On Saturday, February 4th and thereafter every first Saturday from 5pm-8pm, downtown Sanford will be visited by an amazing selection of food trucks! Unfortunately I will be missing the first bazaar but I will sure be present for the next one (and most likely all the others after that) because I am a HUGE fan of those ueber cool, very trendy events! I have attended the bazaar in Oviedo before and had the best time! Here’s a quick video I did of my first food truck experience:

Now keep in mind that the Oviedo bazaar took place on a parking lot – how much cooler will the Sanford location on Palmetto and Seminole Boulevard (right on Lake Monroe) be? I just love that setting and best of all, when the food trucks leave you can start your night out in Sanford! There are some great bars you can visit right after your culinary food truck experience, here are just some of them to give you some “inspiration”:

• Sanford Wine Company - 114 South Palmetto Avenue
• Little Fish Huge Pond - 309 E 1st Street
• Alley – 114 S Park Ave
• West End Trading Company - 202 S. Sanford Ave
• Wet Spot - 112 South Park Avenue
• Jason’s Martini Bar - 300 South Sanford Avenue
• Fat Rat’s Lounge - 410 South Sanford Avenue

What to bring?

Remember to bring cash and patience (lines can be pretty long!). If you’d like to sit down while eating, bring chairs or a blanket too

Here is a list of some of the trucks that will most likely be present:

• Cafe Rouge Express (of Cafe Rouge in Sanford!)
• The Crepe Company
• Monsta Lobsta
• Mamma’s Soul Food
• Fantastic Hummus
• C&S Brisket Bus
• Melissa’s Chicken & Waffles
• Twisted Cuban
• The Crooked Spoon
• Bistro Babes
• Yum Yum Cupcake Truck

PS: Lake Mary has its own food truck event as well, every last Sunday of the month right in front of City Hall on Lake Mary Boulevard!!

Food Trucks Pro or Contra?

Lots of people have discussed whether the food trucks will be a good thing or a bad thing for Sanford. I get it, the trucks probably won’t immediately help any of the restaurants, since mostly, after your food truck experience you will not want to run into the next restaurant (unless of course you ran out of cash or patience during the event), but all of the shops and bars (and there are plenty) will benefit from the extra traffic that the bazaar will bring. And I bet that many of you who have not visited our charming downtown before will want to come back for another, food truck unrelated evening to dine one of the great restaurants, right? So, welcome to Sanford, food trucks!!

Needless to say, I am really proud that Sanford has its own film festival – and a very good one on top of that! I was lucky to be able to attend last year’s event (lucky because my little N arrived before his due date so at the time of the event he was almost a month old and I could leave him with grandma): a great beginning for many more festivals to come! Last year’s event location was the Chamber of Commerce building on  First Street, this year the event moves to an even bigger location: the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center on Magnolia Avenue. The setting alone promises to make this year’s event an even bigger hit! I can’t wait to see the “shorts” in a real movie theater setting and spend a fun evening downtown Sanford after the movies.

Here is a little more info:

• Festival will take place from February 10-12, 2012 in Sanford, FL at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center on 203 South Magnolia Avenue
• Friday, February 10th at 7pm marks the opening night, followed by the opening party (by invitation only) at 9pm.
• Movies will be a maximum length of 30 minutes and will be displayed in blocks of 90 minutes each.
• Saturday, February 11 will feature categories like “E” for Everyone, Documentary, Drama, Comedy and Sci-Fi / Horror  from 10am to 9pm (movie starts at that time).
• The free to attend film makers panel will take place at 4pm on Saturday
• Sunday, February 12 will feature categories Animation, Florida Flavor from 1pm to 3pm (movie starts at that time)
• The Best of the Festival event will start at 7pm on Sunday. If you can’t attend any other of the event blocks, this is the one you don’t want to miss. Moreover, rumor has it there will be food trucks in town that evening, so make it a fun night out with movies and delicious food samples before and after the event.
• Check out all official selections here to prepare yourself for the movie blocks
• Pricing: $8 per movie block, $2 for the “E” movie block, and $58 for a weekend pass
• Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

More details can be found at the official Love Your Shorts web site or here.

