ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER? WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 9-WEEK TRAINING, WHICH BEGINS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH, AND RUNS WEEKLY UNTIL THE END OF MARCH. CALL THE UF/IFAS EXTENSION OFFICE AT 863-402-6540 EXTENSION 0, FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

ACRYLIC AND WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES FOR BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS BEGIN MONDAY, JANUARY 5TH FROM 10:00AM TO 12:00PM AT 310 W. MAIN ST. IN AVON PARK. INSTRUCTOR SHARON S. SEYMOUR, WILL GUIDE STUDENTS IN COLOR MIXING, COMPOSITION, DEPTH, AND MORE, WITH THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN SUBJECTS. ADULTS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME—REGISTER AT WWW.HEARTLANDCULTURALALLIANCE.COM OR CALL 863-235-1187 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF THE SKYLARKS JAZZ BAND, AN 11-MEMBER JAZZ BAND PLAYING MUSIC FROM THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK AS WELL AS ROCKING MODERN HITS FROM TODAY!  COME AND ENJOY LIVE JAZZ MUSIC FRIDAYS, JANUARY 9TH, 23RD AND FEBRUARY 6TH. ST AGNES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 3840 NW LAKEVIEW DRIVE IN SEBRING FROM 7:00PM TO 9:00PM. 

COUNTRY STAR DEANA CARTER BRINGS HER SIGNATURE SOUTHERN CHARM ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 10TH AT 7 PM, PERFORMING HITS LIKE “STRAWBERRY WINE” AND “WE DANCED ANYWAY,” CO-PRESENTED WITH SUN EVENTS. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE AT THE ALAN JAY WILDSTEIN CENTER, 600 WEST COLLEGE DRIVE, AVON PARK, WITH FREE PARKING. 

ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 11TH AT 3 PM, THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BAND WILL PERFORM SOARING VOCALS AND STIRRING SYMPHONIES, DELIVERING PATRIOTIC ANTHEMS, JAZZ, POP, AND CLASSICAL FAVORITES THAT HONOR SERVICE AND EXCELLENCE. THIS FREE PERFORMANCE TAKES PLACE AT THE ALAN JAY WILDSTEIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 600 WEST COLLEGE DRIVE, AVON PARK, WITH FREE PARKING. YOU WILL NEED A TICKET TO ATTEND. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE BOX OFFICE AT 863-784-7178. 

ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH AT 1:30 PM, THREE AMERICAN TROUBADOURS CELEBRATE JAMES TAYLOR, CARLY SIMON, AND CAROLE KING WITH AN AFTERNOON OF UNFORGETTABLE HITS. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

GET READY FOR THE 38TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE ENGINE & TRACTOR SWAP MEET, HAPPENING JANUARY 14TH–17TH. THIS FOUR-DAY EVENT FEATURES ANTIQUE TRACTORS, ENGINES, CARS, BLACKSMITHS, SAWMILL DEMOS, DAILY PARADES, AND NASGRASS LAWNMOWER RACING ON JANUARY 16TH STARTING AT 5:00PM. GATES WILL BE OPEN 8:00 AM–4:00 PM EACH DAY, WITH PLENTY OF FOOD VENDORS, TRACTOR PULLS, AND FAMILY FUN THROUGHOUT THE SHOW. LOCATED AT 7000 AVON PARK CUTOFF ROAD IN FT. MEADE.  

ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 15TH AT 7 PM, THE VIRAL COMEDY GROUP BORED TEACHERS' COMEDY TAKES THE STAGE, TURNING CLASSROOM CHAOS INTO GUT-BUSTING LAUGHTER. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT SFSCARTS.ORG. EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ALAN JAY WILDSTEIN CENTER, AT 600 WEST COLLEGE DRIVE IN AVON PARK. 

GOLFERS, GET READY FOR BIG PRIZES AT THE SFSC FOUNDATION MILLION-DOLLAR HOLE-IN-ONE SHOOTOUT AND $10,000 PUTT CHALLENGE FROM JANUARY 15TH–17TH AT SUN ’N LAKE GOLF CLUB. PLAYERS CAN PRACTICE ALL WEEKEND AT THE DRIVING RANGE, WITH THE TOP 12 CLOSEST-TO-THE-PIN SHOOTERS RETURNING SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A CHANCE AT A MILLION-DOLLAR PRIZE. ONE LUCKY FINALIST WILL ALSO HAVE A SHOT AT A $10,000 SINGLE-PUTT CHALLENGE. BAGS OF BALLS ARE JUST $10, AND ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT SFSC ATHLETICS—DON’T MISS THIS EXCITING WEEKEND! 

THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (IFAS) IS OFFERING A FLORIDA VEGETABLE GARDENING CLASS ON JANUARY 17TH FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. AT THE BERT J. HARRIS JR. AGRICULTURAL CENTER IN SEBRING. FOR TICKET INFORMATION, CALL THE EXTENSION OFFICE AT (863) 402-6540 EXTENSION 0. 

THE 14TH ANNUAL CRAZY PEPPER CHILI COOK-OFF TAKES PLACE SATURDAY, JANUARY 17TH FROM 11:00AM TO 4:00PM AT THE CIRCLE IN SEBRING, PRESENTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY. THE DAY FEATURES CHILI TASTINGS, A CAR SHOW, A CHILI DOG EATING CONTEST, FOOD TRUCKS, COLD BEER, AND LIVE MUSIC BY THE OUTTA HAND BAND. FOR CHILI TEAM ENTRY INFORMATION AND EVENT DETAILS, VISIT WWW.ROTARYCHILI.COM. 

IT IS ANOTHER WHO DUN IT IN THE AVON PARK MUSEUM DINING CAR.   ENJOY A 3-COURSE DINNER WHILE TRYING TO SOLVE A 1920'S BASEBALL THEMED MURDER MYSTERY.   STRIKE THREE - YOU'RE DEAD "LEAVES THE STATION" AT 6:00 PM, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17TH AND 1:00 PM, SUNDAY, JANUARY 18TH.   TICKETS ARE $40 AND ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 863-453-3525 OR 863-235-1187.   RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. 

CELEBRATE CELINE WITH JENENE CARAMIELO PERFORMS CELINE DION’S GREATEST HITS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH AT 1:30 PM. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

RONSTADT REVUE FEATURING GENESIA CELEBRATES THE MUSIC OF LINDA RONSTADT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH AT 7 PM, WITH GESENIA PERFORMING HITS LIKE “DESPERADO” AND “BLUE BAYOU” IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

THE CALADIUM ARTS AND CRAFTS COOPERATIVE IS HOSTING THEIR ANNUAL TEA SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH FROM 2:00PM-4:00 PM. DOORS WILL OPEN AT 1:00 PM AND IT WILL LOCATED AT 132 EAST INTERLAKE BOULEVARD IN LAKE PLACID.  PARTY DOWN AT THE MARDI GRAS WITH GOURMET DINING ON TEA SANDWICHES, FRUIT BREADS AND DECADENT DESSERTS. JOIN IN ON THE MASK OR HAT CONTESTS, RAFFLES, AUCTIONS, AND MORE FOR ADDITIONAL FUN! TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR $30.00 + TAX, AND SEATING IS LIMITED. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CALL 863-699-5940. 

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AVON PARK IS PARTNERING WITH THE HEARTLAND CULTURAL ALLIANCE, THE HOTEL JACARANDA AND THE FLORIDA HUMANITIES TO PRESENT A FLORIDA TALKS CALLED: FAITH AND FRATERNITY BY DR. ANDREA OLIVER.  JOIN THEM ON JANUARY 25TH AT THE AVON PARK COMMUNITY CENTER AT 3 PM FOR THIS INTERESTING TALK. IT WILL EXPLORE HOW BLACK FLORIDIANS FOUND STRENGTH IN THE FAITH AND FRATERNAL INSTITUTIONS THEY ESTABLISHED IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.   ADMISSION IS FREE.   CALL 813-482-4868 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH AT 1:30 PM, SNARE AND STEINWAY WITH EDDIE METZ AND ROSSANO SPORTIELLO OFFER A WARM, WELCOMING JAZZ CONCERT. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 30TH AT 7 PM, FLOYD NATION DELIVERS A FULL PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE WITH INCREDIBLE SOUND, LIGHTING, AND WORLD-CLASS MUSICIANSHIP. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

PHIL DIRT AND THE DOZERS RETURN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD AT 1:30 PM WITH NOSTALGIC HITS FROM THE BEACH BOYS, EAGLES, AND MORE. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

THE LONG ANTICIPATED GRAND OPENING OF THE BASEBALL EXHIBITS AT THE AVON PARK DEPOT MUSEUM IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH BEGINNING AT 11:00 AM. BALLPARK TYPE SNACKS AND BASEBALL MEMORABILIA WILL BE ON SALE.   JOIN THEM TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF BASEBALL IN AVON PARK. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS COUNTRY FAIR IN DEVANE PARK, LAKE PLACID, ON FEBRUARY 7TH–8TH, FROM 9:00AM TO 4:00PM EACH DAY. THIS EVENT WILL FEATURE TALENTED ARTISANS OFFERING POTTERY, JEWELRY, CLOTHING, GIFTS, AND MORE, PLUS TASTY FOOD FROM LOCAL VENDORS. ADMISSION IS FREE! 

ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH AT 1:30 PM, CHRIS GOLDEN’S SONGS OF FAITH AND FAMILY PRESENTS INSPIRING GOSPEL AND FAITH-BASED MUSIC. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

EXPERIENCE A HIGH-OCTANE TRIBUTE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH AT 7 PM, AS SHAWN GERHARD IN THE ULTIMATE GARTH BROOKS TRIBUTE BRINGS THE ENERGY AND HITS OF THE LEGENDARY PERFORMER. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. LOCATED AT THE ALAN JAY WILDSTEIN CENTER AT 600 WEST COLLEGE DRIVE IN AVON PARK. 

BEACH HOUSE BOOKS AND MORE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EMERALDDRAGUN STUDIOS, INVITES YOU TO “FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS”, A VALENTINE’S DAY MULTI-AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING EVENT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH FROM 8:00 AM TO 4:00 PM. ENJOY IN-STORE SPECIALS, FREE RAFFLES, AND MEET MULTIPLE AUTHORS OUTDOORS FROM 10:00AM TO 2:00PM IN THE PARKING AREA. AUTHORS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING CAN STILL RESERVE A VENDOR SPACE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, STOP BY 3210 PHYSICIANS WAY IN SEBRING. 

ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH AT 4 PM, MARK LOWRY AND FRIENDS DELIVER AN AFTERNOON OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL, HUMOR, AND HEARTFELT MUSIC, INCLUDING CLASSICS LIKE “MARY, DID YOU KNOW?” TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

STAYIN’ ALIVE BRINGS THE BEE GEES EXPERIENCE ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH AT 1:30 PM, WITH LIVE MUSIC, VIDEO CLIPS, AND DAZZLING VISUALS. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

CELEBRATE THE GREATEST MOVIE SONGS OF ALL TIME WITH NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF HOLLYWOOD ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST AT 7 PM, FEATURING HITS FROM SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN TO TITANIC. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH AT 1:30 PM, RHYTHM OF THE DANCE DELIVERS WORLD-CLASS IRISH DANCING, TRADITIONAL MUSIC, AND BREATHTAKING CHOREOGRAPHY. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH AT 7 PM, PROUD TINA: THE ULTIMATE TINA TURNER BRINGS HIGH-ENERGY VOCALS, DAZZLING DANCERS, AND A POWERHOUSE BAND PERFORMING TINA TURNER’S ICONIC HITS. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

DON’T MISS THE ANNUAL DATE NIGHT AT THE BARN AT PASO FINO ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, FROM 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM IN LAKE PLACID. ENJOY A COZY EVENING WITH DELICIOUS DINNER AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN A RUSTIC, CHARMING SETTING. STAY TUNED FOR THEME DETAILS, MENU HIGHLIGHTS, AND TICKET INFORMATION FOR THIS UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OUT! 

ASSISTED LIVING, THE MUSICAL PERFORMS ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD AT 1:30 PM, A COMEDIC AND TOUCHING SHOW EXPLORING LIFE IN A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

GARY PUCKETT, LEAD SINGER OF GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP, TAKES THE STAGE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH AT 7 PM FOR A NIGHT OF CLASSIC ’60S AND ’70S HITS. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

ON TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH AT 1:30 PM, THE LETTERMEN SHARE TIMELESS HARMONIES AND CLASSIC HITS FROM THE WORLD-RENOWNED VOCAL TRIO. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH AT 7 PM, CHANGES IN LATITUDE RETURNS TO RECREATE THE JIMMY BUFFET EXPERIENCE, DELIVERING TROPICAL FUN AND AUTHENTIC STORYTELLING. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT SFSCARTS.ORG. LOCATED AT THE ALAN JAY WILDSTEIN CENTER AT 600 WEST COLLEGE DRIVE IN AVON PARK. 

THE LOVIN’ SPOONFUL PERFORMS ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH AT 7 PM, BRINGING THEIR ICONIC 1960S FOLK-ROCK HITS LIKE “DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC” AND “SUMMER IN THE CITY.” TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SFSCARTS.ORG. 

