Friday, Oct. 4
“Set the Bar” Cocktail Competition
Universal Flight Training,
8140 15th St. E., Sarasota
Each year the Sarasota-Manatee Originals bring
together the area’s best bartenders, distillers and
other bar and spirits professionals for the annual “Set
the Bar” Cocktail Competition.
Designed to showcase the creative beverage talents
behind our locally-owned, independent restaurants,
this year’s 3rd annual Set The Bar will highlight 20
accomplished mixologists representing establishments
from the northern tip of Anna Maria Island to the
southern shores of Venice beach.
Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, prizes, and
delicious dishes presented by fellow Sarasota-Manatee
Originals’ member restaurants.
The $45-$50 tickets will be available for purchase
through Eventbrite. This event is 21 and up only (no
exceptions). Rain or shine. Complimentary valet parking
provided. Learn more about the event at
eatlikealocal.com/set-the-bar.
Competing Restaurants:
The Blasé Café & Martini Bar • Cafe Gabbiano
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood • Element: Modern
Mediterranean Grill • Fins At Sharky's • GROVE
Restaurant - Patio - Ballroom • Jack Dusty Coastal
Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails • Jpan Sarasota • Made
Restaurant • Mattison's • Michael's On East •
Ophelia's on the Bay • Overture Restaurant & Gallery
Lounge • Pacific Rim Sarasota • Pier 22 Restaurant -
Patio - Ballroom • Pop's Sunset Grill • The Sandbar
Restaurant • State Street Eating House + Cocktails •
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi • The Waterfront Restaurant
Fridays & Saturdays on ...
Oct. 12 &13, 19 & 20 and 26 & 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
28th Annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton
Every day of the Pumpkin Festival includes craft
booths, live music, live shows, pumpkins, charity pumpkin
games, pioneer trades village, hayrides, pony rides,
chainsaw sculptor, corn maze, scarecrow displays, homemade
ice cream, farm-roasted sweet corn, food galore,
pumpkin pie, rock climbing wall, power jump, petting
zoo, barnyard playground, face painting, children’s train
ride, juggler, fresh produce, butterfly experience, frog
jumping championships and a zip line. Admission is $10,
parking is $5, children 10 and under are free. For
information see hunsaderfarms.com or call (941) 322-
2168.
Friday, Oct. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m
Night of Fish, Fun and Fright
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota
Buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in
costume for an afternoon of Fish, Fun & Fright at Mote
Aquarium. Unearth shark teeth in “Coffin Creek," enjoy deep
sea delights in the “Diner of the Dead" and take part in Mad
Science experiments and activities.
Don’t miss signature underwater pumpkin carving in a
spooktacular shark habitat. Enjoy entertainment from
students at EveryOneRocks, and performances from Mad
Science. Check out mote.org for ticket information.
Sunday, Oct. 20, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
10th Annual Tour de North Port
Imagine High School, 2757 Sycamore St., North Port
The 10th Annual Tour de North Port is a bicycle ride
through some of the most beautiful pine flatwoods in Florida.
Cyclists choose to complete 15, 35 or 65-mile routes through
North Port. Includes breakfast by First Watch, rest stops with
homemade snacks, full SAG mobile support and a catered
lunch. First 400 registered are guaranteed a t-shirt, sunglasses
and a goodie bag.
Advance registration is $45 (peoplefortrees.com) or $50
at door. Helmets are required. For more information and to
register see peoplefortrees.com.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Boca Grande Halloween Carnival
Boca Grande Community Center
131 1st St. W., Boca Grande
Kids, bring your parents to the carnival for some fun and
games. There will be a costume parade and the carnival
games, slide, and cake walk will begin immediately following
the parade. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available. Free
admission. For information call (941) 964-2564 or see
bocagrandehappenings.org.
Thursday, Oct. 31, 4 until (approximately) 5 p.m.
Halloween Merchant Walk
Downtown Boca Grande
An island tradition, the Halloween Walk kicks off trick-ortreating
right with businesses on Park Avenue and E. Railroad
Ave. participating. Call the Boca Grande Area Chamber of
Commerce at (941) 964-0568 for more information.
September/October 2019 GASPARILLA ISLAND 75
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