East County calendar for July 2 week

WEEKEND BEST BETS

Friday, July 3
Music on Main 
Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Shotgun Justice will play live classic rock, Southern rock and country for this event benefitting the Rotary Club of Sarasota Gateway. Guests can enjoy family activities, vendor booths, food and drink for purchase and more. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, but no coolers. For information, visit lakewoodranch.com.

Mauraders Independence Day Celebration  
Starts with a game against Charlotte at 6:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field, 1611 9th St. W., Bradenton. The celebration will feature fireworks presented by Bright House Networks and Budweiser. The Marauders will play in camouflage jerseys that will be available for auction. The first 1,500 fans will receive free Mauraders Independence Day T-shirts. The game also has a happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For tickets, visit BradentonMarauders.com or call 877-893-2837.

COMMUNITY

Tuesday, July 7
Book Talk by Lura Zerick 
runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. The Friends of the Braden River Branch Library welcome author Lura Zerick for a book talk and signing on her book, “Living Out Our Later Years.” It encourages individuals of a certain age to take control of their lives, set goals and continue learning and achievine. Zerick is 80 years old and has been writing since 1965. The program is free and all are welcome to attend. For information, call 727-6079.

Wednesday, July 8
Tech Buddies: One-on-one Tech Help 
Runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays now through Aug. 12 at the Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. These one-on-one sessions are designed for anyone who needs help with smartphones, tablets, laptops, social media or email. Participants will meet with a teen “tech buddy” to go over the basics. Walk-ins are welcome.  The program is free. For information, call 727-6079. 

Friday, July 10
Wine Tasting 
Runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cheers to Wine, 8225 Natures Way, Unit 111, Lakewood Ranch. Come sample five wines for $5. Tasting is free for Wine Club members. For information, visit cheers-to-wine.com.

Saturday, July 11
Spyder Broussard Low Country, East County Fish Fry and Shrimp Boil  
Starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Come enjoy a hearty Cajun meal of gumbo, fried catfish, muffulettas, Zatarain’s boiled shrimp with sweet corn and andouille sausage and other favorites at this eighth annual event. Patrons sit tern style at long community tables covered in newspaper. Live music by Gumbo Boogie Band will fill the air. Reservations are required; cost is $34.95, per person and excludes beverages, tax and gratuity. To make a reservation call 782-0899, Ext. 2 or visit pologrillandbar.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, July 3
Jonathan Cortez  
Plays at 9 p.m. at the Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. For information, visit pologrillandbar.com.

Sunday, July 5
The Ditchfield Family Singers  
Perform at 10:15 a.m. at The Tabernacle Church, 4141 DeSoto Road, Sarasota. This Independence Day weekend event will include patriotic anthems and songs part of the American history, as well as celebrating the nation’s Christian heritage. For information, visit thetabsarasota.org.

FAITH

Thursday, June 25
Step by Step  
meets at 7 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA, 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Shoreline Church is starting this new Bible study, at which every week it will study a different book of the Bible, giving an overview of the author and background and key concepts for that book of the Bible. For information, contact The Rev. Pilgrim Benham at [email protected]

BUSINESS

Wednesday, July 1
Power Connection Lunch  
Runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Lakewood Ranch Office, 4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch. This is a members only event and is a great opportunity for business leaders to connect with one another. Cost is $12. Reservations are required to [email protected].

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance July Networking Social  
Runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at the ComCenter of Lakewood Ranch, 9040 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Network to a Jimmy Buffett theme. Cost is free for member or $10 for nonmembers. Register at lwrba.org.