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A Very Merry Holiday Concert

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Two New Works to Premiere 

At Intergenerational Orchestra’s

Annual Christmas Show

A Very Merry Holiday Concert and more

Boca Raton Fla. – Santa and “Elvis” are not the only headliners this year at Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America’s “A Very Merry Holiday Concert” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 in Our Lady of Lourdes. O’Shea Hall 22094 Lyons Road, Boca Raton.  in West Boca.

“We always showcase an added attraction to keep our holiday concert new for our audience every year,” founder/conductor Lorraine Marks-Field said about the ensemble featuring musicians from ages 9 to 91.

We are Americas’ first “Destination” orchestra whereby  musicians come to visit us from all over the world and the USA to find a new or temporary home to play their beloved instruments. No one is turned away.  All ages, all backgrounds, all abilities coming together for the Love of music.

This year’s repertoire will debut an original song, “ On a Wing and Prayerby her husband Bob Field, the orchestra’s manager and pianist. Bob is a retired public defender and champion of the underdog. The song is scored for orchestra by conductor/arranger Peter Fuchs and will become the theme song for the inclusive FLIOA . 

“Christmas Comes But Once A Year/Patapan,” a medley from Chris Maners’ will premiere. This was the first music album in Florida Atlantic University’s record label’s catalog to be featured on Apple iTunes, Pandora and Spotify, said Maners, an FAU Bachelor of Music graduate with a focus on Orchestral Film Music Composition.

Maners also co-chairs “Future Stars,” The Rotary Club of Boca Raton’s annual showcase of youth talent, part of Festival of the Arts BOCA for the first time this year. 

The holiday concert will also feature “The Christmas Song” and “White Christmas” with “Elvis”: songs from “Fiddler on the Roof”’; a Chanukah medley sung by Cantor Bill Wood and more. Children’s activity tables give young concert goers a chance to keep busy while they listen.  

Tickets for children under 12 are FREE.    $20 general admission, $40 VIP (first three rows)  http://www.flioa.org/ or by calling 561-922-3134

                                       
The orchestras is proud to display the Painted Violin Project. More than a dozen artists and performers custom painted a violin, among them Boca Raton’s own renown artist/sculptor Yaacov Heller’s “Fiddler on the Roof” viola. This one-of-a-kind collection of violins is for sale and will be on display throughout the concert and online.

**Concert goers can also take part in the Boca Raton Rotary Clubs’ Toy Drive by bringing an unwrapped toy to the concert.

ABOUT FLORIDA INTERGENERATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF AMERICA http://www.flioa.org/

Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America under the direction of founder Lorraine Marks Field, a 501(c)(3), is a volunteer orchestra for players to share and develop their artistic talents while enjoying making music in a friendly orchestral setting. The repertoire is carefully chosen to accommodate the ensemble’s need for music with a wide range of styles and difficulty. The non-profit orchestra, featuring musicians ranging in age from 9 to 91, was honored by the State of Florida, Department of Elder Affair with the Legacy Award for its intergenerational concept. For more information about the orchestra, contact conductor Lorraine Marks-Field, e-mail strings4all@aol.com; visit  https://www.facebook.com/FLIOA/      www.flioa.org or call 561-922-3134.

Brightline’s Art Week Events and Holiday Happenings

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Art Week 

November 29, 6 pm – 9 pm: Artist Reception and Live Painting from Emerging Artist Mayra Mateus 

*Open to the public on MiamiCentral’s Mezzanine Level*

  • Mayra Mateus: MiamiCentral will be home to a large-scale sculpture from emerging pop artist superstar Mayra Mateus’s Piggy Bank collection. Making her first debut at Art Basel this year, Mateus has gained fame with her piggy banks and colorful designs on canvas, sculptures and cartoons. She combines emblematic pop culture characters with daring scenarios that express the rebellion and freedom in today’s society. This collection represents her vision of “saving dreams” as a reminder that pursuing dreams is more important than pursuing money. 

