Swing for the Cure
Dates: Friday, May 18 – Saturday, May 19
Venue: Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club – Lake Wales
-The 3rd Annual ‘Swing for the Cure’ tournament will benefit cancer patients at Winter Haven Hospital.
-This charity golf event – organized by the Lewis Family Cancer Fund – will feature PGA tour professional Fuzzy Zoeller and a guest appearance by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd at the kickoff party on May 18.

FL ISA- Adult Memorial
Dates: Saturday, May 19 – Sunday, May 20
Venue: Loyce Harpe Park – Mulberry
-This is a Florida ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in over 105 softball players to Loyce Harpe Park in Mulberry.

FYSA State Cup Finals & U19 State Cup Preliminaries
Dates: Saturday, May 19 – Sunday, May 20
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-The Florida Youth Soccer Association will host the Florida State Cup Finals, an open competition for any U13-U19 (boys and girls) FYSA registered team meeting the requirements of eligibility for participation.

Operation Tiger Trot
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Lakeland Flying Tigers Stadium
-This 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk is an Armed Forces Day Celebration and the kick off to the entire day’s events that include a cadet games competition, Armed Forces Day Celebration, baseball game and fireworks.

Ironman 70.3 Florida
Date: Sunday, May 20
Venue: Lake Eva Park – Haines City
-The ninth annual Ironman 70.3 Florida triathlon moves from Orlando to Haines City this year.
-The one-loop bike route goes through Polk County and offers athletes the chance to enjoy views of citrus groves and cattle farms as they ride along the quiet country roads.
-The run course includes three loops around Lake Eva and finishes in a grassy park near the lake.
-The IronKids Florida triathlon will take place Saturday, May 19 at 7:00 a.m.

Upcoming Events:

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park Grand Opening – May 26 (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Boktoberfest – October 20 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

2012 Homeschool World Series
Dates: Monday, April 30 – Sunday, May 6
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-The Homeschool World Series will bring in 28 baseball teams and over 1,000 spectators to Polk County.
-The Homeschool World Series Association is a nonprofit corporation that endeavors to promote and coordinate high school (varsity level) baseball competition among homeschool students throughout North America in a distinctly Christian environment.

Top Gun
Dates: Wednesday, May 2 – Sunday, May 6
Venue: Lakeland Linder Airport
-Frank Tiano Enterprises Inc. presents World Championships for competition scale model aircraft.
-It is the World’s largest model aviation event covered by ESPN, Discovery Channel, the DYI Channel and many others.

USF Poly- First Lego League World Invitational Open 2012
Dates: Thursday, May 3 – Sunday, May 6
Venue: All Saints Academy, Lake Mirror Complex, LEGOLAND® Florida
-This “Robots In Paradise” Robotics Competition will bring in 64 teams from all around the world to compete by invitation only.  
-Participants will be judged on robot performance, core values, technical design and a research project based off of the food factor challenge.
-The event will span four days and will be hosted by three different Polk County venues.

21^st Annual Golf Tournament and Auction
Date: Thursday, May 3
Venue: Lone Palm Golf Club – Lakeland
-A golf tournament and auction presented by St. Joseph’s School Foundation with Honorary Chair Monsignor John P. Caulfiled.

Olympic Development Program State Trials
Date: Saturday, May 5
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-The Florida Youth Soccer Association is looking for elite soccer players to participate in the Olympic Development Program’s State Trials within the 1995 -1997 year age range.
-The goal of the ODP State Trials is to identify and develop outstanding soccer players within the state of Florida for selection to State Teams and for advancement to the Region III Olympic Development Program and to National Youth Teams.

