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Welcome to the WBF Community Calendar. This page is designed to post announcements of events around the Polk County area. The announcements are listed according to the date of the event, current events at the top. Click here, If your club or organization would like to post an announcement on this page. |
Bartow Farmer's and Community Market, January 29
Everyone is invited to the Main Street Bartow Farmers and Community Market is held every Wednesday at Fort Blount Park, at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown Bartow, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
Vendors include produce, local honey, jams, jellys, brittle, six flavors of jerky, plants, blended teas, handmade candles, skin care products and soaps, specialty cheeses, dips and soup mixes and crafts. The park is also a beautiful spot for a leisurely lunch, and food vendors offer hamburgers, hotdogs, pulled chicken sandwiches, kettle korn, and much more! Main Street Bartow continues to seek vendors offering top quality fresh products and artisan crafts. The vendor fee for a 10 x 10 space is just $10.00. For a Farmers Market Vendor Form, contact Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508. Make your plans to visit the Main Street Bartow Farmers and Community Market, Wednesday at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown Bartow, from 10 to 2! 
This one's for the High School girls! Ladies, you are invited to our annual Girls Night! Come for music, dancing, giveaways, food and girl talk. Get your free tickets today! Friday, January 31, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM Mulberry Civic Center 901 NE 5th St, Mulberry Free Admission Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, February 1
The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a key component of a vibrant, diverse and exciting Downtown. It is designed to serve and bring together all segments of our community. It is a positive force in bringing people Downtown to purchase fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items. The 11-month Market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA).
The 11-month market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers, can be found at 200 North Kentucky Avenue in Lakeland from 8am to 2pm. 
Start: 7:30AM for both races
Half Marathon Details and Awards Entries: Unlimited!!! Long sleeve Dry-Fit shirts to all who register for the Half. Half marathon finishers ONLY: Annual Custom Signature Mug from Deneen Pottery. www.DeneenPottery.com Custom Awards to Top Male and Female overall, Masters and Grand Masters. Top 3 in each age group Male/Female 19 and under, then 10 year increments, ending with 70 & above. Trail 5K Details/Awards Start: 7:30AM : 5k Trail Run Unlimited participants. Short-sleeve Dry-Fit shirts to all who register. Custom Awards to Top Male and Female overall, Masters and Grand Masters. Top 3 in each age group Male/Female 9 and under, then 10 year increments, ending with 70 & above. Packet Pick-up: Early Packet pick up and Race Registration at Fitniche Lakeland, 1/31/2019 3pm to 7pm Race Day packet pick up and registration 2/1/2020 6:15am till 7:15am Half Registration Costs: Now–Nov 30: $50 Dec 1-Dec 31: $60 Jan 1- Feb 1: $75 Race Day morning up at finish line before 7:10a: $75 Trail 5k Registration Costs: Now–Nov 30: $25 Dec 1-Dec 31: $30 Jan 1- Feb 1: $35 Race Day morning up at finish line before 7:10a: $35 
Join us for a day of fun for the entire family on the shores of Crooked Lake at Webber International University. The event will take place Saturday, February 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
16th Annual Rotary Twilight 5K, February 7Presented by the five Lakeland Rotary clubs & CPS Investment AdvisorsJoin us for a scenic run around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida to benefit Common Ground Park – a park where children of varying abilities can explore and discover with imaginative play experiences. The Rotary clubs of Lakeland have worked together to support this park since its inception and proceeds from this annual race support the ongoing maintenance. For details, fees, and amenities, go to http://rotarytwilight5k.com You can register there online or at FitNiche. 
The Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition is hosted each February and is a Florida BBQ Association State Championship. Funds raised benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. More than 80 teams from across the country will compete for the Florida State Grand Champion title. Unique entertainment includes; a Music Festival, an aerial flyover, and awards for the best chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket, which will be announced at 5:30 p.m on Saturday. Start the party early and come for BBQ on Friday, February 7th at 6:00pm. The official festivities kick off at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 8th with the national anthem. Funds raised will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County. TEAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!! http://bgclubpolk.org/smoke.aspx 
We're celebrating Mulberry's 119th Birthday Party the biggest way we know how! You are invited to join us in the family-fun festivites on February 8th, 2020! Saturday, February 8 at 11 AM – 2 PM Centennial Park and Butterfly Garden, Mulberry 
Legend has it, Sasquatch has been lurking in the woods at Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Bone Valley ATV Park. This mysterious creature has set up traps full of color to distract all humans from finding him (or her)! It is up to us to find Sasquatch and unmask the traps on the beautiful trails of Bone Valley ATV Park. Participants will enjoy a fun and adventurous run that features 3.1 miles of uneven terrain and blasts of color along the way. This event will be timed by FITniche and will end with an awards ceremony for various age groups. <.pre> 7AM- Check- In Begins 9AM- Race Begins Awards Ceremony will begin after the last runner has crossed the finish line. Pre-Registration: $25 per person Includes swag bag and race T-shirt Online Only: http://bit.ly/20ColorTheTrail5k Day of Event Registration: $30 per person (credit only) Swag bag and t-shirt - while supplies last 
The Wilfred Smith Resource Center is hosting a FREE Valentine's Dance for children through the sixth grade. Children will enjoy music, dance contests, coloring contest, sweet treats, and arts and crafts. All Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please call the Wilfred Smith Resource at (863) 298-7898. 
