Around town

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 24, 2007

EVENTS

Christmas Eve Dinner: Shiloh Restoration Tabernacle Ministry hosts a Christmas dinner to serve those in need. Guests are invited to volunteer and serve others or take part and enjoy a hot meal. 6 to 8 p.m., today; Shiloh Restoration Tabernacle Ministry, 902 W Robertson St., Brandon; open to the public, free. For information, call 813 657-9400.

Christmas Buffet: The Red Rose Inn and Suites hosts a Christmas buffet featuring a festive holiday brunch with all the trimmings. Santa will be present to take photos. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday; Red Rose Inn and Suites, 2011 N Wheeler St., Plant City; open to the public, $29.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger. For information, call (813) 752-3141.

High School Basketball: The McDonald's Tampa Hoops Classic heads to the University of South Florida as part of a three-day exhibition of national high school basketball talent. Sixteen teams from all over the country will compete for the right to be named the McDonald's Tampa Hoops Classic champion. 12:30 p.m., Wednesday to Friday; USF SunDome, 4202 E Fowler Ave. Tampa; open to the public, tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for students and children under 6 enter free. For information, call (813) 974-3111.

Wild Wonderland: The North Pole has invaded Lowry Park Zoo and transformed it for the holiday season. The zoo is decorated with lights, poinsettias and other seasonal attire for its eighth annual Wild Wonderland. Guests can view the animals and meet Santa's reindeer. 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday; Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa; open to the public, tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for children ages 3 to 11 and free for children 2 and younger. For information, call (813) 935-8552.

Send submissions for Around Town to Eric Smithers at St. Petersburg Times, 1000 N Ashley Drive, Suite 700, Tampa, FL 33602-3700; e-mail tampa@sptimes.com Deadline is one week before publication.

[Last modified December 24, 2007, 00:09:27]