Free Buccaneers Night Practice Aug. 4

Seeing the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium isn't cheap during the season, but you can do it absolutely free on Saturday, Aug. 4 when they hold a special night practice.

It's more than just a chance to get in some reps. A full-fledged fan event, the night practice includes autographs, cheerleaders and fireworks. There's an actual practice, too, as the team participates in the first full scrimmage of the year. None of it counts in the standings, but it's a chance to show some goodwill to the fans in the stands.

Not only is the practice free, but parking won't cost anything, either. And some concessions will be deeply discounted: Hot dogs and soft drinks are just $1 each. Try getting that deal once the regular season starts. If you're a die-hard Buccaneers fan or just want to see how the team is coming along, this is a great chance to do it on the cheap.

The practice itself starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8:45 p.m. but the autograph session starts at 4 p.m. That's also free, but some will require vouchers which will be distributed at 3 p.m. Some autographs will be available at general tables, but if you want something from a more popular player, you should get there early.

Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway. For more information, visit www.buccaneers.com.

Kiss/Mötley Crüe Deliver In Tampa

If you put together a tour and have the audacity to name it simply "The Tour," one of two scenarios is playing out: Either the bands are very uncreative, or they're very cocky.

In this case, anyone with passing knowledge of Mötley Crüe and Kiss knows that neither band has ever lacked swagger, and both are known as exceptional live acts. Putting them together in 2012 (a good 30 years since their last pairing, when Mötley Crüe released their debut album Too Fast For Love while Kiss had already been selling out live concerts for about 100 years) is setting expectations pretty high. Fortunately, both bands were up to the challenge when The Tour hit Tampa's 1-800-Ask-Gary Ampitheatre on July 28.

The co-headlining tour (conceived in an alternate universe where one band always goes on before the other but they call them co-headliners) features slightly abbreviated sets by both groups-- emphasis on "slightly," since each plays about 80 minutes-- and the instrumental foreplay fans expect in drum and guitar solos. There's even an opening act called The Treatment, who always go on first but are probably not considered co-co-headliners. In any case, they're pretty good, although they received less attention than the merchandise booth, which was consistently several fans deep before the show.

Since we're still months away from Daylight Savings, Mötley Crüe opened their set and played a couple of songs in broad daylight. If that put a damper on the band's energy, they didn't show it on stage and the fans surely didn't show it in the seats and lawn, both of which looked pretty full. The Crüe is one of those rare bands who has all the original members playing... and they can still play. Nikki Sixx handles his bass like a bully but doesn't seem to miss any notes, while Mick Mars barely moves but lets his guitar speak loudly. Tommy Lee, on the other hand, moves around a lot for a drummer. But he takes his kit with him-- playing a solo while strapped in to a roller-coaster contraption that flipped him upside-down just to make things interesting. 

But as is always the case with Mötley Crüe, the quality of their set depends largely on their vocalist. As Vince Neil goes, Mötley goes. Some shows he sings every third word (not in a cool Frank Sinatra kind of way, but in a I-need-to-catch-my-breath kind of way), and other shows he's hitting most of the lyrics. In Tampa he was well over 70 percent in a strong performance that had him hitting extended high notes with ease. Whatever he's doing-- or not doing, as is often the case with Mötley Crüe -- he should keep (not) doing it.

Their setlist included something from each of their heyday albums from the 1980s, with special attention given to 1989's Dr. Feelgood (the title track, "Same Ol' Situation," "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)," and show-closer "Kickstart My Heart). Near the end, Lee summed it up best with a sincere "Fuck...Yes!" They did not disappoint.

Then Kiss came on and did what Kiss always does. The review could end there, but for those who need more information...the lights go down, the year 1976 shows up and the band tears through classics like "Detroit Rock City" and "Shout It Out Loud." Clad in full makeup and costumes, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons still look the part. The mild surprise comes when they open their mouths and they sound the part as well: Stanley still hits his notes and Simmons' growl is still hearty, so the vocals have no problem keeping up with the barrage of guitars and drums. The version of "Love Gun" heard in Tampa would have sounded at home with the one found on Alive II, their live release from back in 1977.