Friday February 14th from 5 pm to 9 pm Saturday February 15th from 10 am to 5 pm Market Street in Davenport This event is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association Please check out our website at www.mydavenport.org for more info and applications. 
The 18th Annual " In Memory of Bob O'Hara" Orange Blossom Festival & Classic Car Show Saturday February 15th 9am - 3pm Held on Wall Street in Frostproof. The Festival includes a 5K Rotary Run, unique and local vendors, food trucks, crafts & antique and classic cars. The 5K Rotary Run starts and ends at Frostproof City Hall. 111 1st Street, Frostproof Sign - ups at 7am & Run starts at 7:30am Fun for the whole Family! For vendor information/ applications contact: Frostproof Area Chamber of Commerce (863)635-9112 info@frostproofchamberofcommerce.com For 5K Rotary Run information contact FrostproofRotary@gmail.com Stick around after the Festival for a Valentine's Street Dance Hosted by the City of Frostproof! Wall Street, Frostproof 6pm - 11pm 
Chow Down Food Trucks is bringing in the A-Team of Florida's best Food Trucks heading to Central Florida's Lake Wales. Come join us and have dinner & dessert from the best South Florida gourmet food trucks! Every meal is freshly prepared and cooked to order..... Bring your appetite - lawn chair - sit back and relax - enjoy gourmet food!!.......Impact Kids Zone by Impact Church Windows open from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM on Monday February 17. Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo 499 E Park Avenue Lake Wales 
A free family event featuring games, snacks, and entertainment. For more information, call the Wabash Community Center (863) 284-4223 Ribs on the Ridge, February 21-22Haines City’s 12th annual Ribs on the Ridge BBQ competition presented by Haines City Parks and Recreation & Miracle Toyota will be February 21, 2020, from 5 PM to 9 PM and February 22, 2020, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Sanctioned by Florida BBQ Association, Ribs on the Ridge draws barbecue teams from across Florida and the nation where professional and amateur teams compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights.Held at the beautiful Lake Eva Park in Haines City, come out to enjoy BBQ, crafts vendors, and live entertainment. This event is FREE and open to the public. Musical acts are featured on our main stage throughout the day and include national recording artists Sister Hazel and other local bands. This year's event will also benefit KidsPACK, an organization that feeds food insecure children in Polk County. For more information, please contact Haines City Parks and Recreation at 863 421-3700. 
The 2nd Annual Lake Alfred Heritage Festival will present unique, interesting, educational aspects of Lake Alfred history, along with our rich American Heritage over various decades and centuries. Exciting things are planned!!
Walk back in time and explore . . "LAKE ALFRED JUNCTION" / 1800's PIONEER VILLAGE where a diverse group of settlers displaying various trades and personas is presented with the help and support of Florida Frontiersmen Inc, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving authentic history. 1800's CHUCK WAGON Matt and Susan Vaughn present a restored chuck wagon camp, cooking, candle making and more. NATIVE AMERICAN EXHIBIT / You'll be delighted and educated by the encampment featuring Jeremy Bryant (Historian / 1750's thru FL Seminole era) and Otter Oliver, Dakota Shaw, and young son, Denni (Song/Dance in Full Regalia) CIVIL/SEMINOLE WAR EXHIBIT / Presented by Glenn Barfoot and others will be back better than ever.. BLACK HISTORY MONTH / Will be honored and represented by Historian/Researcher, Dean Moss McCracken's complete history of the Rosenwald Schools and Lake Alfred's Friendly Garden Club. MANY OTHER EXHIBITS and features depicting history and education of Old-World Trades, Quilt Appraising, Florida Plants & Gardening; MUSIC, GAMES, More! . . Something for young and old! "The Olde' Market Place" / Unique functional items and beautiful art by true craftsmen and home-made treats and products "The Good Ole' Days" DINER where everything's $1.00!! This FREE event will be a truly enjoyable day . . Don't miss out!! 
