ART EXHIBITS
AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING Sip, Savor & Shop The Tampa Museum of Art's young professional group, Avant Garde, hosts an exclusive holiday art sale featuring over a dozen emerging artists who display a variety of media, all affordably priced at $200 or less. Shoppers can also groove to holiday music while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and special holiday cocktails. Admission: $2 general/Free to members. 6 to 9 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 16, at Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-274-7350.
Pasco Arts Council's Holiday House 2004 The house sparkles with holiday decorations and a large assortment of fine handcrafted items from community artists, as well as manufactured items, available for purchase. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Dec. 23 at The Pasco Arts Center, 5744 Moog Road, Holiday, 727-845-7322.
A Season of Giving: Members Holiday Show and Sale This holiday exhibit is an 18-year tradition in St. Petersburg and features handmade gifts by 250 Florida fine craft artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Continues through Dec. 31 at Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-821-7391.
Celebrations: Annual Holiday Exhibition Holiday-themed works by center members, featuring ornaments, jewelry, pottery, paintings, holiday cards, handblown glass and more. Free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sun. Continues through Dec. 31 at The Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872.BENEFITS AND FUNDRAISERS Holiday Pet Present Sale Purchase the perfect gifts for your four-legged friends at this SPCA fundraising event. All of the retail items, which include cards, leashed, pet toys and apparel, are discounted from 20 to 50 percent off, and shoppers can also pick up pet adoption certificates. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., and noon to 5 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., through Dec. 31, at the SPCA of Pinellas County, 9099 130th Ave, N., Largo, 727 586 3591.
Lights of Lake Park Estates Each year, the residents of Lake Park Estates light up the neighborhood to celebrate the holidays, and collect donations and canned goods for ASAP's Harvest Time Food Bank, a nonperishable food pantry. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations or a canned food item. 6:30-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., and 6:30-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Continues through Dec. 31. For directions, call 727-586-4432 or go to www.thehospice.org/lolp.htm.PARADES, FESTIVALS
AND SPECIAL EVENTS Holiday Nature and Science Camp The City of Clearwater Parks & Recreation Department and the Science Safari Education Company offer this day camp where youngsters can explore nature and science through hands-on games, crafts, animal encounters and special demonstrations. For ages 6 to 11. Admission is $18 per day. Structured activities differ each day, and occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children are supervised during extended camp hours (8 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.). Campers must arrive by 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 727-585-2298. Dec. 17, 20-23 and 27-31, at Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater.
Hallucination Before Christmas The annual Hallucination Records Christmas Party features XXX-mas props, holiday visuals and live music by Pimp Juice with Monk vs. The Track Mack, Bunny (of Rabbit in the Moon), Tommie Sunshine and many others. Admission: $15. 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fri., Dec. 17, at The Amphitheater, 1609 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-2331.
Jingle Bell Singles Party Hosted by Dollie's Partybook for Singles, this festive event features music by Green Flash, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, prize drawings, heavy appetizers, dancing and a cash bar. Suggested attire is dressy casual and attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. Call 813-854-4415 for more information. Admission: $20. 6:30 p.m. to midnight Fri., Dec. 17, at the Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Drive, Tampa.
Presents for Primates Hang out with the zoo's primate family as they open presents specially wrapped and given to them by zoo staff and volunteers as part of their enrichment program. Regular zoo admission applies ($11.50 adults, $10.50 seniors, $7.95 ages 3-11, and children 2 and younger enter free). 10 a.m. Fri., Dec. 17, at Lowery Park Zoo, 7530 North Blvd., Tampa, 813-932-0245.
Holiday Dance Show Enjoy a holiday performance of ballroom and Latin dance by the Rungo Academy students and professionals. Admission: $15 (dinner included). 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 18, at the Rungo Academy - Center for the Arts, 1969 Sunset Point, Suite 13, Clearwater, 727-445-9755.
Christmas Parade and Candy Cane Hunt The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Mears Street and Alt. U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs, and ends at Craig Park (5 Beekman Way), where there's a candy cane hunt, pictures with Santa and a Christmas carol performance by Lisa Nicole. Sat., Dec. 18. Call 727-942-5628 for more information.