Sunshine Shootout
Dates: Saturday, May 5 – Sunday, May 6
Venues: Bartow Park & Loyce Harpe Park – Mulberry
-This Florida ISA adult and youth qualifying tournament is expected to bring in over 1,000 softball players to the Bartow “555” Complex and Loyce Harpe Park in Mulberry.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Ironman 70.3 Florida – May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

2012 SSC Men’s & Women’s Tennis Championship
Dates: April 18 — April 21
Venue: Beerman Family Tennis Center – Lakeland
-This Sunshine State Athletic Conference event brings together 16 collegiate tennis teams (9 women’s teams and 7 men’s teams) from throughout the state of Florida for three days of championship competition and one practice day.

Area 6 Championship
Dates: April 19 — April 22
Venue: Universal Shooting Academy – Frostproof
-This regional championship is for qualifying shooters from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
-The event tests practical and action-pistol shooting. Top winners will progress to the USPSA National Championship.

10th Annual Lady Fire Shootout
Dates: April 20 — April 22
Venue: Lakeland
-Fire Youth Sports, Inc. presents the 10th Annual Lady Fire Shootout Classic held in the Lakeland area.

Winter Haven Stingrays-The Rowdy Cup
Dates: April 20 — April 22
Venue: Rowdy Gaines Center – Winter Haven
-The USA Sanctioned Swim Meet will be held at the Rowdy Gaines Center in Winter Haven.

2012 President’s Cup
Dates: April 21 — April 22
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-Champions from each of the Region’s Division 1 Region Cups will be traveling to Lake Myrtle Sports Park to compete in the 2012 President’s Cup presented by the Florida Youth Soccer Association.

Bike MS: The Citrus Tour
Dates: April 21 — April 22
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-The Bike for MS Citrus Tour is a two-day fundraising cycling event benefitting the National MS Society.
-Funds received are allocated towards local programs and services for those affected by multiple sclerosis and to support critical research for a cure.

Chain of Lakes Golf Splash
Date: POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST 25
Venue: Begins and ends at Old Man Franks – Winter Haven
-Ridge Art Association presents the second annual Chain of Lakes Golf Splash.
-Modeled after the Conch Life Scramble in the Florida Keys, the Chain of Lakes Golf Splash is a nine-hole golf competition with boats replacing golf carts and holes located at various points on Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes.

Child of the Sun Jazz Festival and Urban Triathlon
Date: April 21
Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade – Lakeland
-This two-part event is both a Jazz festival and a triathlon sponsored by the Lakeland Rotary Club.
-The Jazz festival will have fireworks, food and legendary Jazz.
-The triathlon consists of a quarter mile swim, a twelve mile bike ride, and a three and half mile run.

Youth April Triple Slam
Dates: April 21 — April 22
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex
- This is an ISA qualifying tournament expected to bring in over 300 softball players.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Ironman 70.3 Florida – May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

This event will be held in conjunction with the Florida Youth Soccer Association, who is based in Auburndale at the Lake Myrtle Sports Park, and will feature youth teams from around the Polk County area helping out with pregame events and festivities. Admission to the event is free for the public so don’t miss out on your chance to catch an intense rival professional soccer game! Its Free, Free, FREE!

For more information, please contact Cody McGhee from the Florida Youth Soccer Association at 863-268-8220 or visit www.fysa.com.

RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational (Week 6)
Dates: Now— March 30
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Chain of Lakes Baseball Complex and other baseball fields around the county
-Over 200 colleges annually in all divisions (NCAA D I, II, III, NAIA & JUCO), that’s more college teams than all other Florida spring break tournaments combined come to Polk County area for this tournament.
-Follow @CentralFLSports on Twitter and “Like” CFSports on Facebook for daily game schedule, game results, and weather updates.
-Scores are posted on Twitter daily.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Dates: Now – April 3
Games start at 1:05 p.m.
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium- Lakeland
-Spring Training for the Detroit Tigers is in action!  Check the schedule for daily home games.
This week’s home games:
Monday, March 26- Miami Marlins
Thursday, March 29- Washington Nationals at 6:05 p.m.
 Sunday, April 1- Houston Astros

