Green Living Expo

There was actually a lot happening in Venice FL this last weekend, but the big thing for me was the first annual Green Living Expo put on by the Venice Board of Realtors to support Habitat For Humanity and promote greener living.  It was a great first event, with about 30 vendors, speakers, good food, and music from the Venice High School Orchestra.

Origami Swans

With the untypical cool weather it had actually been some months since I've been to the Saturday Farmers Market.  As I was visiting with a friend in one booth I was commenting on the wonderful Origami Swans in the next booth.  Just as I was taking a photo the lady in the booth poked her head around the corner with a big smile.  Great candid shot!

Freinds at Business After Five

Every month the Venice Chamber Of Commerce has several events, last night was the Business After Five.  It was a great time outdoors in wonderful Florida spring weather.  Here are a couple of my local business friends clearly enjoying the evening Debbi Walters with Calypso Graphics and Paul W. DeClark with Health Products Powerhouse, Inc.

Crop Walk

Crop Walk took place this last Sunday afternoon here in Venice.  It is neighbors walking together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Walking for those who have to walk to get water and food.  Crop Walk raises awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as fighting hunger locally.

Art Festival

The 22nd annual Art Fest is happening this weekend.  It covers three blocks of Venice Ave. downtown and is well worth a visit.  I saw several new artists this year.  There is art in the form of jewelry, music, paintings, photography, sculpture and more.  Styles range from the sublime to the whimsical such as these fanciful creatures.

Fiesta Bunny

This weekend is the Sun Fiesta in Venice, one of the biggest events of the year.  I missed the parade but still got a good shot of this fun pinata style bunny truck float.  Don't know what was on the back during the parade but the float is a lot of fun.

Third Thursday Stroll

Downtown Venice really comes alive on the 3rd Thursday evenings. The stores are open later, with several having sidewalk sales. There are also artists, magicians, and lots of music. Most of the music is from performers set up in front of stores, some of which (like a barbershop chorus) wonder from store to store. One very entertaining group in the photo above, wonders the streets on a flatbed pulled by an old steam car!

Third Thursday Strolls are sponsored by Venice Main Street check their events for more Venice fun including the Sun Fiesta this weekend, one of the biggest events of the year.

Young Love

As I was taking photos of a nearby fountain this lady asked me to take their picture, not with her camera, not to send her, just because she wanted to share their love. I labeled this young love because as a talked to them I felt they had a spirit and zest for live that most people even in their teens and twenties don't have. This couple is very fortunate to share a youth of spirit and love. If we all had what I saw in them that day it would be a very joyful world.

Jazz Festival

Yesterday there was a Jazz Festival downtown in Centennial Park. I'll admit that I'm not a huge Jazz fan but events like this are always good for photos and the music was good too. If you are a Jazz fan the festival continues today so go on downtown to the park and enjoy some good music with some friendly people.

Recycled Plastic Water Bottles

At a craft show in downtown Venice recently I saw these very colorful flowers, turns out they are Recycled Plastic Water Bottles. Now that's a great use for these things, the only problem is I think such bottled water should be banned talk about a total waste of money and of the environment. Drink water in eco-friendly reusable bottles that don't leach toxic chemicals into it!

Not to fear though there would still be far too many plastic bottles around far more than imaginative people like this could use.

Rain Barrels

Collecting rain water helps supplement irrigation and reduce stormwater runoff. These rain barrels were provided by the county to some Venice area Master Gardener and school volunteers to help with water conservation.

These good folks are waiting for their barrels to be outfitted with intake, overflow, and spigots.

Conserving water in this way also helps reduce toxic runoff from pesticides, fertilizers, etc. into ponds, streams, lakes, bays, and the gulf. Conserving water in this way is also helpful in inspiring people to conserve water around the home in other ways as well.

If you have interest in getting a rain barrel I suggest contacting the Southwest Florida Water Management District or the Sarasota Extension Service.

Star Spangled Beach

It was a great evening on the beach last night with fireworks and festivities for the 4th of July. The Red, White, and Blue was out in all it’s glory from kites, hats, shirts, swimsuits, balloons, flags, and even belly dancing outfits.

On Nokomis beach there is often a sunset drum circle last night they continued playing all the way through the fireworks adding a lot to the great atmosphere.

Centennial Park Craft Fair

Downtown Venice is really jumping this weekend. If you are in the area be sure to come to the Centennial Park Craft Fair sponsored by Venice Mainstreet. Photography, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and more this is one of the great events downtown.

The craft fair is today and tomorrow June 20 & 21, 2009, 10am - 5pm right in the heart of downtown.

Friday Night

On Fridays throughout the year Venice Main Street sponsors free concerts in Centennial Park, last night it was jazz by In Parenthesis. Live music in the park on a very pleasant early Summer evening, YES life is good here in Venice Florida!