Labor Day weekend on the beach

 Sometimes a picture says a thousand words...

 And sometimes it just leaves you speechless...

Hope you got to the beach this weekend!

Manatee game well worth the wet seats

 The final game of the season for the Milwaukee Brewers AAA Minors team - the Manatees - was wonderful. By the second inning the sky began to look ominous but nobody really paid attention. This is Florida, after all!

 So when it started to come down, people just went out and waited patiently. Downstairs everyone got out their phones and tapped into their weather apps and compared radars. General consensus was that it would pass by. Some left the game anyway, and some stayed in their seats under cover... but the lightening was a little scary to be sitting under a metal roof...good time for a beer...

 Finally, after about 45 minutes, they rolled up the tarp and the game resumed...it was business as usual...

 The business of playing the game and fooling around a bit more than usual because, after all, it WAS the last game...

So long for another year, guys... thanks for the good times and especially for winning the last game! Yeah!!!

College football kickoff weekend

Well, it's finally here... college football. Yes, it's August. Yes, we haven't even had Labor Day Weekend yet.

Here are some of the local alumni clubs in case you want to watch your game with others who share your enthusiasm (and won't mind your biased yelling and booing the refs):

** Notre Dame Club is under the guidance of Tim Hanrahan of Satellite Beach. More info HERE.
** University of Florida club is called Space Coast Gator Club and it's president is Randy Gray. More info   HERE  and HERE.
** Ohio State alumni club is located in Melbourne and the President is Brad Dunbar. More info HERE. 
** University of Central Florida alumni meet at Coasters and the chairman is Eric Braga. More HERE.

Sadly enough, the following schools have NO alumni groups in Brevard County:
Texas A&M - closest group is Orlando
Alabama -        "           "       "      "
Georgia -         "           "       "      "
U of Miami -    "           "       "      "
South Carolina "           "       "      "
Clemson - 8 in FL, NONE in Brevard!
Florida State - according to their website, there are none in Brevard!
Nebraska - NO alumni chapters in the southeast!! 
UCLA - Bruins closest chapter is Orlando.
Michigan - Central Florida chapter  meets in Orlando...not here.
Boise State - no chapter around here but they do have one in Vietnam! 
Texasexes - that's what they call themselves - have to go to Orlando...
USC - nothing closer than Atlanta if you want to find Trojan men (and women)
Wisconsin - believe it or not, there is a chapter in Vero Beach! (One of 8 in FL!)

NKF Pro/Am Surfing Competition

27 years ago, the Salik brothers organized the first surfing festival in Cocoa Beach. The tradition has continued and this weekend will be the 28th edition.

 This fund raiser/contest/party/promotion of the sport of surfing - really brings the crowds: some to watch the surfing, some to watch the people, and some to feel the surf party vibe. It's summer's last hurrah and a Space Coast tradition.

 Local physician, Dr Lance Maki, is a tandem surf champion and will help any interested parties get started. He is a wealth of knowledge and certainly illustrates that staying fit is not just fun, but leads to a longer life and stamina to match!

Read more about the event and see the schedule at this link.http://www.examiner.com/article/summer-2013-concludes-with-two-surfing-events

A taste of class

Tomorrow night, Sat. Aug. 31, in Cocoa Village, everyone is invited to enjoy music from Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. The concert will performed by some of Brevard's favorite musicians at 'A Night of the Classics' at Riverfront Park Amphitheater in Cocoa Village. Entertainment takes place from 7 p.m. until midnight and vendors will be open at 6 p.m..Admission is 'free'.
Activities will include the 'vintage' vendor area, on stage giveaways throughout the evening, raffles, and food trucks. Coolers will not be allowed into the concert. Pets are welcome and must be on a leash and have proof of current shots along with a county tag. All proceeds raised from the concert will go to the Central Brevard Humane Society in Cocoa to help the homeless animals.

Music in the Park

Saturday, August 31 - Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village
6 p.m. and FREE parking and admission

Grab your lawn chairs, insect repellant, and get ready to enjoy the “sweet musical sounds” of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles performed by some of Brevard’s favorite musicians at “A Night of the Classics.”