38th Annual SUN ‘n FUN Fly In
Dates: March 27 — April 1
Venue: Florida Air Museum — Lakeland
-Offering over 250 open forums, hands-on-workshops, seminars, evening programs and industry dinners, plus four expo hangars and outside exhibits with over 500 aviation exhibitors, acres with over 4700 aircraft of all types & classes from vintage to war birds
-Also features a signature daily air show with the world premiere aerobatic stars and demonstration flights by military precision jet teams

Race for the Kids Foundation – Boat Racing
Dates: March 29 — April 1
Venue: Boys and Girls Club of Winter Haven
-Presented by the Race for the Kids Foundation, there will be over 80 teams from all over the U.S. competing in these hydroplane boat races; multiple classes running.
-This race benefits the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs (Winter Haven, Lake Wales & Haines City).

SUN n’ FUN Splash-In at Fantasy of Flight
Date: March 29
Venue: Fantasy of Flight — Polk City
-Fantasy of Flight hosts the Splash-In on sparkling Lake Agnes as part of the 38th Annual SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In.
-Visitors will witness a variety of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft perform water landings and takeoffs as part of the competition.

2012 Hyperflite/Skyhoundz Southeast Regional Qualifier
Dates: March 30 — April 1
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park —Auburndale
-Canine Frisbee® has been around since at least the mid -1970’s, and has just recently become popular in Florida within the last several years.
-This year’s Southeast Regional Qualifiers will be held at Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale.

Stock Outboard Winter Nationals
Dates: March 30 – April 1
Venue: Lake Hollingsworth – Lakeland
-American Power Boat Association’s Stock Outboard Winter Nationals will host boats from 10-12′ in length with motors that range from 15 cubic inch up to 44 cubic inch. They will range in speeds from 40 mph in the Junior classes, where nine-year-olds can begin to compete up to 85 mph in the big 44 cubic inch classes.
-Two different hull designs will race, Hydro’s and Runabout’s, in each class. 
-Competitors from Maine to Washington State and everywhere in between will attend the event along with several Canadian teams.

March Meltdown
Dates: March 31 — April 1
Venue: Bartow “555” Complex
-The March Meltdown is a Florida ISA qualifying event that will be held at the Bartow “555” Complex. It is expected to have over 400 softball players participating.

Mustangs & Mustangs at Fantasy of Flight
 Date: March 31
Venue: Fantasy of Flight —Polk City
-Fantasy of Flight and the Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County team up for this 15th annual event, the only Mustang event in Florida that features both beautifully restored P-51 Mustang war birds from World War II and Ford Mustang automobiles.

Patrick Patriots Twirling Corps – Florida State Championship
Dates: March 31 — April 1
Venue: Polk State College —Winter Haven
-The Baton Twirling State Championship is a qualifier for the National Baton Twirling Association’s “Nationals” held in July. The event host novice, beginners, intermediate and advanced twirlers from Florida. However, it also will be expecting several twirlers to attend from out of state as it also holds an open contest. There will also be several teams/corps that come and compete in the group competition section.

Sketches & Steel by Albert Paley
Dates: March 31 — June 27
Venue: Polk Museum of Art —Lakeland
-This exhibition will focus on both sides of Paley’s creative process: the plan and the end product.
-His sculptures will be on view alongside the initial sketches Paley produced to create the sculptures.
-A reception to celebrate the exhibition will take place at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a lecture by the artist.

Rowdies Rush
Date: March 31
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park —Auburndale
-The Tampa Bay Rowdies wrap up the preseason campaign against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers with an exhibition match hosted by Florida Youth Soccer Association.

15th Annual Fire Shootout Classic
Dates: April 1 — April 29
Venue: Gyms across Lakeland, Bartow and Mulberry
-Fire Youth Sports, Inc. presents this qualifier where over a hundred teams from across the state are expected to participate.