Sanford

Christmas in the Square

• Friday December 2nd, 6:00-8:00pm at Magnolia Square
• Enjoy live entertainment, visit with Santa, Light Up Sanford, face painters, balloon artists, fun for the whole family!
• More information at 407.688.5120

Holiday Tour of Homes

• Click here for more info
• Friday December 2nd (evening) and Saturday December 3rd (daytime), 2011

Sanford Christmas Parade

• Saturday December 10th at 6:00pm
• Downtown Sanford – First Street , Sanford , FL , 32771 – Phone:407-688-5120 (Phone)
• The city of Sanford will celebrate the holiday season with the theme “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” there will be live holiday entertainment, illuminated floats that light up the night, music and dancing.

Sanford Holiday Extravaganza

• Thursday December 8th, 5:00-9:00pm in Downtown Sanford (replaces Alive After Five this month)
• Come join Sanford’s Downtown Merchants for a jolly good time at our Holiday Extravaganza and sidewalk sale! We will be having a HUGE sidewalk sale, arts & crafts for the kids, live music, plenty of food and drinks available for purchase. Lots of great holiday surprises in store for everyone!
• Also, don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy, non-perishable food item, or food for pet shelters! This event is family friendly and free to the public! For more information, contact The White Cup Coffee House at 407.320.8180
• More info: Historic Sanford Welcome Center – 230 E. 1st Street -Sanford, FL 32771 – 407.302.2586 -www.sanfordwelcomecenter.com

Breakfast or Brunch with Santa

• Saturday December 10th at 9:00am or 11:00am at the Central Florida Zoo
• Meet Santa at the Central Florida Zoo. There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy up-close animal encounters. After breakfast everyone can enjoy creating a special animal treat and then watch as the Zoo Keepers give the animals these special holiday gifts that were made.
• Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information. Reservations required!
• Zoo Members: $17 adults, $12 children (3-12 years), $5 per 2 year old | Non Members: $22 adults, $17 children (3-12 years), $7 per 2 year old | Children under 2 are free. Limit 2 free children per family

Holiday Accessory Swap

• December 13, 2011 – 7:00pm at the Sanford Wine Company in Historic Downtown Sanford
• Ladies Night Out in Sanford! Trade your unwanted bags, scarves, hats, jewelry and anything that dolls you up. Relax, mingle and enjoy appetizers and pamper stations. The swap will take place after we give away door prizes. Bring your friends and enjoy yourself.

The Christmas Miracle

• December 16th-18th at the Princess Theatre
• Spotlight Theatre of Central Florida production of the Leon Harp/June Powell musical
• December 16th : 7:30 p.m. | December 17th : 2 p.m. | December 17th : 7:30 p.m. | December 18th : 2 p.m.
• Price:$12-$18
• Princess Theater - 115 W. First St. , Sanford , FL , 32771 - 407-792-0758

Santa Claus Express at the Zoo

• Saturday December 17th, 1:30-2:30pm
• All aboard the Santa Claus Express at the Central Florida Zoo! Join us for a special holiday book reading and meet some of Santa’s animal friends. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, receive a special gift, and take a ride on the Zoo train with Santa himself!
• Cost: $15.00 per child (ages 3-12), $10.00 per adult, children 2 and under are $3.00
• Reservations are required. Please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information. Seating is limited. Zoo admission not included.

Santa at the Mall

• Seminole Town Center, Sanford
• Visits & Photos with Santa – 11/5/2011 to 12/24/2011
• Visits and photos with Santa will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 5th and Santa will be available for photos through December 24th. Photo prices will vary depending on selected print. Children will also receive a FREE gift with each visit, while supplies last. For additional information about Santa photos and visits, please stop by the Santa booth in Center Court.

