February 5, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT
Johnette Isham, Executive Director, Realize Bradenton
941-350-8563 § [email protected]
Bradenton Area Honors Veterans in March and April
As part of the Legacy of Valor Campaign, dozens of Bradenton area arts, cultural, historical and sports groups present
events that honor veterans and their families.
(Bradenton, FL) As part of The Legacy of Valor Campaign, Realize Bradenton has helped coordinate various community-driven partnerships in the Bradenton area that honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. During the months of March and April, Bradenton Farmers’ Market, Manatee Village Historical Park, Palmetto Historical Park, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, South Florida Museum, Florida Maritime Museum, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and ArtCenter Manatee will host events and initiatives that relate to this campaign. For more information, call Realize Bradenton at 941-350-8563.
“Realize Bradenton and our partners are proud to participate in this worthy endeavor,” says Johnette Isham, executive director of Realize Bradenton. “We’re cheered by the overwhelmingly positive response from our area’s arts, cultural, historical and sports groups to participate. With their collaboration, our Bradenton area will come alive during March and April with events that recognize and applaud the service and sacrifice all veterans and their families.”
Bradenton’s mayor, Wayne Poston, says that, as a veteran of the Armed Services, he’s especially pleased that “these mostly free events will bring our community together to honor veterans, embrace freedom and inspire patriotism. We’re grateful to Realize Bradenton for coordinating this.”
The following events are part of The Legacy of Valor Campaign:
Manatee Village Historical Park
Devotion to Duty Exhibit
March 2014-January 2015
An exhibition of uniforms, letters, and artifacts reflects the veterans and their families who have served with pride to ensure the freedom of so many. FREE.
www.ManateeClerk.com/historical/manateevillage.aspx
Bradenton Farmers’ Market
Veterans Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 1; 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans and their families at Veterans Appreciation Day with informational tables and music provided by the Del Couch Music Education Foundation. FREE.
www.BradentonFarmersMarket.com
Music in the Park
Pavilion at the Riverwalk
Wednesday, March 5; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Manatee Concert Band celebrates the Legacy of Valor Campaign to honor veterans, embrace freedom, and inspire patriotism at this lunch time concert. FREE.
www.RealizeBradenton.com
Opening Sketches and Stories: One Man’s Memories
Florida Maritime Museum
Thursday, March 6; 5:30 – 7 p.m.
“Sketches and Stories: One Man’s Memories” is a solo show by John Miller, a World War II marine who sketched around Cortez Village in the 1970s. This exhibit includes sketches and retrospective stories about Miller’s life and time in the military. FREE.
www.floridamaritimemuseum.org
Veteran Artist Program Art Exhibit
Palmetto Historical Park & Manatee County Agricultural Museum
March 7- April 19; opening reception is March 7, 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
An art exhibit featuring mixed media artwork created by United States veterans. FREE.
www.manateeclerk.com/historical/PalmettoPark.aspx
www.manateeclerk.com/historical/AgMuseum.aspx
Film Friday
South Florida Museum
Friday, March 7; 6-8 p.m.
“An American Legacy” military film series with beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. Featured film is “From Here to Eternity.” $5 general admission; $3 museum members. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended. For more information and reservations, please contact at 941-746-4131, Ext. 0.
www.southfloridamuseum.org
Music & Movie in the Park with the Sarasota Pops Orchestra
Pavilion at the Riverwalk
Friday, March 7; 6-10 p.m.
Get inspired with music honoring American war veterans with conductor Robyn Bell and the 60 outstanding musicians of the Sarasota Pops Orchestra. After the concert enjoy an outdoor classic movie, “Kelly’s Heroes.”Food and beverage is available for purchase. FREE.
www.RealizeBradenton.com
Palmetto Heritage Day Open House
Palmetto Historical Park & Manatee County Agricultural Museum
Saturday, March 8; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
This event includes once-a-year postal cancellation in the Heritage Station Post Office and features entertainment, storytellers, crafts, a children’s watercolor and writing workshop with the theme, “What Freedom Means to Me,” a children’s firefighting challenge with North River Fire Department, letters to soldiers, military exhibit, and more. FREE.
www.manateeclerk.com/historical/PalmettoPark.aspx
www.manateeclerk.com/historical/AgMuseum.aspx
Kayak Build
Florida Maritime Museum
Saturday and Sundays: March 8 & 9, 15 & 16
The local chapter of Heroes on the Water will build skin-on-frame kayaks in a class led by Dave Gentry. The public is invited to stop in and see the work in progress. Kayaks will be kept by H.O.W. and used in kayak fishing outings for local veterans. FREE.
www.FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org
Film Friday
South Florida Museum
Friday, March 14; 6-8 p.m.