Which brings us to the one genuine surprise on the evening: The best musicians in Kiss are the ones you don't know.  Guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss are long gone (but not forgotten, if fan apparel is any indication), and Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer have taken their place and their costumes. They've also taken their notes and rhythms and replicated them to a degree the original members probably couldn't match today. As evidenced by their combined drum-and-guitar solos, they can play everything required and then some. These "new guys" (both have been in the band for several years) might not be the original members, but they provide a better show for fans in 2012. And you get the feeling that Stanley and Simmons put them on stage for just that reason.

That assessment, by the way, isn't a criticism of Stanley's or Simmons' playing. They never hold the show back musically. But nobody will confuse Kiss' bass challenges to that of Rush, and Stanley's guitar work isn't usually at the forefront of the songs. Their job is to "be Kiss," and that's not easy-- during the show Stanley is carried above through the crowd to reach a second stage, and Simmons is lifted to a platform above the lights (after breathing fire and spitting up theatrical blood). The crowd wants to see those two at their best, and they have to deliver beyond the sounds of their instruments. And at 60 and 62 respectively, Stanley and Simmons have no problem keeping up with their younger bandmates and fans all the way through "Rock and Roll All Nite," their trademark closer.

Both bands offered new songs, too: Mötley Crüe performed their new song, "Sex," and Kiss played "Hell Or Hallelujah," the first single from their new album to be released later this year. Fans were polite during those songs, but they were there to hear hits that spanned several decades. Throughout Kiss' set, Stanley would ask the crowd "Did ya get what you came for?" It turns out that question had already been answered by Mötley Crüe drummer and wordsmith Tommy Lee earlier that night:

"Fuck...Yes!"

Renaissance Festival Is Almost History

Want to go to the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, an annual tradition that offers games, rides, shows, shopping and jousting in a village setting?

You'd better hurry. This is the final weekend.

That means it's your last chance to catch the 2012 version of the festival, including favorites such as the Mud Show, the Washing Well Wenches and a variety of music acts. There's also magic, juggling, tale-telling, games of skill and other events that entertained crowds 500 years ago. While you can certainly spend money there, the festival has enough free entertainment-- scheduled on different stages throughout the grounds-- to keep you busy for several hours. The performers remain in character, too, and many wander around greeting fair-goers and posing for photos. Many attendees dress up as well (though that's not required) so the atmosphere of the festival is about as authentic as you'll get in modern-day Tampa.

You can indulge your inner royalty with appropriate food and drink, as mead and turkey legs take their place alongside modern fare. Shopping is also popular, with rows of vendors selling everything from Renaissance-style clothing to leather goods, pottery, blown glass, jewelry and incense. Throw in face painting, Henna tattoos and Tarot card readings, and you have a full day ahead of you.

But there are only two of those days left; it all ends this weekend. The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is located at 11315 N. 46th St., on the grounds of the Museum of Science & Industry. It runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $18.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 5-12, and $14.95 for seniors 62 and older. For more information, visit www.bayarearenaissancefest.com.

Free Admission For Kids at Florida Strawberry Festival

If you want to go to the Florida Strawberry Festival with a child or young adult, today is the day to do it: As part of Kids' Day, all children through high school age get in free.

Not only does that save some serious money (the regular admission price is $5 for children ages 6-12 and $10 for anyone older than that) but it's a good excuse to take the family to the annual event, now in its 77th year. You'll get to enjoy the rides, midway, livestock, exhibits and shows that make the Strawberry Festival special. There's plenty of free things to enjoy, from music acts-- Air Supply performs tonight, for example-- to racing pigs.

Yes, the racing pigs have returned. With six shows a day and capacity crowds, they're in high demand.

