
Although it might not feel like it thanks to the unseasonably (read: typical Florida) warm weather, we are heading into the fall and winter portion of the 2015 special events season.
Now that the Halloween decorations are packed and the pumpkins are smashed, it’s time to turn our attention to the many events that are coming up in Oldsmar between now and the end of the year.
As usual, the schedule is packed with fundraisers, memorial services and holiday festivities, and kids will have the opportunity to write, meet and receive a home visit from Santa!
Let’s take a look at Oldsmar’s Special Events schedule for Fall/Winter 2015:
NOVEMBER:

What: Big Bad Bead Bash
When: Friday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m. – midnight
Where: Canal Park, 3120 Tampa Rd.
Details: The first official event hosted by the charitable Hope You Can Hold organization helps provide comfort and, yes, hope, for cancer, MLS and ALS patients by creating colorful beaded necklaces for them. Founded by Oldsmar City Clerk Ann Nixon, the bead bash is designed to raise awareness for the cause. “The event’s focus is not on fundraising, but it does cost money as do the necklaces,” Nixon recently told Oldsmar Connect.“Our primary goal is to bring people together to walk and earn beads…but we whole-heartedly appreciate donations.”
Cost: Free admission, donations for beads encouraged
Info: www.hopeyoucanhold.com
What: Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 250 Shore Dr. E.
Details: This always stirring tribute to America’s veterans is sure to be an emotional one, as new names will be added to the park’s Wall of Honor this year.
Cost: Free

What: Goals for a Cause
When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Jack Willie’s, 1013 St. Petersburg Dr. W., Oldsmar
Details: This celebrity server event features local celebrities and dignitaries as well as NHL alumni, all coming together to raise money for the Northside Mental Health Center’s PhoneFriend program, which helps “latchkey” elementary school kids.
Cost: $10 donation includes burgers, fries and a beverage; tips and donations encouraged to benefit cause
Info: Contact Debb Pauley by email at oldsmarchic@yahoo.com, or by phone at 727-504-3322

Note: The inaugural Oldsmar Craft Beer Festival that had been scheduled for October and then moved to November has been cancelled, according to City officials.
Also, people can register for Oldsmar Fire Rescue’s Annual Children’s Holiday Program – featuring a personal visit from Santa to homes in Oldsmar – from now through November 15.
To take part, applicants need to fill out a 3×5 card that includes their NAME, ADDRESS and DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER, then mail or drop it off to OLDSMAR FIRE RESCUE, 225 PINE AVENUE NORTH, OLDSMAR, FL 34677.
For more information, contact Deb Riley at Oldsmar Fire Rescue at 813-749-1200.
DECEMBER:

What: Santa Claus’ Mailbox
When: Tuesday, Dec. 1 – Friday, Dec. 18
Where: Outside of Oldsmar City Hall, 100 State St. W.
Details: Children can write Santa a letter and he will write back! Please remember to include name and address on the letter.
Cost: Free
What: Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Oldsmar City Hall, 100 State St. W.
Details: Come out and see Oldsmar officials light the City’s 28′ tall Christmas tree!
Cost: Free

What: Mayor’s Breakfast
When: Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 a.m.
Where: Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N. Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor
Details: Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis and Safety Harbor Mayor Andy Steingold will serve coffee to patrons at this annual fundraising event, which is a benefit for the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center. Proceeds raised via ticket sales, auctioned items and tips given to the two apron-clad mayors will go towards helping needy kids during the holidays.
Cost: Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the Mattie Williams Center, or by clicking here.
Info: Visit the UTBCC website or call 813-855-4233

What: Christmas Wonderland
When: Friday, Dec. 4, 6 -9 p.m.
Where: R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Dr. W.
Details: This family friendly event features a giant snow slope, inflatables, photos with Santa and other fun activities for the kids. Concessions will also be available for purchase at the park.
Cost: Free admission
Info: Visit myoldsmar.com/events or call 813-749-1260
What: Oldsmar Historical Society Christmas Tour
When: Sunday, Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Starts at 101 State St. W.
Details: This self-guided walking tour features 7 historical homes, buildings and churches that will be open for patrons to explore. Light refreshments will be served at different locations. Participants can visit as many or as few locations as they like, and the tour will not necessarily take three hours, according to organizers.
Cost: Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at the Oldsmar Historical Society, located at 101 State St. W.
Info: Call Jeri Antozzi at 813-855-1191

What: Oldsmar Fire Rescue Open House
When: Friday, Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m.
Where: 225 Pine Ave. N.
Details: What kid (or adult) hasn’t wanted to explore a fire station? Well this is their (or your) chance to check out what the inside of a firehouse is all about, thanks to this always popular open house. Note the event has moved to Friday this year.
Cost: Free
Info: Call 813-749-1200
What: Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 9-10 a.m.
Where: Oldsmar Chic Fil A, 3740 Tampa Rd.
Details: Meet Kris Kringle himself during this special event at the Oldsmar Chic Fil A. Children must purchase a ticket that includes a kids meal, a picture with Santa and a present. Adults may purchase a meal ticket or an admission ticket.
Cost: $6.00 meal ticket, $2.00 adult admission if purchased in advance; $8.00 meal ticket, $3.00 adult admission if purchased on the day of the event.
Info: Call 813-749-1260

What: Safety Harbor Holiday Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.
Where: Downtown Safety Harbor
Details: This annual holiday parade is one of the largest in the Tampa Bay area and features dozens of floats, vehicles, organizations and other assorted holiday sights. Traditionally, Oldsmar’s mayor as well as some city council members have taken part in the parade, so be sure to head to downtown Safety Harbor to check out this awesome, family friendly holiday event!
Cost: Free
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