Upcoming:

Legends & Legacies- Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II – April 13-14, 2012 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K –April 14 ( LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Ironman 70.3 Florida –May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Dates: Now —April 3
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium- Lakeland
-Spring Training for the Detroit Tigers has begun!  Check the schedule for daily home games at Joker Marchant Stadium.
-All games begin at 1:05 p.m.
-For more information, please visit Detroit Tigers or Central Florida Sports.
This week’s home schedule:
Tuesday, March 20- ATL Braves, 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 21- MIN Twins, 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 24- NY Yankees, 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 25- PHI Phillies, 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 26- MIA Marlins, 1:05 p.m.

Symetra Tour – Florida’s Natural Charity Classic
Dates: March 19 – March 25
Venue: Lake Region Golf & Country Club – Winter Haven
-The 54-hole golf tournament brings 144 of the best women golfers in the world to Winter Haven, and this is the fourth season this LPGA Tour has played in Winter Haven.
-Proceeds from the event are given to the Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation.
-For more information, please visit LPGA Symetra Tour or Central Florida Sports.

 Family Fit Fest
Date: March 24, 2012
Venue: Central Park – Winter Haven
-The Junior League of Greater Winter Haven presents the 4th Annual Family Fit Fest, a day of fun for families with activities focusing on fitness, nutrition and overall health awareness.
-This is a FREE event that caters to children of all ages!
-For more information, visit Central Florida Sports.

FYSA State Cup Round 1- Soccer
Dates: March 24 – March 25
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-For more information, log onto Florida Youth Soccer Association. 

Florida Suncoast Sports – State Championship Qualifier
Dates: March 24 – March 25
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex – Auburndale
-Baseball players from across the state will travel to Lake Myrtle Sports Park to compete in this State Qualifing tournament.
-For more information, please visit Florida Suncoast Sports or Central Florida Sports.

Florida ISA – March Jam
Dates: March 24 – March 25
Venue:  Bartow Softball Complex
-The March Jam is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring over 400 softball players to the Bartow “555” Complex.
-For more information, please visit ISA Softball-Florida or Central Florida Sports.

Lake Wales Arts Council, Inc. “41^st Annual Lake Wales Art Show”
Dates: March 24 – March 25 
Venue: Shores of Lake Wales
-A two-day event celebrating more than four decades of exhibiting fine art. 
- Traditionally, more than 28,000 visitors – most from outside Polk County – come to Lake Wales to view and purchase artworks in categories of painting, drawing and graphics, sculpture, clay, jewelry, glass, wood, fiber, mixed media and photography. 
-For more information please visit Lake Wales Art Council  or Central Florida Sports.

 Officer Crispin BBQ & Live Auction Benefit
Date: March 24, 2012
Venue: American Legion- Post 72 – Mulberry
-Come show your support at the Officer Crispin BBQ & Live Auction Benefit. Proceeds to benefit travel of Officer Crispin’s family and supporting officers to the DC National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this Spring when Arnie’s name is added to the wall of fallen heroes
-Ribs will be available for walk up while supplies last.
-For more information check out Central Florida Sports.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Dates: Now —April 3
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium- Lakeland
-Spring Training for the Detroit Tigers has begun!  Check the schedule for daily home games at Joker Marchant Stadium.
-All games begin at 1:05 p.m.
-For more information, please visit Detroit Tigers or Central Florida Sports.
This week’s home schedule:
Wednesday, March 14- NY Mets, 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 15- BALT Orioles, 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 17- STL Cardinals, 1:05 p.m.

Florida ISA – March May Ham  
Dates: March 17 – March 18
Venue:  Bartow “555″ Softball Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in about 130 adult participants and 300 youth participants.
-For more information, please visit ISA Florida or Central Florida Sports.

