Author Archives: Sarasota Local

Sarasota Beach Runs

WHO:

Calling all kids – from kids in strollers with parents to big kids (aka adults)

WHAT:

Kids & Adults Summer Beach Runs sponsored by New Balance Sarasota, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation and Manasota Track Club

WHEN:

Every Tuesday (Siesta Key Beach) & Wednesday (Venice Pier) evenings

June 7 – July 27, 2022

TIME:

Kids’ 1-mile beach runs: registration begins at 5:30 pm, race time 6:30 pm

Adult runs (distances and courses vary each week): registration opens at 5:30; runs at 7 pm

WHERE:

Siesta Key Beach (Tuesdays)

Public Beach Pavilion

948 Beach Road, Siesta Key

Venice Pier (Wednesdays)

1600 Harbor Drive, Venice

COST:

$1 one-time registration fee, which allows kids and adults to compete in as many beach runs as they like. They must check-in and register for each race.

AWARDS:

Kids who complete four runs, receive a free T-shirt, a free kid’s meal coupon at Gecko’s and a 50% off voucher for a pair of New Balance Kids shoes. The runs can be completed all at one location or mixed up between both beaches.

WHY:

The Siesta Key and Venice Kids & Adults Beach Runs were started to give kids of all ages, parents and families a fun activity they can do on their own or together. These runs provide a weekly incentive to help kids of all ages get and stay in shape, with the rewarding goal of having completed one or more races. For parents, these runs help kids burn off extra steam and energy! The mile course is also an ideal distance for newcomers to start a fitness program either by walking, jogging, running or a combination thereof, with the opportunity to progress to the longer distances in the adult races as fitness and desire allow.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic – More than Sand


 
The Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic will return to Siesta Beach on November 13 – 17, 2015. Come out and see international sand sculptors turn our soft white sand into works of art. And there’s more than sand at this event. Check out this video to see the variety of fun things to do.
See information about this year’s event on the Crystal Classic website.

 
See the winning scuptures from the 2014 event in this video.

 
This is the sixth annual sand sculpting competition held on Siesta Key. To see more videos about the event, visit the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Youtube channel.

Siesta Beach 4th of July

2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the Siesta Key Fourth of July fireworks display on Siesta Beach. This annual free event is sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, chamber members and volunteers.
Ticket sales for a pre-fireworks VIP party contributed to the annual fund raising for this free public event. First Watch was the presenting sponsor for the celebration.

The fireworks display from Zambelli Fireworks is one of the largest in Florida. Chamber members and volunteers put on the big event for over 800 attendees, which included a catered dinner, bar, live music and a preferred viewing area. Live music was provided by Ted Stevens and the Doo Shots.

 

Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks 2014

Annual spectacular fireworks on Siesta Key Beach, the #1 beach in Florida.  Be there for the fun.  Sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, this family event is the best place in Sarasota to see fireworks.

Be a VIP – get reserved parking, a gourmet meal, open bar, live entertainment and more.  Call the SKCC chamber and buy your VIP tickets now!  Only $150 per couple.  Party starts at 5:30 PM on the 4th.    Tickets are on sale now!  Call the Chamber at 941-349-3800 or visit the website: http://www.siestakeychamber.com

 

Beachpoint Cottages

For a laid-back casual style vacation, choose one of 8 tropical cottages on a more secluded part of Siesta Key beach. This fun and funky resort is great for events, family groups, weddings. Beachpoint is just 100 yards from the white Siesta sand and a well known Siesta Key landmark.

Looking Into the Crystal Ball Sarasota


The Sarasota Selby Public Library was the location for the 3rd Annual Crystal Ball Fundraiser.  The Friends of the Selby Library put on this casual fundraiser featuring local restaurants, a variety of entertainers and artists to support the library. This event had something for everyone – with music from pop to jazz, ballroom dancers, fire dancing, belly dancing and magic.  Foodies enjoyed tasty bites from numerous local chefs.
Video by studiof.com

Sarasota County Horse Shows at Fox Lea Farms

Fox Lea Farm is a 46 acre horse show facility in Venice, Florida. Less than a 30 minute drive from downtown Sarasota, it hosts more than 30 horse shows annually.
Spectators are welcome, and the admission fee is only $5 per person (no charge for parking).  The facility has bleachers and a viewing pavilion for spectators. Seats can fill up quickly at big events, so spectators are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. There’s even a cafe onsite for food and beverages.
This is a great Sarasota County location for a fun, family event.  You can see exciting shows most weekends.  See the current event calendar at the Fox Lea Farm website.  Call: 941-484-4321 for additional information.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Magic in the Sand

Make your plans now to attend the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition.  Get an up-close look as international sculptors compete for prizes on the crystal white sand of the best beach in the US!
There’s a legend that the pure, fine white sand on Siesta Key has magical properties.  Come and see it shaped into ethereal works of art.  Talk to the artists, watch demonstrations, get free sand carving lessons, hear live music and visit vendors stands where you can shop, eat and drink.  There’s fun for children and adults at this 4 day event.
Enjoy the art and support the Mote Marine Sea Turtle Program at this year’s event – November 9-12, 2012.  Get more information at the Crystal Classic website or call the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800.  Make sure you use the off site shuttle service for the easiest access.

Opening Day at Siesta Key Crystal Classic Honors Veterans

Opening day of the 2011 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition honored U.S. Veterans. Eileen Parkinson was MC for the event which featured the sand sculpture of The Raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima. This magnificent sculpture was created by Brian Wigglesworth, Master Sand Sculptor and a founder of the Crystal Classic.
A color guard, speakers and patriotic music were part of the ceremony.
Video by Studio F Productions, Inc.