In addition to all of that entertainment, of course, is the food. First on the list is strawberries, naturally: Make-your-own strawberry shortcake takes it place alongside strawberry milkshakes and strawberry ice cream, as well as flats of strawberries waiting to be eaten. If you like strawberries, it's not surprising that the Strawberry Festival is the place to go.

But they have a lot more than strawberries. The have fried cheese, fried candy, fried butter and fried...well, almost anything you can imagine. It might not be good for a diet, but it's always popular and part of the festival tradition for many attendees. And if you ever wondered what chocolate-covered bacon tastes like, here's your chance.

The Florida Strawberry Festival runs through March 11, and they have different specials everyday. But today is the only day members of the general public can attend for free (military, law enforcement and first-responders have their own American Heroes Day this Wednesday which also offers them free admission). Children love festivals, adults like saving money and everybody likes strawberries. All of it comes together today.

The festival is open each day from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Last Chance To See DinoQuest At Lowry Park Zoo

Visitors to Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., are used to seeing a variety of exotic animals. But in the zoo's latest exhibit, the animals aren't alive. They don't even exist anymore, and haven't walked the Earth for hundreds of millions of years. And they'll all be gone after this weekend.
DinoQuest is an outdoor exhibit featuring nearly 20 life-size dinosaur replicas of different shapes and sizes. These aren't just statues, either. Each has multi-sensory robotics that allow life-like movement and noises. Some of these displays truly tower over guests in the area's lake forest setting, like the 18-foot-tall Brachiosaurus, Suchomimus and the well-known Tyrannosaurus.

The way they look and move makes DinoQuest an unusual exhibit. They're not just statues with some fake-looking backdrop. A lot of care and attention went into making this an engaging and entertaining experience. Of course, like most of Lowy Park Zoo's special exhibits, there are special learning opportunities, rides and other fun related to DinoQuest. Visitors will learn which animals are related to dinosaurs, explore an activity area, dig for fossils, control a robot and ride a special Velocity-Raptor inflatable slide. It's a nice complement to the regular activities found everyday at the zoo.

Sadly, DinoQuest ends this Sunday. The exhibit is open during regular zoo hours, and costs $4 per person in addition to regular zoo admission. For those who want to experience the sights and sounds at night, the zoo will be open for the last Dino Nites on Saturday night from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Dino Nites costs $9.95 per person and includes the DinoQuest exhibit, as well as other select areas and rides. A special Dino Discovery Club, which includes an unlimited DinoQuest pass for both day and night hours is also available for $16. For more information, call 813-935-8552 or

visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.

No Bull: See PBR for $10

Have you ever seen bull riding? I don’t mean a mechanical bull at your favorite watering hole. I’m talking about eight seconds of furious action between the best humans and bulls that the Professional Bull Riders organization has to offer. If you haven’t had a chance to see it live, PBR’s premiere tour is in town this weekend and you can see it for as little as $10.

The Built Ford Tough Series is a group of 28 events held across the country and features the top bull riders of the season. On Saturday and Sunday the series comes to the St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, for two days of competition. After the riders take the eight-second challenge on Saturday, the judges will determine the top 10 performers who will saddle up again that night. After another full round Sunday featuring all riders, the top cumulative scorers will compete in a final showdown to decide the event’s winner. If you’ve seen it on television (and millions do every year) then you know that the results can be exciting, unpredictable and even dangerous.

Each stop in the series, which reaches 23 states, is important to the riders, who are gunning for a spot in the finals held in Las Vegas later this year. You can catch the action live this weekend, and you don’t have to break your piggybank to see the bulls. Tickets go for as little as $10 each, with higher-priced packages available as well.

The Built Ford Tough Series is an evening event on Saturday (7:50 p.m. start) and a day event on Sunday (1:00 p.m. start). For more information, visit www.pbrnow.com.

Celebrate ‘American Heroes’ at the Florida Strawberry Festival

The Florida Strawberry Festival means plenty of strawberries, of course. But there’s a lot more than fruit to draw you to the annual event, now in its 76th year. And on Wednesday, there’s an even better reason for active military and first-responders to attend: Free admission.

