Area events, Aug. 16
Charity wrestling
SPRING HILL Rookies Sports Bar & Grill in conjunction with Brawl USA Wrestling will host a charity wrestling extravaganza starting at 5 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Rookies, 3095 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill. The money raised will given to a local three-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Organizers anticipate 16 wrestlers will compete in six separate brawls. While the event is free donation will be accepted.
Children in the wild
BROOKSVILLE The children in the wild series: The natural world of animals will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsay Road, Brooksville. Children will explore the natural world of animals from many perspectives. Children of ages 3 to 7 learn through hands-on activities, story time and take home crafts. Some activities take place out-of-doors; please dress appropriately and have insect repellant. For information call (352) 754-6722, or visit www.myfwc..com/chinsegut.
Ghost tour
BROOKSVILLE A ghost tour of the May Stringer Historical Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville, is currently available by reservation. According to the legend the 151-year-old former residence of Frank Saxon is still inhabited by some of its residents, including 3-year-old Jessie May Saxon. Hand-held cameras and recording devices are permitted on the tour. The cost is $20 cash per person. For information call (352) 799-0129, or visit www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com.
U pick grapes
BROOKSVILLE Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery, 17810 Forge Drive, Spring Hill, is offering Muscadine grapes for the picking through Saturday. The grapes are used for baking, making jelly and wine. The cost is $2.25 per pound. For information call (352) 799-7612.
Art gallery open house
BROOKSVILLE The Gallery of the Arts & Antiques, 259 Howell Ave., Brooksville, will have a grand opening porch party starting at 2 p.m. The talents of 28 artists will be on exhibit, as well as a 50-page history of the 102-year-old house. Refreshments will be served by The Southern Ladies and a Gent. The event is free; donations are welcome. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For information call (352) 754-8509.
Mermaid Enounter
WEEKI WACHEE Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, is offering a “Mermaid Encounter” for children between the ages of 3 and 14. Children will spend 20-minute with one of Weeki Wachee’s live mermaids in the “Mermaid Lagoon” at Buccaneer Bay. There will be two sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. The first session starts at 3:30 p.m. and is for children between 3 and 6 years old. The second session starts at 4:30 p.m. and is for children between the ages of 7 and 14. The cost is $75. To register for the event call (352) 592-5656.
Flea market at airport
BROOKSVILLE/SPRING HILL – The Airport Flea Market will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at 17375 Spring Hill Drive. Vendors offer housewares, tools, collectibles and cosmetics, craft items, recreational items and farm-fresh food. Call (352) 796-0268.
Fairgrounds flea market
BROOKSVILLE – The Hernando County Fairgrounds hosts an indoor and outdoor flea market every weekend beginning at 9 a.m. at 6436 Broad St. Call (352) 796-4552.
Scallop season
Scallop season runs through Sept. 24. For information on harvesting scallops, licensing and other requirements visit http://myfwc.com.
Gag grouper season
The recreational season for gag grouper runs through Dec. 3. There is a two-per-person bag limit. For additional information on gag grouper limits, licensing and other nautical requirements visit http://myfwc.com.
Coming up
The annual “Summer Night Ca$h Bash” is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Palace Grand presented by Kilgroe, Frantzis & Associates-UBS Investments. The event is open to the public as well as all HBA members. As with all HBA events, a portion of the proceeds from the event this year will go to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The Senica Grab the Cash Machine will be back blowing around cash to grab for lucky audience members. The live auction will feature a trip for five couples to the annual Charlie Daniel’s Celebrity Golf Classic / Angelus Country Concert at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, donated by Sunrise Propane valued at over $8,500. The grand prize is $10,000 cash. Second place is $1,000 cash. Third place is $500 cash. Tickets are on sale at the HBA office at 7391 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville. Ticket prices are $75 for one entry into the drawing and one dinner or $95 for one entry into the drawing and two dinners. Ticket deadline is today. Only 400 tickets will be sold. For information call the HBA Office at (352) 596-1114 or visit HernandoBuilders.com for a ticket order form.
Elks feast
The Brooksville Elks, 14494 Cortez Blvd., invite members and guests to a Labor Day feast at 2 p.m. on Sept. 2. The following menu will be served: Lobster, clams, corn on the cob, baked beans, red potatoes, cole slaw and dessert . This clam bake will be $20. Prime rib will be offered at $10 per person for those who do not eat seafood. Tickets will be sold until Aug. 25. No tickets will be sold at the door. For information call (352) 596-2582.
Sept. 11 ceremony
VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill, will host a Sept. 11 memorial service on Sept. 11 at the post. The ceremony will start at 9:30 a.m. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs. The event is sponsored by the Retired NYC Firefighters of Spring Hill, Chapter 343 and VFW Post 10209.
Fall festival
The Korean War Veterans Legion No. 5053 and Ladies Auxiliary will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sept. 29 at VFW Post No. 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. The festival will feature a performance by Gypsy Star an American gypsy concert band. Door open at 1:30 p.m. There will be a social hour from 2 to 3 p.m. A buffet-style dinner by John Mason Catering will be served from 3 to 4:15 p.m. The concert will follow from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. There will be a cash bar and door prizes. There will be no tickets sold at the door. For information call Rich at (352) 688-7196.
