The planner (things to do)

By Sharon Kennedy Wynne, tbt* staff writer
In Print: Friday, January 20, 2012

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TUESDAY

Whale of a tale

National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry knows what it's like to have a 45-foot, 70-ton right whale swimming right at him. "There were days when I was at the bottom at 70 feet, and here comes this bus swimming down," he told National Geographic. "And of course their eyes are on the side of their heads, so it had to turn and look at me. It came within inches. Here's this softball-size whale eye looking at me. But then it stops — stops on a dime. It's just hovering there, and literally one flick of its tail, and it would have crushed me like a bug. But it doesn't. It was just highly curious." Get more tales from the deep when Skerry speaks at 7 p.m. at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets start at $19.50. (813) 229-7827. strazcenter.org.

FRIDAY

Beerin' on the bayou

At the Barleywine On the Bayou Festival, admission includes a souvenir tasting glass, a "beer passport" to list all the beers you've tried, food from Cajun Cafe on the Bayou and 1-ounce pours of more than 20 barleywines from around the world, plus a couple of surprise beers. 6 to 9 p.m. $30. Cajun Cafe On the Bayou, 8101 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. (727) 546-6732.

Oscar night already?

Network with the rising business leaders of Emerge Tampa at Invasion: A Night at the Oscars, featuring a cocktail reception, live music, entertainment and a photo booth. 7:30 p.m. $40 ages 21-35, $50 ages 36 and older. Ritz Ybor, 1503 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. (813) 247-2555.

SATURDAY

'Rasslin's rising stars

Florida Championship Wrestling comes to Largo's Minnreg Hall with a special appearance by WWE Diva Layla, who will have a meet-and-greet with fans before the show starting at 6:30 p.m. There are eight matches scheduled for this event, which is official developmental territory for WWE. Bell time is 7:30 at 6340 126th Ave., Largo. Tickets start at $10 for kids and $20 for adults. See fcwwrestling.com.

A shrine to grid talent

The 87th annual college all-star football game known as the East West Shrine Game has moved to Tropicana Field in St. Pete for the first time. The game is a showcase for up-and-coming NFL talent; this year's roster includes players like Florida QB John Brantley and USF safety Jerrell Young. 4 to 7 p.m. $15. shrinegame.com.

Walk, dog, walk

Bark for Life is a fun event for you and your canine to fight cancer and help raise money for a cure. Your dog must have all shots, be 6 months or older and on no more than a 6-foot leash. The event starts with a survivor walk and ends with a doggie parade on Shore Boulevard S. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. 2 p.m. $10. Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. (727) 320-2069.

Keepin' on truckin'

More than 30 food trucks, restaurants and local cooks take to the streets to compete in Top Chef Largo, a chili cookoff with live music, fire-eating and magic tricks. Pets are welcome. 7 to 11 p.m. $7. Clearwater-Largo Road S and First Avenue SW, Largo. (727) 517-6821.

Don't hide, go seek

At the Scavenger Dash, teams of two will solve 12 clues, have a wild city adventure and complete challenges while discovering Tampa in a different way. Noon. $97-$130. Gilligan's Hideaway, 202 N Morgan St, Tampa. (813) 301-9050.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Grab your muskets

With more than 1,500 re-enactors, 28 cannons, 60 horses and more than 50 sutlers, the Brooksville Raid Re-enactment is touted as Florida's largest Civil War re-enactment. Admission includes food concessions, camp tours, chair rentals and music by the 97th Regimental String Band. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. $8 adults, $4 ages 6-12, ages 5 and younger and scouts in uniform free. Sand Hill Scout Reservation, 11210 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 799-0129.

SUNDAY

Catch a tiger

Two endangered Malayan tiger brothers are moving into Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, so make them feel welcome at these feline festivities, including treats, music and special activities with Radio Disney AM-1380. Bonus: The first 200 guests will receive a plush tiger. It runs 9:30 a.m. to noon and is included with zoo admission: $23.95; $21.95 seniors; $18.95 kids 3-11. (813) 935-8552.

5 under $5

FREE MSNBC's Hardball host Chris Matthews has a bestseller out about President Kennedy, and he'll give a free talk at noon Saturday at the Tampa Tribune Auditorium, 202 S Parker St., Tampa. Presented by indie favorite Inkwood Books, there will be a Q&A session and book signing follow the discussion. Free.

FREE There will be no dresses for the actor who made M*A*S*H's Cpl. Klinger so memorable. Actor Jamie Farr comes to town Saturday to promote Crescent Oaks Country Club's new greens in Tarpon Springs. Meet the actor, test clubs and enjoy putting contests, a business expo and prize drawings. It's free at 10 a.m. at 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd., Tarpon Springs.

FREE Saturday is the grand opening of the new USF Botanical Gardens Family Area. The new kid-friendly zone features a reading area, potting tables and monthly activities for garden visitors. Light refreshments will be served at this grand opening starting at noon at 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa. Free.

FREE Join the Tampa Bay Sunday Bicycle group for a Bicycle Ride and Clinic, including a 30 (or more) mile ride from the Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium through Carrollwood Village and North Tampa neighborhoods to the scenic and shady Upper Tampa Bay Trail. Return to the Emporium for refreshments and a short seminar on bicycle safety and maintenance. Free. 8 a.m. Sunday. Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium, 14407-B N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. (813) 236-8119.

$5 Everyone is invited to meet farm animals and sip on coffee or hot chocolate at Farm Interaction Day. Kids age 17 and younger can take horse rides around a wooded trail; rides are free for kids who bring an honor roll report card. It benefits the animals at Saddle Up Riding Club. Admission is $2; rides are $5. Saddle Up Riding Club, 6080 94th Ave., Pinellas Park.

[Last modified: Jan 19, 2012 03:30 AM]