When the trick-or-treating is over, here are a few fun events going on around town.
- Sleeping Beauty is presented by Stages Productions children theater at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Cypress Bay Theater (18600 Vista Park Blvd.). This is the first of three shows planned in the next few months.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door or $25 for all three shows if purchased by Oct. 31 at the Weston Community Center (20200 Saddle Club Road.). Call 954-389-4321.
- The city of Weston presents Nim's Island, this month's free movie in the park, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at Weston Regional Park's event stage, 20200 Saddle Club Road.
Those looking to cast their vote before Election Day can do so up until Sunday, Nov. 2. The Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., is open for voting 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The Broward Supervisor of Elections office reports an average two hour wait for this location as of Tuesday afternoon, so you might want to pack a snack and bring a chair if you plan on heading out.
For additional locations in other cities, visit www.browardsoe.org.
Map courtesy of city of Weston Parks & Recreation.
Weston will celebrate the grand opening of Library Park, 4255 Bonaventure Blvd., at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.
There will be a fountain-lighting ceremony, music, refreshments and face painting for the kids. The event also will showcase "Art on a Limb," which will feature hundreds of bookmarks adorned with original drawings by Weston students hanging from the trees. Guests can select a bookmark as a keepsake from a tree.
"This will be a truly unique park, in that it provides a great experience while celebrating literacy, history and archaeology," said Don Decker, the city's parks and recreation director.
The new addition to the city's parks system is adjacent to the Broward County Weston Branch Library and near several schools.
The state provided a $200,000 grant through its Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program for the $2 million project.
The Arts Council of Greater Weston draws more than 500 for art kickoff
The Arts Council of Greater Weston hosted its third annual Art and Culture Showcase in Weston at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure's Grand Ballroom for more than 500 residents.
The event was free and open to the community with the support from the city. In addition to housing the event, the Hyatt provided the drinks and desserts for the reception. The reception featured an art exhibit and demonstrations, cultural exhibits and a silent auction.
The live entertainment showcased talent within the greater Weston area. Last month, several dozen local entertainers, singers and musicians auditioned for a chance to perform at the event.
Since its inception in 2003, the Arts Council of Greater Weston has worked to preserve and create awareness for the arts and culture in the city.
Under an agreement with the city, the group reviews many of their cultural event requests, as well as advocating and promoting arts and cultural within the city.
In recent years the council has also begun presenting their own events, including the Adult Artist Showcase, Student Artist Showcase and Art Walk & Showtime, which drew an estimated 1,000 people to Weston Town Center.
The Art Council’s Foreign Film Series has grown over the years. After being held at the Weston Branch Library, the series now sells out at local theaters and is expanding to five films this coming year.
“It has truly blossomed beyond belief,” said Andrea Sanders, council president.
The group also produces an online Community Arts Calendar which posts arts and cultural events going on in and around Weston.
As awareness spreads out art and culture opportunities in Weston, Sanders said the council’s goal is to reach an even wider demographic in the city.
“I think we are tapping a need,” she said. “We want to get everyone involved."
For more information on the kickoff, volunteer opportunities and events happening in the city, visit www.communityartscalendar.org
Check out videos from some of this years performers at the talent showcase of the kickoff:
Alejandra Alberti performed two songs at the event with Baltazar Hinojosa on acoustic guitar. Alberti lives in MIami and was a student at Florida International University. She was nominated for a Latin Grammy award.
Kevin Yungman, Cypress Bay student, performed a song from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He also sang "You Raise Me Up", originally recorded by one of his inspirations Josh Groban. Yungman took first place in the 2008 Weston Idol. Here is one of his performances at Cypress Bay.
SCOTT FISHMAN