THIS WEEK IN CENTRAL FLORIDA MARCH 3-11, 2014

Find a complete listing of March and Aprilevents taking place in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Rebel Spring Games
Date: Monday, March 3 – Tuesday, March 18
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex; DiamondPlex, Winter Haven
- More than 110 NAIA, Junior College, Division I, II and III colleges and university softball teams are expected to participate in the 2014 Rebel Spring Games tournament, with more than 500 games being held during March.

Helen Reddy
Date: Wednesday, March 5
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- Legendary recording artist and “Queen of 70’s Pop” Helen Reddy comes to Lakeland for an unforgettable evening.

Florida Jets
Date: Wednesday, March 5 – Saturday, March 8
Venue: Paradise Field, Lakeland
- See three days of flying with more than 300 RC jets, eight flight lanes daily, RC jet manufacturer exhibits, and daily demos.

An Evening with Andrew York
Date: Thursday, March 6
Venue: Harrison School of the Arts, Lakeland
- Enjoy a fantastic concert featuring Grammy Award winning artist, Andrew York with the students of Harrison School for the Arts in the Classical Guitar department.

Free Community Gardening Workshop
Date: Thursday, March 6
Venue: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve, Lake Alfred
- Enjoy Florida-friendly gardening workshops monthly on the first Thursday sponsored by Florida Master Gardeners and University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

The History of America in 101 Objects
Date: Thursday, March 6
Venue: Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
- Kurin, a world-renowned expert on the Hope Diamond and the Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture at the Smithsonian, will lecture about his book and the objects featured within its pages.

Citizens Bank & Trust Lake Wales ART-B-CUE
Date: Friday, March 7
Venue: Lake Wailes Park, Lake Wales
- The “Art-B-Cue” will welcome artists and sponsors to kick off the Citizens Bank & Trust Lake Wales Arts Festival.
- The public will be invited to purchase barbecue for $10.00, or bring a picnic to enjoy the entertainment.

Ellen Spivey at The Loft Art Gallery
Date: Friday, March 7
Venue: The Loft Art Gallery, Lakeland
- Spivey’s artwork makes its debut during downtown Lakeland’s First Friday festivities and will include a free reception with live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

First Friday
Date: Friday, March 7
Venue: Munn Park, Lakeland
- First Friday, one of Downtown Lakeland’s recurring monthly events, features an evening of free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the opportunity to visit a locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment.

Pickin’ in the Park
Date: Friday, March 7
Venue: Central Park, Winter Haven
- Join in a fun time of music in Central Park at this free community sing-along with music by local musicians held on the first Friday monthly.

The History of America in 101 Objects
Date: Friday, March 7
Venue: Winter Haven Public Library
- Kurin, a world-renowned expert on the Hope Diamond and the Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture at the Smithsonian, will lecture about his book and the objects featured within its pages.

Mr. George Life and Legacy
Date: Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9
Venue: Polk Theatre, Lakeland
- NFocus Pictures presents Mr. George, a documentary on the life and legacy of George W. Jenkins, founder of Publix Super Markets.

Family Fun Days
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Polk County History Center, Bartow
- The history center invites families to enjoy a day of arts and crafts on the second Saturday of each month.

Green Day
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland
- Explorations V Children’s Museum will host “Green Day,” a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration that will include Irish-themed music, games and art.

MIDFLORIDA Spring Obsession
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Munn Park, Lakeland
- Lakeland’s premier garden event in historic Downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park features more than 60 vendors annually, and attendees will be able to find plants, orchids, food, music, expert speakers and more.

Ramon Theater 2014 Premier Series – A Neil Diamond Tribute
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Ramon Theater, Frostproof
- Part of the 2014 Premier Music Series, A Neil Diamond Tribute will star Two Time Tribute Artist of the Year; Diamond Look & Sound Alike Keith Allynn.

Roll Out the Red Carpet for Harrison
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Harrison School of the Arts, Lakeland
- All 11 departments at Harrison will be represented throughout the evening which will include “roaming” performers, food, a silent auction and an incredible main stage performance.

Citizens Bank & Trust Lake Wales Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, March 8 – Sunday, March 9
Venue: Lake Wailes, Lake Wales
- More than 100 juried artists from around the United States will exhibit their works in eight categories: clay; drawing, graphics and digital; jewelry; mixed media and fiber; oil and acrylic; watercolor and pastel; photography; and sculpture, wood and glass at the annual Citizens Bank & Trust Lake Wales Arts Festival held on the shores of Lake Wailes.

22^nd Annual International Carillon Festival
Date: Saturday, March 8 – Sunday, March 16
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
- Celebrate the beauty, music and distinctive value of the Singing Tower carillon with daily concerts from four world-renowned and aspiring carillonneurs.
- The Visitor Center will feature historical exhibits on the history, construction and sound of the carillon.

Live at the Gardens! Music at Pinewood Series
Date: Sunday, March 9
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens’ Pinewood Estate, Lake Wales
- Visiting guest artist, Tom Van Peer, presents an eclectic program for piano ranging from jazz and classical to romantic 19th-century selections and unique improvisations.
- Tom Van Peer is the City Carillonneur of Lokeren, Belgium, acclaimed composer for piano and carillon, and currently teaches at the Royal Carillon School in Mechelen, Belgium

Nature Appreciation Hiking Tour
Date: Sunday, March 9
Venue: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve
- An expert Polk County Master Gardener and an experienced interpretive guide will escort beginners and passionate outdoor enthusiasts alike on a pleasant one mile hike through the beautiful sub-tropical forest of this shady preserve.

Over 55 Show Band
Date: Sunday, March 9
Venue: Polk State College, Winter Haven
- The Over 55 Show Band, composed of musicians ranging in age from 40 to 80, will perform “Big Band Music Today” at Polk State College.

Masterworks 4
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Venue: The Lakeland Center
- The Imperial Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 4, part of the 2013-2014 Masterworks Series, featuring the out-of-this-world music of John Williams and his “Star Wars Suite”.

Special Events Series at Theatre Winter Haven- The Dukes
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
- This two man group singing 50’s & 60’s Doo Wop and Rock & Roll hits began as The Dukes of Harmony in 2001 and have had over 200 appearances in Florida alone.
- Dedicated to preserving the music of their youth, the audience will hear favorites such as “Lil Darlin,” “Duke of Earl,” “Pretty Woman,” “The Stroll,” “Blue Moon,” and dozens more.