The Caroling Company

• Seminole Town Center, Sanford
• 11/25/2011 to 12/17/2011
• The Caroling Company will perform November 25th, December 10th and 17th from 1 pm – 4pm at Seminole Towne Center. These strolling carolers will be dressed in old-fashioned Dicken’s-like costumes, wandering throughout the mall spreading holiday cheer! If you are interested in catching an appearance, the carolers will perform in 20-minute increments.
• Additional Caroling groups will perform throughout the holiday season, near Macy’s on the mall’s lower level.

Claus & Paws – Pet Photos with Santa

• Seminole Town Center, Sanford
• 12/4/2011 to 12/11/2011
• What could be more memorable than a photo of Santa with your favorite family member, Fido or Fluffy? Sunday, December 4th & December 11th Seminole Towne Center invites all pet lovers out for a special photo opportunity. Get your pet’s photo taken with Santa from 8 am.-9:30 p.m. at the Santa set located in the mall’s Center Court.
• Photo prices will vary depending on selected print and pets will receive a special treat after each visit. Pets may enter through the Food Court entrance or Dock #6, near Belk. Traditional pets only please. Claus & Paws Pet Photos with Santa is sponsored locally by AAA.

Holiday Sanford Art Walk

• Downtown Sanford, December 23rd, 2011 at 6:00pm
• Ho Ho Ho! Come join the holiday festivities in downtown Sanford with our holiday Art Walk! On the fourth Friday of each month beginning at 6:00pm and lasting till 9:00pm, downtown Sanford hosts the Sanford Art Walk, a gallery tour around town. Come join us as we feature Central Florida artists in a gallery setting. Mingle with the artists as you enjoy live music, food and lots of ART! The event is open to the public and admission is free.
• In conjunction with the Sanford Art Walk, The Sanford Welcome Center will be hosting our December 23rd “Calling All Holidays” art show from 6-9pm. Come get in the Holiday spirit as you feast your eyes upon some festive holiday artwork! Purchase some wonderful holiday art for those last minute gifts! Or just come to relax and enjoy yourself!
• For more info you can contact us at 407.302.2586 or go to our website www.sanfordwelcomecenter.com

Lake Mary

Holiday in the Park

• Friday December 2nd 6:00-8:00pm and Sunday, December 4th 1pm-3pm
• Lake Mary City Hall, Lake Mary
• Bring along your cameras for pictures with Santa!

Holly Dolly Christmas

Old Fashioned Christmas Social

• Sunday December 4th, 4:00-6:00pm at the Lake Mary Museum
• A thank you to the community. See the Lake Mary Museum all decked out for the holidays. Refreshments provided.
• Lake Mary Historical Museum – 158 N. Country Club Rd – Lake Mary, FL

The Nutty Nutcracker

• Saturday December 10th at 3:30pm, Lake Mary Performing Arts Theatre (Lake Mary High School Auditorium) @ Lake Mary High School
• Pictures with Santa prior to the performance
• Call 407-324-3036 for more information and ticket prices
• Xtreme Dance Studio is proud to announce the 5th Annual Nutty Nutcracker performance at Lake Mary High School. This lively interpretation of the classic Nutcracker Ballet will provide a fun afternoon for the whole family. Proceeds from the event benefit Kids House of Seminole.

New Year’s Eve

New Years Eve Overnight Childcare for $25

Have a great night knowing that your kids are too. Festive Dinner, Games, Crafts, Tons of Toys, Fort Building Contest, Gaming Competition, Milk and Cookies, Midnight Toast, Breakfast and so much more. Ages 2-12

Drop off December 31 at 6:00pm Pick up before 10:00 am January 1, 2012.

Academic Beginnings Childcare – 315 S Maple ave Sanford FL 32771 – academicbeginningschildcare.com
Contact Kim Barnes: academicbeginnings@gmail.com

Many Halloween events are annual events so feel free to browse through the Halloween events post of earlier years to find even more events. 2008 & 2010 | 2009

Sanford FL Halloween Events

Spooky Hollow, October 31, 2011 – 6pm-8pm

A fun, free Halloween event for the little ones in historic downtown Sanford. Go trick or treating with the downtown merchants. Games, prizes and surprises! Costume contest and more!