The festival, held at 303 N. Lemon St. in Plant City, is a collection of agricultural and livestock exhibits, food, rides, food, games, food, and entertainment. Did I mention the food? You can’t walk more than a few feet without being enticed by a variety of special treats you won’t find at home. There’s plenty of strawberry shortcake, of course, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t try some. But they also have fried delicacies that you’ve probably never tried before: Fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, fried Snickers, fried Milky Way candy bars, and fried butter. Yes, fried butter. They have plenty of others, too, so if you like your food deep fried or on a stick (or both) you’ll be more than satisfied.

The festival has a great deal of entertainment as well, from music acts like Tanya Tucker and The Doobie Brothers (free general admission seats while they last, and reserved seats available to purchase) to daily activities like Rosaire’s Racing Pigs, a popular attraction where the seats are full for every pig race. There’s also a full midway with rides and games, as well as a special children’s section with rides more appropriate for younger visitors. Throw in all the different businesses booths, vendor tables, photography and art shows and you’ve got a full day of activities to keep everyone entertained.

And on Wednesday, our “American Heroes” get in free. All active and retired military, law enforcement and first-responders will enjoy free admission with appropriate ID. Regular admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. Children 5-and-under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information, call 813-752-9194 or visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Military discount at Renaissance Festival March 27 & 28

If you want to see the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, 11315 46^th St. N. on the grounds of the Museum of Science & Industry, you’d better hurry: This is the last weekend. But on the bright side, if you’re part of a military family they have a special deal for you.

Active and retired military families enjoy buy-one-get-one ticket offers all weekend. That’s a savings of $17.95 for adults, $9.95 for children younger than 13 and $14.95 for seniors. According to Carrie Shoptaw from the festival’s public relations department, it’s a chance to show appreciation for those who serve our country.

“Part of our motivation was the enormous military presence in Tampa,” Shoptaw said. “We wanted to make an offer just to thank them for the work they do all year round.” Visitors get access to all the general shows and exhibits on the festival grounds, which can take several hours to enjoy. In addition to plenty of eating and shopping opportunities, there are comedy and music shows across several stages spread out across the village. You can’t go very far without running into one. They even have jousting events, which always attract a large crowd. And you’ll frequently encounter citizens of the realm—always staying in character— mingling with the public to add to the atmosphere. If you haven’t been to a Renaissance Festival before, it’s a fun experience and this is your last chance. And if you have seen it before, you know it will be another year before you see anything like it again. So take advantage of the opportunity (and specials) this weekend.

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Parking is free. So grab a turkey leg, enjoy the shows and say thank you if you see military families out and about.

For more information, visit www.bayarearenaissancefest.com.

Free Strawberry Festival admission for ‘American Heroes’ Wednesday

We’re mid-way through the Florida Strawberry Festival, but there are still a few days to enjoy the 75^th incarnation of the event, held at 303 N. Lemon St. in Plant City. In fact, there’s a special going on today for those who serve their country, county and city. On Wednesday, the festival celebrates American Heroes Day by offering free admission to active and retired military, Law Enforcement, EMS personnel and firefighters. Just show your ID and enjoy the Strawberry festival for free. It’s a nice way to say thank you to those who make our lives safer and easier.

There’s a lot to do this year, too. The Florida Strawberry Festival has plenty of scheduled entertainment, and a lot of it is included in admission. You can hear everything from bluegrass to country to rhythm & blues, catch motorcycle stunts, a lumberjack show and even racing pigs. Yes, racing pigs. Do you really want to miss that?

Of course, there are more strawberry dishes than you could possibly eat along with your favorite, deep-fried fair favorites as well. There’s also a midway with games and rides, and several exhibits, including livestock. And did I mention the racing pigs?