Activities will include the “vintage” vendor area, on stage giveaways throughout the evening, raffles, food and much, much more. Leashed pets are welcome and proceeds will benefit the Central Brevard Humane Society in Cocoa.

Standup Paddle Surfing Competition

 OK, so Rhianna and Robert Pattinson won't be in Indialantic this weekend BUT this gives you an idea how popular SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) has gotten. This weekend there will be the Eastern SUP Surf Circuit, ESSC- Standup Paddle Surfing Competition. The race will take place at Nance Park in Indialantic. Someone tell Pattinson he is supposed to be standing up!

 The excitement begins at 8am and ends around 10am. This is a strenuous sport and even surfers say it's just as much a workout as surfing. Katrina Smirnoff stays in shape during the off season by paddleboarding. Come see what all the excitement is about!

Arts & Crafts under air

Arts and Crafts shows are always a treat. But given the choice of wandering around in 90 degree temps or strolling at my leisure in air conditioned comfort - well, there is NO choice! Sat and Sun 10am - 4pm at the Melbourne Auditorium - this weekend. Come support local and get started on holiday shopping! 

Back to school

Space Coast public schools begin classes tomorrow. Add time for your morning commute and turn the radar to ultra sensitive!

Pecking order

In all the years I've walked various Space Coast beaches, I've never seen anything like this. No-one got out of line!

Cruise ship watching

Watching cruise ships glide by, close enough to hold a conversation with the passengers, is a popular way of spending a quiet late afternoon/early evening for many of us. Jetty Park's website has a calendar that lists the date, time and cruise ship for all Cape Canaveral departures - a very handy thing to have! It isn't 100% dependable because the cruise lines aren't either. But it's close!

Farmers Markets this week-end

It's harvest time! Come out and get FRESH produce and support local growers! Outdoor markets this weekend:

* Eau Gallie Farmers Market (Eau Gallie & Highland Ave) - Sat 8 - 2
* Beachside Market at Nance Park (Indialantic) - Sat 9 - 3
* Downtown Melbourne Market (1900 S Harbor City Blvd) - Sat 10 - 3
* Organic Market - Tractor Supply, Rt. 1 in Mims - Sat 10 -  4

* Cocoa Beach Market (A1A & Minuteman Cswy) - 9 - 3
* Downtown Melbourne (1900 S Harbor City Blvd) - Sun 9 - 3
* Rockledge Gardens Farm (US1 Rockledge) - Sun 11 - 2

How to attract tourists 101

Never mind the cute little kids building sand castles on the beach - if they wanna get more tourists, they need to use stuff like this. These 2 were doing their own share of attracting Thursday afternoon at Hangars. Sure glad I didn't have my 10 year old son with me...

Space Coast Gator fans - head's up!

The Space Coast Gator Club - the 11th largest club in the world! - will have their 2013 Tail Gator Kickoff Party at Duran Golf Course on Sat., Aug 10th. You don't have to be an alumni to join the club but if you are a fan, you seriously need to look into it. These people are friendly and fun. If there is a game on TV, this is where you want to watch it - with other rabid fans like yourself! Read more about the club & how to join!

Manatees 3-in-a-row

 The number of Manatee games left in the season is dwindling...so don't miss your chance to go see one. They will be playing the Yankee minor league team Wed, Thurs, and Fri (Aug 7-9) at 6:35pm each day. For tickets, schedule, promotions, etc, visit their official web site at this link.

Turtle nests beginning to hatch

Turtle nests are beginning to hatch. If you are walking the beach during the day and see big holes dug, be a pal and fill them in. Same goes for trash. When babies hatch, they run for the water and if they fall in a hole, they die of dehydration or worse, if a large bird sees a baby struggling to get out. For more info, and a video of a nest hatching, follow this link.

Type B blood

Ain't it the truth!!!!!!!

Spring training is almost here!

Spring training is almost here! And it may be the last one for a while....maybe a long while....The team begins to filter in next week so look for them in and around Viera. Game schedule and ticket info here.

Cloaked in darkness

Now why would Air Force three or four (didn't see, just heard) be arriving at 10:30pm? Dunno, but you can't miss that distinctive, and fast, pass over the house.