Third Annual Spirits in Sanford, Saturday, October 8, 2011 – 10am-4pm

If you have a passion for Halloween collectibles, don’t miss Spirits in Sanford, the only Halloween Art Show on the East Coast! You will enjoy highest quality Halloween art in an unexpected atmosphere of wicked delight.

Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery, 211 East 1st Street, Sanford, FL 32771-1376 – (407) 323-2774

Click here for more information.

MACABRE CARNIVAL, Oct. 1, 2011 – 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

In cooperation with the Zoo, Horrorscapes is horrifying-ly pleased to present macabre carnival full of fun, food and the undead! You must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets are $15 advanced purchase, $20 at the door and $10 for designated driver. Wear your Halloween costume to enter our costume contest! FREE BEER (8 p.m. to 9 p.m.) limit 3 and $1.00 beer and $2.00 mixed drinks.

Order tickets online at relishthefear.com or call 407.437.2886 for more information.

3755 NW US Highway 17/92, Sanford FL 32771

Halloween Extravaganza, October 22, 2011 – 5:00pm-10:00pm

This one sounds very interesting and is even quite educational. No wonder, it’s at the The Planetarium at Seminole State College in Sanford. This annual family event features a haunted school (awesome!), a costume contest for children 12 years and younger, candy and prizes, telescopes for peering into the wonders of the night sky, and the show “Into the West: Astronomical Origins of Halloween.”

Adults $2, children 5 and up $1, younger than 5 free.

The Planetarium at Seminole State College in Sanford, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32771 – Visit www.seminolestate.edu/planet

ZOO Boo Bash, October 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2011 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Trick or treat in the wildest neighborhood in town during the Central Florida Zoo’s ZOO Boo Bash. It’s a safe, fun, and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Kids are invited to bring goodie bags and wear costumes for trick or treat stations.

If you forget your costume, face painting will be available. Take a haunted hayride, visit the Pumpkin Patch for a fun photo, and learn about the myths and realities of some misunderstood animals. For more information, call 407.323.4450 ext. 100.

3755 NW US Highway 17/92, Sanford FL 32771

Sanford Pumpkin Patch 2011 – Oct. 13th – 31st

Kids Story Time: 9am, 10am and 11am Oct. 19th-21st

Hours: Mon-Fri: 2pm to Dusk | Sat: 10am to Dusk | Sun: 12pm to Dusk

Lakeside Fellowship United Methodist Church – 305 S. Orange Blvd – Sanford, FL 32771 – MORE INFO

First Annual Ghost Walking Tour in Sanford, Florida – Saturday, October 22, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Art Affair Gallery, Sanford, FL
Website: http://ArtAffairGallery.com
This is the perfect event for those in Orlando seeking a unique and authentic Halloween experience. Begin your tour of the paranormal at Art Affair Gallery. Researchers from RIP Hunters will be your guides as you tour historic Sanford in search of the city’s ghosts. You will visit place where there has been documented paranormal activity. Fear not! Your guides are experienced in interacting with the other-worldly.

ZOOloween, Saturday, October 22, 2011 – 7:00 p.m. to midnight

CLICK HERE to get your Zooloween tickets HALF OFF!

This one sounds like a great party, and I love the fact that designated drivers pay less than half of admission, very fair!

A fright-filled event with adult potions and concoctions, bizarre foods, zombie dancing, laser hunting for Zombies, dead music by live bands, a wicked costume contest, haunted laboratory, creepy carnival games, ghost train and more. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Call 407.323.4450 ext.100 for tickets or to learn more about the event or click here to view the event poster.

$35 per person; $40 at the door; $15 for designated drivers.

3755 NW US Highway 17/92, Sanford FL 32771

Ladybird Academy’s SPOOKTASTIC Trick or Treat Party, Friday October 28th 2011 – 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Come join us on October 28th for our SPOOKTASTIC Trick or Treat Party! The event will feature a themed buffet, trick or treating around the Ladybird classrooms, bouncy house and games, and a costume contest.

Kids, Don’t Forget Your Costume!

