easing the pain with free

Like most of my friends and co-workers, my family and I are feeling the pain of rising gas prices, higher grocery bills and not to forget the utilities constantly going up. I have always been one to clip coupons, sign up for contests, and I shop at the local consignment shops; but now that is not always enough.

We have cut back on going out to dinner, we try to run all the errands we have in the best route possible and we stay in more than we used to. I have mentioned before that if it’s FREE it’s for ME.  Well Tampa Bay area offers a lot of FREE events.

Take a look at the following list I pulled from TBO.com.  Remember, these are just the events that piqued my interest; you may find several more that pique yours!

Remember to stay happy and healthy – we need to get out and have fun, so don’t stay indoors just to save money.  I encourage you to utilize what our city offers and enjoy.

Friday April 25, 2008 will be a good night, there are FREE concerts to go to, one on each side of the bay:

• Q-Fest Classic Rock Concert in Coachman Park, Clearwater. This concert is part of the 55th Annual Clearwater Fun ‘N Sun Festival This part of the event is from 4pm-11pm on Friday and is for all ages. Featuring: Starship starring Mickey Thomas, Rare Earth and Invasion. Admission is free but you can buy reserved seating for $20. You can go to www.myclearwater.com for the entire weekend line up!
• Friday Extra Concert Series in Lowry Park, Tampa. Sun City Swing Band with The Smokers Band will play in the bandshell outside of the Zoo grounds and they begin jamming at 7pm.  Admission is FREE!   I have been to this event when the JGLB has played and what fun! People take blankets, chairs, coolers, food and just have a blast. Make sure to have some bug spray though, summer time in Florida gets a little “creepy.”

Saturday, April 26, 2008 has a lot to offer. I have found FREE events all across the bay:

• Children’s Board 20^th Birthday Party, 1002 E. Palm Ave., Ybor City. My family and I have been to this facility several times working with the foster families of Hillsborough County and have seen some of the work they have done for our community. If you don’t know much about them you should head out for this FREE party. The event runs from 10am until 1pm. There will be a brief program at 10:15am and then the fun begins!   This is all for the children, with face painting, moon walking, balloons, arts & craft activities, and ongoing student performances. You can go to www.childrensboard.org for more information. Don’t forget to visit the Ybor City Fresh Market on your way home.  It will be open until 3pm!
• The Biggest Beach Party Ever, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach. Normally you can not truly “party” on the beach, but Indian Rocks has a night set aside for just that! This event runs from 6pm until 11pm.  It’s an evening of beer, wine, and food (cash bar and no coolers allowed). Music will be supplied by DJ Terry Newman and they also plan on having a big bonfire (if weather permits). Sounds like something I would really enjoy! This is a sponsored event and all the proceeds go back to the community through the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks.
• Pops in the Park with the Florida Orchestra, Al Lopez Park, Tampa. The Florida Orchestra will begin at 7:30pm, and there is no listed ending time – it may go all night long!  You can bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets!  Here in Tampa Bay, springtime is the best time to sit outdoors.  Go enjoy the fact that you live in a beautiful community!
• Tampa Theatre’s Traveling Picture Show, River Tower Park in Sulphur Springs. We learned of this event when we visited the Tampa Theatre for the History of Seminole Heights movie debut. The movie will begin at 8pm and will end well, when it’s over! The movie this Saturday is “The Princess Bride” Gates will open at 6pm and you may bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets! They have another movie scheduled for May 17 at Cotanchobee Park in Downtown Tampa, for all the info go to www.tampatheatre.org

After all this you will need to rest on Sunday, or like my house will be… More Spring Cleaning!

Get out and have fun!