GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview Nov. 9-11

It's Friday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit.

VETERANS DAY AT PARK SQUARE

WHERE/WHEN: The FishHawk Ranch Homeowners Association will honor those Americans who served under the five branches of the military with a Veterans Day event Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Park Square. 

WHY GO: This free event will feature the New Directions Orchestra and Chorus and guest speakers from past wars – World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and current conflicts. Residents will also have the opportunity to sign a memorial banner listing names of veterans who have served.

CRAFT SHOW

WHERE/WHEN: Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico, will host a craft show Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHY GO: There will be a variety of crafts suitable for Christmas giving available as well as refreshments. Call 813-689-3130.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

WHERE/WHEN: Brandon Ballet is offering residents a chance to get an up-close tour of its full-length ballet, "The Nutcracker," Saturday, Nov. 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. or 2 to 3 p.m. at the Dance Centre, 161 E Bloomingdale Ave.

WHY GO: Tour participants will receive an educational packet that will teach them about the music, story of the Nutcracker, the composer, costumes and choreography. There will be a question-and-answer session with Brandon Ballet's professional and company dancers. The event is free and open to all ages. RSVP to dance@brandonballetorg or 813-684-4282 to reserve a spot.

BRANDON FRESH MARKET

WHERE/WHEN: The Brandon Fresh Market will take place Saturday, Nov. 10 Please from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westfield  Brandon mall, between Sears and the food court.

WHY GO: This market will support community by supplying fresh produce, fresh baked goods, fresh seafood, entertainment, crafts, jewelry and music.

CAR SHOW

WHERE/WHEN: FishHawk Pizzeria, 15260 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, will host a car show Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHY GO: There will be hot rods, exotics, muscle cars, antique cars and race cars on display. All cars are welcome. Entry is free. There will be music, prizes and trophies.

ARMED FORCES BENEFIT RIDE

WHERE/WHEN: The Armed Forces Motorcycle Club will host its first USO Benefit Poker Run to support the newly established USO located inside Tampa International Airport. The event will be held Nov. 10 and will begin with registration at 10 a.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings, 10607 Big Bend Rd., Riverview.

WHY GO: The ride will kick off at 11 a.m., taking riders to The Bad Monkey, 1717 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City, Brandon Harley-Davidson, 9841 E. Adamo Dr., Tampa, and ending at The Rack, 1024 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, at 2 p.m. where riders will enjoy the music of WestBrook along with raffles, food and drink specials. For information, contact Ashley Vargas at avargas@usotampbay.org.

ECHO YARD SALE

WHERE/WHEN: The Emergency Care Help Organization, 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, will host its monthly yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHY GO: The yard sale raises funds for future projects and programs to enrich the community. It will feature a variety of new and gently used goods available for purchase.

MUSIC MAKERS

WHERE/WHEN: Children ages 2-10 are invited to attend a free workshop on the second Saturday of every month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

WHY GO: This fun and interactive workshop allows children to hear and see band and orchestral instruments like the flute, trumpet, tuba or violin and try them out themselves. Kids will also make an instrument that they get to take home along with a goodie bag.

NOVEMBERFEST

WHERE/WHEN: Nativity Catholic Church's 43rd Novemberfest takes place all weekend at the church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon.

WHY GO: The festival features midway rides, food and entertainment. Highlights include a performance by American Idol finalist Jeremy Rosado Friday night and a Veterans Day barbecue Monday, Nov. 12 starting at noon. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

SANTA'S HOLIDAY WORKSHOP

WHERE/WHEN: Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, will host its annual Santa's Holiday Workshop Saturday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHY GO: Children can get into the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, candy cane mice, a gingerbread house and pine cone reindeers. They also can create a 'Twas the Night Before Christmas ornament, a Stampin' Up project, enter an elf cooking contest and write a letter to Santa. Lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village. The cost is $10 and are available in advance only.

PLANETSHAKERS CONCERT

WHERE/WHEN: Planetshakers, a Christian worship band from Australia, will perform at River of Life Christian Center, 6605 Krycul Ave., Riverview, Sunday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.

WHY GO: The band has produced 20 albums and has toured throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. The band will be joined by special guest, The Band Justus. Tickets are available through www.riveroflifechristiancenter.org or call 813-677-4453.

HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET

WHERE/WHEN: The Junior League of Tampa’s ninth annual Holiday Gift Market, "A Whimsical Wonderland," is on tap for Nov. 9-11 at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa.

WHY GO: More than 145 merchants will be selling everything from children’s items, women’s clothing, handbags and jewelry to college game-day gear, gourmet food, home décor and holiday décor. Special events include “Breakfast with Santa," a book reading and signing with Grace Borgeson, Tampa-based author of "Douwlina: A Rhino’s Story," craft and cooking demonstrations and a “Man Cave." Times are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12.

FALL CRAFT SHOW

WHERE/WHEN: The Gifts and Crafts Fair, held at The Bridges Retirement Community, 11350 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, will take place Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHY GO: This one-stop holiday shopping event features more than 30 vendors. Shoppers will have an extensive selection of unique handcrafted and manufactured products to select from including holiday decorations, handmade crafts, stylish jewelry, pet accessories, sweet treats and much more.

NEW HORIZONS BARBECUE

WHERE/WHEN: New Horizons Group Homes will host its annual barbecue and silent auction fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Central Baptist Christian School gymnasium, 402 E. Windhorst Rd., Brandon.

WHY GO: The meal includes a pulled pork barbecue sandwich with potato salad, baked beans, a beverage and dessert for $10 for adults and $5 for children.

There also will be a bouncy house for kids, entertainment by professional violinist Stephanie Simon and Andy Peaveyhouse and his band. New Horizons also will introduce its 2012 commemorative ornament depicting the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

FLEA MARKET

WHERE/WHEN: Brandon Christian Church, 910 S. Bryan Rd., Brandon, will host its annual flea market Saturday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHY GO: There will be a variety of decorative items, baby items, clothing, furniture and knick-knacks for sale. Proceeds will go to the Family Promise of Brandon to help homeless families.

MOVIE ON THE LAWN

WHERE/WHEN: Canine Cabana, 9708 Carr Rd., Riverview, will host a movie on the lawn for all dog lovers Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

WHY GO: Residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy "Cats and Dogs." Popcorn and refreshments will be available.