The Labor Day Holiday and the month of September always signify the end of one season and the beginning of another. The children are back in school and the lazy days of summer are behind us. Englewood is a special community though and they have an incredible way of celebrating their community every year around this time with the Pioneer Days Festival. Do not let the term festival fool you though because it is actually a fantastic collection of many events. The kids’ events this weekend include the Cardboard Boat Races on Saturday at Indian Mound Park with registration starting at 8 am. The Kids Fish-A-Thon will be held on Sunday at Tom Adams Bridge with registration at 7 am. The Diaper Derby is on Sunday at the Lemon Bay Women’s Club with registration at 1 pm. Don’t forget the Kids and Family Fun Run which is Monday at the corner of Dearborn and McCall with registration at 8 am. The best part of all of these events is that they are completely free due to the generous sponsorship of community partners. Most events do require prior reservations though so please visit www.englewoodpioneerdays.com in order to do so or for more information.
If the adults are looking for something fun to do, there’s the Shipwreck Dance Saturday night from 6 pm to 11 pm at Pioneer Park. Headlining the party is Summer Survivor, with the Chris Walker Band and the Englewood Drum Circle contributing some fun sounds also. There will be a pig roast, other fun food and beverages for sale and of course the annual costume contest at this family-friendly event. Then on Sunday, all car enthusiasts are invited to attend the Open Car Show which takes place from 3 pm to 7 pm on Dearborn Street.
The close of the celebration comes on Sunday and Monday, with the traditional Englewood Pioneer Days Parade and Park Festivals. Visit the Elsie Quirk Library Booth on Sunday from noon to 8 pm and from 8 am to 3 pm on Monday at Pioneer Park. Vendors, live music and a brand new, free Rockin’ Kids’ Zone will be open for fun!
Of course the highlight of the festivities is the Pioneer Days Parade on Monday which starts at 9 am (rain or shine). There will be contests, live music, and award presentations. There will also be a dynamic display of Corvettes from 11 am to 3 pm.
The Sarasota County Library truly prides itself on being community centered and participating in this 60th annual community event is just one of the ways that we are able to show our support. Also, the Friends of the Elsie Quirk Library are generously sponsoring the 2016 Parade trophy category of “Englewood Rocks with Spirit” for the most spirited parade entry.
Here are the library events for this week:
Monday
- All Sarasota County Libraries are closed in observance of Labor Day
- Please visit the Elsie Quirk Library Booth at the Pioneer Days Festival today from 8 am to 3 pm.
Tuesday
- Drop in for the Master Gardener Plant Clinic in partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County from 10 am to noon. For more information, call 941-861-1307 or visit, http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/horthelp.shtml.
Wednesday
- Flood Zone Workshop will be held from 10:15 am to noon. Anyone who has questions about flood risks, zones, insurance regulations and pending map changes should attend. For more information contact, Des Companion, CFM, Public Utilities, Stormwater, at 941-861-0802 or email dcompani@scgov.net.
- The Lego Club meets from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and is open to children ages 5 and up. LEGO bricks will be provided. Creations will be on display in the library until the next meeting date. The LEGO Club meets each month on the 1st Wednesday from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and the 3rd Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. No registration necessary.
Thursday
- Family Storytime begins at 10:30 am and is open to ages birth through 5. Enjoy interacting with your child by participating in early literacy activities that will include music and movement, books, crafts, and educational activities. This week’s theme will celebrate Grandparents Day.
- The Knitting Club will meet to knit and chat from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Friday
- No library events to report.
For more information on library programs, services, and resources visit us at 100 West Dearborn Street, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000, or visit our website at www.scgov.net/library.
