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Letter to the editor

It's all downtown this weekend

We love autumn, a respite from the steam bath.

By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published October 3, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG -- In Florida, we often take part in seasonal traditions that may seem odd to our Northern brethren.

In the summer, they celebrate the sun and rush outside while we hide indoors, panting next to the air conditioner.

As colder months approach, family and friends living north of the Mason-Dixon line prepare to hibernate until spring's return. We flee outdoors.

In St. Petersburg, that tradition of autumn amusement is kicking off in a big way this weekend. From a national swing dance competition to a neighborhood breakfast to a street festival, half a dozen activities Saturday give residents a chance to celebrate the passing of the torturous summer heat.

The only potential problem, providing it doesn't rain: finding a parking spot near all the events.

City officials say they don't expect traffic to be too bad and are prepared for the worst, but just in case, those eager to get downtown this weekend might want to bust out the inline skates or bicycles.

And be prepared to keep them handy.

"This is event season," said Lindsey Nickel, the city's events information specialist. "Once we hit October, every Saturday becomes consistently busy."

A rundown of the events:

1. Tampa Bay Home Show

The event at Tropicana Field will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Saturday and continue Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, and free for children 16 and under. For more information go to www.tampabayhomeshows.com or call (727) 893-8523

2. Saturday Fresh Market

This produce market at Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill is held at Central Avenue and 13th Street N from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (727) 895-0368.

3. Swing Dance USA

This annual national dance competition will be held at 6 p.m. at the Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N. For information, check the Web atwww.swingdanceusa.com or www.stpete.org/coliseum or call (727) 892-5202.

4. Saturday Morning Market

Officials are expecting more than 5,000 people for the opening day of this popular market, which is on Central Avenue between First and Second streets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (727) 455-4921 or see www.saturdaymorningmarket.com.

5. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

This 5K walk/run at Vinoy Park will raise money for breast cancer awareness and research. For more information, go to www.komensuncoast.com or call (727) 734-7832.

6. Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society Pancake Breakfast

The monthly breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, grits, orange juice and coffee is held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the airport, at 451 Eighth Ave. SE.It is $10 for adults and $2 for children under 12. For information, go to www.awaps.org or call (727)822-1532.

Other events

FISH-ful Saturday: The Pier Aquarium, at 800 Second Ave. NE, is hosting its weekly family fun day from noon to 2 p.m. It is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students 7 and older, and free for children 6 and younger with an accompanying adult. For information, go to www.pieraquarium.org or call (727) 895-7437.

Salsa Saturdays: Take part in this free weekly event at the Pier, at 800 Second Ave. NE, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Free dance lessons are available from 8:30 to 9 p.m. For information go to www.stpetepier.com or call (727) 821-6443.

The Florida Orchestra Masterworks Concert: Opening night of the orchestra will begin at 8 at the Mahaffey Theater at the Progress Energy Center, whose address is 400 First St. S.For information on the orchestra or Mahaffey, go towww.floridaorchestra.org or www.mahaffeytheater.com or call (727) 892-5767.

[Last modified October 3, 2007, 23:43:08]