Regular admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youths ages 6-12. So accompany one of our “American Heroes” and enjoy the strawberries. But if you want to save even more money, donate blood at one of the mobile locations outside the festival grounds. They’re giving out free tickets to donors.

American Heroes Day is Wednesday, March 10. The festival runs through the 14^th. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Free Movie at Tampa Theatre’s Sunset Cinema—October 10

When you’re trying to stay within a budget, you have to weigh your entertainment options. Is it worth the money? Can I afford to bring a date, or go with a group of people?

None of that is a concern tonight.

Tampa Theatre’s Sunset Cinema event continues this evening with a showing of “Kung Fu Panda” at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave. The event is free and parking is free. You can take whoever you want. Bring chairs, blankets, food and drinks and enjoy the movie, which is displayed on a giant inflatable screen. With some nice weather, this is a great event and fun way to spend an evening without spending a dime. Just pack up your stuff and make your way there before sundown.

The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starts at about 7:30 p.m. On Oct. 24 they’ll be showing “Shrek” in Plant City as well, so mark your calendars for another free evening. For more information, visit www.tampatheatre.org.

Museum Day 09-26-- Free Admission

We have a lot of museums in the area, but they’re not all cheap to visit. Admission costs vary, but even the less expensive admissions add up if you’re taking the family. Even if you want to go, sometimes the budget doesn’t allow taking everyone to an exhibit.

But you can’t use that excuse today.

You see, today is Museum Day. You don’t have to buy card for anyone, though. You can, however, enjoy free admission to a number of local venues. You’ll save a lot of money and learn something interesting by taking the day and going to your favorite local museums—or visiting ones you never had a chance to see before.

Here are a few (not all) of the local museum participating in the program:

* Great Explorations Children’s Museum—1925 4^th St. N. Regularly $9.

* The Pier Aquarium—800 2nd Ave. NE, Ste. 2001. Regularly $5 or $2.50 on Sundays.

* Florida International Museum—244 2^nd Ave. N. Regularly $8.

* Salvador Dali Museum—1000 3^rd St. S. Regularly $15.

* Ybor City Museum State Park, 1818 E. 9^th Ave. Regularly $4.

* Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St. Regularly $12.

If a family of four went to the Tampa Bay History center and the Salvador Dali Museum today, they’d save a total of $108 on admission costs. At that rate, why not bring friends as well? Bring anyone you can think of and make a day of it. It won’t cost you anything to visit these local museums, and it’s a fun way to spend the day.

But remember, it’s Museum Day, as in just one day. Tomorrow prices go back to normal so get going. For more information, visit www.smithsonainmag.com and look for the Museum Day button.

See ZooBoo At A Discount Saturday 09-26

ZooBoo is an annual tradition at Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Avenue. It’s also one of their biggest fund-raisers, and a great way for a family to get into the Halloween Spirit. The entire zoo is transformed into a Halloween destination, with spooky themes and creepy attractions. But unlike the adult-oriented frights of major theme parks, Zoo Boo has plenty of areas for children of all ages, such as Frankenstein’s Foam Party and the Lil Tyke Boo House. But if you want a more grownup scare, there are a number of attractions for you as well. There are some new events (such as Fright Theater 3-D and Sinister Shadows) as well as old favorites, including some free zoo rides. It’s a fun time.

Zoo Boo is nothing like seeing Lowry Park Zoo the rest of the year, and this weekend it’s cheaper than it will ever be. Normally, the event (which runs through October) costs $17 for adults and $14 for children. But if you go tonight, tickets are just $10 each, and children 2 and under get in free. That’s a good deal and a fun way to preview this annual event. So enjoy the “Shriek Peek” weekend (their phrase, not mine) and see ZooBoo at a major discount.

For more information, call 813-935-8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.

Lightning training camp event today-- 9-15

While the Rays are wrapping up their season and the Buccaneers kicked off their year this past Sunday, another pro team is gearing up for another year. The Tampa Bay Lightning has opened its training camp, and that means freebies for fans.