December 1: Victor Gosa’s Artist Takeover 

*Experience open only to Brightline PREMIUM ticket holders*

  • Brightline is partnering with Victor Gosa for an artist takeover across all three stations. Victor, better known by his moniker “GOSA ” is one of Miami’s most sought-after contemporary artists. Drawing inspiration from pop culture, he is best known for his use of vibrant colors, striking imagery, and adaption of recognizable characters. His inspiring artwork will be on display in the MiamiCentral’s premium Lounge from November 27 – December 5. He will also give away 200 pieces of signed art to premium guests.
    • On December 1, he will live paint an art piece in both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations.

·       4 pm – Live art by Gosa at the West Palm Beach station 

·       5:30 pm – Live art by Gosa at the Fort Lauderdale station 

December 1, 2, 3: Art Beat Miami 

*Open to the public on MiamiCentral’s Mezzanine Level*

  • Art Beat Miami, the annual satellite art fair presented by Little Haiti Optimist Club, Welcome to Little Haiti and Chefs of the Caribbean will host a series of events at MiamiCentral. ​​The events will showcase emerging and renowned artists from Haiti and around the world. Art Beat Miami features artists, painters, sculptors, art exhibits, murals, performers, and musicians. The organization brings together multidisciplinary artists working in collaboration to highlight the culturally rich and diverse creativity of local artists and the Caribbean Diaspora here and beyond.
    • December 1, 5 pm – 7 pm: Opening reception
    • December 2, 6 pm – 7 pm: Conversation with the artists
    • December 3, Noon – 3 pm: Artist Brunch

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Polar Express Returns

Kicking off with a South Florida favorite, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns on Brightline for its fourth year. Starting December 3, the beloved holiday experience runs until December 29 from MiamiCentral station. This holiday classic comes to life when the festive Brightline train departs on a journey led by a cast of talented actors. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers relive the magic of this story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a one-hour trip to meet and interact with Santa. 

Magic memories provided by Polar Express will also be available for guests to commemorate the season. 

Tickets are moving quickly and can be purchased at miamithepolarexpressride.com.

The Nutcracker at MiamiCentral

Starting the first week of December, Brightline guests will be welcomed to MiamiCentral station with live performances of the Nutcracker by Miami City Ballet. Ballerinas will perform mini vignettes around the station as guests explore the holiday market and check-in for Polar Express.

Brightline’s Holiday Marketplace

Each weekend in December, MiamiCentral will be home to a fun and festive holiday market. Guests, riders, and families ready to jump on the Polar Express can all enjoy a selection of local vendors offering holiday gifts, treats, chocolates, and even gift wrapping. The market will feature rotating activities, including an edible cookie decorating station, pictures and story time with Mrs. Claus, and a station for letters to Santa. 

The Holiday Market will be open December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 with Friday hours 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday hours 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and hours on December 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Holiday Gifting: Give the Gift of Brightline

Brightline Passes: Stalk up, save, and make the season bright starting now. Save big on annual Train Passes, group trips, and everyday SMART fares with Brightline’s Black Friday deals

Sip some joy with Coffee & Tea perks. Time to do away with the coffeehouse chain gift cards, and give your loved ones the gift of unlimited pick-me-ups with Brightline.The rail service now offers its popular Coffee & Tea Club membership as the perfect gift for those guests on-the-go.

Designed to help guests save more, waste less and start every day with a smile, the Coffee & Tea Club offers complimentary refills of Lavazza coffee with flavor shots, cream and milk to customize each cup of brew and tea beverages that include caffeinated and non-caffeinated options. Members also receive a limited-edition welcome tumbler, designed by local artists whose artwork align with building and highlighting South Florida’s vibrant and diverse communities.

Purchasers have the option to select monthly, quarterly, or annual memberships and can purchase at Mary Mary, located in each Brightline station. Monthly membership starts at $19 per month, quarterly memberships are $49 per quarter and annual memberships cost $99 per year.

Holiday Events in Wellington

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Santa – at the end of the Wellington Holiday Parade.

Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Wellington
Looking to get into the Holiday spirit this December? Look no further than your Great Hometown! The Village of Wellington offers a host of fun, family activities for you and your loved ones throughout the month.

Thursday, December 1st  |  Holiday Cultural Celebration
Start your December festivities with a Holiday Cultural Celebration on Thursday, December 1st. Recognizing holidays and traditions across cultures, the celebration will take place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the Town Center Promenade (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The event features a holiday tree lighting under the gazebo at 6:15 PM, along with book readings, face painting, food trucks, holiday card crafting, a hot cocoa station, live performances, vendors and more. A number of children’s holiday characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus! Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/HolidayCelebration for more information.