Ladybird Academy at Lake Mary – 185 Timacuan Blvd, – Lake Mary, FL, 32746

Walking Dead Pub Crawl, Friday October 28th, 2011 – 7pm-2am

Sanford’s pub crawls are always fun, and this one promises to be quite scary! Join the fun during the Walking Dead Pub Invasion touring (in this order):

• Fat Rat’s Lounge
• Jason’s Martini Club
• West End Trading Co.
• Little Fish Huge Pond
• Sanford Wine Company
• JJ Hancock

Monster Ball, Saturday, October 29th, 2011 – 7pm – 1am

Dress up in your finest Monster Ball attire and slink, crawl, bound in for our First Annual Monster Ball at Art Affair Gallery. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place for Costumes, Raffle Tickets for Wine and more, Specials all night for our ghoulish ghosts, and Skary-O-Kee! Come and join the fun. Reservations are suggested.

This is a FREE event!

Art Affair Gallery, 301 East First Street, Sanford, Florida 32771 | More info: Ronda Richley, 407-898-2855

Other Seminole County Halloween Events

Halloween Costume Exhibit, October 6 – 22, 2011

An exhibit of unique vintage Halloween costumes from the 1920s and 30s at the Lake Mary Historical Museum.

Lake Mary Historical Museum – 158 N. Country Club Road – Lake Mary, FL 32746

Museum Hours: Thursdays: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Saturdays: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Lake Mary Candlelight Tales, Friday, October 14th and 21st, 7pm

Step back in time to the 19th century as storyteller Joe Rosier regales you with haunting stories about Florida’s past and things that still go bump in the night. Not recommended for children under 6.

$5 for adults and $2 for kids under 18. Reservations Required.

Call 407-585-1481 or send an Email to: info@lakemaryhistory.org. Please be sure to include your daytime contact number and the preferred night.

Lake Mary Historical Museum – 158 N. Country Club Road – Lake Mary, FL 32746

Lake Mary Ghost Walks, Saturday, October 15th & 22nd, 7pm

Meet some of Lake Mary’s ghosts and hear their stories on the 45 minute Ghost Walk. Escorted tours depart every 10 minutes.

$5 for adults and $2 for children under 18. Reservations are required.

Call 407-585-1481 or Email: info@lakemaryhistory.org. Please be sure to include your daytime contact number and preferred date.

Lake Mary Historical Museum – 158 N. Country Club Road – Lake Mary, FL 32746

Doorways to Nightmares – Face the Fear 2011, October 29-31, Longwood

A haunted house with a dreamy theme…

Theme: When the Schohoffer Sleep Institute was created to study the nature of human dreaming, no one could have imagined the vulnerability of the human mind in its unconscious state. Once it was discovered that it is possible for people to communicate with each other through their dreams, it was only a matter of time before someone would use this information to manipulate minds. When this happened, the quiet halls of the sleep institute became Doorways to Nightmares.

This Halloween be prepared to confront many of the darkest fears and most terrifying situations that you have ever, quite literally, dreamt up.

Address: 205 S Milwee St, Longwood, FL 32750

Phone: 407-324-0203 – More information at http://www.facethefearhouse.com

A Petrified Forest, September 30 – October 31, 2011

This is a popular Haunted House, or should I say, Haunted Forest in Altamonte Springs. There will be live music on the opening night on September 30, a great way to start Halloween Season 2011

This year there will even be a laser tag course ($5). Tickets range from $10 for a backstage only tour (see how Petrified Forest scares you all), $15 for the path ticket or $20 for the backstage and path ticket combo. I for my part will have to take the latter because I am such a baby when it comes to haunted houses, I will actually have to take a peek behind the scenes first so I don’t get scared too badly…

More information can be found at apetrifiedforest.com

Halloween Events in the Orlando Area

Ghost Stories – Harry P. Leu Gardens -Friday, October 28 – 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Harry P. Leu Gardens and Project Imagination present a haunting story telling event for Central Floridians. Hear eerie stories of strange and mysterious encounters that will send shivers down your spine. The theme this year is “Something Wicked This Way Comes”. Bring a blanket or chairs – this is an outdoor event, weather permitting. Hotdogs, sausages, drinks and “treats” available for purchase. Warning: due to the nature of the stories, this event is not recommended for young children. Children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are purchased at the door: $10 adult, $5 member/child, 4 years and under are free.

