Snowfest

Snowfest:
North Straub Park Pinellas 2007-12-01
With family snow activities, including ice-skating, tobogganing, crafts, pony rides and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. North Straub Park, Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg. Free admission; fee for some activities. (727) 893-7441

Illuminated Gardens

Illuminated Gardens:
Florida Botanical Gardens Pinellas 2007-12-01
With more than 425,000 holiday lights. 6-10 p.m. nightly. Continuing through Jan. 3. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Free. (727) 582-2100; www.flbg.org"

Largo Holiday Parade

Largo Holiday Parade:
Largo Central Park Pinellas 2007-12-01
Starts at Sixth St. SW and West Bay Drive, ends at Largo Central Park. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sat. (727) 587-6740, ext. 5014

Palm Harbor Fine Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival

Palm Harbor Fine Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival:
St. Petersburg College (Tarpon Springs)Pinellas 2007-12-01
Palm Harbor Fine Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival Juried show with fine arts and fine crafts, music, food, children's area. Benefits the Bill and Louise Hoskins Visual Arts Scholarship Program and the St. Petersburg College Scholarship Fund. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs Campus, 600 Klosterman Road. Admission free, $3 parking, benefits scholarship funds. (727) 784-4287; www.palmharborcc.org

Heritage Village Trees and Traditions

Heritage Village Trees and Traditions:
Heritage Village Pinellas 2007-12-01
Multicultural holiday event featuring dance and music performances by SPIFFS member groups, trees decorated in global themes and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa displays. Also buildings decorated, house tours. Decorations on display through December. 1-4 p.m. Sat. Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N, Largo. Free. (727) 582-2123; www.pinellascounty.org/heritage

Dunedin Holidays

Dunedin Holidays:
Edgewater Park Pinellas 2007-12-01
'An Old-Fashioned Christmas,' with entertainment, carriage rides, train rides, Santa's Workshop, kids' activities and Dickens Village, 6-10 p.m. Fri., downtown. Also 'Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting,' boats leave from Marker 1 Marina at 6 p.m. Sat., head south to Union Street, then return around 8 p.m. Music begins 6 p.m. at Edgewater Park, Santa arrives in last boat of parade and presides over tree lighting. Edgewater Drive and Main Street, Dunedin. Free. (727) 812-4530

Dunedin boat parade and tree lighting

Dunedin boat parade and tree lighting:
Edgewater Park Pinellas
2007-12-01 at 6 p.m.
Festivities at Edgewater Park will begin at 6 Pp.m., with holiday music provided by the Dunedin Concert Band, to put you in the festive spirit! Hot dogs and drinks will be available. Santa will arrive on the last boat and preside over the Tree Lighting Ceremony with City Officials to conclude the evening. Bring lawn chairs. For general information call 727-812-4531. For boat registration contact Bill Frantz, Harbormaster, at 298-3030 or Rod Collman at 734-3749. Co-sponsored by City of Dunedin Leisure Services Department, Dunedin Boat Club, Marker 1 Marina and Pinellas County."

Wild Wonderland

Wild Wonderland:
Saturday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lowry Park Zoo * 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL * 813-935-8552
Cost: * Free - $10
Wild Wonderland; the North Pole takes over the zoo for a nighttime spectacle of lights, animatronic displays, reindeer, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and more; 6 to 9 p.m. today and Saturday; $10 adults, free for children 2 and younger; Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa; (813) 935-8552"

Christmas Toy Train Show and Sale

Christmas Toy Train Show and Sale:
Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christmas toy train show and sale features toy trains, door prizes, food and drinks; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; $3 adults, $1 children ages 7-12, free children 6 and younger (with adult)); Knights of Columbus Hall, 7177 58th St. N., Pinellas Park; (813) 837-1714

Fine Arts, Crafts and Music Festival

Fine Arts, Crafts and Music Festival: Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: * Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art * 600 Klosterman Road, Palm Harbor, FL 727-784-9512
Cost: * Free
Fine Arts, Crafts and Music Festival; features artist booths, food, entertainment, exhibits and more; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; free; Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs; (727) 712-5762

Pet Photos with Santa at Hyde Park Village

Pet Photos with Santa at Hyde Park: Noon to 6 p.m., Hyde Park Village (Free)