Today, the St. Pete Times Forum will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. so you can watch camp in person—for free. You’ll see practices and controlled scrimmages, and they’ll even serve a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. It’s a fun way to get ready for a new season, support the team and have some fun without emptying your wallet.

Following local sports teams isn’t cheap, but this is an opportunity to see how the Bolts are shaping up and score a free lunch. That’s a pretty good way to spend the day.

The St. Pete Times Forum is located at 401 Channelside Drive.

Tribute bands for $10-- June 20

If you want to see AC/DC in concert, be prepared to shell out about $100. For Motley Crue, you’re looking at another $50-$100. And if you want to see Ozzy Osbourne…good luck. He hasn’t toured since 2007 and “Ozzfest” was cancelled this year. So you could probably see two of those bands for around $150 per person, not counting service charges—assuming they were playing in the same city around the same time.

Or you could see a reasonable facsimile of all three for about $10. Which options sounds better to you?

The “Monsters of Mock” concert on Saturday night at Jannus Landing, 16 2^nd St. N., features tribute acts Highway to Hell (AC/DC), Carnival of Crue (Motley Crue) and Bark at the Moon (Ozzy Osbourne), as well as openers Hangman Jury. They look and sound like the bands you love without the prices you hate. Jannus is a great place to see live acts and the songs are classics. So even if it’s not the real thing, you’re saving real money—a ton of money-- and enjoying a fun show. What’s not to like?

Advance tickets are $10 (they’re $12 Saturday) and the doors open at 7. For more information, visit www.jannuslandingconcerts.com.

Summer Classic Movie Series at Tampa Theatre

I'm going to let you in on a secret: I've never seen "To Kill A Mockingbird."
I know; it's a classic with a compelling message and memorable characters. I know it's supposed to be great. I just never got around to seeing it. I could just go rent it and watch it, of course. But I have a much better idea: I'm going to see it today at Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., as part of their Summer Classic Movie Series. That way I'll see it on the big screen with other people who already love the movie. The theater itself is a pretty special place (I've mentioned the tours they offer regularly) so why not see a classic movie in a classic setting?
In addition to seeing a famous film each weekend (the series runs on Sundays until August 23) you also get a few other nice bonuses. Each movie starts at 3 p.m., but if you get there an hour early you can participate in a mini-tour of the theater. About 20 minutes before the movie starts you'll also enjoy a demonstration of the restored Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. And for select movies (including To Kill A Mockingbird) you can stay afterward and participate in "Cinema Chat," where a film expert provides insight into the film, offers background information and leads an interactive discussion. If you really love these movies, it's a nice extra and all included with your paid admission.
That admission, by the way, is $8. That's probably less than seeing a non-classic movie in a multiplex that you might end up hating. Throw in the tour, the Mighty Wurlitzer and the discussions and you have a great deal. Other movies in the series include Casablanca, Citizen Kane (both of which I saw for the first time at a previous Summer Classic Series), and Blazing Saddles (which I've seen about a hundred times, thank you very much). "To Kill A Mockingbird" plays today. For a complete movie listing and Cinema Chat schedule visit www.tampatheatre.org.

Buccaneers Fan Fest on Saturday

Okay, it’s been awhile since the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in early 2003. But if you’ve spent a long time in Tampa, you remember all the years before that—orange uniforms, jokes and double-digit years of double-digit losses. Right now the team is competitive and missing the playoffs last year was a disappointment. I remember when a winning record—playoffs or not—was grounds for a parade. Expectations are higher because the team is better.

So if you’re ready for some football, the team’s annual Fan Fest event is this Saturday. It’s a chance for fans to meet players and coaches, get autographs, check out the stadium and see the cheerleaders perform. There will be on-field games and activities and you can even see the Lombardi Trophy from the aforementioned championship run. Best of all, the event is free.

Professional football is a lot of fun, but it isn’t cheap. This might be your only chance to get to the stadium and see the players without unnecessary roughness to your wallet.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m., and if you want autographs from the most popular players, you should get there early. In case you didn’t know, Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway. The event runs until 2 p.m.

