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 21st annual Florida Winefest and Auction kicks off on April 28, 2011 and continues through May 1, 2011. 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 Thursday, April 28, 2011 with a Trade Tasting from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (by invitation only). That evening, the Winemaker Dinners, food and wine offerings in local restaurants and private homes throughout Sarasota County, will take place. Each dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the cost ranges from $125-$150.

Venues include 15 South, Libby's, Longboat Key Club, Mattison's Forty-One, Michael's on East, Pattiegeorge's, Salute!, Sarasota Yacht Club, Suncoast Porsche, the Oaks Club and Vin Cella, as well as the private residences. Details will be provided both online and in the invitation. To receive your invitation, join the mailing list at www.floridawinefest.org.

On Friday, April 29, 2011, partake in the Food & Wine Seminars hosted by Libby's Bar and Grill. An Olive Oil Seminar & Cooking Demonstration will take place at 11 a.m. ($40 per person). A Caviar, Vodka, Champagne, Wine, Cheesecake & Cabernet Seminar will take place at 2 p.m. ($100 per person).

That night, head to the Longboat Key Club for Beach Fest. The classy and casual beach party starts at 6:30 p.m., just in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Meet with fellow wine lovers at the beach. The cost is $200 per person.

The Consumer Tasting, Brunch & Charity Auction takes place Saturday, April 30, 2011. The tasting and brunch runs from 11 .m.-1:30 p.m. and the charity auction begins at 2 p.m. The event takes place at the Polo Grill & Bar in Lakewood Ranch. The cost for the tasting and brunch only is $65 per person. The cost for the charity auction only is $100 per person. A combination ticket is $150 per person.

A Taste of Winfest closes out the four-day event on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 12-4 p.m. Many local food vendors will be present. There will also be wine and beer tastings, music and a classic car show. It all takes place at Phillippi Estate Park. The cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the venue.

In addition to all of the events, there will be educational seminars on wine and cooking throughout the long weekend. Check the website for updates.

Best of all, proceeds from the event go to local charities-throughout its existence, Florida Winefest and Auction has donated millions to various Sarasota causes.

For more information, call (941) 952-1109 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. This year, the event takes place on April 17, 2011. 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, booths and food are just a few of the things you'll experience at the park. Attendees can rent canoes and kayaks, as well. It's all in the name of environmental awareness and fun.

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?

Earth Day has now been around for 40 years. Get involved! To 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, will take place during the weekend of April 30-May 1, 2011. 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.

As the Fiesta and Winefest run during the same weekend this year, you can take full advantage of a varied and jam-packed weekend of fun throughout Sarasota.

Locations:

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

For more details and locations, visit www.sarasotafl.org.