5 Things to Know Today, Oct. 20: Small Businesses to Be Honored

1. Bring the kids (grades pre-kindergarten to third grade) out for some enjoyable children’s theater to see "Rumpelstiltskin" Thursday, Oct. 20 at 10:15 a.m. at Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon. The excitement begins when Gracie the baker’s daughter meets a magical little elf who spins straw into gold for a royal fee. Lessons in this original musical include “It isn’t nice to brag or boast” and “Never make a promise that you can’t keep.” Tickets for members are $6 each and tickets for nonmembers are $7.

2. Head over to Westfield Brandon mall for the  “Music Makes Me Dance” program. For the month of October the Westfield Family program will feature music- and dance-themed Westfield Family Fun Days, kid and family-friendly activities celebrating music and instruments.

Oct. 20 will feature story time with books “Ella Sets The Stage” by Carmela D'amico and Steve D'amico, and “The Maestro Plays” by Bill Martin Jr. and Vladimir Radunsky. Kids will design their own instruments - rainsticks and tambourines – and enjoy a healthy snack.

3. The Brandon Chapter of the New World Celts meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at O'Brien's Irish Pub, 701 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon. The charitable organization promotes Celtic history and culture. Membership is open to all. Call Dugg Smith, (813) 291-2387 or e-mail dduggins95@yahoo.com.

4. Join the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce at the Crowne Plaza Tampa East, 10221 Princess Palm Ave. Tampa, for the annual Small Business of the Year Awards banquet. A cocktail reception is at 6 p.m. followed by the awards program and dinner at 7 p.m. The cost is $35.

5. The Scrapbook Club meets the third Thursday of the month at the Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath Road, Valrico. It is open to everyone from novice to experienced scrapbookers.