Sarasota and Venice Kick off the Holidays

It’s that time of year again, when hot on the heels of Halloween, the holiday ads appear with a reminder that you only have a handful of Fridays to shop, wrap, bake, and light your house up like Clark Griswold.  Sometimes even the best intentions can lead to a hectic holiday season where last minute is seemingly when you will do everything you meant to do back in November.  Wherever you land on the holiday frenzy meter, it’s necessary to be present in the time you are spending with your loved ones and realize the value of the holiday lies in the memories you will make.  Thankfully, there are plenty of happenings around town to serve as a beautiful backdrop for your gatherings in the coming weeks.

Stopping to reflect on all that you are grateful for allows perspective to be put on the people and events that mean the most to you.  And it is with immense gratitude that on today, Veterans Day, we extend a huge thank you to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.  The supreme sacrifices that you and your families have made for the safety and security of our country is humbling to those of us made safe by your heroic actions.   Sarasota will be honoring all veterans with parades and events that are listed below.  Be sure to thank a veteran today!

Veterans Day Celebrations

Sarasota Veterans Day Parade– Starts at 10:00 a.m. at Osprey and 301 and proceeds down Main Street to J.D. Hamel Park on Gulfstream where a celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m.
Vets Day Parade and Honor Program with Longboat Key Veterans- Parade starts at 2:30 p.m. behind Publix at Bay Isles Road and ends at Temple Beth Israel.
Annual Veterans Day Mass at the Sarasota National Cemetery– The mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane at 3:00 p.m., opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m.

Also Happening in November

Chalk Festival– Artists will be celebrating the theme “Eat, Drink and be Merry!” and coloring downtown Venice and the Venice Airport with 3D chalk art, live music and more. Runs through Nov 16.
Sarasota Medieval Fair– Jousting, 100+ artisans and craft booths, and renaissance fun in the Ringling Woods behind Robarts Arena.  Nov 14-15 and 21-22.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic- World-famous Siesta Key is the setting for amazing sand creations by master sculptors, food vendors and live music.  Nov 13-17.
Venice Blues Festival– Headliners The Kinsey Report and Larry McCray, along with a local favorite, Kettle of Fish, kick off the 3rd year of Venice’s premiere blues festival. Nov 21.
Venice Holiday Parade– 37 years running for this community favorite which takes place in downtown Venice.  The parade features over 3,000 participants and is expected to draw over 40,000 attendees. Nov 28, pre-parade entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m.
Light Up Siesta Key Village Parade and Holiday Open House– Celebrate Santa’s arrival and a grand tree lighting at Siesta Key Village.  Nov 28, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Photos:  Chalk Festival Sarasota by Eelke on Flickr.  Commercial Use Allowed.
173rd Airborne Brigade Veteran by Robert Couse-Baker on Flickr.  Commercial Use Allowed.Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting by Mike Carbonaro on Flickr.  Commercial Use Allowed