1920 North Forest Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 – 407-246-2620

Apopka Halloween House – October 30 , 2011 to October 31, 2011

• Times: October 31, 2011 at dusk.
• Location: Apopka Halloween House VII, 541 Mt. Argyll Court, Apopka, Florida 32712
• Admission: FREE Halloween event.
• Contact: Apopka Halloween House, phone: 407-618-3190 (phone is in service in October only)

A free and fun private haunted house put on by the owners every Halloween Night since 2003. This Halloween event is filled with many scary props, music and a graveyard. Attend only if you dare! Sneak peak before spirits arrive on Saturday, October 30.

“The 13 Sisters Inn” Haunted House, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10/14-10/29 starting at 7pm

From the Sorosis Club Orange City:

Theme: Local folklore can be the most frightening of legends told and the The 13 Sisters Inn rekindles the stories of old. While researching the history of the Orange City Sorosis Club we stumbled upon several shocking references of witchcraft and sorcery among the first Sorosis Club Sisters. A mystery surrounds the origins of this club. Dark and Sinister.

We decided to recreate the boarding home that once stood on the very grounds our club now sits. The 13 Sisters Inn ran from 1898 until 1911. No references of these women could be found after that date. It is as if they just disappeared. Where did these women come from? Where did they go? Folklore and legend tell of hangings for witchcraft. Oldtimers recall strange campfire tales of 13 sisters being tied to stones and drown and now they haunt these very grounds promising…… revenge……..

THE 100 Year anniversary is upon us and we fear the old women will make their ghostly appearance. Be careful where YOU tread. Be careful what you say. They are listening and they can smell your fear. If you hear the sound of Metal scraping…. Just know, they keep the meat-hooks sharpened at all times…

Admission: $7.00 (adults), $5.00 (10 and under) – MORE INFO

Orange City Sorosis Club – 222 E University Ave Orange City FL

Check out my post about Halloween Events in Orlando in 2009 for some more ideas. Events like the ones in theme parks typically don’t change, so you can be sure Mickey’s not so scary Halloween Party, Seaworld’s Spooctacular and of course Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights will take place just as every year.

I am also fairly sure that downtown Orlando’s Wall Street Plaza will have a Halloween Block Party, this year the weekend before Halloween. Keep checking back on their web site to stay informed.

Orlando – Downtown Orlando Ghost Tour – 9/2/2011 to 9/30/2011 Heritage Square

Hear tales of Orlando’s shady past, going as far back as 1886, including: An infamous bordello, the first public cemetery (now the site of an office building), and a hotbed of paranormal activity at Church Street Station.

• Tours meet at 8 p.m.
• $30 Adults, $15 Children ages 6–12, Free for children under 5
• $25 Seniors, military, firefighters, police, teachers, students
• MORE INFO

Heritage Square – 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando – Parking: Public Library garage – 112 E. Central Blvd.

Orlando – The Last Call: Haunted Pub Tour – 10/15/2011 to 10/28/2011 Downtown Orlando

Join American Ghost Adventures on a guided tour of some of downtown Orlando’s most haunted bars, pubs and restaurants while enjoying your favorite “spirits” at Happy Hour prices.

• Saturday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m.
• $20 per person, ages 21 and up only!
• MORE INFO

Tours meet at VS Sports Bar – 100 E. Pine St., Orlando

Here a video that I shot 3 years ago at Universal Horror Nights…

I know there are probably a lot more events in the Orlando area, so please feel free to add to the list by posting in the comment section below and share these events with everyone else!

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit, der Gemütlichkeit!!

