BESTBets
American Stage
in the Park
Weird Florida
Every year since 1986, American Stage
has presented shows at Demens Landing
on St. Petersburg’s waterfront. They
began with productions by Shakespeare
and have expanded to modern musicals.
This year’s offering will be Monty
Python’s Spamalot, which was ripped
off from the comedy film Monty Python
and the Holy Grail. This silly, but hilarious
musical, which parodies the legend of
King Arthur, won the 2005 Tony Award.
It will be performed from April 13th to
May 8th, with an Opening Night Gala
on Friday, April 15th. For tickets, call
(727) 823-PLAY (7529).
Award-winning journalist Craig Pittman, who
lives in St. Petersburg, is an expert on what
makes Florida so interesting. In his newest
book, he discusses what makes the state of
Florida so weird, yet, influential. Most think of
the Sunshine State as a paradise, as 90 million
people flock to it each year. Yet, it also has
claiming rights to national trends that range
from NASCAR to Hooters. We have natural
beauty and man-made fantasies, as well as
horrors such as sink holes and hurricanes,
not to mention sharks, pythons and alligators.
His stories will make you laugh, but wonder, since they are all true. Downton
Abbey is boring compared to what goes on in our state. You will enjoy the way
Craig Pittman tells each of these tales that sound more like fiction than fact, but
aren’t. Oh, Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country is
published by St. Martins Press in New York City.
Chasco Fiesta
For its third year, this
unique fundraiser will
be even bigger and
better. This epicurean
experience not only
raises needed funds for
WUSF’s Public Media
Programs, but it has also
turned into one of the
most enjoyable events in
the Tampa Bay area. Tables are set down the middle of St. Petersburg’s Bayshore Drive
overlooking the waterfront, where guests enjoy a gourmet dinner and wine pairing
from their favorite restaurants. Everyone has a great time and all for a worthy cause.
The event will take place on Thursday, April 14th. For tickets, call (800) 661-0823.
This year’s Fiesta will run continuously from April
1st through the 9th at Sims Park in downtown New
Port Richey, where there will be carnival rides and
live concerts every day. The Chasco Street Parade
will be held on Saturday, April 2nd. Then, on Sunday,
April 3rd, there will be a Car, Truck and Bike Show.
The Fiesta will conclude on Saturday, April 9th with
a boat parade and a Country Concert featuring
Parmalee. There is always so much to do and so many
good times to be had here. For more information, call
(727) 842-6055, or visit www.chascofiesta.com.
The Longest Table
38 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2016
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