MOSI discounts on Saturday

The Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., is a fun way to spend a few hours. They have a number of interactive exhibits and the IMAX theater is an impressive place to watch a movie. The problem is that it’s not cheap to go: A trip to the museum and a standard IMAX movie will run you about $20.
Unless you go today, of course.
Admission and an IMAX movie will only cost a total of $8 as part of the 2009 Hurricane Expo. Since the hurricane season is fast approaching it’s a good time to get up-to-date information about evacuation zones and emergency planning. Dozens of vendors will be at the museum to provide information, hold giveaways and conduct seminars. You can also eat there for between $3 and $5. Plus, like I said, you get a big discount to the museum and see a movie, too. That’s a good deal.
The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

A Taste of Pinellas this weekend

A Taste of Pinellas technically started yesterday (sorry), but you still have the rest of the weekend to enjoy the music and activities. They even have a Kids Zone so it’s a family-friendly event. Best of all, most of the fun is absolutely free.
If you don’t know how the “taste” format works, it’s simple: You buy tickets and use them to sample food from area restaurants. A sheet of eight tickets costs $5 and each sample costs a certain number of tickets. It’s a nice way to try different food from a variety of vendors and it’s a benefit for All Children’s Hospital.
But really, I’m mentioning A Taste of Pinellas for the free stuff—namely, free admission and free music. Saturday they have different acts starting at 1 p.m. and ending with a concert by Travis Tritt at 8 p.m. There’s also a fireworks show at 9:45. On Sunday the music also starts at 1 p.m. and ends with a set by KC & the Sunshine Band at 5:30. You can bring a blanket and some folding chairs and enjoy all the music without spending a penny. Free entertainment is always a good thing.
A taste of Pinellas is held at Vinoy Park, 501 5th Ave. NE, and begins at noon on both remaining days. For more information, visit www.tasteofpinellas.com.

Free Memorial Day Entertainment for Military

Memorial Day is more than an extra day off (if you’re lucky). It’s an opportunity to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. At the same time, it’s a chance to show appreciation for those active and retired service personnel who make daily sacrifices as well. And one way to show appreciation is to send some free stuff their way. Fortunately, some local businesses have put together a few nice entertainment options on Monday that are totally free for active and retired military. Here are a couple of good ones:

* Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., is offering free admission for active and retired military, drilling reservists, National Guardsmen and up to three dependents of military personnel. Dependents can take advantage of the offer without the service member but an adult must accompany child dependents. This is a great deal for families, including those who have a loved one serving overseas.

* The Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., is offering free admission for active and retired military. Not only do they get admission into the regular MOSI exhibits, but they also get to see the popular Body Worlds exhibit and an IMAX movie. That’s a $30 value. Additional family members and guests will receive $5 off their tickets as well. MOSI will also have inflatable batting cages with the Rays’ Street Team and radio broadcasts, so it should be a fun event.

Both of these are great deals, so try to catch them if you can. And if you know someone in the military, say thanks and tell them about it.

Visit Lowry Park Zoo for $5 on Sunday

Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., is an impressive local attraction. It’s rated the best zoo in the United States according to Parents Magazine. It has more than 2000 animals. It has activities for both children and adults to enjoy.

And it costs $20 to get in. Unless, of course, you know when to go.

The right time is today, which just happens to be $5 day at the zoo. For $5 you get to enjoy everything you would at the regular price. It’s just cheaper. So a family of four can go to the zoo for the cost of one adult admission. That saves you about $50 right there.

If you haven’t been to Lowry Park Zoo lately, they have petting zoos, aviaries, an aquatic center, sections representing Asia and Africa and a variety of different shows. There’s plenty to see and you can certainly spend a few hours there. Today (and every day) the zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Enjoy.

If you know of a fun (and cheap) thing to do, send it my way at vivamurillo@hotmail.com.