GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview April 8-10

It’s Thursday and the weekend’s just around the corner. If you’re still stumped on what to do, we’ve got some great ideas.

ARTI GRAS

Where/when: Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association will present an Arti Gras  April 9 starting at 7  p.m. at The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview.

Why go:The 27th annual arts gala celebration will feature silent and live auctions, dinner, drinks, music and awards.

Price: The cost is $100 per person. For information, call 813-685-8888 or visit www.centerplacebrandon.org.

THE BRANDON BALLET'S 'PAQUITA'

Where/when: The production will be presented April 9 at 3 and 5:30 p.m. in the Spoto High School auditorium, 8538 Eagle Palm Drive, Riverview

Why go: With a cast of 38 dancers, this classic ballet features beautiful dancing and costumes.

Price: Adult tickets are $15, children's tickets are $10 and tickets for seniors are $12. 

MINNIE'S MASQUERADE

Where/when: Disney Store, 550 Westfield Brandon Town Center Mall, Brandon, April 8 at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Why go: Children are invited to the Westfield Brandon Disney store for an exciting costume party with Minnie Mouse. Dress the little ones up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a screening of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD, "Minnie's Masquerade," before it airs on television.

In addition, there will be arts and crafts, prizes and a costume parade for kids.

Price: free

MEET THE EASTER BUNNY

Where/when: The Easter bunny hops into town taking post at Macy's Plaza located at Westfield Brandon Mall. The bunny will be on duty Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Why go: Round up your kids and stop by to meet the famous bunny and pose for a family photo by Shutterfly Photography. There are a variety of potrait packages available whether you'd like one for your home or more to share with friends and family. 

Price: Meeting the Easter bunny is free. Prices vary for photo packages.

FISH FRY

Where/when: The St. Stephen Catholic Church Men's Club will host a Lenten fish fry each Friday during Lent at the church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Why go: Enjoy a delicious fish or shrimp dinner with fries and cole slaw at the church, or takeout is available. There's also cheese pizza for the kids.

 Price: Fish dinners are $7, fish and shrimp dinners are $7.50, shrimp dinners are $8 and cheese pizza for the kids is $5.

BENEFIT PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Where/when: Cornerstone Baptist Church at 818 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, Saturday, April 9, from 7 a.m. to noon. 

Why go: The Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO), a Brandon charity food pantry, and New Horizons Group Home, group-living alternative for developmentally challenged adults, are raising funds in a very "sweet" way with a community pancake breakfast and a pancake-eating contest.  

Price: The event is open to all area residents for $5 per person.

FISHHAWK COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Where/when: Nearly 500 homeowners throughout FishHawk Ranch will sell yard sale items between 8 a.m. and noon on Saturday.

Why go: Here's a chance to find everything from clothes to furniture at rock-bottom prices.

Price: free to look

CLAY SHOOT

Where/when: Saturday, April 9, at FishHawk Sporting Clays, 13725 Hobson Simmons Road, Lithia. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the shoot following a briefing on safety.

Why go: The Rodgers Middle School FFA is hosting a sport clay shoot fundraising event to benefit students wishing to participate in FFA projects.

Price: The cost for individuals is$80. The cost for teams of four is $300. Nonshooters can enjoy lunch for $10.

BRANDON ELKS CRAFT SHOW

Where/when: April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, Brandon.

Why go: The funds will support the Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services.

Price: Free to attend