The City’s yearlong centennial celebration kicks into high gear this spring, with a number of events centered on the Oldsmar 100 theme.
Winter is waving goodbye this month, so we Floridians can forget about that nasty season full of mildly cold weather, irritating rain and mostly sunny skies and begin to embrace the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of spring!
One of the best things about springtime in the Sunshine State is the amount of special events that sprout up in the warm air, a phenomenon that will be exemplified in Oldsmar.
Beginning in March, the city’s yearlong celebration of its centennial birthday really heats up, with a number of special occasions centered on the Oldsmar 100 theme.
But all the car shows, fancy dinners and family friendly festivals might take a back to seat to the grand opening of Tampa Bay first zipline adventure park, which is scheduled to debut at Mobbly Bayou Preserve in late May.
With so much going on in the coming months, we thought we’d bring you a detailed guide of the biggest special events taking place in Oldsmar during the spring of 2016. Mark your calendars accordingly!
MARCH:
Oldsmar Centennial Celebration, 1916-2016
- When: Thu, Mar. 3, 6:30 p.m.
- Where: TECO Hall (Oldsmar Library), 400 St. Petersburg Dr. E
- Details: Kick off the city’s centennial celebration with this event featuring guest speaker Rick Smith, son of author Patrick Smith, who chronicled Florida’s history in his iconic 1984 novel, A Land Remembered.
- Cost: Free
- Info: 813-749-1178
Holiday Sharing Fund 2016 Bike Safety Rodeo
- When: Sat. Mar. 12, 10 a.m. – noon
- Where: Oldsmar Council Chambers parking lot, 101 State St.
- Details: Kids can learn all about bike safety at this fun, family friendly event, which features safety courses, bike registrations, free helmets and the opportunity to win a free bicycle. Refreshments will be served, and don’t worry if your child doesn’t have a bike—loaners will be available for kids without wheels.
- Cost: Free
- Info: Call Mark Howe at 813-855-4233
Easter Egg Hunt
- When: Sat, Mar. 19, 9 a.m.
- Where: R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Dr. W.
- Details: More than 5,000 toy and candy filled eggs will be scattered throughout the waterfront park for the city’s annual egg-stravaganza, with a special appearance by the Easter bunny, as well. Kids of all ages are encouraged to arrive early, as all age groups will be sent on their egg hunts promptly at nine o’clock.
- Cost: Free
- Info: 813-749-1260
Oldsmar Centennial Dinner Dance
- When: Thu, Mar. 31, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Where: Nielsen Media, 501 Brooker Creek Blvd.
- Details: This fancy soiree will help launch the Oldsmar Days portion of the city’s centennial celebration, and the semi-formal affair promises to be a can’t-miss event, complete with a gourmet sit-down dinner, open bar, live entertainment and more. Classic Oldsmobiles will greet attendees as the enter the beautiful Nielsen building, and some members of city founder Ransom E. Olds’ family are expected to attended, as well.
- Cost: $70.00 per person (limited seating available). Tickets can be ordered online here.
- Info: Oldsmar100.com; 813-855-1191
APRIL:
Oldsmar Days & Nights
- When: Begins Fri., Apr. 1 at 5 p.m., ends Sun, Apr. 3 at 7 p.m.
- Where: R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Dr. W
- Details: The city’s biggest annual special event will have a decidedly historic flavor this year, as the centennial celebration piggybacks the 55th annual Oldsmar Days to maximize the fun for everyone. Highlights of the weekend will include a classic Olds car show, a carnival midway, live entertainment and a parade through the downtown district. Other highlights feature a pie-eating contest, a performance by the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team, and a different car show every day.
- Cost: Free admission; carnival wristbands, $20-$25; vendor prices vary
- Info: UpperTampaBayChamber/OldsmarDays&Nights; 813-855-4233
Relay For Life
- When: Fri, Apr. 22, 6 p.m. – …
- Where: Canal Park, 3120 Tampa Road
- Details: Oldsmar and Safety Harbor residents will again combine forces to combat cancer for the annual American Cancer Society event. According to the event’s webpage, 92 participants on 22 teams have raised more than $15,000 for the cause, meaning this year’s relay is already off to a successful start! Look for Ann Nixon’s Hope You Can Hold tent to make a colorful strand of beads for every lap you complete.
- Cost: Donations can be made here.
- Info: Relay for Life events.org/Oldsmar
Fifth Friday Sunsets Concert Series
- When: Fri, Apr. 29, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Where: R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Dr. W
- Details: The first Fifth Friday event in January was a huge success, as a huge crowd packed the park to watch the Black Honkeys and Mr. Pickles kick off Oldsmar’s centennial festivities. This month’s event features a country music theme, with Soul Circus Cowboys scheduled to perform. Games, rides, food and drinks will also be found on the park grounds, plus a few special surprises.
- Cost: Free
- Info: Oldsmar 100.com
MAY:
Oldsmar Golf Tournament
- When: Fri, Mar. 6, 1 p.m. shotgun start
- Where: Lansbrook Golf Club, Palm Harbor
- Details: The 17th annual golf tournament to benefit Oldsmar’s youth programs includes greens fees, a cart, a raffle ticket and a dinner following your round. Corporate and sponsorship packages are available.
- Cost: Fees vary, individual and team entries available
- Info: 813-749-1260
Oldsmar’s Memorial Day ceremony
- When: Mon, May 30, 11 a.m.
- Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 250 Shore Dr. E.
- Details: Oldsmar is highly respectful of, and in turn, respected by, America’s veterans, and it’s evidenced every year as hundreds of people, including local and state officials, turn out for the city’s many veterans ceremonies. Expect stirring speeches, moving tributes, and few dry eyes at the spectacular Veterans Memorial Park this Memorial Day in Oldsmar.
For more information on special events in Oldsmar, visit the City of Oldsmar website, as well as Oldsmar100.com.
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