s Happening in Central Florida Sports” on CatchCentralFlorida.com.

Competitors from 41 States and from countries as far away as Germany and Argentina will descend on Polk County to test their athletic abilities, stamina and competitive drive this Sunday on the 70.3 mile swimming, running and cycling course.

While the more than 200 adult athletes will be focused on the competition and the challenge provided by the course, area residents will be able to take in the IRONMAN experience on a much more leisurely pace. Lake Eva Park in Haines City will host three full days of activities that will appeal to the entire family, May 17-19.

Beginning on Friday, May 17 the IRONMAN Village and the Lake Eva Park Bandshell will serve as the hub of all activities during IRONMAN weekend. The Bandshell area will be host to athlete check-in and the adjacent IRONMAN Village will serve as perfect gathering and meeting place for spectators. The IRONMAN Village will feature exhibitor booths, a demo day area, the IRONMAN Store and many other product and service displays.

Competition gets underway on Saturday morning as more than 500 IRONKIDS triathletes line up at the starting line for a 7 a.m. start. Youth ages 6-15 will take center stage as they tackle a shortened version of the adult course.

Sunday’s IRONMAN 70.3 Florida competition begins at 6:30 a.m. with the 1.2 mile swim in Lake Eva. Upon completion of the swim competitors will then embark on the 56 mile bicycle route through eastern Polk County and then complete the competition on the 13.1 mile running course utilizing the roads around Lake Eva. The event will conclude with the awards ceremony at the Lake Eva Park Bandshell at 4 p.m.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Friday 5/17
Noon – 7 p.m. – IRONMAN Village & Official IRONMAN Store Open
Noon – 7 p.m. – Athlete check-in
Noon – 7 p.m. – Information booth open
4 p.m. – Athlete briefing

Saturday 5/18
7 a.m. – IronKids Race Starts
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. IRONMAN Village & Official IRONMAN Store Open
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Information booth open
11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. – Athlete briefing
5 p.m. – Pro athlete panel

Sunday 5/19
5 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Information booth open
6:30 a.m. – IRONMAN 70.3 Florida Race Start
7 a.m. – 3 p.m. – IRONMAN Village & Official IRONMAN Store Open
4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

For more information go to centralfloridasports.com or to IRONMAN.com.

For media credentials please contact Al Snow via phone at 863-551-4718 or via email at al@centralfloridasports.com.

Related Posts:

Ironman Excitement for Polk County

Find a complete listing of April and May events taking place in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.
Download Central Florida’s free app on your smart phone at: Explore Central Florida on the iOS or Android market.

Top Gun
Date: Wednesday, May 1 – Sunday, May 5
Venue: Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
- Frank Tiano Ent. (FTE) presents Top Gun, a five-day worldwide model aviation event in Lakeland full of competition, food, air shows, a hobby trade show and more.

The Young, Emerging Artists Show
Date: Wednesday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 29
Venue: Arts on the Park, Lakeland
- The Young, Emerging Artists Show will feature artwork by local artists ages 16-29, and in the upstairs galleries for the month of May, student artwork from Melanie Carroll & an exhibit from LINES for Hope.

Dee Sabean Exhibit at The Loft Art Gallery
Date: Wednesday, May 1 – Friday, May 31
Venue: The Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland
- Dee Sabean  is bringing her 3-D “fine artist meets street painter” style to The Loft Art Gallery for the entire month of May.
- The show debuts during Lakeland’s First Friday festivities on May 3 with a reception featuring live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Earth Day Celebration at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Thursday, May 2
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Students will participate in hands-on activities by environmental exhibitors from around Central Florida and learn about protecting wildlife, water conservation, gardening and more at Bok Tower Gardens’ Earth Day Celebration.

Avenue Q
Date: Friday, May 3
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
- This musical production by the Lakeland Community Theatre is a gut-bustingly hilarious modern musical focusing on a group of unique 20-somethings making their way in the big city, seeking their purpose in life.
- Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children’s show; a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned.

First Friday Downtown Lakeland
Date: Friday, May 3
Venue: Munn Park, Lakeland
- Enjoy free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions and a car show at one of Lakeland’s most popular recurring events on the first Friday of each month.

ISO “Pops by the Lake”
Date: Friday, May 3
Venue: Lake Mirror Complex, Lakeland
- This Imperial Symphony Orchestra concert takes place at Lake Mirror Promenade/Amphitheatre with a program that includes hits from Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Journey, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon and Grease.
- A pre-concert will take place two hours before the show with music by “Blu Moon” at 6:00 p.m.