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) ODP Region Trials
Dates:  March 17 – March 18
Venue:  Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-The goal of the ODP Region Trials is to identify and develop outstanding soccer players within the state of Florida for selection to State Teams and for advancement to the Region III Olympic Development Program and to the National Youth Teams.
-The age group that will be scouted on this one day trial will be 1995 -1997 and will be accessed by gender.
-To register for the Olympic Development Program’s Region Trials, visit Florida Youth Soccer Association.
-For more information, please visit Florida Youth Soccer Association or Central Florida Sports.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Mississippi Hound Dogs
Date: March 17
Venue: The Lakeland Center, Jenkins Arena
-The Raiders’ 2012 season consists of seven home games at The Lakeland Center.
-Kick-off for all home games will be 7:15pm.
-Single Game Ticket Prices:
Club Level: $25 Adult, $18 Child
Side Line: $18 Adult, $9 Child
Red Zone: $12 Adult, $7 Child
-Check out Lakeland Raiders or Central Florida Sports for more information.

Ridge Art Association, inc.– Central Park Art Festival
Dates: March 17 – March 18
Venue: Downtown Winter Haven
-The event is held in downtown Winter Haven annually and includes approximately 100 art vendors, 20 local music artist, 15 to 20 food vendors (International food court) and a children’s “hands on” art area where all ages can participate in creating art projects.
-The Polk County Schools present a 3,000 sq/ft tent with art from all Public and Private schools in Polk County.
-For more information please visit Ridge Art Association, Central Park Art Festival or Central Florida Sports.

66th Annual Tiger BBQ
Dates: February 28
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium -Lakeland
-Welcome back our Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium, Florida’s most magnificent spring training facility!
-Enjoy the famous menu of roasted corn, shrimp, BBQ ribs, Italian sausage and char-broiled steaks from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Steaks served 7:00-7:30 p.m.).
-Visit Central Florida Sports for more information or purchase tickets online at Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.

FHSAA Boys Basketball Finals
Dates: February 29 —March 3
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The FHSAA Boys Basketball Final is a four day tournament featuring semi-final and final rounds involving eight classes and 32 teams.
- For more information, please visit The Lakeland Center, FHSAA or Central Florida Sports.

Florida Jets
Dates: March 1 —March 4
Venue: Paradise Field in Lakeland
-Food, fun and non-stop action for the entire family! Come see for yourself, and check out over 300 RC jets.
-There will be eight flight lanes daily, RC jet manufacturer exhibits, and daily demos.
-Cost: $10.00 (Admission includes parking & pit passes)
-Please visit Florida Jets or Central Florida Sports for more information.

Major League Scramble with Detroit Tigers
Date: March 1
Venue: Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland
-The 17th Annual Major League Scramble brings both golf and baseball together in an effort to raise money for local youth programs in Polk County.
-This event allows sports enthusiasts the opportunity to spend a day on the course with The Detriot Tigers.
-Grab your golf buddies or join a foursome and hit the links at Cleveland Heights golf course for this annual scramble tournament.
-Each foursome will be joined by a member of The Detroit Tigers organization.
-Submit your Major League Scramble Registration Form promptly due to the heavy demand for this event.
-For questions or more information, visit Central Florida Sports.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Dates: March 2 —April 3
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium- Lakeland
-The Tigers will begin the exhibition schedule on Friday, March 2 as the club plays host to Florida Southern College in the annual matchup against the Moccasins. The club opens the home portion of the Grapefruit League schedule against the Atlanta Braves at Joker Marchant Stadium on Sunday, March 4th.
-For more information, please visit Detroit Tigers or Central Florida Sports.
This week’s home schedule:
March 2- Florida Southern, 1:05 p.m.
March 4- Atlanta Braves, 1:05 p.m.
March 5- Toronto Blue Jays, 1:05 p.m.

Orange Cup Regatta – Central Florida Racing Club – Boat Racing
Dates: March 2 – March 4
Venue: Lake Hollingsworth – Lakeland
-The 75^th Annual Orange Cup Regatta will take place on the “Lake of Records”. 
-The event brings around 540 racers, boat owners, crews and family members to compete in 12 different classes’ daily. 
-The race is sanctioned by the APBA through the Central Florida Racing Club Region #5 and racers come from across the United States and in the past it brought teams all the way from Puerto Rico. 
-It is estimated that 75% of competitors travel more than 500 mile distance to race.  The 1 mile race that attracts 7,000 spectators scattered around the lake is estimated to bring $3 million into the community. 
-For more information please visit Central Florida Sports.

