Gallery highlights Civil War battles

By KELLY STEFANI, Times Staff Writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 14, 2000

Take an imaginary trip back to the battlefield in the opening weekend of "The Sound of Guns, the Glint of Steel," an exhibit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Nuance Galleries, 720 S Dale Mabry, Tampa.

The focal highlight of this third annual military exhibition is a diorama of the entire battlefield of Gettysburg. One trip to this exhibit may not be enough. The three-day battle will be shown with constant, slow troop movement.

Nuance will also feature paintings of famous battle scenes from the Civil War: Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Port Hudson, Brice's Cross Roads and Bull Run.

This exhibit will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 22.

Admission is free. Call (813) 875-0511.

Appraisers available

Clean out your closets and cupboards and find out if your junk is really treasure.

The Kiwanis Club of Palm Harbor and the Palm Harbor Senior Activity Center will hold an Antiques Appraisal Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Palm Harbor Senior Action Center, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor.

Four area antiques dealers will assess the value of glass, toys, furniture, collectibles, porcelain, art, pottery and other items (no jewelry, guns or military items).

A donation of $5 is requested for every two items appraised. No limit on appraisals. Proceeds benefit the Palm Harbor Senior Activity Center and the Children Priority One programs of the Kiwanis Club.

Call (727) 771-6000.

For the archaeologist in all of us

Dig into history with the Southeastern Archaeological Research Co., which invites you to join an archaeological survey from 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through July 22 at the Safford House, 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs.

The Safford House, home of Anson P.K. Safford, one of the original developers of Tarpon Springs, was built in 1883 as a one-story "dog trot" and moved to its current location in 1893.

Researchers hope to uncover items including bottles, old coins, metal buttons, buckles, shoes, household items and even trash (which was commonly buried in that period).

All participants must register in advance and be 12 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear old clothes, a hat and sturdy shoes and bring drinking water. Refrigeration is not available, so bring a cooler.

For information or registration, call (727) 942-5605.

A dog's life

Nearly 2,000 dogs from around the world and their owners are expected to participate in the Tampa Bay Kennel Club Dog Show from 9 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. today through Sunday at the Florida State Fairgrounds, U.S. 301 off I-4, Tampa.

Dogs will prance, jump, go down slides, race through poles, walk planks and more. Continuous competitions include conformation , obedience and agility.

Admission is $3 per day adults, $1 ages 5-11, children 4 and under free. Parking is $4. Call (813) 264-9836.

Try kayaking

Get outdoors and keep your cool on the Gentle Intro Kayak Paddle beginning at 9:30 a.m. today and Saturday at the Fort DeSoto Mangrove Trail.

This water sports adventure is geared for beginners. Start your day with an on-shore instruction of the "waddle" paddling motion. Then enter the water for a two-hour, 2.25-mile exploration of the mangroves surrounding Fort DeSoto.

Manatees, the magnificent frigate bird, yellow crown night heron, least terns and giant stingrays are among the rare animals regularly seen at this time of year.

Fee is $37.50 per person. Call (727) 441-2599.

Cars from near and far

More than 150 custom cars of all makes and models will line The Pier's approach and the courtyard for the State Championship Car Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at The Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

Vehicles include American and import cars, trucks and motorcycles. Even stereos will be judged in a special portion of the show.

Vehicle registration for the show is $35 and takes place 6-11 a.m. Sunday. Admission for spectators is free. Call (727) 821-6164.

Summer beach jam for teens

Teens can get into some fun summer action at the Outback Steakhouse Extreme Summer Jam from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday on Treasure Island Municipal Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island.

Events include live music with a dance area, volleyball, raft races, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, Gyro wheel, a joust pit and beach olympic events.

Admission is free and is limited to teens in grades 6-12 only. All events are fully supervised. Call (727) 892-5060.

More than clowning around

A small group of clowns is called together by telegrams from a dead man.

Find out what they learn as narrator Todd Robbins, portraying Dan Rice (credited as inspiration to the Ringling Brothers), takes you on a one-hour, high energy journey into the life of Dan Rice and the American Circus at 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 and 5 p.m. Sundays at Theatre Works, 1247 First St., Sarasota.

Explore 200 years of clowning on this journey through the madcap lives of circus clowns present, past and future.

Tickets are $10 adults, $6 12 and under. This performance runs through July 30. Call (941) 355-9335.

Get to know the man who originated the motorized bathtub and baby carriage, water-skiing gag and the incredible miniature clown car featured in The Greatest Show on Earth.

Circus Sarasota presents Remembering Lou Jacobs, an evening of never-before-seen slides and storytelling by family, friends and co-workers at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Theatre Works, 1247 First St., Sarasota.

Tickets are $10 adults, $6 12 and under. Call (941) 355-9335.