Calendar

JAN. 16

Frank, Dean and Sammy may be in heaven, but in the Florida premiere of a new musical at the Winter Park Playhouse it would seem they have some unfinished business back on earth and they’ve got one night to make it right. With over 30 hit songs including “My Way” and “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” this melodic new musical – “The Rat Pack Lounge” – will transport you back to the days of highballs and high rollers. The performance runs from Jan. 16 though Feb. 14. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

On Friday, Jan. 16, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and city of Winter Park will host the annual State of the City Luncheon presented by Waste Pro. The event will be held at The Alfond Inn beginning at 11:30 a.m. and will feature Mayor Ken Bradley’s final State of the City address, “The Best is Yet to Come.” In addition to the mayor’s address, the luncheon will feature the city of Winter Park Employee of the Year presentations. This event is sold out.

JAN. 17

Watch Crealdé School of Art light up the night from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the fourth annual Night of Fire event on their main campus, located at 600 St. Andrews Blvd. in Winter Park. Tour Crealdé’s studios and galleries, participate in workshops and demonstrations including a bronze pour, the gas kiln firing and raku firing. For the first time this year, there will be a light-painting display over the lake. The front office will be open to register for classes. Enjoy live music, refreshments and storytelling around the fire. All activities are free. Food from the grill provided by Millers Hardware. For more information, call 407-671-1886.

JAN. 18

Residents and local businesses will come together to celebrate the city of Winter Park’s 13th annual Unity Heritage Festival on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shady Park in Hannibal Square. The annual festival will promote family history and raise funds for the Educational Fulfillment Fund for local economically disadvantaged youth. Activities will include children’s games, food and retail vendors, entertainment by various gospel artists, and the presentation of the annual Heritage Award. For more information, call 407-599-3275.

JAN. 21

Want to increase your self-awareness and improve your self-defense? The city of Maitland Leisure Services Department in conjunction with the city of Maitland Police Department is hosting a S.A.F.E. Class on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Maitland Community Park meeting room. It's free! Class size limited to the first 12 signed up. The class is for women only ages 18 and older. Call the customer service desk at the park office 407-539-0042 to register.

Join the Winter Park Playhouse for their Spotlight Cabaret Series featuring veteran entertainer Cathy Merkel-Roddy in her newest solo cabaret titled, “The Lemonade Stand,” on consecutive Wednesday evenings, Jan. 21 and 28. Christopher Leavy, Playhouse musical director, will accompany on piano. “The Lemonade Stand” will weave stories about Cathy’s exciting life and career with an assortment of musical standards, Broadway favorites and popular hit songs that all share a common theme – hope. This uplifting evening will raise your spirits as you reminisce about life’s good times with songs like “Cabaret”, “New York, New York” and “Over The Rainbow.” For more information, call 407-645-0145.

JAN. 22

Each year the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Park Avenue Merchants Association and Winter Park/Maitland Observer celebrate exemplary local businesses and organizations through the Ovations Awards. Community members provide votes and input on the 'best of' dining, shopping, business services, arts, culture and health via an online poll. This year the awards will be presented on Jan. 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

Swashbuckle for an evening to benefit USO Central Florida at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, as USO Central Florida and Central Florida Rotarians invite us for drinks, dinner and a show. Pirate’s Town will host A Night Out at Treasure Tavern, with proceeds benefiting America's troops and their families through USO services here in Central Florida. For reservations call 407-206-5102 and use offer code USO or visit usocentralflorida.org

JAN. 24

Pookie’s is proud to announce its seventh annual RescueFest, a fundraiser and adoption day to benefit local non-profit animal rescue groups! This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Lake Lily Park in Maitland. This fun-filled annual event seeks to increase awareness and promote adoption of homeless pets, tens of thousands of which are abandoned and turned in to local shelters every year in Central Florida. In addition to adoptions, a wide variety of pet services including pet trainers, pet sitters, pet communicators, pet boarding and veterinary services will be on-site to provide information, giveaways and more. Natural foods and supplements companies will share educational information on pet nutrition and raffle off goodies. There will be music, food trucks and entertainment as well. And naturally, RescueFest is family- and pet-friendly! For more information, call 321-287-0390.

The third annual Orlando Chowder Festival runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Winter Park Civic Center, located at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. A variety of area food vendors will be competing for the 2015 Chowder Cup, which was previously awarded to Boston Lobster Feast Restaurant in 2014 and Fleming's Steakhouse in 2013. The Chowder Festival is an amazing opportunity for local chefs to "step outside the box" and show off their culinary talents. This event is open to any restaurant or food vendor to present their best chowder for a $500 cash prize. The winner will also be included/featured in at least 5,000 to 10,000 post card/flyers as the 2016 champion (must defend title to be included). The marketing value between printed material, delivery placement, and graphic design is valued between $2,500 and $4,000. For more information, call 321-396-7790 or visit winterparkannual.com

Get a healthy start to the new year by participating in the Seasons 52 Park Avenue 5K at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, starting at the Central Park Main Stage in Winter Park. Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar celebrates the enjoyment of living a fit and healthy lifestyle by sponsoring this race through beautiful Winter Park! Please plan to arrive 45 minutes early due to road closures and traffic congestion. For more information, visit trackshack.com