THE 2026 MISS LAKE PLACID SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH, FROM 6:00PM TO 8:00PM AT THE GENESIS CENTER. LOCAL YOUTH WILL SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS, AMBITION, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN AN EVENING FULL OF SPARKLE, ENERGY, AND INSPIRATION. TICKETS ARE $5 PER PERSON FOR THIS CELEBRATION OF CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, AND GIVING BACK. 

THE ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT AT THE BARN AT PASO FINO IS SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH FROM 7:00PM TO 10:00 PM IN LAKE PLACID. THE EVENING FEATURES GREAT FOOD, A CASH BAR, AND PERFORMANCES BY SOME OF THE REGION’S FUNNIEST COMEDIANS IN A CHARMING, RUSTIC SETTING. THIS TICKETED EVENT PROMISES A NIGHT OF HEARTY LAUGHTER AND UNFORGETTABLE FUN—LINEUP AND TICKET DETAILS COMING SOON. 

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA) IS HERE TO HELP THOSE IN HIGHLANDS, POLK, AND HARDEE COUNTIES ON THEIR JOURNEY TO RECOVERY. MEETINGS AND SUPPORT ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE SEEKING HELP WITH ALCOHOL USE. FOR ASSISTANCE OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE 24-HOUR HOTLINE AT 863-687-9275. AA IS COMMITTED TO HELPING MEMBERS BUILD A SOBER, HEALTHY, AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY. 

THE LAKE PLACID FARMERS MARKET IS EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8:00AM TO 1:30 PM. ENJOY FRESH LOCAL FARMERS BRINGING CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC VEGETABLES AND FRUITS AND LOCAL RANCHERS BRINGING FLORIDA BEEF, CHICKEN AND PORK. COME BY FOR A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST OR LUNCH AND SHOP LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES AND VENDORS. LOCATED AT THE JOURNAL PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN LAKE PLACID AT 231 N. MAIN AVE. 

ENJOY TASTE OF HIGHLANDS, WEDNESDAY EVENINGS FROM 5:30PM TO 8:30 PM. IT FEATURES LOCAL CHEFS, BAKERS, CATERERS AND FOOD VENDORS SHARING THEIR PASSIONS. MAKE IT A DATE NIGHT, HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS OR BRING THE FAMILY. THERE IS LIVE MUSIC, WINE PAIRINGS, AND LOCAL SHOPS ARE OPEN LATER FOR SHOPPING. LOCATED AT THE JOURNAL PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN LAKE PLACID AT 231 N. MAIN AVE.   

THERE WILL BE A NEW BEGINNER AND UPPER BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASSES AT THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY FAMILY YMCA EACH MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND FRIDAY FROM 10:30AM-11:30AM YEAR-ROUND. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL DEE AT 863-257-6543 OR THE YMCA AT 863-382-9622.  

CHAIR YOGA AND LINE DANCE CLASSES WILL BE OFFERED AT THE SEBRING RECREATION CENTER. CHAIR YOGA IS ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS FROM 10:00AM-11:00AM AND LINE DANCE CLASSES ARE ON MONDAYS FROM 11:30AM-12:30PM. COME AND CHECK IT OUT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL MARY AT 863-273-4495. LOCATED AT 333 POMEGRANATE AVENUE IN DOWTOWN SEBRING.   

LAKE PLACID ELKS LODGE #2661 HOSTS BINGO EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT FROM 6PM-9PM AT 200 CR 621 IN LAKE PLACID. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GOING TO THE ELKS CHILDREN'S THERAPY SERVICE AND THE ELKS YOUTH CAMP FOR FLORIDA KIDS.   

HANDS FOR THE HOMELESS HOSTS THE FEEDING TAMPA BAY FOOD BANK IN AVON PARK EVERY FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH IN AVON PARK. FOOD DISTRIBUTION BEGINS AT 10AM AT THE UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT 107 JIM ROGERS AVENUE AND GOES TILL NOON OR THE FOOD RUNS OUT.   

PLAY BINGO WITH THE SEBRING HILLS ASSOCIATION EVERY THURSDAY FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY THE GAMES BEGIN AT 6PM AND THE DOORS OPEN AT 4:30PM FOR CONCESSIONS AND SNACKS. CARDS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT 5:00PM. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT THE CLUBHOUSE LOCATED AT 200 LARK AVENUE IN SEBRING.   

PLAY BINGO FOR CHARITY AT THE SEBRING ELKS LODGE EVERY MONDAY NIGHT! DOORS OPEN AT 4:45PM, EARLY BIRDS START AT 6:00PM. PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY AND A LOW, $6 MINIMUM TO PLAY.