It’s Oktoberfest Season, not only in Germany! This week (9/17/2011) is the official start of the Oktoberfest in Munich so to celebrate this occasion I thought I should share a list of the best Oktoberfest events in the Sanford and Orlando area My ambitious goal is to make it out to each of these this year…

Alive After Five Oktoberfest – October 13, 5pm-9pm, Downtown Sanford

How could I not let this be number one on my list The theme of our city’s popular street party this month is of course “Oktoberfest”! And with the Willow Tree Cafe, one of the best German restaurants outside of Germany and now the all new Magnolia Square Market, a true German deli, Sanford is the place to be when it comes to celebrating German food, beer and culture! So come out and have a beer – this event is not without a reason Sanford’s most visited Alive After Five event with thousands in the streets of downtown Sanford.

Remember to vote for the Willow Tree Cafe on GermanDeli.com so they can win the well deserved title of “Best German Restaurant in America.” Here is a link with more info.

Video of the Sanford Oktoberfest 2008

German American Society Oktoberfest – October 1 and 22 – 3pm-11pm, Casselberry

Ja, we Germans are hardcore – we celebrate this glorious event twice! Come out and celebrate Oktoberfest with the German American Society in Casselberry!

Click here to read the full event description.

WOBtoberfest, October 14th & 15th in Lake Mary – October 21st & 22nd in Dr. Phillips

You can’t go wrong when it comes to finding a great beer at World of Beer. As the name suggests they are all about beer and so it only comes natural that they are having an Oktoberfest Party of their own…

World of Beer Lake Mary – 1125 Townpark Avenue – Lake Mary, FL 32746 – (407) 878-6693

World of Beer Dr. Phillips – 7800 Dr. Phillips Boulevard Suite 300 – Orlando , FL 32819 – (407) 355-3315

Downtown Orlando Oktoberfest – October 21, 2011, 6-11pm, Livingston Street

As oldest German church in Orlando, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church hosts Orlando’s official Oktoberfest. Expect great food, beer and live entertainment in downtown Orlando’s event Biergarten and “Fungarten” (Livingston Street between Rosalind Ave and Ruth Lane – 2 blocks North of Lake Eola).

Click here for more info.

7th Annual Avalon Park Oktoberfest, October 14th, 5pm-10pm, October 15th, 1pm-9pm and October 16th, 1pm-6pm, Downtown Avalon Park Orlando

Enjoy authentic German music, food and beer at this fun free community event in Avalon Park all weekend long.

Orlando Brewing Oktoberfest, September 24th, 12pm (Opening Day) and October 22nd (Closing Day)

Both, opening and closing day of the Orlando Brewing Oktoberfest will have lots of German live music, food, and of course beer. In fact, on opening day the event will feature the tapping of the world’s only (!) organic beer! Don’t miss it.

Click here for more info about the event.

5th Annual Oktoberfest in Celebration, October 7th and 8th, Celebration Town Center

The Celebration Oktoberfest is a true Fall Festival with leaves dropping on Market Street at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm on both nights of the event. Celebration Town Center will be turned into a German Biergarten and there will be lots of live music, German food, beer and yodeling

For more information click here.

Cocoa Village Oktoberfest, October 7-10, Cocoa Village

I am very much looking forward to this one! Historic Cocoa Village hosts this great Oktoberfest Celebration and judging from the pictures on their web site, this one is a big hit! Especially the street party Saturday night looks like a blast!

Click here and see for yourself. This event may be worth the drive out to Cocoa Beach – and you could combine it with a beach day – I know, that really doesn’t go together, but hey, we live in Florida and we might just do that

And here for nostalgia reasons a picture of my last Oktoberfest visit in Munich in 2009…

Despite the heat - a lot came out to celebrate Tropical Nights!

The next Alive After Five event is scheduled for Thursday, September 8 from 5pm to 8pm and will be the fun Hometown MoTown theme.

We also had a chance to stop by Kat O’Brien’s new location on First Street. I think the place definitely deserves a separate post (hopefully coming soon!), but I just wanted to let everyone know that it’s so worth stopping by!

