FRIDAY 10.1
45 Years of the Stepford Doll OK, I have a rather embarrassing confession to make: I used to play with Barbie dolls. Really. I created scenarios, and my favorite involved some sort of world disaster with good 'ol Barb as the only survivor (except for Ken, who amazingly survives the catastrophe as well). Anyway, my secret is out and I'm free to suggest Florida International Museum's latest exhibit, Barbie Doll Celebrates 45 Years of Fashion as a fun way to spend the afternoon. This 45th-anniversary exhibit includes everything from rare vintage dolls to the latest Barbie trends. Wardrobes and accessories from each era are represented, and inventive vignettes bring the dolls to life. General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for students and youths ages 6-18 (children under 6 enter free). Hours are 10 a.m.— 5 p.m. Mon.—Sat., and noon-5 p.m. Sun. Florida International Museum, 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-821-1448.
They Want to Take You Higher Sly and the Family Stone was a racially and sexually integrated band, one of the first in rock history. They produced songs celebrating freedom, individuality and the joy of music, and their sound was a reflection of their individuality. They crossed musical boundaries by fusing funk rhythms with a psychedelic sensibility, becoming pioneers of an original pop-rock-soul genre that continues to influence music today. This weekend, we're honored with the rare treat of not one, but two shows by Life! The First Family of Funk, an all-star ensemble of members from Sly and the Family Stone and Graham Central Station, in addition to guest Ivan Neville of the Neville Brothers. These ultra-talented folks perform sets that include hits you probably know — "Dance to the Music," "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," "Everyday People" — and they'll funk it up so hard that you'll be shakin' what your mama gave ya in no time. 9 p.m. Fri., Oct. 1. $25. The Masquerade, 1503 Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-247-3319; 9 p.m. Sat., Oct. 2. $25. Bourbon Street Club, 4331 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. 727-843-0686.
SATURDAY 10.2
Free Family Fun This afternoon, spend some time with your family at the "Welcome Home Festival," a free event in St. Petersburg that focuses on fun, literacy, good health and help for at-risk children in the community. Interested parties can enjoy live music by Bryan Edwards and The Earthlings (an electric washboard band), exotic animal shows by hands-on museum Great Explorations, face painting by Cassandra Gordon-Harris, craft activities for kids by the St. Petersburg Junior League and storytelling sessions by the Mirror Lake Branch Library. Other features include exhibits and demonstrations by the St. Pete police, balloon artistry, clowns, a petting zoo and free health screenings by St. Anthony's Health Care. For more information about the event or its sponsors, please call 727-823-4742 or visit www.floridaresurrectionhouse.com. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. St. Anthony's Park, on the corner of Ninth Avenue and 12th St. N., across from St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg.
Herpetology to the Nth Degree The Florida International Reptile and Exotic Animals Show takes place this weekend, featuring more than 250 exhibitor booths with breeders and manufacturers from all over the country offering a selection of reptiles, exotics, cages, tanks, foods and supplies, as well as reptile arts and crafts. In addition, guests enjoy diversions in the form of fun, scaly-related performances, like Roark Ferguson's Reptile Safari Show; Dr. Wissman's Upclose Animal Encounters; and magician SnakeBabe with sidekick Steve August. Visitors can also take part in workshops, listen to various expert speakers, spin the Reptile Wheel of Fortune or chow down on some grub provided by local vendors. For a complete schedule of events or other information, please go to www.reptileandexotic animalshow.com. Tickets are $8 for one day or $14 for both; children under 5 are admitted free. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., Oct. 2-3. Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, 813-621-7821.
Vote, Damn It! Celebrate your right to vote at two corresponding events: The Artists and Voters Fair, a daytime street festival, and The Artists and Voters Ball, an evening costume party. The fair is a free, family-oriented happening open to any individuals interested in registering to vote, meeting local candidates, using the new voting machines and promoting or listening to differing points of view. In addition, artists are invited to show and sell their work, and a collaborative art installation will be created during the fair. Later on, check out The Artists and Voters Ball, a bipartisan celebration of the more energetic aspects of the political process, with piñatas of candidates, mock debates, dangling chads and more. The Voters Ball is costume optional and if you wanna dress up, come as "something" from American history (or at least something red, white and blue). Cash and prizes will be awarded for best and worst costumes. Live musical performances are scheduled throughout the evening by Puly Sequeira and his Caribe Trio, Ronnie Elliott and Friends, Big Wiggler, Cold Joon, Handshake Squad, Mind Bomb and others. For more information, e-mail artistsandvoters@aol.com. Artists and Voters Fair, 1-6 p.m.; Artists and Voters Ball, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. ($10). Cuban Club, 2010 N. Republica De Cuba, Ybor City. 813-248-2954.
SUNDAY 10.3
Environmental Art Ever build a sandcastle and realize that you've created a masterpiece? Maybe you should enter The Pier's First Annual Washington Mutual Sand Sculpture Contest, which takes place today and benefits a variety of local charities. The fee for each sand sculpture team is $25 and these teams may have up to six members, who select a local charity to benefit from any winnings. (The charity name will be displayed at their 10' x 10' plot as the "sponsor.") Team members receive complimentary beverages, a memento for their participation, and a group photo with their completed structure. (Photos are e-mailed to each participant following the event.) Sign-in is at 9 a.m. and the sand sculpting commences at 10 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. Judging follows by Team Sandtastic and other members of the community from 2 to 3:30 p.m., with awards given at 4 at The Pier. The event takes place at Spa Beach, located on The Pier approach, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. For more information, go to www.teamsandtastic.com.
Oral Delights The Palm Harbor Junior Women's Club presents the Eighth Annual Taste of Palm Harbor Festival this afternoon in the city's historic downtown area. If you're worried about missing Sunday afternoon football games, Knology Connect Theater provides a live broadcast. If you're more concerned with being entertained, there are games, carnival rides, an arts and crafts show, and live music by That 70s Band. And for the more adventurous souls, there's also bungee jumping and rock climbing. Naturally, organizers have provided an abundance of food and beverages from more than 25 restaurants, including Carrabba's Italian Grill, The Simple Gourmet, Saint Larry's Divine Food & Spirits, Boston Cooker, Palm Harbor Steakhouse, and Crabby Bill's. All proceeds from the event go to the Palm Harbor Junior Women's Club's "Making A Difference" Community Grants and Scholarships Programs, which have awarded over $100,000 to local not-for-profit area charities since the Taste's inception in 1997. For more information, please call 727-943-7001. The festivities take place from noon to 6 p.m. and admission is free. Downtown Palm Harbor, Florida Avenue between U.S. 19 and Alternate 19.
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2004.