Calendar of events

THURSDAY

Downtown Winter Park's biggest shopping event of the year, Red Bag Days, returns Nov. 17-20 with discounts at participating stores along Park Avenue and Hannibal Square. Kick-start your holiday shopping season with savings such as 20 percent off one item to storewide savings at 35 participating stores. See individual stores for details on their specific offer. Bags will be available at the Orlando Museum of Art's Festival of Trees event, in addition to the participating stores. Visit WinterPark.org

Savannah Court and Cove, 1301 W. Maitland Blvd., is hosting a Turkey Tour from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17. The first 50 people who tour will receive a free turkey. Call 407-645-3990.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, Orange Audubon Society presents “Hummingbirds and Banding Studies” by Fred Dietrich at 7 p.m at the Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. Call 407-637-2525 or visit OrangeAudubonFL.org

FRIDAY

"Dialogue: Camilo Velasquez" opens Nov. 18 and continues through Jan. 22. The exhibition is held in the Maitland Art Center Galleries, 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Admission is 3.00 for adults; $2.00 for Seniors (55 & older) and for Children (4-18 years). A & H Members and Children (3 & under) are free. The public is invited to the Opening Reception, held on Friday, Nov. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at the Maitland Art Center. The reception is free to A & H Members; the cost for Not-Yet-Members is $5.

The qualifying period for the Maitland mayoral election opened Monday, Nov.14, and closes at noon on Friday, Nov.18. For information, call 407-539-6219.

“Winter in the Park” ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow opens Friday, Nov.18, and remains open through Sunday, Jan. 8. The event will include a full calendar of joyful events including holiday music, games, family nights, youth nights, carolers and more. The rink will be open Monday through Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call 407-599-3203.

The fifth annual Peacock Ball featuring a celebration of Winter Park's remarkable people and institutions is Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Winter Park Community Center in Hannibal Square. Cost is $150 and proceeds provide critical support for the operating budget for the Winter Park Historical Association, a nonprofit organization devoted to collecting, preserving and interpreting the rich historical legacy of Winter Park. Call 406-647-2330 or visit WinterParkHistorical.com

In an original work from Artistic Director Roy Alan, The Winter Park Playhouse will sing and dance their way into your hearts with their tribute to the legendary musical composer, Cole Porter. “Anything Cole!” runs Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-17. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., select Sundays (Dec. 4 and Dec. 11) at 2 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $38 evening / $35 senior evening / $28 matinee / $20 industry professionals and Students 25 & under. For reservations, call 407-645-0145 or visit WinterParkPlayhouse.org

The Breakthrough Theatre will present the musical, "Quilt: A Musical Celebration", through Dec. 1. Few who have seen the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt can ever forget the experience or the powerful emotions evoked by this patchwork of panels celebrating the memory of a friend or family member who has died of the disease. All proceeds from the Dec. 1 performance will go to the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. Call 407-920-4034.

SATURDAY

A Workshop with Camilo Velasquez is held on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Art & History Museums’ Maitland Art Center. This is a hands-on workshop emphasizing the technical aspects of working in the versatile medium of acrylics. The workshop is designed for both beginners and for experienced painters who want to expand their knowledge of the acrylic technique. Velasquez will guide each student through the experimental techniques required in expressing different ideas in the creative process.

Orange Audubon Society’s November Field Trip to Lake Apopka Restoration Area is Saturday, Nov. 19, at 7:45 a.m. This will be a carpooled trip on the berms. Limited facilities are on property. Bring drinks, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, binoculars and scopes if desired. Magnolia Park is close by if anyone wishes to bring a lunch for after the trip. Older children are welcome. No pets. If you have questions about the trip, call 407-421-9437.

The American Legion, Winter Park Memorial Post 112, will host its fall "The Giant Arts, Crafts and Yard Sale" on Saturday, Nov.19, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4490 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park. The event is open to Legion members, veterans and their families, arts and crafts vendors and to the public. Call Gerard at 407-671-8616 for event and reservation information regarding space/table rental rates. Space is limited. Visit WPFLPOST112.org

The Winter Park Harvest Festival is Nov. 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Central Park West Meadow. Visit WPHarvest.com, email [email protected] or call 407-628-1230.

The Train Collectors Association, Southern Division, is having their annual Orlando area train show in Maitland on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Maitland, 341 N. Orlando Ave. There will be plenty of new, classic and antique trains for sale, door prizes for adults and children, gifts for children 6 years old and younger, and a Kid’s Korner play area. For further information, call Arnie Travitsky at 407-260-8599 or email [email protected]

Florida filmmakers take center stage at Enzian’s 20th Annual Brouhaha Film and Video Showcase on Nov. 19-20. Enzian released the diverse lineup of 48 films; a smorgasbord of contrasting styles featuring experimental cinema, fiction narratives, documentaries, music videos and animation presented in four 90-minute programs. The juried statewide film competition is free for Enzian Film Society members and $5 per program for general admission. Visit Enzian.org

SUNDAY

On Nov. 20, the Maitland Civic Center will be the host of the Maitland Coin and Currency Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show is free and door prizes will be given out to children and adults. Thirty coin and currency dealers will be buying, selling and trading a variety of coins, currency and stamps. Many dealers will offer free appraisals. More information about the show can be found at MaitlandCoinShow.com or by calling 407-730-3116.

Orlando-area vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida's annual Thanksgiving dinner potluck, to be held at Mead Gardens on Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. There will be children's games, entertainment and, of course, delicious vegan food. Cost is $5 with a dish to share, $10 without.