Legends & Legacies: D-Day: Normandy & Beyond
Date: Friday, May 3 – Saturday, May 4
Venue: Fantasy of Flight, Polk City
- The symposium is set amidst the largest collection of vintage aircraft flying today and features an open-forum/question-and-answer session as well as a meet/greet and autographs signing.

14^th Annual Cardboard Boat Races
Date: Saturday, May 4
Venue: Winter Haven
- Celebrate the Chain of Lakes at the 14th Annual Admiral Eycleshimer’s Cardboard Boat Races.
- Family, school, youth, civic and corporate groups are invited to construct and race their own cardboard boats.

Florida Dance Theatre Presents “Celebrate Dance!”
Date: Saturday, May 4
Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland
- This free public event takes place at the Lake Mirror Promenade and features as many as 15 artists’ acts, including various professional dancers from Florida Dance Theatre, as well as aspiring dancers from throughout Florida.

Great Garden Speakers: Workshop with Debra Prinzin
Date: Saturday, May 4
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Author and outdoor living expert Debra Prinzing will share her passion for local and seasonal flowers in a two-part talk.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Corpus Christi Fury
Date: Saturday, May 4
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- The Raiders have a total of six home games at The Lakeland Center this season with two home games remaining: May 4 and May 18.
- Sunday’s kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Junior Master Model Builder Competition
Date: Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 5
Venue: LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven
- Junior Master Model Builder is a fun and interactive LEGO® building competition that takes place quarterly and invites guests to participate and build a model that follows the designated LEGO theme of each competition.

LEGO Star Wars Days
Date: Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 5
Venue: LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven
- LEGO® Star Wars Days is a thrilling event that celebrates all-things Star WarsTM, and guests will enjoy reliving the Star WarsTM saga in the park’s newest expansion of Miniland USA where the six live-action Star WarsTM movies, as well as a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ are created of more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks.

Celtic Woman
Date: Tuesday, May 7
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- For one night only, singing sensation CELTIC WOMAN, brings their latest show to Lakeland.
- Under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes, this spectacular musical experience features CELTIC WOMAN performing classic Irish tunes, such as “The Water is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes,” and “The Parting Glass” .

RECURRING EVENTS:

Saturday Night Rodeo – Every Saturday night (Westgate River Ranch Resort, River Ranch)

Paul Youngblood Exhibit at The Loft Art Gallery – Through April 30 (Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland)

Florida Artists – Through June 9 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

C. Paul Jennewein: An Usher for a New American Style – Through July 20 (Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland)

Explorations V Children’s Museum programming: Magical Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday and Fun Friday – weekly Monday through Friday (Explorations V, Lakeland)

For this week’s sporting events, check out “What’s Happening in Central Florida Sports” on CatchCentralFlorida.com.

Absolut Aqua Sports is a company that everyone needs to know about. Their mission is simple; they believe that individuals with special needs deserve the same opportunities for water sports and recreational activities as others. Absolut Aqua Sports offers a variety of different activities, lessons, events, and clothing apparel that all go to support On The Edge Children’s Foundation.

Activities include:

• Water Ski Lessons
• Flyboard Lessons
• Tube Rides
• Ski Clinics
• Water Ski Shows
• Birthday Parties
• Rock Wall Rentals

Absolut Aqua Sports’ most unique and popular attraction is the Flyboard. A relatively foreign concept to most, a Flyboard is some of the most fun you’ll ever have on the water. Harnessing the power of controlled water pressure, Flyboards makes it possible to fly up to 15 feet above the water! The Flyboard experience is taught by certified instructors, ensuring the maximum amount of fun and safety. Luckily, Flyboard lessons are available 7 days a week, which is a good thing, because Flyboarding can be VERY addicting.

Flyboard lessons can be booked online at www.absolutaquasports.com, as well as all of the other activities they have to offer.

Need to entertain a crowd for an event? Well then, look no further than Absolut Aqua Sports! What better way to entertain a crowd than a full Extreme Water Ski Show? Absolut Aqua Sports has a wonderful selection of water-skiers ready to entertain you! For more information on booking a Water Ski Show, visit their website.

Just as important in Absolut Aqua Sports’ mission to financially support OTE is their online store. The store has apparel for men, women, children, and even the pets in the family. In addition to clothing apparel, the store also sells ski equipment, boat hardware, and other gear. All of the equipment and clothing apparel offered is made of high quality material, and all proceeds from equipment/apparel sales go to support On The Edge Children’s Foundation.

Be sure to check out everything Absolut Aqua Sports has to offer, and help support them today!