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Florida Escapes
The following is a selection of events taking place around Florida in April. Some events charge admission; readers are advised to call ahead to confirm times and fees.
By WILMA NORTON
Published March 27, 2005
All aboard Thomas the Tank Engine
Kids who love trains and especially Thomas the Tank Engine will want to spend A Day Out With Thomas; a real train converted to look like the star of the classic books and PBS series will offer rides on the Mount Dora & Lake Eustis Railway. Sir Topham Hat will accompany riders on the 25-minute ride, which leaves for Wooten Park in Tavares, about 40 miles east of Inverness. Trains depart hourly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1-3. Tickets are $16. For information on this and other train rides on the railway, call 352 383-8878 or www.mtdorarailway.com
The anthropological scene
Veteran National Geographic photographer Nick Nichols and famed anthropologist Jane Goodall join for an exhibit called "Brutal Kinship" at the Southeast Museum of Photography in Daytona Beach. The exhibit, which continues to June 20, looks at the relationship between humans and chimpanzees and is based on a book by the same name. The museum is on the campus of Daytona Beach Community College, 1200 W International Speedway Blvd., 3 miles east of Interstate 95. Admission is free. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 386 506-4475 or www.smponline.org
Happy landings in Lakeland
The annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland attracts hundreds of aircraft each year. This year's activities run from April 12-18 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport and the Florida Air Museum. There are airshows at 2 p.m. daily, weather permitting, and an 8 p.m. airshow April 16. The hot-air balloon launch is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. April 16. Other activities include seminars, book talks, a huge aviation marketplace and more. 863 644-2431 or www.sun-n-fun.org
Let's hear it for the shrimp
Pirates invade Fernandina Beach at the end of the month to celebrate shrimp. Really. Any excuse for a party. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. April 28 with a parade through downtown Fernandina Beach, followed on April 29 by an evening of tours aboard the shrimper Georgia Bulldog, food and a pirate invasion at 9:30 p.m. The Tampa Gasparilla pirates take all day to invade; Fernandina expects theirs to be over in time for 9:45 fireworks. Festivities, including arts and crafts and kids' activities, continue on Saturday and Sunday with the blessing of the fleet and a decorated shrimp boat parade on the afternoon of May 1. (904) 261-3248 or www.shrimpfestival.com
[Last modified March 25, 2005, 10:49:02]
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