The City of Davenport – Highwaymen Weekend Extravaganza
Dates: March 2 – March 3
Venue: City of Davenport
-This event celebrates Florida’s Highwaymen Artists and continues the City’s focus on cultural events to build and market our community to the region. During the early 1950’s and through the 1980’s a group of 26 African American artists known as the “Florida Highwaymen” used vivid and bright colors to display the beautiful untouched Florida landscape. The creativity and talent of these artists has made them famous for their idyllic landscapes of rural Florida and they were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004.
-The weekend not only gives the opportunity for art lovers to view this fantastic art, but the chance to have a one-on-one conversation with the Artists. Activities will start on Friday with a dinner with the artists and a live art auction. It continues to Saturday for an art show where visitors can visit, admire and purchase beautiful art work.
-For more information, please visit Davenport or Central Florida Sports .

 FYSA Region Cup – Soccer
Dates: March 3 – March 4
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Simmers-Young Park, Lake Parker Park
-The Auburndale Soccer Club will host U14 (division 1 & 2) and U16 boys teams from FYSA Region C at Lake Myrtle. 
-Forty-nine teams will participate with an estimated 1,060 participants and 1,750 spectators for an economic impact of $720,400.
-The Winter Haven Soccer Club will host twenty-six teams, ages U17 girls and U19 boys and girls.  Participants are expected to number 630 and spectators 1,000 for an estimated economic impact of $416,850.
-The Lakeland Futbol Club will host 24 teams (U15 Boys Division 1 and U14 Girls Division 2) for a total of 480 participants and 800 spectators totaling an estimated economic impact of $329,000.
-For more information please visit Florida Youth Soccer Association.

Southeastern University – Southeastern Baseball Classic
Dates: March 3 – March 10
Venue: Southeastern University
-This is a week-long, national spring break tournament.
-Twelve baseball teams are expected to participate. 250 participants and 300 spectators from out of county are expected to travel to Polk County for this event.
-For more information please visit Southeastern University Athletics or Central Florida Sports.

 Florida ISA – Youth March Madness 
Dates: March 3 – March 4
Venue:  Bartow Softball Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in 130 adult participants, 300 youth participants, and 210 spectators.
-For more information, please visit ISA Florida or Central Florida Sports.

Bartow Art Guild “Bartow’s Bloomin’ Arts Festival” – Festival
Dates: March 3 – March 4
Venue: Downtown Bartow
-Bloomin’ Arts is a two-day art festival which also includes a Classic Car Show, Children’s Tent, Flower Show, entertainment and other family activities which bring large crowds to Bartow over the weekend.
-For more information please visit Bartow Art Guild  or Bartow Chamber.

 Bok Tower Gardens Foundation, Inc – International Carillon Festival
Dates: March 3 – March 11
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens
-Showcasing one of the country’s finest carillons, the 21^st annual International Carillon Festival at Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, will draw international performing superstars and fans to Polk County for nine days in March 2012.
-The International Festival is one of only two of its kind in North America, and has been highly regarded in the music world for over 25 years.
-A previous recipient of funding from the Tourist Development Council, the International Carillon Festival is returning with a full schedule of concerts, exhibits, films, receptions, lectures, and ticketed events designed to attract and keep visitors in the area.
-For more information, please visit Bok Tower Gardens or Central Florida Sports.

 Race for the Arts
Date: March 3
Venue: Downtown Bartow
-Join us for the 6th Annual Race for the Arts 5K run and fun walk at Ft. Blount Park in Historic Downtown Bartow.
-This event is held in collaboration with Bartow’s Bloomin’ Arts Festival
-For more information, please visit Central Florida Sports.

