Happenings Calendar April 3-9

EVENTS

ANTIQUE TRACTOR & ENGINE SHOW

The 25th annual Antique Tractor & Engine Show is held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 4, 5 and 6 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Saunders Dr., White Springs. Demonstrations of wheat threshing, shingle milling, corn grinding and unusual engines are featured, along with tractor pulls, barrel races, games and food. Admission is $5 per vehicle up to eight passengers. (386) 397-4331. floridastateparks.org

YOUTHQUAKE LIVE 

This free event is held 6:30 p.m. (preshow tailgate party) April 5 at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1118 W. Beaver St., Northside. The youth leader of the year is honored. The YouthQuake Live show is held 8-10 p.m. youthquakelive.com

FAIR HOUSING SYMPOSIUM

Living Free: Removing Barriers is the theme for the symposium held 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 6 at Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Downtown. Workshops for professionals and consumers are featured, along with exhibitors, a Kids Zone (childcare for ages 4-12) and an awards luncheon. Admission is free. For registration, call 630-1212 ext. 3020 or email [email protected].

INTERNATIONAL PILLOW FIGHT DAY

A “massive” family-friendly, free pillow fight is held 3 p.m. April 6 at Riverside Park, 753 Park St., Riverside. Bring soft, feather-free pillows and unopened water bottles. Check the details and rules at facebook.com/events/430792493660276/?fref=ts

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

A nation-wide remembrance is held April 7, locally from 4-5:30 p.m. at Jacksonville Jewish Center, 3662 Crown Point Road, Jacksonville. Charles Mendel, among the many Jews on board the ship St. Louis who were denied asylum in Cuba, Canada and the United States in 1939, is the featured speaker. The film “When Canada Said No: The Abandoned Jews of the MS St. Louis,” is screened. 292-1000. jaxjewishcenter.com

SURFING THE BLUES

The 11th annual surf contests are held 9 a.m. April 6 — Pro Men Invitational, $50 registration — and 9 a.m. April 7 — all other divisions, $30 registration — at the pier, 100 Fourth Ave. N., Jax Beach. floridasurfing.org

RUNNING THE BLUES

The annual beaches 5K run and 2.5K walk is held 10:30 a.m. April 6 on the beach, starting and finishing in front of the Red Cross Lifesaving Station at the east end of Beach Boulevard in Jax Beach. performancemultisports.com

THE HUMAN RACE 

The annual HandsOn Jacksonville 5K walk and run and 1-mile fun run are held 8 a.m. April 6 at St. Johns Town Center, Southside. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. handsonjacksonville.org

MAD MEN WATCH PARTY 

Friends of the Murray Hill Library celebrate the new Season Six of the series 8 p.m. April 7 at Elevated Avondale, The Blue Fish, 3551 St. Johns Ave., Avondale. Dress in ’60s Madison Avenue style. Donations are accepted for the library. FMHL will make available petitions to those who wish to support a straw ballot that creates a special tax district to create a dedicated revenue stream for Jacksonville’s public library system. 386-0716.

LEADERSHIP SPEAKERS BUREAU

University of North Florida’s Institute for Values, Community and Leadership presents Dave Reed, Student Affairs Community Councilmember, local entrepreneur and former Hollywood agent, 6 p.m. April 10 in Bldg. 58 W., Student Union Ballroom, Rm. 3703, Southside. Reed discusses his Hollywood career, business and the community. Free. To register, go to unf.edu/ivcl. 620-5934.

COMMUNITY LECTURE SERIES 

Flagler College marks the 125th anniversary of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon with its 2013 Community Lecture Series, “The Hotel Ponce de Leon Deconstructed: Building the Future for Modern America.” Dr. Brenda Kauffman discusses “The Golden Gleam of the Gilded Surface & the Cheapness of the Metal: Political Corruption and American Policy Reforms in the 19th Century,” 10 a.m. April 9 in the Flagler Room, 74 King St., St. Augustine. Tickets are $5. For reservations, call 819-6282.

MOCK RAPE TRIAL 

University of North Florida’s Women’s Center and UNF’s Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice present a mock rape trial 7 p.m. April 10 in Robinson Theater, Bldg. 14A, 1 UNF Dr., Southside. This stage production will depict one woman’s story of an alleged sexual violation to a jury of peers, offering a realistic view of the criminal justice system. UNF students serve as members of the prosecution, defense and crime lab teams, the victim, accused perpetrator and jury. The jury is randomly selected from the audience. Practicing attorneys, a forensic scientist and other legal professionals are also featured. Free; doors open at 6:30 p.m. 620-2528. unf.edu/womens-center

WELCOME HOME FOR ALLISON TANT 

Beaches Democratic Club welcomes Tant, who was recently elected chair of the Florida Democratic Party, 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 10 at South Beach Park Community Center, 2508 South Beach Parkway, Jax Beach. Tant discusses Florida party politics and the Democratic Party’s direction. Beaches Democratic Club gathers 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the third Tue. each month at the public library in Neptune Beach. 401-4790.