December 1st – 31st  |  Holiday Light Displays on the Town Center Promenade
Throughout the month of December enjoy festive light displays along Wellington’s Town Center promenade (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The holiday lights will be on display throughout the month of December, courtesy of the Village of Wellington Florida and its community partners: Bang Energy, Baptist Health, Florida Power & Light, Good Vibes, and Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Friday, December 9th  |  Winterfest 2022
Winterfest, presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and The Village of Wellington, takes place at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Friday, December 9th, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Featuring headline performer, music icon, philanthropist, actor, and TV star “Vanilla Ice,” the event will include live musical performances, silent disco, exhibitors, retail and holiday shopping, food vendors, lounge(s) for adult attendees, kids and teen activities, and more. Complimentary on-site and shuttle parking will be available. Visit www.wellingtonchamber.com for more information.

Fridays throughout December |  Holiday Shopping at the Lakeside Market
Get in your last-minute gift shopping, support local small businesses, and enjoy one of Florida’s beautiful winter evenings outdoors at the Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center. Browse unique gifts and handcrafted goods while shopping with a variety of artists, crafters, bakers, makers, and more. A number of food and beverage vendors will also be on-site offering a selection of items for purchase. The market will be open on Fridays, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, on Wellington’s Town Center promenade (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The December 16th market will feature a free screening of “The Polar Express (G)” starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should bring their own blankets or chairs for seating. Learn more about the market and view the vendor list at www.wellingtonlakesidemarket.com

Saturday, December 10th  |  32nd Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic
Get ready to reel in “the big one” at the 32nd Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic, presented by the Village of Wellington in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Building Up Sports Academy. The tournament will take place on Saturday, December 10th, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road), and is open to all local children ages 15 and younger. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place (based on a point system of fish caught and released) in each age group: 6 and under; ages 7 to 9; ages 10 to 12; and ages 13 to 15. Registration is free and may be completed in advance at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) or the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), or email athletics@wellingtonfl.gov to request a registration form. Learn more at www.wellingtonfl.gov/HolidayFishing

Saturday, December 10th  |  Holiday Boat Parade
Come watch as local residents and boating enthusiasts “light up the lake” with an Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. Approximately 30 festive, decorated boats are expected to cruise in the parade. Visible from the Town Center Promenade, the boats will pass behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard) around 6:30 PM. Those interested in participating should contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net for more information.

Sunday, December 11th  |  38th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade “Favorite Holiday Destination”
The Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and The Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, December 11th.  Enjoy a free day of fun and festivities with a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes, and more. The parade begins at 1:30 PM and winds its way down Forest Hill Boulevard, from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. Grab your family and your sneakers and come on out for this fantastic holiday event! Visit www.cpbcchamber.com for more information.

Tuesday, December 13th  |  Senior Holiday Party (for ages 50+)
Wellington seniors ages 50 and up are invited to attend a free Senior Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 13th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). Lunch will be provided along with holiday-themed decorations, entertainment, and activities. Registration is required. Please call 561-753-2484 to RSVP. Existing CivicRec users may sign up at www.wellingtonfl.gov/CivicRec.

Sunday, December 18th  |  Annual Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K
The Annual Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, December 18th. The race begins at 7:00 AM and participants are encouraged to bring out an unwrapped toy to be donated to families in the Village of Wellington community as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear prior to the start of the race. For more details, and registration information, visit www.active.com.

To sign up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter from Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Department visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.

As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter

ON CLOUD WINE AT CALISTOGA MOTOR LODGE & SPA 

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By Briana D’Andrea

Sweeping valleys, rolling vineyards and the most exquisite hospitality experience is what you’ll find if you pay a visit to Napa Valley. Just an hour north of the Bay Area of San Francisco, wine country is a must do for a weekend getaway or a special occasion. My husband and I decided to take a trip to the wine capital of the U.S. to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary! Let’s face it…after doing our best to celebrate our tenth anniversary under COVID restrictions and being under quarantine for almost 3 years with our family, we knew it was just the perfect place to get away from it all. 

