Bargains–April

by Adele Woodyard

Wherever you live, or go, around the state this month there may be a festival, even a parade. And a lot of them are FREE.
April 1-11: Naples leads with a “cheapie” tour of two of Columbus’ ships. Imagine how the seamen must have lived on these (replicas) of the Nina and the Pinta as they sailed across the Atlantic. Docked at Tin City, open 9 a.m. -5 p.m. $8 adult, $7 senior, $6 student ages 5-16, 4 and under FREE. 1200 5th Ave. S. 787-672-2125.
April 8-10: Venice 19th annual Shark’s Tooth Festival at the local airfield, has arts and crafts, kids games, fossils, food and more. 4-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $3 adult, FREE kids under 12. 941-412-0402.
April 9-10: Art in the Park Miami presents jewelry, paintings, sculpture and other examples of Fine art at Bayfront Park. Music and a kids’ zoo make it a family affair. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. FREE. http://www.artintheparkmiami.com
April 10: Pinecrest Earth Day features “green” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in one of south Florida’s loveliest botanical gardens. Wildlife show, plants, a Farmer’s Market and more are all FREE. 305-234-2121.
April 15-17: 49th annual Delray Affair is one of the largest arts and crafts street festivals in the southeast. Art, crafts, and entertainment are part of the mix over a 10-block strip of Atlantic Ave. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. FREE. http://www.delrayaffair.com
April 16: Hollywood’s Spring Marshmallow Drop is a great fun day for kids (who must be with an adult). At 10 a.m. there’s an easter egg hunt for ages 3-5, while 6 to 12 year olds enjoy a marshmallow drop. Open 9-noon, there’s also entertainment, face painting, meet the “bunny”, and more. FREE. Boulevard Heights Community Center, 6770 Garfield St. 954-921-3404.
April 16-17: Hollywood Beach Boardwalk presents the 5th annual Seaside Craft Fair. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. you can view, and hopefully purchase, jewelry, ceramics, wall art, or more. A Green Market has plants, orchids and homemade soap. FREE admission. 954-921-3404.
April 17: Jacksonville Beach downtown has a Parade at 2 p.m. with floats and marching bands. 904-247-6236. http://www.jacksonvillebeach.org
April 23: is a FREE Hooked on Music Festival in downtown Fort Pierce from 3-10 p.m. Take in the arts and crafts while you move to the beat. 813-235-3459.
April 22-24: The 47th Ron Jon Surfing Festival is a 4-day water sport event that brings surfers from all over the world to compete in their particular specialty. No Charge for you to watch from the Alan Shepard Park or Cocoa Beach Pier. You can also attend the Eater egg hunt, view evening movies, parties and the Sunrise Service. 321-799-8888. http://www.eastersurfest.com