COSMIC CONCERTS 

Laser shows are Laser Mania 7 p.m., Laser Beatles 8 p.m., Laser U2 9 p.m., Laser Hypnotica 10 p.m. April 12 in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank. Online tickets are $5. Saturday shows are held noon and 5 p.m. 396-7062. moshplanetarium.org

RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET 

Performers include Dalton Cyr, Time Sawyer and Bravo School of Dance, April 6 at the market, under the Fuller Warren Bridge at Riverside Avenue, Downtown. Local and regional art and a farmers market are also featured from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat. Admission is free. 554-6865. riversideartsmarket.com

FERNANDINA BEACH MARKETPLACE 

The market offers fresh baked goods, organic vegetables and jellies, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 6 and every Sat. at North Seventh Street, Fernandina Beach, 557-8229, fernandinabeachmarketplace.com.

AMELIA FARMERS MARKET 

The market offers farm-direct fruits and vegetables 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 6 and every Sat. at The Shops of Omni Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia Island, ameliafarmersmarket.com.

FARMERS & ARTS MARKET 

This market is held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sun. of the month at 2042 Park Ave., Orange Park. Everything is handmade or homegrown. Live entertainment, kids’ activities and food are featured. 264-2635. townoforangepark.com

ST. JOHNS RIVER FARMERS MARKET 

Local produce, arts and crafts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at Alpine Groves Park, 2060 S.R. 13, Switzerland. 347-8900.

FARMERS MARKET OF SAN MARCO 

Fresh local and regional produce is offered 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at 1620 Naldo Ave., Swaim Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot, San Marco. Family fun day is the third Sat. 607-9935.

ANCIENT OAKS ARTS & FARMERS MARKET 

An open-air farmers market, held noon-4 p.m. April 7 and every other Sun. at Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Rd. 607-9935.

 

 

POLITICS, BUSINESS, ACTIVISM

SOUTHSIDE BUSINESS MEN’S CLUB 

The businesspersons’ club gathers 11:30 a.m. April 3 and every Wednesday at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin. Admission is $20 for members, with lunch; $25 for nonmembers, with lunch. 396-5559.

JACKSONVILLE JOURNEY

The oversight committee of this crime-fighting initiative meets at 4 p.m. April 18 in the Eighth Floor Conference Room 851, Ball Building, 214 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville. 630-7306. coj.net

 

 

BOOKS & WRITING

ANDREW GROSS

New York Times bestselling author Gross talks about and signs copies of his new book, “No Way Back,” 7 p.m. April 4 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. 241-9026.

CREATIVITY WORKSHOP

First Coast Romance Writers offer this writers’ event 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 13 at West Regional Library, 1425 Chaffee Road S., Jacksonville. Kieran Kramer discusses “Why Buy YOUR Book? The Top 10 Reasons.” firstcoastromancewriters.com

 

 

UPCOMING 

JACKSONVILLE SHARKS’ HOME OPENER 

April 12, Veterans Memorial Arena

MIKE EPPS 

April 12, T-U Center

OYSTER JAM MUSIC FESTIVAL 

April 13 & 14, Metropolitan Park

THE ST. JOHNS SUP RUSH 

April 20, Rudder Club of Jacksonville

12TH ANNUAL BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL

April 27, Tree Hill Nature Center

ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL 

May 3-5, Fernandina Beach

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP 

May 6-12, TPC Sawgrass

KEVIN JAMES 

June 9, The Florida Theatre

GREAT SOUTHERN TAILGATE COOK-OFF 

Aug. 23 & 24, Amelia Island

 

 

COMEDY

MICHAEL McDONALD

MADtv’s McDonald appears 8 p.m. April 4 and 8 and 10 p.m. April 5 and 6 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (in Ramada Inn), Mandarin. Tickets are $20 and $25. Comedy Zone Showcase 8 p.m. April 3. 292-4242. comedyzone.com

COMEDY CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE 

The Improv Effect appears 7:15 p.m. April 4. Keith Alberstadt appears 8:04 p.m. April 5 and 8:04 and 10:18 p.m. April 6 at the new club, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 8, Southside. Tickets range from $6-$25. 646-4277. jacksonvillecomedy.com

THE GYPSY COMEDY CLUB 

Al Romas and John Consoli appear 8:30 p.m. April 5 and 6 at 828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 and $12. 461-8843.

MAD COWFORD

Mad Cowford Improv performs 8:15 p.m. every Fri. and Sat. at Northstar Substation, 119 E. Bay St., Downtown. Admission is $5. 860-5451.

THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE 

Brian Foley hosts various comedians 7-8 p.m. every Sun. at Three Layers Café, 1602 Walnut St., Springfield. 355-9791.