It's time for A-C-T's 10th Annual Chili Cook Off to benefit the United Way of Central Florida!! Enter your own awesome chili to see if you can earn this year's bragging rights! ALL you can eat chili and fixin's for $10. Every penny collected goes to the United Way of Central Florida. Stop by, eat some great chili, get moving to some tunes by Rich & Al of the Sofa Kings, and say hi! #ACTChili Ready to enter your chili or need more information? Call 863-533-2000 x 603 or email Chili2@A-C-T.com. Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Friday, February 28, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure 1875 W Main Street Bartow 
Jeepin' with Judd 2020 will be held February 21st -23rd at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow, Florida. This annual family friendly jeep only event is hosted by Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. 
49th annual Fine Art Festival brought to you by Bartow Art Guild, Greater Bartow Chamber, and Main Street Bartow. Over 100 artists from all over the country. Student art, kids activities, Bloomin Bike Ride, Bartow Garden Club Flower Show, Car Show (Saturday Only), live entertainment with a free 3 hr concert Sunday at noon. Food trucks, local restaurants...lots to see and do. To apply as an artist, go to this link https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7896 
CommunityFest 2020, presented by Citizens Bank & Trust, will take place on Saturday, March 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Winter Haven! Get ready for a day full of fun, games, entertainment, balloons, face painting and so much more! Did I mention it's all FREE? We hope to see you there! 
On March 7, 2020, Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. will be holding its 12th Annual “Bustin’ Clays with Sheriff Grady Judd” fundraising event at Tenoroc Sporting Clays in Lakeland. Last year’s event attracted over 360 shooters, and over 500 people were in attendance. We are looking for a few special sponsors to support this important event. Several sponsorship levels are available, with some levels including media recognition. We encourage you to sign up early so that we can properly recognize you in all our materials, including our brochures. Sponsors are also able to set up tables at the event and add items such as company literature to the gift bags given out at the event. Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. will use 100% of all proceeds from this event to further their mission to support activities and charities that benefit the community associated with and identified through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. By participating in this event, you are positively impacting our community in a real way! 
Welcome to the team registration for Fire It Up! Frostproof! Join us as we celebrate the art of outdoor cooking in Frostproof, Florida! We have a 2 day celebration planned and the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned BBQ contest and the Steak Cookoff Association is a part of it on March 6 & 7, 2020! (Friday evening and all day Saturday) Sign up for the Steak and Kids Que contests are at www.steakcookoffs.com for Friday night. We are offering both Professional and Backyard divisions. $10,000 purse for Professional division and $1500 purse for Backyard division. Overall and all four meat categories we are calling for PRO 10 places, paying 1st - 5th, trophies 1st - 5th, Ribbons/banners 6th - 10th and for Backyard 5 places. 20x40 spaces for professional (talk to organizer if you need more) 20x40 spaces for backyard. Professional division gets priority space but if there is space available, we will give it to our backyard teams as well. 30 amp electrical service, a few 50 amp with $50 fee, water at each site. Trash removal and ice service provided. We will have a few spots that we will provide electricity (up to 50 amp) for free but there is no water service. Thursday, March 5, 2020: 5:30 pm check in begins Friday, March 6, 2020: 3 pm - BBQ Cooks Meeting 4 pm - Steak Cooks Meeting (including Kids Que participants) 5 pm - SCA Judges' meeting 6 pm - 6:15 pm Kids Que Turn in 7:30 pm - 8 pm Steak turn in 9 pm Steak and Kids Que Award Ceremony Saturday, March 7, 2020: 12 pm - Chicken turn in 12: 30 pm - Ribs turn in 12:30 pm - People's Choice pork butt turn in (Main tent in front of stage) 1 pm - People's Choice begins at Main tent 1 pm - Pork turn in 1:30 pm - Brisket turn in 2:30 pm - Cabo Wabo infused, grilled Recipe turn-in 3 pm - CaboRita turn-in 5 pm - People's Choice, Cabo Wabo and BBQ Award CeremonyCabo Wabo Tequila presents two ancillary contests: The Cabo/KCBS CaboRita and Cabo Infused Grilled recipe series. $250 first prize for each category. $40 to participate (both or just one/flat registration fee) MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD TO PARTICIPATE. You must type/write out the recipe of each entry submitted or your submission is not completed. The City of Frostproof is conveniently located in Central Florida within an hour’s drive to LEGOLAND, Walt Disney World, the Sebring Raceway, and many other Florida attractions. As a sportsman you will find many activities to enjoy. Some of the nation’s best fishing lakes are located in the Frostproof area, great golf courses, nature trails, state parks, are just a few of the many outdoor opportunities. 
