NOVEMBERFEST: Nativity Catholic Church pulls out all the stops again with Novemberfest, which lasts through Sunday. Bring the kids for carnival rides and games and live entertainment. James Rivard Pontiac GMC will raffle off a 2006 Vibe or G6 to one lucky winner. The festival is at the church at 705 E Brandon Blvd. today from noon to midnight, Saturday noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Call 685-4962.
ORDINARY PEOPLE: Durant High's theater department presents Ordinary People, a hard-hitting story about depression and lack of communication among family members in America's upper middle class. The show runs today and Saturday and Nov. 18 and 19 at the school, 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City. Curtain is at 7 p.m., and tickets are $6. Catch a trailer of the production or reserve a seat by going online to www.theatredurant.com Pat Canavan and Denise Dorsey, counselors for Hillsborough County schools, will conduct open discussions on problems teenagers face after the shows Saturday and Nov. 18. Call 757-9075, ext. 280.
SATURDAY
VETERANS DAY: The Ruskin Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6287 Veterans Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. on U.S. 41 in downtown Ruskin and proceeds to the post at 5120 U.S. 41 N. Food and music will be at the post. Call 645-3410.
NOV. 18
Dancers training at the Brandon Ballet will give a free performance at the Exceptional Center at Dover Elementary, 3035 Nelson Ave., Dover. Show time is 10 a.m. Show selections will include excerpts from the Nutcracker. Dancers range in age from 9 to 18. Call 684-4282.
NOV. 19
IDOL TIME: Music Showcase is sponsoring a free contest, a place for singers ages 3 and older to wow the judges - who, organizers say, might resemble nicer versions of American Idol's Simon, Paula and Randy. Registration is free, and singers can register in person or on the phone. Winners get trophies and prizes, plus an opportunity to perform in the community representing Music Showcase. Music Showcase Idol starts at 11 a.m. at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon. Call 685-5998.
KRISTIN TAYLOR: Recording artist Kristin Taylor, whose inspirational singing has carried her to several continents, will perform at 8 p.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico. Taylor also founded T.H.O.R.N. Ministries in Tampa, which helps feed the area's homeless. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at the church office or online at www.ststephencatholic.org Call 689-4900.