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort: Noon to 10 p.m., Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center ($9.99 - $24.99)

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., corner of Drew Street and Fort Harrison Avenue, Downtown Clearwater; (727) 442-2099 (Free)

Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival

Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival:
Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa;
(813) 949-1937
Cost: * Free
Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival; featuring food, arts, crafts, vendor booths and more; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; free admission; Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 949-1937

Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival

Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival:

Event Date(s): 12/06 to 12/07 2008
Hillsborough County Park - Lutz, FL

Buckler's Holiday Craft Fair

Buckler's Holiday Craft Fair:
11/24 to 11/25 2007
State Fairgrounds - Tampa, FL
# of Exhibitors: 200
Juried: yes

Tarpon Springs Craft Festival

Tarpon Springs Craft Festival:
11/24 to 11/25 2007
Court Street - Tarpon Springs, FL
# of Exhibitors: 100
Juried: yes

Fall Harvest

Fall Harvest:
11/17 to 11/18 2007
Tarpon Avenue & Court Street - Tarpon Springs, FL
# of Exhibitors: 75
Juried: no

Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival

Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival:
11/17 to 11/18 2007
Main Street - Dunedin, FL
# of Exhibitors:100
Juried: yes

Day Out with Thomas 2007: All Aboard Tour

Day Out with Thomas 2007: All Aboard Tour:
All Aboard Tour - Saturday, Nov. 10 & Sunday, Nov. 11
Wooton Park in Tavares
Free - $18

Thomas the Tank Engine is set to roll into Wooton Park in Tavares for the Day Out With Thomas 2007: All Aboard Tour. The event which takes place November 2 through November 4, November 9 through November 11, will be hosted by the Inland Lakes Railway.

Trains depart at: 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM

- 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine
- The opportunity to meet and take a photo with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway
- A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station; featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hand on arts and crafts activities and coloring sheets
- Storytelling, video viewing and live music

www.inlandlakesrailway.com
Inland Lakes Railway
200 South Rockingham, Tavares, Florida
Wooton Park

RibFest 2007

RibFest 2007:
Saturday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. & Sunday, Nov. 11
Vinoy Park - just east of the Vinoy Hotel between fifth and seventh avenues, St. Petersburg
Free - $15
RibFest 2007; offers ribs, ribs and more ribs, a custom and classic car and truck show, motorcycle show, children's entertainment area with inflatables and more benefiting All children's Hospital and other related charities; 11 a.m. today, Saturday and Sunday; $10 online, $15 at gate; free children 12 and younger; Vinoy Park just east of the Vinoy Hotel between fifth and seventh avenues, St. Petersburg; (727) 528-3828

Christmas Under the Oaks

Christmas Under the Oaks:
Coachman Park
2007-11-11
Arts and crafts show with 100 exhibitors from the southeastern U.S. No pets allowed. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. $2. (727) 723-0888; www.clearwaterjuniors.org

Chili Blast 2007

Chili Blast 2007:
Coachman Park - Pinellas
2007-11-10
International Chili Society's Florida Championship judged competition. Teams compete in traditional red, chili verde and salsa categories. Winner advances to 2008 World Championship Chili Cookoff. Chili available for sampling. Also music, kid's activities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. Free admission. (727) 781-6330; www.floridachili.com

Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival

Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival:
33rd Annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival
Citrus
2007-11-10
Over 40 different foods and over 175 artists and crafters. This is a Juried Art Show with Lots and Lots of delicious seafood. The Festival takes place on Mason Creek Road in historic Old Homosassa. Follow U.S 19 to Homosassa in Citrus County and follow the signs. $2 admission. No pets, please. (352) 628-2666. www.homosassaseafoodfestival.com

SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR

SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR:

SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR @ HUNSADER FARMS
NOVEMBER 10, 11 AND 17,18 2007
http://www.sarasotamedievalfair.com

Tampa Bay Highland Games

Tampa Bay Highland Games: "
When: * Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event Phone Number: * 813-900-3370
Where: * Florida State Fairgrounds * 4800 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL * 201-231-6038
Cost: * $5 - $10"
More Info:

P R E S S R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Rob Hossack - 813-900-3370
Ric Hossack - 860-377-7388

Photos Courtesy of the Hossack Family

Rob Hossack - 2007
Alexander and Rob Hossack - circa 1970 (Father - Alex with Son - Rob)
Alexander Hossack - circa 1994 (Deceased 2007, Games a Tribute to his Memory)

FITTING SCOTTISH TRIBUTE - A HUNDRED THOUSAND WELCOMES!

The Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa will come alive with the vision of Alexander Hossack, a Scottish lad who arrived in the US in 1931 with his kilt, coat and bagpipes ... who joined the U.S. Military during World War II ... who spent most of his tour of duty as a prisoner of war ... and who never forgot his Scottish roots! Before Hassock's death in 2007, a promise was made to him by his two sons - Rob and Ric Hossack - to carry on true Scottish traditions and share the rich cultural heritage with everyone in the Tampa Bay area.

Son Rob picked up bagpiping from his father and is a professional bagpipe instructor and Ric shares in the passion. From 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 3rd thousands from throughout the Southeastern United States will enjoy centuries-old Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish military enactments, sheepdog herding demonstrations, Highland dancers along with Irish dancers and cloggers, massed bagpipe bands, artesian craftsmen, clan and vendor displays, fun children's activities and of course MUSIC - all at the TAMPA BAY HIGHLAND GAMES.

Featured on the mainstage will be the JACOBITES PIPE & DRUM BAND from Sarasota who have performed throughout Florida since 2002 with highly successful concerts at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and of course appearances at Highland Games in the Tampa Bay area. KELTICFIRE, a group of extremely talented young musicians will be on hand, along with THE ANGEL'S SHARE.

Music nor competitions are limited in any way - also in one of their first appearances will be THE SARASOTA MILITARY ACADEMY DRUM CORP, along pipe band, solo pipers, and highland dance competitions - all will fascinate festival-goers.

And in true tradition, the Scots will break out the beer and whiskey and food will be aplenty!

Proceeds from the Tampa Bay Highland Games will support many local and national charities. Admission is $10 for adults and children 12 and under enter for only $5. For Games' details, visit www.tampabayhighlandgames.2freedom.com or call Rob Hossack at (813) 900-3370.

Art Arbor

Art Arbor:
When: * Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 4
Phone: * 727-893-7326
Where: * Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg
Cost: * $1 - $2
Age limit: * All ages
Categories: * Crafts, Art Exhibit, Children, Live Entertainment
More Info: Art Arbor; festival features handmade arts and crafts, activities for children, live music, wildlife presentations, environmental exhibits and more; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $2 adults, $1 children; Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg; (727) 893-7326"

Ruskin Seafood Festival

Ruskin Seafood Festival:
E.G. Simmons Park
Hillsborough 2007-11-03
Crab burritos, grouper and gumbo plus Bavarian bakery, strawberry shortcake. Arts and crafts, kid?s area with entertainment, games, inflatables, costume contest (11:30 a.m. Sat.). Alcohol-free, family and pet-friendly event. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin. $5, $4 seniors; under 12 free. (813) 645-3808; ruskinseafoodfestival.org

Indian Rocks Jamboree

Indian Rocks Jamboree:
First Baptist Church (Indian Rocks)
Pinellas 2007-11-03
Family Carnival rides, arts and crafts, games, Christmas Sidewalk Sale, food and country gospel music by Grand Ole' Gospel Opry (7-8:30 p.m. Fri.), Hoppers (6-7:30 p.m. Sat.) and Mark Trammell Trio (6-7:30 p.m. Sun.). 3-10 p.m. today; 3 p.m.-midnight Fri.; 1-11 p.m. Sat.; 1-10 p.m. Sun. First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Free admission. Carnival tickets: $1-$40. Wristbands: $20-$40. (727) 595-3421; www.indianrocks.org

Dunedin Art Harvest

Dunedin Art Harvest:
Highlander Park
Pinellas
2007-11-03 at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Over 200 artists from around the country display and sell their work. Free admission. Parking is $4. Shuttle from Causeway Plaza at Curlew Road and Alt. U.S. 19, $2. Free parking at Dunedin High School.