Happy New Year!!

New Year's Eve at Pelican Beach there will be a bonfire and chance to meet some new folks as the Brevard Outdoor Adventures members assemble. Bring your own chair and snack/beverage and meet this wonderful group. You'll want to join - starts at 7 p.m. No need to hang out in a bar when you can sit by the fire on the beach - does it get any better than that? Happy New Year!!

Last minute holiday shopping

Please keep this photo in mind as you grumble about having to stand in line or fight crowds. It's not about the material things - or it's not supposed to be...Merry, Peaceful, Meaningful, Memorable Christmas everyone.

Verbenia!!

Don't forget Verbenia Street in Satellite Beach when you set out to satisfy your craving for holiday light displays. The entire street looks like this and that doesn't include the sidewalks and arches across the road. Tomorrow night Santa will be receiving visitors but better go early! It is always a huge crowd-pleaser! For more information, read on...

Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration

Cocoa's Family New Year's Event

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Dec 31, 2011

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Bring in the New Year with this family friendly event in Riverfront Park from 5-9pm. The only event in Brevard County where kids can experience the children's countdown with a balloon drop, see entertainment on 3 different stages and participate in a variety of art activities. There is a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy. For more information, please contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500.

New Year's Week-end

Trop Stock New Years Eve In Cocoa Village & Merritt Island - For the whole week-end! Friday, December 30, 2011, Saturday, December 31 & Sunday, January 1, 2012. A whole week-end of fun, music and entertainment! Details at: http://www.TropStock.com Includes Friday Pirate Party, Saturday Live Bands, Sunday BBQ, & MUCH MORE! This event sold out in just three weeks last year!

They have tickets and will happily meet you or mail them or take credit card info over the phone! Contact Gary@MadHatterPromotions.com
MadHatterGary@yahoo.com
321-543-1346

When shopping this year...

"The average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts and goodies this year, totaling more than $465 billion... If that money was spent entirely on US made products it would create 4.6 million jobs... If each of us spent just $64 on American made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 new jobs."

Snow in Florida?

Snow in Florida? That?s right, come out to Riverfront Park from 5-8pm Friday to play in real snow. Listen to holiday carolers and drink some hot chocolate. Also watch a holiday movie (A Christmas Carol) on the big outdoor movie screen at 7pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. For more info, contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500 or visit www.cocoafl.org

Holidays in Space

Kennedy Space Center presents "Holidays in Space" - a completely unique idea! Besides learning about each of the countries that are currently represented on the International Space Station, visitors can send holidays greetings to the ISS. Throw in a skating rink, carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus - plus a 42' tree with mini flags representing the countries - and you have a new slant on Christmas on the Space Coast. Read more here.

While you are there, be sure to take the new close-up tour which includes the VAB and the shuttle Atlantis (see photo). It is so-o-o worth it!!!!

Happy Repeal Day

In 1920, the 18th Amendment did something that had never been done before, in the history of the United States - instead of granting citizens a right, it took one away: the right to consume alcohol. Thirteen years later, Amendment 21 repealed the Amendment, voting on Dec 5, 1933.

Good news for some, not for all. Bottom line: drink responsibly.

Let the Christmas parades begin!

Brevard County Parks and Recreation invite the whole family to the Merritt Island Holiday Parade which will take place on Saturday, December 3 along Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island, Florida. The parade starts at 10:00 am and will begin at Merritt Island High School and wind its way down Courtenay Parkway.

There are parades scheduled for the next 3 week-ends. More holiday events here!

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair

This weekend, Sat & Sun, Historic Cocoa Village will present their ever-popular Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and better get there early because parking is always a challenge! This is the time to support the individual business owner. As I have previously mentioned, the people who are involved in this are working for precious little. For some of my things, I earn about $1 an hour. Those who aren't crafty have no idea how long it takes to create some of what you'll find. Which brings up the point that you'll find things there that you simply don't see elsewhere. So start your shopping early or just go out to support the foundation of America - the individual business-owner!