April is Keep America Beautiful Month, as well as Boost Your Hometown Month, so it’s no wonder Sarasota has a full event calendar to keep both locals and visitors entertained. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a nature-lover, or a beach bum, there’s something for everyone.
Cheers!
The 19th annual Florida Winefest and Auction kicks off on Thursday, April 23 and continues through Sunday, April 26. Patrons will enjoy four days of fine wine and gourmet food, while rubbing elbows with winemakers and renowned chefs. Bring your family and friends out for a true taste of Sarasota. The event begins the evening of Thursday, April 23, with The Winemaker Dinners, food and wine offerings in local restaurants and private homes throughout Sarasota County. Admission starts at $15.
On Friday, April 24, The Showcase Food and Wine Tasting offers up food and wine at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The cost is $65/person. Food and wine seminars will be going on around town throughout the day. That night, let loose at The Friday Night Dinner and Dance, also at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and goes until midnight. The cost is $300/person.
At The Grand Brunch and Charity Auction on Saturday, April 25, patrons will have the opportunity to bid on special wines, some of which were given a perfect 100 by the Wine Advocate. The Grand Tasting is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Live Charity Auction begins at 5 p.m. The cost is $175/person.
Wrap up a long weekend of wining and dining on Sunday, April 26, at Sips and Sounds and Wine and Wheels, a relaxing afternoon wine tasting at the Phillippi Estate Park. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the cost is just $15/person.
Best of all, proceeds from the event go to local charities—throughout its existence, Florida Winefest and Auction has donated over $6 million to various Sarasota causes.
For more information, call (800)-216-6199 or visit www.floridawinefest.org.
Go Green
While Earth Day is April 22, The Annual Oscar Scherer State Park Earth Day Celebration is traditionally held on the third Sunday of April. The day-long celebration of Planet Earth and Mother Nature runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a variety of activities that are fun for the whole family. A photo contest, art contest, fishing, guided walks, a silent auction, and food are just a few of the things you’ll experience at the park. Attendees can rent canoes and kayaks, as well.
In this economy, we’re learning that the best things in life are free. The Earth Day celebration is completely free of charge. You can even bring a picnic! What’s better than learning about helping the environment while enjoying the great outdoors in scenic Sarasota?
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. To get learn more, visit www.earthday.net.
Fun in the Sun
The Siesta Fiesta is back. The event, which is held annually in Siesta Key Village, moved to February in 2008, but due to a plethora of requests for its move back to the original April dates, it will be held during the weekend of April 25-26, 2009. The event is typically considered the last party of the season, a sort of celebration for locals and farewell party for visitors. Sadly, many of our visiting friends must return to the icy northern temperatures while locals get to savor the Siesta sun and sand year-round.
Whether you’re here for good or just want to soak up the sun one last time before you go, you don’t want to miss the Siesta Fiesta. The outdoor block party serves up a wide array of vendors selling everything from art to food while live music floats across Ocean Boulevard.
Admission to the event is free. After the fiesta, you can take a siesta on the beach, since the Gulf is just steps away from the Village.
Locations:
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
Phillippi Estate Park
5500 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231
Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S. Tamiami Trl., Osprey, FL 34229
Siesta Key Village
Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242