The inside remains cozy (as we know it from Two Blondes and a Shrimp) but now has this perfect pub feel (as we know it from great Irish pubs). As expected, the courtyard is the perfect setting for a fun evening and with live bands playing on weekends on the outdoor stage this is bound to be a great nightlife destination in downtown Sanford! Best of all: rain or shine since it’s covered

So if you have nothing else planned next weekend – check it out and let me know what you thought!

Someone else was also very happy to be out and about!

Inside Kat O'Briens Sanford FL - Nice atmosphere!

Here are some impressions of the event and competitions (Strongmen and Bar Maiden Contest). Thanks to my helpers Jose and Andres who snapped some pictures and filmed some video clips.

Below if more information about the event and the official press release.

So stop by and support the arts in Sanford! See you there

What: Visions of Italy – Fine Art Photography by Kamran Malik

When: May 3, 2011 – May 27, 2011

Opening Reception: May 6, 2011, 4 pm – 8 pm

Where: Gallery on First – 211 East First Street – Sanford, FL 32771

Contact: Kamran Malik – Phone: 407-488-2416 – E-Mail: malikphoto@gmail.com – Web: http://www.malikphoto.com

Press Release:

Kamran Malik will make his Central Florida debut at the Gallery on First for the show “Visions of Italy”. Just a year ago, Kamran landed in Rome for the second time. Armed with his camera he set off on a two week journey to capture Italy. During his travels he visited the well known spots of Rome, Naples, Florence, and Venice. He also traveled through the heart of Tuscany and the Chianti Wine region. The show depicts Kamran’s travel through his eyes.

Kamran, an Actuary by day, managing risk, and crunching numbers, is a self trained photographer, specializing in taking pictures in the truest settings. This means you will usually find Kamran scoping out a location during the heat of the day only to return at dusk or dawn the next day, to get the ‘perfect’ shot. Sometimes nature does not cooperate with a perfect sun filled, blue sky, but it’s those times that Kamran embraces the challenge and will still get the shot even if it takes hours or days. His passion and creativity can be misunderstood at the time of the shoot, even having people say “ what craziness is he up to now?” but in the end, he is able to capture the moment and leaves the same people speechless.

Although his show is titled “Visions of Italy”, Kamran will also have on display pictures from other places he has traveled. From the beaches of Florida to cities such as New York, Tampa, and Toronto and places in between, the show is sure to have you saying “oh, I’ve been there!”.

Kamran will be present for the opening reception from 4 pm to 8 pm, on May 6th. Please stop by and say hi.

• Animation (Saturday 12pm)
• Documentary (Saturday 2:30pm)
• Comedy (Saturday 7pm)
• Sci-Fi/Horror (Saturday 9:30pm)
• Drama (Sunday 11:30am)
• Florida Flavor (Sunday 2:30pm)

The Opening Night (Friday starting at 9pm) offers a selection of all genres and on the last day of the festival there will be a Best of the Fest event (Sunday 7pm). All movies will be shown at The Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce at 400 East First Street in downtown Sanford, FL.

I am very excited about this festival as it adds to Sanford’s ever growing arts and culture scene! So come out and support the arts and enjoy these fantastic movies! Tickets are very affordable with only $6 when ordered online (click here to order) or $7 cash at the door (if event is not already sold out!). The audience gets to vote for their favorite movie out of the each block and the winner will be announced at the end of each block. Winners of each block will then compete for the main award of Best of Show on Sunday February 13th.

Several restaurants and bars offer specials and discounts for attendees of the festival, so how about movie and a dinner this weekend? Check out the offers here.

Check out the official Love Your Shorts Web Site at LoveYourShorts.com for more info and remember to like them on facebook to get all the inside scoop!

Social Media Day in Orlando

Wall St. Plaza will be hosting at the Cantina for appetizer and drink specials, in honor of Mashable’s Social Media Day.

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Half-price appetizers
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – $2.50 Coronas and margaritas

If you are connected to Wall St. on Twitter (@WallStPlaza) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/wallstplaza) or on their e-blast mailing list — your first drink is on them.

For more information about Mashable’s Social Media Day, visit http://bit.ly/bUsxB3.