Sarasota calendar 12.10.15

Community 

Friday, Dec. 11 to Monday, Dec. 14  
Gingerbread House Festival
Times vary based on mall hours until 4 p.m. at Westfield Sarasota Square Mall, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail. More than 150 Gingerbread houses built by local students, businesses and organizations are on display. This event benefits Community Youth Development. Gingerbread houses will be available to purchase. Admission is $1. Visit cydonline.org. 

Friday, Dec. 11
Southside Village Holiday Stroll
Starts at 5 p.m. at Southside Village, Hillview Street. Participating businesses will have extended hours, raffles and door prizes. There will also be live dance performances, an ice slide and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Admission is free. Parking is available in the Sarasota Memorial Hospital lot. Visit the event Facebook page. 

Saturday, Dec. 12
Sandy Claws Beach Run
Starts at 7 a.m. at Siesta Key Beach. The 39th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run includes a one-mile fun run and 5K. Each registered participant receives a long-sleeved Sandy Claws T-shirt while supplies last. Registration the day of the race is $35 for the 5K; $30 for the one-mile run. Call 861-5000. 

Longboard Extravaganza 
Starts at 8 a.m. at Califlorida, 5253 Ocean Blvd. Take on the challenge of skateboarding one of three routes around Siesta Key. The route choices are 8.8 miles, 4.4 miles and a 2.6 miles race for children.  Registration is from 8 to 10 a.m. and the race starts at 10:30 a.m. Call 346-0310. 

Christmas in Candy Land 
Runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Michael's On East, 1212 East Ave. Satisfy your sweet tooth and help children’s wishes come true by supporting Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. Meet Santa, paint your face like an elf, decorate cookies and ginger bread houses. Tickets are $75 for adults; $50 for children. Visit christmasincandylandsrq.com. 

Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13
Atomic Holiday Bazaar
Runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. Sarasota's original indie arts and craft show enters its 10th season and expands to the street with additional vendors, two vintage trailer mobile pop-up boutiques and food trucks. The first 100 attendees will received tote bags filled with coupons. Admission is $5 for adults; free for children 12 and under. Visit atomicholidaybazaar.com.

Monday, Dec. 14
Democratic Club of Sarasota Holiday Celebration
Runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bayfront Community Center, 803 N. Tamiami Trail. Music by Barry Graham and remarks from Neil Phillips, Founder of the Visible Men Academy, a charter school in Bradenton. Light bites, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Cost to attend is $25 per person at the door. Call 379-9233 or email at [email protected]

CONA Potluck Party and Election 
Starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd. of the Arts. The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations will hold a meeting and election for new directors. Bring a dish to share for a post-meeting potluck party. Admission is free. Visit conasarasota.org.

Friday, Dec. 18
Monthly Contra Dance 
Starts at 7:30 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court. The second season of monthly community contra dance is open to all dancers. There will be instructional walk-throughs starting at 7:30 p.m. Regular dancing is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Visit wslr.org.

Entertainment 

Friday, Dec. 11
Cedric Liqueur Performance
Starts at 2 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Using a record player, vinyl records, eight-track players and slid show, actor Cedric Liqueur brings the music of Duke Ellington to life. Admission is free. Call 861-1230.

Saturday, Dec. 12
'Miracle on 34th Street' Performance
Starts at 2 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. The Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild Play Readers perform Miracle of 34th Street. Admission is free. Call 861-1230.

Sunday, Dec. 13
Christmas Concert and Community Carol Sing
Starts at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 104 Pineapple Ave. The First Church Singers present "Glad Tidings We Bring!" with brass, organ, & percussion. Joining the group is Sarasota's premier women's ensemble, Belle Canto. Audience members are encouraged to sing along. Admission is free with offering. Parking is available in the Zenith garage. Call 955-0935 or visit firstsrq.com. 

Tuesday, Dec. 15
Kiltie Band Winter Showcase
Starts at 7 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way. The Riverview High School Kiltie Band's 90-minute performance features seasonal favorites. Admission is $5. Visit riverviewperformingarts.com.