BROOKSVILLE
Meet creator of chet Gecko at reading festival
The annual Hernando County Reading Festival will from be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Nature Coast Technical High School, 4057 California St. Visitors will be able to meet a number of children's authors, including Bruce Hale, author of the Chet Gecko series and Snoring Beauty, as featured on Oprah's Kids Reading List. Hale will give presentations at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. There will also be food, games and face painting. Admission and all activities are free. Call (352) 797-7018.
HERNANDO BEACH
Pedersen Park closing for work
The Hernando County Parks Department will close the playground at Linda Pedersen Park, 6400 Shoal Line Blvd., on Tuesday for scheduled maintenance. The playground will reopen Wednesday. For information, call (352) 754-4154.
SPRING HILL
Music fest benefits autism education
The Music Festival for Autism Awareness will be at 2 p.m. today at the Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave. The event includes a classic car and truck show, karaoke on the Palmwood stage with the original Shenanigans Gang, games for children and vendors selling crafts, food and beverages. The Category 5ive band will perform. Admission is free; donation for parking. VIP seating is available for $5. The event will benefit Unlocking Autism for 1 Small Voice. For information, call Jim at (352) 584-2517 or the Lake House at (352) 666-4746.
CLEARWATER
Brookridge sends Senior Idol talent
Two local talents from Brookridge will be performing in the Bright House Networks "2009 Bright Stars Senior Idol," at 7 p.m. Monday at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road. Lucy Basta, 66, sings and plays the Q-chord and dulcimer. Jack Waldron, 72, sings and plays guitar. For the competition, the duo will perform Go Figure and Cara Mia. Tickets are $6 and may be purchased at the door. The show will then air on Tampa Bay On Demand (Ch. 340) from March 23 to April 6. Those who watch the show live or on television are encouraged to vote for their favorite contestants. Voting starts on March 23 online at www.tampabay.mybrighthouse.com.
Today's picks
Black History Village Extravaganza: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Kennedy Park, 1000 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville.
Augustana Symphonic Band in concert: 7:30 p.m., Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. 683-9016.
"Gardening with Natives" horticulture class: 10 a.m., Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville. Free. 754-4433.
Hernando Sportsman's Club Gun and Knife Show: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 S Broad St., Brooksville. $6; youths 16 and younger admitted free with adult.
Sock Hop with DJ John Conroy: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., sock hop starts at 7, High Point Community Center, 12249 Clubhouse Road, High Point. $5. 596-4867 or 597-3852.
Hernando deaths
Detailed obituaries are published in Section B.
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