We're BAAACCKK! We are excited to announce our 2nd annual City-Wide Garage Sale in Mulberry on March 14th, 2020! Here is how it works. We will be creating a "Garage Sale Map" featuring any home in the City of Mulberry (City limits only) that wants to be a part of the day. Once the map is completed we will publish and advertise for all to come to Mulberry and experience the many garage sales!
Chow Down Food Trucks is bringing in the A-Team of Florida's best Food Trucks heading to Central Florida's Lake Wales. Come join us and have dinner & dessert from the best South Florida gourmet food trucks! Every meal is freshly prepared and cooked to order..... Bring your appetite - lawn chair - sit back and relax - enjoy gourmet food!!.......Impact Kids Zone by Impact Church Windows open from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM on Monday March 16. Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo 499 E Park Avenue Lake Wales 
East Polk County Largest Easter Egg Hunt April 11th - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Lewis Mathews Sports Complex 400 Palm Street Davenport Age divided hunts Don’t forget your baskets and camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny For more information call 863-419-3300 ext.138 or visit our website www.mydavenport.org 
Save the date for April 18, 2020! And, Join us at your 6th Ann 863 Art Fest in Central Park downtown Winter Haven, FL. from 10am-4pm. FREE Community event/ pet-friendly! Lots of free parking, too! More than 100 vendors offering beautiful one of a kind arts, crafts, clothing design, jewelry, soaps, candles, wood works, fair trade, vintage, plants, delicious home baked goods, cottage food, local authors, face painting, food trucks, live music, and lots more! NO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS. ONE OF A KIND ONLY. Request vendor application TODAY at 863artfest@gmail.com Sponsorships available! Request yours at 863artfest@gmail.com For more information go to www.CentralFloridaEventVendors.com 
Swan Derby is a unique and premier community event, held every year to bring recognition and awareness to Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine and the mission it serves. This is a free community event, featuring swan boat races, local food vendors, youth activities, a derby hat contest, live music, on the main stage and a fantastic fireworks show to cap off the evening. Bring your chairs and join us on the promenade, Friday, April 24. City of Bartow Customers Urged to Sign Up for Emergency Notification System
Bartow citizens are urged to sign up for a new notification service from the city to keep citizens informed in emergencies.
The new phone and email service will provide customers with important information in a timely manner. Customers can sign up through the city’s website www.cityofbartow.net or by calling the city’s customers service department at 863-534-0188. The system will be used for emergency alerts, community alerts and other urgent communication. For example, it is expected to be used to share information on major power outages or significant weather events. The messages will be important information that needs to be communicated quickly and widely for public safety. Frank Canovaca, the city’s director of information technology, said customers need to opt in to the system by providing their contact information. “If your phone number is not in the database, we will not be able to contact you,” he said. All individuals and businesses are urged to log on to www.cityofbartow.net and follow the link to the “SmartNotice Community Notification Enrollment” page. Each customer will want to enter their first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone number and any additional phone numbers. The easy way to sign up is with a text. Just text BartowAlerts as one word to the number 99411. Again, text BartowAlerts as one word to 99411. “SmartNotice allows geographically based message delivery,” Canovaca said, “which means street addresses are required to ensure notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation. The system works for cell phones, but we need to have an associated street address to provide geographic-relevant messages.” SmartNotice gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for inputting information. The data collected will only be used for notification purposes. Questions about the new emergency notification system should be directed to Bartow Customer Service at 863-534-0188. 
Monitor and protect your personal information by registering for Property Alert. Once you register for the free service, you’ll receive email alerts when documents are filed in our office using your name and/or property information. Find out more at Polk County Property Alert. Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Meals on Wheels needs drivers to deliver hot meals to seniors throughout Polk County. Kitchen volunteers are also needed to help package the meals. The Meals on Wheels program delivers hot meals to approximately 315 homebound residents. Service areas include Winter Haven, Lakeland, Auburndale, Haines City and Davenport. Volunteers may choose to work from one to five days a week. For information call 863-299-1616 or visit www.mealsonwheelspolk.com or facebook.com/mealsonwheelspolk. 