Huge bridal show at King Center

This Sunday, at the King Center, there will be a HUGE (75 wedding professionals/vendors/experts) bridal show!! Time: 1 - 5 p.m. There will be live entertainment and - of course - a bridal fashion show. The best part are the door prizes and there will be a drawing for a honeymoon. And let's not forget the food and cake samples!!!

There will be vendors representing:
wedding venues (location)
reception venues
caterers
bakers
flower-makers
attendant gifts
goody bag and table decor
tent/table/chair rentals
honeymoon locations
photographers
limo service

Purchase tickets and get more info online HERE. OR order tickets online from King Center!

The Raptor Project at Brevard Zoo

This weekend Jonathan Wood and his 'show' The Raptor Project (they have been on TV a lot - if the name sounds familiar) will be at Brevard Zoo. Read more about it.

Dinner cruise

ALL ABOARD! Indian River Queen Paddle Boat still has seats left for their Friday Night Dinner Cruise on January 18! This three hour cruise up the Indian River Lagoon will include live music, a delicious dinner buffet and amazing sunsets and river views!

Dinner Buffet includes:
Fresh Fruit Platter and Chips & Homemade Salsa
Caesar Salad, Steamed Seasonal Vegetables
Cheese Tortellini with a Basil Cream Sauce
Sliced Tomatoes Vinaigrette
Chicken Breast with a Mushroom Marsala Wine Sauce
Rolls & Herb Butter
Dessert Bar
Coffee, Tea & Water. Cash Bar

For more information visit: indianriverqueen.com
P.S. Bring a jacket - gonna be chilly!!

Willie, the legend

This show should be great. Willie Nelson is a legend and not just because he laughs in the face of those who tell him he can't smoke what he is known for smoking. Willie is a hero. He is the ultimate example of living life on his own terms. Is his voice anything special? No. Is he physically attractive. No. Does he have more guts than anyone you know? Probably. He has been performing for 60 years and he isn't getting any younger. Go see him while you can. For a small guy, he sure can cause a big ruckus! Friday Feb 8 at King Center.  

Indialantic Art Festival

Tis the season....for outdoor stuff...this weekend is the Indialantic Art Festival at Nance Park by Bizzaro's - why is it we always use restaurants when we give directions? Hey, it was pretty impressive to learn that Ringo Starr actually ate at that Bizzaro's, wasn't it?????? OFF the subject.

This art show is contemporary, one-of-a-kind stuff, and generally expensive. These people do this for a living and they make enough to travel the country showing off their stuff. That translates to pricey. Is it worth it? YES! You sure won't see their stuff in Wal-Mart or on art.com. See who will be there and what they are hoping to sell in this article.

Come on down!!

Ever wish you could "spin the wheel" , choose door number one, or guess the price of a car? Well, now you can. The Price Is Right LIVE - interactive show is coming to the King Center Tuesday, Jan 29. Sure, it's a week day, but you'd just be sitting on the couch watching TV anyway - so GO! Check it out!

Meet people and play beach volleyball

Great way to meet new people, get some exercise, have fun and make friends. Every Sunday this meet-up group gets together at Pelican Beach to play volleyball. After volleyball, they meet at a local restaurant for dinner and conversation. Bring your water and don't forget to RSVP. Not competitive - just fun! 3:30- 5:30  Sundays! Satellite Beach.

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Seashell Festival

Raise your hand if you like to pick up shells on the beach! OK - this weekend you seriously need to check out the Space Coast Seashell Festival at Melbourne Auditorium. There are shells and other beach things to see and some you will never see again, unless it is at a shell show. They are huge and beautiful. This is a must for any beach babies worth their salt! Find out more here.http://www.examiner.com/article/2013-space-coast-seashell-festival

Melbourne Notre Dame Club

The Melbourne area Notre Dame Club, at least those who aren't in Miami,  will watch tonight's championship game at Meg O'Malley's, 812 New Haven Ave in downtown Melbourne. Nobody cares if you didn't graduate from ND - if you are a fan, that's good enough! Come cheer with peers! Game on 8:30.