 

 

NATURE, SPORTS, OUTDOORS

TALBOT ISLANDS

A park ranger discusses gopher tortoises 2 p.m. April 6 at Ribault Club, Ft. George Island Cultural State Park, 11241 Ft. George Road. Free. 251-2320. floridastateparks.org/littletalbotisland

JACKSONVILLE SUNS 

The season opener homestand, against the Jackson Generals, starts at 7:05 p.m. April 4 (Peter Bragan Sr. talking bobblehead for first 3,000 fans) at newly renamed Bragan Field, 301 Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville. Games continue 7:05 p.m. April 5 (Family Fireworks) and 6 (Ronald McDonald appearance), at 3:05 p.m. April 7 (Jackie Robinson Day) and 12:05 p.m. April 8 (Senior Citizens Day). Come on out and cheer for your hometown team! Tickets are $7.50-$25.50. 358-2846. jaxsuns.com

DINOTREK AT THE ZOO

The new exhibit is open at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville. Lifelike animatronic “dinosaur” creatures are featured. Admission is $3 for members, $3.50 for non-members, in addition to Zoo admission. Zoo hours are extended until 6 p.m. weekends and holidays through Labor Day. 757-4463. jacksonvillezoo.org

 

 

KIDS

DISNEY ON ICE

All the favorites are here, including Rapunzel, appearing 7:30 p.m. April 4, 5 and 6; 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. April 6 and 1 and 5 p.m. April 7 at Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 Randolph Blvd., Downtown. Tickets range from $20.90-$45.40. ticketmaster.com

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE

TheatreWorks presents this kids’ comedy at 10 a.m. and noon April 8 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets are $7.50; $8 at the door. 353-3500.

 

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

RESCUE RESALE

Friends of Jacksonville Animals Inc. and Animal Care & Protective Services hold a yard sale and adoption 9 a.m. April 6 at 2020 Forest St., Jacksonville. Food trucks and vendors are also on hand. 630-2489.

LGBT WORSHIP SERVICES 

Services are held 10:30 a.m. every Sun. at First Coast Metropolitan Community Church, 2915 C.R. 214, St. Augustine. 824-2802.

OLD TIME JAM 

Mountain-type folk music is played 7 p.m. every Tue. at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown. Open to players of all skill levels. Admission is free. facebook.com/JacksonvilleOldTimeJam

 

 

CLASSES & GROUPS

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

Duval County Extension Offices/UF IFAS offer a free workshop on seasonal landscape and gardening tips 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 11 at Highlands Branch Library, 1826 Dunn Ave., Jacksonville. Bring soil samples for free testing for pH. To register, call 255-7450.

SENIORS DANCE 

Seniors dance to a 3-piece band 7:30 p.m. every Mon. at Orange Park Senior Citizens Center, 414 Stowe Ave., Orange Park. $5 donation. 260-8061.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

This Christ-centered recovery program meets 6-8 p.m. every Thur. at 555 Stockton St., Riverside. 476-0278.

DEBTORS ANONYMOUS 

12-Step meetings are held 7 p.m. every Thur. at Christian Family Chapel, Bldg. D, 10365 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville. 269-8010.

COMBAT MARTIAL ARTS 

Six-week martial arts classes for men and women are offered 7-8 p.m. every Tue. and Thur. at 4083 Sunbeam Road, Southside. The fee is $40 a month, which includes access to fitness center. 343-6298.

YOUNG SURVIVORS

Young Survivors Group (those diagnosed with cancer at a young age) meets 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Mon. each month at the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Ave. 722-3000 ext. 224 or email [email protected]

FREE YOGA ON THE RIVER 

Karen Roumillat, RYT, teaches free gentle yoga 9 a.m. on the fourth Sun. of the month on the boardwalk, weather permitting, at Walter Jones Historical Park, 11964 Mandarin Road, Mandarin. Bring a mat. 287-0452.

MARINE VETERANS GROUP 

The Oldest City Detachment 383 gathers 7 p.m. on first Tue. of the month at Elks Lodge 829, 1420 A1A S., St. Augustine. 461-0139. mclfl383.org

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA 

The Duval County Chapter No. 1046 gathers 7 p.m. the first Wed. of every month at the Elks Lodge, 1855 West Road, Southside. 419-8821.

NAMI SUPPORT GROUP 

National Alliance on Mental Illness meets 7-8:30 p.m. every first and third Thur. each month at Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside. Admission is free. 389-5556. ortegaumc.org

NICOTINE ANONYMOUS (NIC-A) 

Want to quit smoking or using other forms of nicotine? Nic-A is free, and you don’t have to quit to attend the meetings, held 6:30 p.m. every Wed. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1415 S. McDuff Ave., Westside. 404-6044. nicotineanonymous.org

Q-GROUP ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 

This free, open discussion is held 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Quality Life Center, 11265 Alumni Way, Southside. alcoholicanonymous.org

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 

Do you have a drug problem? Maybe they can help.
358-6262, 723-5683. serenitycoastna.org, firstcoastna.org

DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE 

The group meets 6-7:30 p.m. every Tue. at Baptist Medical Center, 800 Prudential Drive, Downtown. 322-4040.