What's going on in Florida - August

Here it is again folks, the best darn rundown of everything going on in Central Florida there is, courtesy of the good folks at the Orlando Sun-Sentinel. You can read the guide to the whole of Florida for this month here

Aug. 1: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 5 p.m. There will be informal music jams, free workshops, food, and a barn-style dance at 3 p.m. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org

Aug. 1: WaZoo, Tampa. Featured as one of the "10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country" by USA Today, this 14th annual tropical taste explosion features beers and beverages from around the world, food sampling from local restaurants, a wine garden, and live music. Admission $50 per person, $20 for designated drivers, $75 per person for Beastly Beverage Club. At Lowry Park Zoo. 813-935-8552 x276. www.lowryparkzoo.com/calendar_events.php

Aug. 1: A Day in Florida History of DeLeon Springs, DeLeon Springs. Historical reenactment of an early 1800s skirmish between Seminole Indians and soldiers and settlers of the period. Explore an authentically replicated Indian village and soldiers encampment, examine Indian artifacts and old weaponry, watch artisans ply their crafts, and join in the performance of Indian dances. At DeLeon Springs State Park. Admission $6 per vehicle. 386-985-4212. www.floridastateparks.org/Events-State-Proc.cfm?criteria=*

Aug. 4: Lake Louisa Summer Cycling Series, Clermont. Continuing bicycle race series. Races will be split into two categories ranging between 15 and 30 miles long. Top three finishing racers in each category will be awarded trophies. At Lake Louisa State Park. Admission $4 per vehicle. 352-217-1673. http://www.floridastateparks.org/EventsDistAll.cfm?Dist=3

Aug. 4: National Night Out, Ormond Beach. Cookout with live DJ, face painting, cotton candy, raffles for prizes. At Nova Community Center, 5:30-9 p.m. 386-677-0311. www.ormondbeach.org/Events/Default.htm

Aug. 6: 18th Annual Gourmet Feastival, Tampa. Annual fund raiser for Centre for Women. Features delectable foods and beverages from Tampa Bay's best restaurants, caterers, wineries and other purveyors. Also includes live music and fabulous Opportunity Prizes including upscale travel and leisure, home entertainment, event tickets and more. At Hyatt Regency Downtown. Admission $60 at door, $50 in advance. 813-251-8437 x251. www.centreforwomen.org

Aug. 7: National Lighthouse Day, Ponce Inlet. Join the staff at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida's tallest, to observe National Lighthouse Day. Enjoy family-oriented activities, demonstrations and newly installed lighthouse exhibits. Watch as children participate in turn of the century children's activities. Included with regular admission of $5 adult, $1.50 children 11 and under. 386-761-1821. www.ponceinlet.org/

Aug. 7-8: ArtWalk, Bradenton. Visit the various galleries, studios, restaurants and other small businesses in the arts district on the first Friday of every month, 6 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in the Village of the Arts neighborhood just south of downtown Bradenton. 941-747-8056. www.artistsguildofmanatee.org

Aug. 15: Grape Stomp and Music Fest, Lake Placid. Henscratch Farms presents the ninth annual Grape Stomp featuring California Toe Jam Band from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the winery located on Henscratch Road. This award-winning '50s and '60s musical group brings toe-tapping energy to its four-hour concert. Attendees will join the stomp buckets with this year's MC__TBA, in an attempt to crush two tons of grapes for this year's "Foot Stomped Vintage." Participants may purchase finished wine in November, complete with their picture on the label and a caption reading "Foot stomped by my diligent feet." Included in the day is a walking tour, winery presentation, complimentary cheese and wine tasting and All You Can Eat Grapes. Admission adults $6, children 6 and under free. 863-699-2060. www.henscratchfarms.com/impcal2/event.php?ID=33

Aug. 15-16: Pioneer Settlement Outdoor Extravaganza, Barberville. First annual Outdoor Extravaganza, on 30-acre facility with 18 historical buildings set to the late 1800s era. Event features hunting, archery shoot, canoeing, hiking and kayaking, venison cook-off, black powder and pioneer reenactors. Admission adults $6, children $4. At Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org/outdoorcolor2.pdf

Aug. 22: Caribbean Night and Island Market, Ormond Beach. Caribbean themed celebration at The Casements, including Island Paradise Outdoor Oasis, Kids' Caribbean Castle, Island Market crafters and Caribbean cuisine. Admission $5. 386-676-3216. www.ormondbeach.org/Events/Default.htm

Aug. 22-23: The August Stomp, Lake Wales. Live music, wine, food, grape stomping. At Lakeridge Winery. Admission $2. 800-768-WINE. www.lakeridgewinery.com/aboutus-events.php

Aug. 28-30: Caladium Festival, Lake Placid. Includes bus tours to the colorful caladium fields, sale of caladium plants and bulbs, exhibits on caladium history, Florida-friendly landscape and ornamental plants. Also includes wine display featuring the area's growing grape industry, plus arts and crafts, entertainment, and the 13th annual Antique and Classic Car Show. Admission free; bus tours $10 per person. 863-465-4331. www.lpfla.com/events/caladium.htm

And don't forget ... When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.net for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.