Ringing In The New Year With Events For Everyone

  The New Year has arrived, and with it comes a renewed sense of optimism in South Dade and the Upper Keys. Many things are going on that are making residents smile with anticipation as a historic year is upon them. For Homestead residents, the New Year brings with it great change that has been anticipated for years.

  Homestead’s new City Hall is well under construction, a project delayed for years but finally in the stages of becoming a reality. For anyone driving down Flagler Avenue, the three-story structure that has arisen from behind the Busway is sure to catch the eye. Featuring numerous office spaces and an amphitheatre-style meeting chamber, Homestead’s City Hall is sure to be a centerpiece in the Historic Downtown Homestead district.

  Additionally, the retrofitting of the Homestead baseball complex is underway to house the Homestead Police Department. Once the department is settled into their temporary location, construction of a new Police Station will begin near the Historic Downtown Homestead district.

  Finally, the Krome Avenue area will get a new look when the construction to complete the historic Seminole Theater begins. Earlier in 2014, Homestead voters approved a bond referendum to help finish the theater, mired for years in seemingly endless discussion and planning. The Theater will look to become another centerpiece for the Downtown Homestead district, attracting people from around South Dade to the city.

  As for now, South Dade and Upper Keys residents have plenty of local events to look forward to in 2015.

  Kicking off the events for the New Year is the Homestead Community Concert Series first show of 2015, “A Journey Through The Americas With The Scordatura Music Group” on Sunday, January 4.

  Starting at 2:30pm, the audience will be treated to an exploration of the infectious folkloric dance music of the Americas as presented by the Scordatura Music Group. The newly formed musical ensemble based in Miami includes some of the top classical, Latin, jazz, and folk musicians in South Florida. Together, they will lead the audience on a journey from the base of South America through the United States, including arrangements such as the Mexican Son Jarocho, Argentinean Tango, and Brazilian Samba.

  The concert will be held in the South Dade Senior High School auditorium. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students.

  The following weekend, history will come alive for the 40th Annual Redland Heritage Festival at Fruit & SpicePark. Taking place January 10 through 11 from 10am until 5pm, the event will feature tropical fruit trees, native plants, arts and crafts, food, a classic cruisin’ car show, live entertainment, old fashioned music, wildlife shows, and kid’s activities. Tickets are $8 for adults and children 11 and under are free.

  The same weekend features the Brew on the Bay Key Largo Craft Beer Fest presented by the Rotary Club of Key Largo. This beer lover’s dream features over 100 beer vendors, live music, local seafood, and more. Headlining 2015’s musical performance is The Regs, with opening act Cowboy Up.

  Brew on the Bay is held from January 9 to 11 at Rowell’s Marina in Key Largo. The Homebrew Competition and a meet and greet will be held on January 9, with the Brew on the Bay and After Party being held on January 10. A Hangover Brunch will be held on January 11 to wrap up the weekend’s festivities. One-hundred percent of the money raised from Brew on the Bay is for local scholarships. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.keylargobrewonthebay.com.

  Orchid lovers will flock from all over South Florida to the Tamiami International Orchid Festival on January 17 and 18. Held in the Fuchs Pavilion at the home of the Dade County Youth Fair adjacent to FIU, the orchid show will feature several local and internationally renowned orchid growers, as well as classes on growing the exotic fauna in South Florida. Tickets are $10 for adults for one day or $16 for a two-day ticket. Children 12 and under are free.

  Late January sees the return of an annual favorite as well as a recent newcomer to the South Florida foodie scene.

  The 6th Annual Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival will be held on January 24 and 25 at Rowell’s Marina in Key Largo. Tickets are $5 for this event that has quickly become a fan favorite. Family fun will include magic shows, eating contests, a little mermaid contest, a live fish aquarium and touch tank, boat dealers, pirate demonstrations, fireworks on Saturday night, and a car show on Sunday.

  That same weekend, Homestead will once again play host to the southernmost rodeo in the continental United States when the Homestead Championship Rodeo rides into Harris Field.

  Held on January 23, 24, and 25, the Homestead Championship year is in its 66th year of thrilling South Florida sports fans with bull riding, bronco riding, and steer wrestling over a three-day event. The ever-popular Rodeo Parade will take place on January 24 before the rodeo, traveling up the traditional Krome Avenue and Campbell Drive parade route.

  Tickets can be purchased in advance for a special price online or in person. Gate ticket prices will be $20 for adults and $5 for children, and are good for any one day’s entry into the event.