WEDNESDAY

The Art & History Museums – Maitland invites you to kick-off your holiday celebration with the Waterhouse family at the annual exhibition, Holidays at the Waterhouse, beginning on Nov. 23 and continuing through Jan. 15. The exhibition takes place at the historic Waterhouse Residence Museum, 820 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. Museum hours are Thursday – Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors (55 and older) and for children (4-18 years). A&H members and children 3 and younger are free.

NOV. 24

There will be no garbage or recycling collection service in unincorporated Orange County on Thursday, Nov. 24. If Thursday is your garbage collection day, garbage will be collected on the following Monday. If Thursday is your recycling collection day, recycling will be collected on the next Thursday.

ONGOING

The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the old train depot, 200 W. New England Ave. Visit CityofWinterPark.org

The Maitland Farmers’ Market is every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Lily Park. Visit ItsMyMatiland.com or call 407-539-6268.

Food Truck Café is every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake Lily Park in Maitland.

“Music at the Casa” is a free weekly Sunday open house featuring live performances and tours of the historic Casa Feliz, 656 N. Park Ave. Visit CasaFeliz.us or call 407-628-8200 ext. 3.

Friday Nights at the Morse features free admission to the Morse Museum on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through April 27. Occasional programs include live music, art demonstrations, curator tours and family tours. Visit MorseMuseum.org for details.

Art & History Museums – Maitland’s Culture and Cocktails takes place the second Friday of every month until April both inside and outside of the Maitland Art Center’s Germaine Marvel Building, 210 W. Packwood Ave. Guests are sure to enjoy this evening of art, music, poetry, food and fun. For more information, phone 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

“Mid-Century: A Photographic View of Three African-American Communities in Florida” is at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center through Dec. 30. Visit HannibalSquareHeritageCenter.org

Ballroom Dancing Lessons are every Monday night except the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave. Line Dance Instruction is held on the first Monday. It’s $5 per lesson. Call 407-644-6149.

Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department is offering seasonal flu shots at “Flu Shot Fridays” through November, from 8 a.m. to noon at Station 62, 300 S. Lakemont Ave., and Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, 200 W. New England Ave. Call 407-599-3613.

FAMILY CALENDAR

“Winter in the Park” ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow is open Friday, Nov.18, through Sunday, Jan. 8. The rink will be open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit CityOfWinterPark.org

The historic Annie Russell Theatre, which is celebrating its 79th season, presents “Little Shop of Horrors” through Saturday, Nov. 19, with both evening and matinee performance times. Cost is $20, $10 for students with ID. Call 407-646-2145 or visit Rollins.edu/annierussell

On Nov.19, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will continue to celebrate their 55th Season with the annual Concerto Competition Concert at 4 p.m. at College Park Baptist Church. Hear Central Florida’s finest young musicians as they step out of their orchestral roles and compete as soloists. The recital is the final step in the FSYO’s annual Concerto Competition, where the winning student will earn the opportunity to play his concerto with the FSYO’s Symphonic Orchestra in this season’s final concert. For more information call 407-999-7800 or visit FSYO.org

Astronomy Week at the Maitland Library is Nov. 27-Dec. 3. Events include:

• “Our Moon: It’s Just Going Through Phases”: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

• Central Florida Astronomy Group presents “Viewing the Night Sky w/ Telescopes”: Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

• Annual Holiday Tea: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Call 407-647-7700 for more information.

Trinity Preparatory School will hold open house on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane. RSVP at TrinityPrep.org/Join-us or call 321-282-2515.

On Friday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m., the festivities continue in Central Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The night will begin with carols from several local ensembles, followed by the award ceremony for the 2011 Holiday Card Competition winners. Central Park will come to life with beautiful bright lights and Santa Claus will make a special appearance. For more information, call 407-644-8281.

The Maitland Public Library has bedtime stories for all ages at 6 p.m. every Monday. Preschool story time is 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday. Infant and toddler story time is at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday. Reading buddies is Thursdays at 4 p.m. Call 407-647-7700 for more information.

In conjunction with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll on Friday, Dec. 2, the City of Winter Park and Enzian Theater will present Popcorn Flicks in Central Park featuring “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “A Christmas Story.” The animated film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” will begin at 7 p.m. and precede the holiday classic “A Christmas Story.” For more information, call 407-629-0054.

Orlando Fashion Square welcomes back Santa Claus for visits and pictures with children this holiday season. Santa photos will be taken daily through Saturday, Dec. 24. Also, Fido and Fluffy can sit with St. Nick on Pet Nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays from Nov. 14 through Dec. 19.

Kids, ages 6 – 12, are invited to join us as we create green decorations for the holiday season at Whole Foods Winter Park on Dec. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. We will be using recycled and reusable materials. Online registration required.

Count down with Santa Claus and Mayor Schieferdecker as they throw the switch to light up Lake Lily Park at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3. Maitland Middle School & the Colby Dance Studio will be on hand providing holiday entertainment for the evening.

Block Party: Holiday Favorites at Whole Foods Winter Park is Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Join us for a celebration of sampling as each of our departments features their holiday favorites. No pre-registration required. Help us choose the winning department, vote for your favorite sample and enter to win a Whole Foods Market gift card.

Maitland Public Library proudly presents the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2 – 4 p.m. Visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the snow, snacks, crafts and live music. Call 407-647-7700 or visit MaitlandPublicLibrary.com

Maitland residents should be on the look out for Santa Claus. The Maitland police will be escorting Santa though our city’s streets on Dec. 11. For more details and times in your neighborhood, visit ItsMyMaitland.com

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