FHSAA Girl’s Basketball Finals
Dates: February 22, 2012 — February 25, 2012
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The FHSAA Girl’s Basketball Final is a four day tournament featuring semi-finals and final rounds involving eight classes and 32 teams.
-For more information, please visit The Lakeland Center, FHSAA or Central Florida Sports.

LTTA Inc. – Florida Orange Blossom Table Tennis Series Winter Classic
Dates: February 24 – February 25
Venue: Simpson Park Community Center – Lakeland
-This is a USATT (United States Association of Table Tennis) sanctioned tournament. It is also sanctioned by the USSTTA (United States Sandpaper Table Tennis Association) and by the LTTA (Lakeland Table Tennis Association).
-The tournament begins on Friday night with Doubles and Sandpaper events. On Saturday, a colossal round robin singles event is held.
-A maximum limit of 110 players in place for the Saturday session. Players from all over Florida and the southwest USA travel to participate in this tournament. We also have several international players who enter the tournament.
-Trophies and cash prizes are awarded to the winners in the various events on Friday and Saturday.
-This tournament is classified as a two-star tournament by the USATT.
-For more information, please visit Florida Table Tennis or Central Florida Sports

Ribs on the Ridge
Dates: February 24–February 25
Venue: Lake Eva Park in Haines City
-This growing event has been the Florida BBQ Association’s largest competition for the past two years; with approximately 100 teams competing.
-Don’t miss performances by The Pork Chop Review featuring “Oink” the singing pig! Live entertainment including local bands and Confederate Railroad begin at noon on Saturday.
-FREE of cost
-To find out more about Ribs on the Ridge, Haines City, FL or Central Florida Sports.

Florida ISA – Youth February Blast
Dates: February 25 –February 26
Venue: Bartow Softball Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in over 400 softball players.
-For more information, please visit Florida ISA or Central Florida Sports

FYSA Region C Cup Round 1 – Soccer
Dates: February 25– February 26
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-The Auburndale Soccer Club will host this weekend of competition that will feature U11 and U13 girls division 2 teams from across the state.
-Twenty-six teams are registered/qualified with a total number of approximately 420 participants.
-For more information, log on to Central Florida Sports or FYSA

• Entry Fees: $6.50 per bird (non NPA members)
• $5.50 per bird (NPA members)
• Entries Close: December 10,2011
• Banquet Tickets $35.00 per person
• Sale cages: $25.00 (4 standard holes or 18″x18″ holes
• Sale cages must be paid for in advance (no exceptions)
• You must be an exhibitor to get a sales cage (5 adult entries minimum 0
• For more information, please visit www.npausa.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida State Soccer Association – Florida Classic
Dates:  1/13 – 1/16
Venue:  Lake Myrtle
-Divisions include Men’s Open, Men’s Division 2, O30, O40, O45, O50, O55, O60; Women’s Open; Coed. (Only teams playing in Div 2 or lower may enter Men’s Div 2)
-Tournament is a 3 game minimum round robin format with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Semi-finals and Finals on Monday.
-Registration deadline is December 1, 2011
-For more information, please visit www.floridastatesoccer.com

Horses Unlimited Entertainment, Inc. – Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic
Dates: 1/13 – 1/14
Venue: Lakeland Center
-The Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic is a professional rodeo with 7 events sanctioned for World Championship points with the PRCA. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is head quartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the United States, Canada, and Brazil compete in bareback bronco riding, saddle bronco riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping, bull riding, women’s barrel racing, along with comedy acts, dress acts and trick & fancing riding.
-For more information, please visit www.prca.com or www.lakelandprorodeo.com or www.centralfloridasports.com   

Independent Softball Association – Youth Winter Nationals
Dates: 1/14 – 1/15
Venue: Bartow Softball Complex, Diamondplex
-The ISA Winter Nationals takes place over three weekends in January, with open invitations to youth and adult teams from across the country.  This weekend’s competition features the youth division, which includes all fast pitch teams from 8U to 18U.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com