Gobble Gobble! It’s that time of year when we gather with family and friends and remember all of the things we have to be thankful for. It can be stressful trying to prepare the perfect meal or making sure the home improvements are complete before the family comes to town. On the other hand, waking up Thanksgiving morning to the Macy’s parade on television while you whip up homemade pumpkin spice lattes and burn your “Autumn Wreath” scented Yankee candle (because you know that’s about the closest to “fall” that we get in Florida) with family and friends can be peaceful and nostalgic – for a few minutes at least. However you decide to spend your Thanksgiving Day we hope it brings you closer to the ones you love.
As always, the Bay area is full of fabulous things to do Thanksgiving weekend (because you know – your house is going to need a break).
1.) Off to the Races
For some folks its a tradition to burn some calories before stuffing themselves with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and all of the fixings that go along with it. If you’re among those ready to tie up their laces and hit the pavement than the 37th annual Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot is for you! You can register online by clicking here or you can come out to one of the registration and early t-shirt pick up events:
Saturday, November 21
10a.m. – 1p.m. Clearwater High School Auditorium
540 S. Hercules Ave., Clearwater, FL
Monday, November 23
3 – 7:30 p.m. Bright House Networks, Westfield Countryside Mall
27001 U.S. Hwy 19 N., Clearwater, FL
(2nd floor mall entrance near JCPenney)
Tuesday, November 24
5 -7:30 p.m. Logo HQ
1551 102nd Ave. N., Suite C, St Petersburg, FL 33716
Wednesday, November 25
5 -7:30 p.m. Jack White Stadium, Clearwater High School
540 S. Hercules Ave., Clearwater, FL
You can select the best race for you and then meet at your assigned time at Keene Road just south of Gulf to Bay Blvd. This is where all of the races will start and they will end in Jack White Stadium at Clearwater High School.
2.) Craft Festival
The Madeira Beach Thanksgiving Weekend Craft Festival is set for November 28-29, 2015. Admission to the event is free. American Craft Endeavors is hosting the event. Visitors will be able to peruse through ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works and more while enjoying freshly popped kettle corn available for purchase at the Green Market. It’s a great way to support local craftsmen and check a few gifts off of your list. The show takes place on Madeira Way between Gulf Blvd. & 150th Avenue.
3.) St. Petersburg Tree Lighting
After you’ve completed your Turkey Trot, then stuffed yourself with the traditional Thanksgiving feast, and then endured the Black Friday rush you’ll definitely need one more event to make your holiday complete. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered – well the City of St. Petersburg has you covered at least! You can head down to North Straub Park to watch Mayor Rick Kriseman flip the switch to light the downtown Christmas tree and the rest of the holiday lights. Musicstars and the St. Petersburg Community Band will entertain guests and there will be concessions and games for the kids. Bring a blanket along to sit on as you watch the festivities.
4.) AHAF Thanksgiving Show
If you love Arabian horses and are up for some good old fun and excitement on November 26-28 than you’ll want to head to the Florida State Fairgrounds where you’ll get your fill of both! The Thanksgiving show has been a staple of the AHAF since the 1970’s and has grown to more than 400 horses. It’s one of the premier Arabian horse shows in the United States according to the AHAF’s website.
5.) Tampa Bay’s 10th Annual ThanksVEGAN Feast
If you’re Vegan or want to find out what Thanksgiving dinner without turkey tastes like than the 10th annual ThanksVEGAN feast is for you! There will be plenty of Tofurky to go around and guests will receive a discount on the entry fee if they bring a dish to share. Guests will be welcomed for a social beginning at 1:30 on Thanksgiving Day. The Potluck Dinner is from 2:00-5:30p.m. The event will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa located at 11400 Morris Bridge Road. Florida Voices for Animals sponsors this event.
Happy Thanksgiving!
We hope this list helps you get excited for Thanksgiving and all of the festivities surrounding it. Tampa Bay is a great place to call home because there is something for everyone. We’d love to hear how you’re planning to spend your Thanksgiving. Leave us a comment in the section below this blog. Whatever your plans are, Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.
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