YOUR NEIGHBORS FASHION FRENZY

Before the eight River Strand models headed out to the runway during the Stylin’ at the Strand event Saturday at the River Strand Country Club, they had to be checked out first. They were modeling clothes by the Evelyn and Arthur women’s clothing store of Sarasota.

Doing the checking was Judy Horn, an employee at Evelyn and Arthur for the past nine years.

So what was on the checklist?

“You have to make sure their tags aren’t hanging out,” Horn said with a laugh about the new clothes they were showing.

Actually, Horn knows that the River Strand women who agreed to walk the runway for the event are volunteers who have done little to no modeling.

They can be nervous.

So Horn makes sure that the bottom of their pants are straight and even, their accessories are hanging just right and their handbags have the fronts pointed at the crowd.

It’s all accomplished in a light-hearted manner.

“We try to keep it upbeat and fun,” Horn said.

A sold-out crowd of 130 women were in the audience to raise funds for the Food Bank of Manatee County. It was the fourth annual event put on by River Strand residents and organized by Eloise Eckler and her committee. However, the event wasn’t held two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

— JAY HEATER

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH

26

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs each day from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. This week’s music includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Soundwave (Friday), Swinging Bridge (Saturday) and Nax Steel (Sunday). A $5 cover is charged on Fridays and Saturdays, and the other days are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT

Runs from 8 a.m. to noon at Lake Uihlein, with those participating in the event meeting behind Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Lakewood Ranch Angler’s Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities host the annual Youth Fishing Tournament. The cost for kids ages 5-19 is $5. Participants receive a T-shirt, goody bag and lunch. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

WALK MS

Begins at 8:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Walk MS is an event that raises money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. There is no registration fee, but the event encourages fundraising and donations. To register or for more information, visit MSSociety.DonorDrive.com.

MY HOMETOWN FEST

Begins at noon at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. My Hometown Fest is a fundraiser that supports the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota. The event features food from area restaurants, craft beers and live music. General admission tickets, which include all food and beer samples, are $35. Food only tickets are $25. Kids 12 and younger are admitted free. Parking is $5. For more information, visit MyHometownFest.com or call 993-9036.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

WALK TO END HUNGER

Begins at 8:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson

Best Bet

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 AND SATURDAY, MARCH 25

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS AT WATERSIDE

Begins at 6 p.m. both days at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Waterside Place introduces its “Sights and Sounds” music series on Fridays by hosting the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble under the pavilion. Limited seating is available, so bring a lawn chair. Then on Saturday, musician/singer Frankie Lombardi performs for those who enjoy sunset views of Kingfisher Lake, fun at the hub’s parks, or dining at the various restaurants. The entertainment is free. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

Circle, Sarasota. The All Faiths Food Bank’s 2023 Walk to End Summer Hunger marks the start of the organization’s six-week campaign to raise funds to feed children at risk.

Registration for the walk, which includes a T-shirt and a light breakfast, is $25 for adults and $15 for those younger than 18. For more information, call 549-8131. To register, visit AllFaithsFoodBank.org.

FARMERS MARKET

Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

POLO

Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Thousands of fans enjoy high-level polo action each Sunday while tailgating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at SarasotaPolo.com or at the gate.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Live music, food trucks, a market with rotating vendors, a mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league highlight this crowd-favorite event. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

Your Calendar

April 7, 202

U.S. Representative Greg Steube The Haven Carrier Global WWSB ABC 7

Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman

THE AQUA CARES FOUNDATION is proud to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and dedication in providing safety in our community.

Please join us in celebrating their outstanding achievements on

Friday, April 7, 2023 at The Grove 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Guest Speaker: Jason Mozo, J.D., Florida Chamber Safety Council

MC: Sarah Jacobs, iHeart Media

Tickets: $200 per person

Purchase sponsorships and tickets on www.aquacaresfoundation.org