VISTE's Volunteers
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly is a community-based non-profit organization that was started Lakeland since 1983. VISTE’s primary goal is to help frail senior citizens continue living independently and safely in their own home. VISTE is a United Way agency. VISTE, which is a United Way agency, works with schools, churches, civic groups, local corporations and individuals. To volunteer, attend one of VISTE’s monthly orientations. A volunteer application can be found at http://viste.org/become-a-viste-volunteer. For more information, call 863-284-0828 or email info@viste.org. 
L.E.A.P - Emergency Notification Program for Residents Age 55 and up How Does the Program Work? First, complete a registration form. Forms are available online at http://www.lakelandgov.net/lpd/special-svcs/community-services-section/leap-lakeland-elderly-assistance-program or you can call the number below and request a form be mailed to you. Registration will include requests for emergency contact information. A member from the Lakeland Police Department will enter the information into the LEAP database, making the information accessible only to first responders. Once the resident is registered they will receive a small sticker to be placed in a visible location on the front window or door with a unique identification number. The sticker will immediately notify first responders to check the LEAP database for additional information should an emergency situation occur. If you have additional questions regarding the LEAP program, call 863.834.6912. 
SPCA of Lakeland
Each month SPCA Florida provides over 200 pets in the community with supplemental pet food and supplies through its Ani-meals program. Due to increasing community need, SPCA Florida is asking the community for donations of cat food and litter. Donations can be dropped off at 5850 Brannen Road South in Lakeland, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit spcaflorida.org or call (863) 646-SPCA for more information.
The SPCA, Inc. in Lakeland is in desperate need of cat litter. Any type of cat litter is welcome. Donations can be dropped off from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. For more information, call the SPCA at 863-646-7722. New Hazardous Waste Collection Program Available for Small Businesses
Polk County businesses that produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month can properly dispose/recycle it the third Wednesday of each month by appointment-only at the North Central Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The first collection day will take place February 16.
Quotes will be based on the quantity and types of waste materials to be disposed/recycled. Participants must complete a registration form and inventory sheet and may need an onsite inspection prior to participating. Waste materials being collected include: paint, solvents, waste ink, fluorescent lamps, used oil, antifreeze and other hazardous waste. For more information, paperwork and appointment schduling, visit www.polk-county.net or Contact Andrea at (863) 284-4319 ext.203, andreastermer@polk-county.net. The North Central Landfill is located at 5 Environmental Loop South in Winter Haven. Viewing of Adoptable Pets
The Polk County Sheriff's Office, in an effort to help adopt out as many eligible animals as possible, has added a new
feature to their website www.polksheriff.org. The link, located
at the bottom of the home page, is titled "Animal Services Section".The "Pet Harbor" is a brand-new feature offering viewers a searchable database of adoptable pets, in and out of Polk County. Customers can select whether they are looking for a dog or a cat, an age range, a gender and even a size. Photos of the animals are available at the click of a button, and are updated on a routine and timely basis. The section also has a wealth of information such as laws, rabies, spaying/neutering and is very user-friendly. American Red Cross
The Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering Community Disaster Education presentations to the community, free of charge. The Community Disaster Education program teaches people how to prepare themselves, their families and their property for disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
For more information about the program, or to schedule a presentation, call the Polk County Chapter at 863-294-5941. Girl Scouts
Adult volunteers can have just as much fun as the Girl Scouts they serve. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders and advisors so that they work with the same girls all year. Volunteer opportunitites also exist
for guest speakers, teachers for specific skills and projects, advisory committee members, and a wide range of other volunteer services to girls and Girl Scouting.
To find out more about becoming a Girl Scout volunteer, contact the Lakeland office at 863.688.7648. Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners' Hazardous Waste Section collects household hazardous waste Monday through Friday 7:45a to 3:45p, and Saturday 8a to 5p at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. The facility is located on SR 540 at the North Central Landfill, four miles east of highway 98.
At the facility, the county accepts household paints. aerosol cans, motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, kerosene, diesel fuel, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, cleaners, polishes, paint strippers, paint thinner, fluorescent tubes, mercury containing devices, household and auto batteries. All household items are accepted during these times except biohazardous materials, i.e. hypodermic needles or lancets. No explosives or radioactive wastes will be accepted at this location. No waster generated by businesses will be accepted for disposal. For more information call the Polk County Household Hazardous Waste Section at 863-499-2771 or 863-499-2689. 
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