After extensive research we settled on Calistoga, an adorable little town just north of Napa, known for its wellness and hot springs experiences. We knew we wanted something of a small town feel and away from all the hustle and bustle and The Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa was the absolute perfect place. Located at the beginning of the Silverado Trail, this brand new retro-modern inspired boutique hotel has it all. From beautiful views, several mineral pools at different temperatures, free bike rentals, bocce ball courts and an incredible restaurant  with the most amazing food, called The Fleetwood, not to mention their spa (more on those in a minute). As soon I laid eyes on the property, I knew it was the exact vibe we were looking for and it exceeded our expectations. It’s a laid back, Californian, word of mouth hotel, that doesn’t miss a beat. Inspired by the great American Road trip, their website describes it as, “The classic roadside boutique hotel, but better.” I couldn’t agree more. You can choose from their super nostalgic camper rooms, that are a play on camper vans or their newly renovated vista rooms, complete with balconies overlooking the Vaca mountains, which is what we opted for. Every detail accounted for, every person with a smile on their face. As I sit here writing this, I’m already trying to figure out how to make it back out there.

Coming from Palm Beach, we live in one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., so our standards are pretty high and our trip lived up to them all. Below is an itinerary of our trip. Hope you find value in it.

*We did partner with Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, but all opinions are my own. 

NAPA VALLEY 12TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP

DAY 1 FRIDAY OCTOBER 7TH

9:25A Est JET BLUE FLIGHT FLL TO SFO 

12:30P pst ARRIVE

1:30P TAKE UBER TO GRAB PORSCHE

-We used a company called Turo, it’s sort of like an airbnb for cars. Highly recommend.

2-3P DRIVE TO SAUSALITO & HANG OUT

-We ate at an incredible place on the water called The Joinery. We shared a falafel burger & a beet salad.

3-4:30P DRIVE TO CALISTOGA MOTOR LODGE AND SPA & CHECK IN

-They have the most adorable little lobby and we were welcomed by the staff with open arms!

6P PRISONER WINE DINNER

-Prisoner is not your average winery, it’s modern and sexy and almost counter to what you think a winery should be and we LOVED it. Prisoner Wines is one of our faves and we were thrilled to learn they had a Friday night DJ experience, complete with Chicago style pizza and 2 bottles of wine! Highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Read on . . .

Magnifique Winter Intensive at the Kravis

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Many young dancers dream of attending an intensive (a rigorous, brief time of dance training) to learn under international ballet masters. Unfortunately, tuition is often too steep, or the location too far, for that dream to come true.

Two Palm Beach County organizations are changing that. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and Paris Ballet & Dance are offering young dance students throughout South Florida the chance to attend the Magnifique Winter Intensive program next month.

Taking place December 26-30 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, students 7 to 22 can experience a five-day ballet program in the pure tradition of I’Ecole Francaise (the French School). They’ll get a rare opportunity to be taught by elite teachers hailing from France—including the Paris Ballet Conservatory director, master teachers from the Opera National de Paris, and from the Ballet de I’Opera National de Bordeaux.

Video auditions are still being accepted, or students can schedule an in-person interview at Paris Ballet & Dance’s studio in Jupiter. The cost is $35 to register, and only $495 for the entire intensive. More information can be found at www.kravis.org/studentarts.

The 2022 Carbonell Awards

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Photos by Carol Porter

The first in person Carbonell Awards, celebrating the 2021-2022 Theater Season were held on Monday, November 7, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. Awards were presented in twenty Competitive Categories and nine theater and arts legends were honored. The honorees hailed from Broward, Miami/Dade and Palm Beach counties. At this year’s event, 126 different nominations in 20 competitive categories were shared by 98 talented people, 36 extraordinary productions, and 16 South Florida theaters. Winners were determined by a diverse group of 30 experienced judges.

Produced by Fantel Music, the theme of this year’s Carbonell Awards ceremony was community and Inclusion, representing all of South Florida’s talented theater professionals, both onstage and backstage, and was a delight to everyone who attended. Musical performances and clips from nominated and winning shows were also shown on the stage. The ceremony was a breath of fresh air for all attendees and showcased the best in South Florida theater.

The ceremony was emceed by three talented co-hosts: Miami-based theater, film and TV actor Daniel Llaca; actor, singer and director Geoff Short, board president of the Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts and board secretary of the Carbonell Awards; and Carbonell board member Avery Sommers, award-winning Broadway, movie and TV veteran and cabaret headliner.

