November is a month packed with events that range from patriotism and all-things turkey, and everything in between. Nov. 11 will mark Veterans Day, honoring American servicemen and servicewomen both alive and fallen. Here are several programs that will highlight this day as well as other events to come this month.
34th Annual Veterans’ Day Event
Hopewell Funeral Homes will host this program on Nov. 6 at the Veterans Memorial Monument Park at Courier Field. This is located at 703 N. Wheeler St. in Plant City, and will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This year, it aims at educating youth about freedom and those who have helped make that possible. Students from various schools entered a contest with written essays entitled “What Veterans’ Day Means to Me.” Hopewell will select two winners from each age groups who will read their essays at the service. Kenzie Wheeler, Springhead Elementary Chorus, and the Durant High School Colors Team will offer performances. This event is free to the public and will supply refreshments.
Ceremonial Raising of the Flag
At the Monday, Nov. 8 City Commission meeting, the POW-MIA flag will be presented. This will be followed by a raising of the flag ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. It will be held at the Veterans Memorial Monument Park, 703 N. Wheeler St., Plant City.
Veterans Day at TECO Expo Hall-
The memorial service will be held on Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at the TECO Expo Hall. This is located at the Strawberry Festival Grounds- 2301 W. Oak Ave., in Plant City. A barbeque lunch will be provided and there will be door prizes. State Senator Danny Burgess will be the keynote speaker. Burgess is also the former executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Each veteran will receive two free tickets with military ID for verification. Tickets for non-veterans are $10 and can only be accepted in cash or a check. The tickets can be purchased at Bruton Library, at 302 McLendon St; Lands Used Trucks at 2900 James L. Redman; YMCA at 1507 YMCA Place; Walden Lake Car Wash at 1414 S. Alexander St; NAPA Auto Parts at 304 E. Alsobrook St; and the Chamber of Commerce at 118 W. Reynolds St, all in Plant City. Donation checks may be made out to Historic Plant City and Main Street Plant City. For additional information, contact Judy Wise at (863) 370-8389.
Veterans Coffee
All veterans are invited to socialize, drink coffee and have brunch at the Bing Rooming House Museum, located at 205 Allen St., in Plant City. The event will be held on Nov. 11 from 10.am. to 1p.m. There will also be a Reveille and Retreat played at 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
2nd Annual Veterans Day Flags In
On Nov. 6, public is welcomed to join this memorial service at Oaklawn Cemetery, 1900 N. Wheeler St., in Plant City. Starting at 9 a.m., volunteers will place flags on the graves of fallen veterans. For additional information call 813-707-7429.
Urinetown
In this live musical comedy, a hero fights for his city after a water shortage leads to a strict government ban. It will be held at the Plant City Entertainment Community Theater, at 101 N. Thomas St. It will run from Friday, Nov. 5 to Sunday, Nov. 14. The show will begin at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, Nov. 6, Nov. 12 and Nov.13. It will start at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14. On opening night, two tickets can be purchased for $30 online, at the door, or at Shear Expressions, on 1514 S. Alexander St., in Plant City. Regular prices are $20 for those ages 18 to 59; $18 for students under age 18 and those age 60 and up. It will be $15 for both theater members and groups of 10 or more. For tickets sold online and additional information, visit www.pceshows.com.
The Importance of Being Earnest
This Broadway play is being brought to Plant City from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13. The show will be held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center located at 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. It is a story that focuses on the themes of love, deception and social class. The production starts on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $5; $15 per family; and free for first responders, active or retired military and their families. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://rise-theatre.ticketleap.com/earnest/.
44th Annual Pioneer Day
This Nov. 13 event will bring a vintage and historical feel to Plant City from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s going to be held at the 1924 Plant City High School Community Center- 605 N. Collins St. The function will not only offer food, but arts, crafts, live performances, and a museum exhibit, to name a few. For more information call 813-757-9226 or visit www.ehhsoc.org. Visitors are asked to wear masks indoors.
Turkey Trot 5k Wine Run
This seasonal event brings together runners, walkers and wine lovers for a worthy cause. The 5k event is on Nov. 20 starting time is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. It will be held at Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City. After registration, participants will be given a race t-shirt, souvenir wine glass, and a finisher medal. Those under age 21 will receive soda. Tickets will be sold at $45 and will increase after Nov. 19. They can be purchased at runsignup.com/Race/FL/PlantCity/KeelFarmsWineRunTurkeyTrotRace. Proceeds will go toward Florida Giant Dog Rescue.
Plant City Pig Jam
This festival once again makes its return on Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be located at the Randy Larson Softball Fourplex, 1500 S. Park Rd.,Plant City. The event will offer live music, entertainment stages, a kids’ play area, and a barbecue cook out competition. To enter the competition, visit www.PlantCityPigJam.com. Parking will be $10.