“An American Legacy” military film series featuring “Rescue Dawn.” $5 general admission; $3 museum members. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended. For more information and reservations, please contact at 941-746-4131, Ext. 0.
www.southfloridamuseum.org
Heritage Days Open House
Manatee Village Historical Park
Saturday, March 15; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This event portrays life in early Southwest Florida, featuring military exhibits, entertainment, speakers. Veteran service organizations will join artisans, craft, and food vendors. FREE.
www.manateeclerk.com/historical/manateevillage.aspx
Film Friday
South Florida Museum
Friday, March 21; 6-8 p.m.
“An American Legacy” military film series featuring “So Proudly We Hail.” $5 general admission; $3 museum members. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended. For more information and reservations, please contact at 941-746-4131, Ext. 0.
www.southfloridamuseum.org
Bradenton Farmers’ Market
Veterans Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 22; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans and their families at Veterans Appreciation Day with informational tables and music provided by the Del Couch Music Education Foundation. FREE.
www.BradentonFarmersMarket.com
Music in the Park: The Second Time Arounders Marching Band
Pavilion at the Riverwalk
Friday, March 22; 7-8 p.m.
One of the largest adult marching bands in the world will get you in the spirit to honor veterans and their families. Lawn chairs and blanket are encouraged. Food and beverage is available for purchase. FREE.
www.RealizeBradenton.com
Pirates Spring Training Salutes Veterans
McKechnie Field
Saturday, March 25; 1 p.m.
Pirates vs. Blue Jays salute veterans at downtown Bradenton’s historic and recently renovated McKechnie Field. To purchase tickets, visit the website. Group sales, call 941-747-3031.
www.BradentonMarauders.com
Film Friday
South Florida Museum
Friday, March 28; 6-8 p.m.
“An American Legacy” military film series featuring “Alive Day Memories.” $5 general admission; $3 museum members. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended. For more information and reservations, please contact at 941-746-4131, Ext. 0.
www.southfloridamuseum.org
Freedom Mural
ArtCenter Manatee
Saturday, March 29; 11 a.m.-noon
Unveiling ceremony for the FreedomMural. Light refreshments immediately following unveiling. FREE.
www.artcentermanatee.org
Workshop: Building a Container Victory Garden
Manatee County Agricultural Museum & Palmetto Historical Park
Saturday, March 29; 10 a.m.-noon
This workshop invites veterans and their young children to build a container victory garden. Free for veterans and their children.
www.manateeclerk.com/historical/PalmettoPark.aspx
www.manateeclerk.com/historical/AgMuseum.aspx
USO-Style Show
McKechnie Field
Saturday, April 12; Gates Open at 6 p.m.; show is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Honor our veterans and their families at this upbeat USO-style show. Directed by Rick Kirby, the creative director of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, this family-friendly, multi-media event includes a showcase of local musicians who are veterans, and musical and theatrical performances that take audiences through time with photos, films, and interviews projected on large screens. Tickets purchased in advance are $2 ($2 convenience fee) at http://www.manateeplayers.com/boxoffice.html or with cash or check at the Manatee Performing Arts Center ticket office. Tickets go on sale at McKechnie Field the day of the event at 5 p.m. for $8; cash only. Please bring items to send U.S. troops, including beef jerky, protein bars, and socks. Proceeds will benefit Manasota Operation Troop Support (MOTS).
www.RealizeBradenton.com
About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a non-profit organization that builds community and promotes economic development through collaborative events, strategic partnerships, and interactive strategies. We help make downtown Bradenton one of the best riverfront communities in the country. For more information, visit: www.RealizeBradenton.com.
About Legacy of Valor
Legacy of Valor is a campaign that rallies our community to honor veterans, inspire patriotism and pass freedom on to others. A mosaic of community-driven partnerships will educate and focus the community to use time, talent and treasure to recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans and their families. For more information, please visit FreedomPassItOn.org.