Sponsors of the 45th Annual Carbonell Awards included the South Florida Cultural Consortium, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Carbonell Sculptures Ltd.,  Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, John Knox Village, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Miami-Dade County Auditorium, The Dennis C. Moss Center (formerly The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center), Punchline Productions, South Florida Theatre League, and Donald R. Walters, P.A.

Lights 4 Hope

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LIGHTS 4 HOPE, HOLIDAY DRIVE THRU SHOW

At OKEEHEELEE Park starts November 18th – December 30th

The 5th year for the holiday drive thru event, is set to begin on November 18th and runs every weekend thru December 30th. This beautiful holiday spectacle is spread out along a 2-mile route at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. The event will happen Friday-Sunday through the end of December for approximately 30,000 spectators.

Lights 4 Hopes mission is to spread happiness and joy to families coping with their child’s terminal illness or life changing physical changes. Proceeds from the holiday show, fundraising events, and sponsorships go right back to these incredible, local families.

Lights 4 Hope is working with local families year-round to provide some relief, happiness, and financial support. This organization strives to bring smiles to our communities faces at the end of 2022 and into the new year with a safe and beautiful, holiday show, all for a great cause!

If you would like more information about this event, please visit www.lights4hope.org

Follow Lights 4 Hope on Instagram and Facebook

Wellington Parks & Recreation Announces New Esports League

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Free Open House on Saturday, November 12th
 

Wellington Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the addition of a new Esports League to its catalog of program offerings! XP League is a youth esports league designed just like conventional youth sports, emphasizing building social skills and sportsmanship through a positive coach-led structure.
 
The new program kicks off with a free Open House event at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, on Saturday, November 12th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Gamers ages 8 to 17, of all skill levels, are invited to come meet the coaches and test out games for the upcoming season. Limited refreshments will be available, first come, first served.
 
The XP League season will begin November 28, 2022, and will run through February 12, 2023. Games will include: 

  • Apex Legends
  • League Legends
  • Fortnite
  • Overwatch
  • Rocket League
  • Valorant

Register for a free skill assessment and find more information at wellington.xpl.gg/
 
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.

As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.

History On The Rocks returns to Yesteryear Village

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— A food & spirits tasting experience

Who/What: History on the Rocks, a food and spirits tasting experience presented by Glade & Grove Supply

When: 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18

Where: Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach. Enter via gates 3 or 12 to the Archway gate.

Media contact: To cover this event, please call or text Doreen Poreba of The PR Czar® Inc. at 772-215-2333. If you cannot cover this event, we will gladly send you b-roll and/or photos for your newscasts. 

Highlights:

• An opportunity to stroll under the twinkling lights of Yesteryear Village and its historic buildings while sampling light bites and beverages from more than 20 stations along the way. Featuring local chefs, foods, farmers and local drink brewers. 

• A chance to holiday shop at the Storm Tight Windows MarketPlace showcasing local vendors, specialty goods and items as well as the Village’s General Store

• Live Entertainment: The Brass Evolution Band and Victoria Cardona. The Brass Evolution Band is a South Florida 11-piece hot brass party band where Michael Buble meets Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Santana and more, with plenty of room for groups like Bon Jovi, Journey and other great musical blasts from the past. South Florida native Victoria Cardona is a guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, one-woman jam band. Her loop performances are a sonic and visual experience that take the audience on a ride through the mind of an improvisationalist. 

• Special selfie stops to create memorable photos 

General Admission: $80 in advance, $90 at the gate, free parking. Ages 13-17 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Ages 12 and under not permitted.

VIP Admission at 6 p.m., sponsored by iTHINK Financial: $750 table of 10. VIP tickets are only available online until November 11, 2022

VIP Benefits: Early admission at 6 p.m., reserved table, specialty food/beverage gift, two bottles of wine per VIP table, unlimited tastings at food/beverage stations, early shopping in the MarketPlace and General Store 

Sponsors: Glade & Grove Supply, Storm Tight Windows, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, iTHINK Financial, Professional Concessions, Inc.

For more info: Call 561-793-0333 www.southfloridafair.com/historyontherocks