October 2018 City Events
Monday, October 1, 2018
Friday, September 28, 2018
Scottish pipes and drums, San Juan Festival, Ais paddle, more Oktoberfest top this weekend
There’s a lot of culture from across the world to be found on the Treasure Coast.
It’s the last weekend of September, and there’s a lot of culture from across the world to be found on the Treasure Coast.
Keep the Oktoberfest celebration going with German beer and authentic food. Embrace Scottish culture with pipes and drums. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at a festival. Paddle the Indian River Lagoon like the Ais tribe of Native Americans did hundreds of years ago.
Have fun enjoying the best things to do in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.
Prost! Celebrate Oktoberfest
Walking Tree Brewery’s second annual Oktoberfest is noon to 9 p.m. Saturday at 3209 Dodger Road in Vero Beach.
Strap on your lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy German traditions, authentic German food, live music, games and beer releases. The traditional Volksmarch, a non-competitive leisurely 1.5-mile walk with neighbors and friends in the community, starts at 11 a.m.
The Firewater Tent Revival plays at 4 p.m. and Gravel Kings go on at 8 p.m. For more information, call 772-217-3502 or go to www.facebook.com/walkingtreebrewery.
Don’t forget a traditional 16-day Oktoberfest celebration continues through Oct. 7 at American Icon Brewery at 1133 19th Place in Vero Beach.
Enjoy German dishes, live music, games and special beer releases. The brewery’s hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 772-934-4266 or go to www.americaniconbrewery.com.
MORE: Beerspeak for ‘Das Oktoberfest’
Embrace Scottish culture
The Vero Beach Pipes and Drums will perform at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday at Downtown Friday on 14th Avenue in Vero Beach. Downtown Friday, which is 6-9 p.m., is free.
The community-based regimental Scottish pipe band consists of bagpipers and drummers from across the Treasure Coast. The nonprofit embraces Scottish culture and traditional dress and values.
On Nov. 10, the band will join the Celtic Club from Vero Beach High School for a 7 p.m. concert on at First Presbyterian Church at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach. Admission is free, but $10 donations are suggested. For more information, call 772-696-2546 or go to www.verobeachpipesanddrums.org.
Find your way in the corn maze
The corn maze at Countryside Citrus begins this weekend at 6325 81st St., in Vero Beach. The maze is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 4. Flashlight nights are 6:30-10 p.m. Oct 19-20.
In addition to finding your way out of the corn maze, other activities include a hay ride, a corn cannon, a jumping pillow, a rat roller, pumpkins, tetherball, cornhole, giant chess, a bull lasso, an old Florida nature trail, a barnyard ball zone, a hillbilly hootenanny, a ring toss, “cornundrums,” a kiddie train, rubber ducky races, a corn crib and family photo opportunities.
Food for sale includes hamburgers, hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream, slushies, snowballs, kettle corn, fresh-squeeze orange juice, lemonade, french fries, pulled pork and chicken tenders.
Admission is $12, but kids younger than 3 years old are free. The hay ride is $3. The corn cannon is $1 per shot. A $15 combo includes admission, the hay ride and a shot on the corn cannon. For more information, call 772-581-0999 or go to www.countrysidecornmaze.com.
MORE: Countryside corn maze to host fundraising weekends for Buggy Bunch, park restoration
Go to a hoedown
The Special Needs Hoedown is 6-8 p.m. Saturday at LaPorte Farms at 7700 129th St., in Sebastian.
The event includes a live band, dancing, barbecue, steer roping, a photo opportunity and hamburgers and hot dogs. Before the hoedown, there’s a fundraiser for the farm and its founder, Laura LaPorte, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets to the hoedown are free, but registration is required. To RSVP, go to www.laportefarms.com/upcomingevents. You can print your ticket or show the digital version. For more information, call 772-633-0813.
LAURIE’S STORIES: They’re ‘just monkeys to the mash’ at newly opened Sebastian brewery
Watch parachute jumpers
The U.S. Parachute Association’s National Parachuting Championships ends Friday with canopy piloting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Skydive Sebastian at 400 Airport Drive West.
Some of the best athletes in the world have been competing since Sept. 18 in their disciplines of accuracy landing, canopy formation and canopy piloting. Competitions are free to watch. For more information, call 772-388-5672 or go to www.skydiveseb.com.
PHOTOS: Skydivers practice for the USPA National Parachuting Championships at Skydive Sebastian
Listen to live music
The Ultra Soca Fest is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Causeway Cove Marina at 601 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce.
The festival includes live music from Shurwayne Winchester, King Bubba, Ricardo Drue, Baysee Boynes, Leon Coldero, Tony Wylie, Roger George, I-Land Rebels, Tara Lynne and Andrea Rivera.
Tickets are $35 each. VIP tickets, which include food and drinks, are $150 each. For more information, call 772-204-1999 or go to www.ultrasocafest.com.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Sharky’s near Fort Pierce is perfect restaurant for surfers, beach bums
Celebrate Hispanic heritage
The 15th annual San Juan Festival is noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place.
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with live salsa music and entertainment, as well as food and drinks for sale. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for kids younger than 12 and free for kids younger than 5. For more information, call 772-216-0285 or go to www.prafha.org.
PHOTOS: Last year’s San Juan Festival at the PSL Civic Center
Remove invasive plants
An invasive plant removal volunteer event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Savannas Preserve State Park at 2541 S.E. Walton Road in Port St. Lucie.
Join AmeriCorps volunteers to help pull invasive plants, including rattlebox and Caesar’s weed. Bring gloves, a water bottle and sun protection. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Water and a snack will be provided.
To RSVP, email danielle.brady@dep.state.fl.us or ashley.kennedy@dep.state.fl.us. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/friendsofsavannas.
MORE: Watch out: Toxic cane toads are back on Treasure Coast after weeks of heavy rain
Paddle like the Ais
The Ais on the Lagoon Community Paddle and Breakfast is 7:30-11 a.m. Sunday and begins at the U.S. Sailing Center at 1955 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., and the paddle begins at 8 a.m.
Join the 4.5-mile roundtrip paddle across the Indian River Lagoon and learn about the Ais tribe of Native Americans who inhabited our shorelines centuries ago. The group will paddle to the Florida Oceanographic Society’s shoreline for a breakfast of grits and clams and enjoy a brief educational presentation by local historian and Indian Riverkeeper Marty Baum.
The event is free, but registration is required. To RSVP, go to www.floridaocean.org. For more information, call 772-225-0505 ext. 113.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Historic hikes hidden at Spruce Bluff Preserve in Port St. Lucie
ADVERTISINGLearn to dance
The Open House Guest Party at Fred Astaire Dance Studio is 6-8:15 p.m. Friday at 2147 S.E. Federal Highway in Stuart.
The party is designed to guide and introduce new and beginner dancers to the world of dance. The schedule is as follows: meet and greet from 6-6:30 p.m., newcomers group class from 6:30-7 p.m., general dancing from 7-8 p.m. and dance showcase from 8-8:15 p.m.
Admission is free. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. For more information, call 772-678-7368 or go to www.facebook.com/stuartfred.astairedance.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Stuart Heritage Museum preserves Martin County’s history
Source: Scottish pipes and drums, San Juan Festival, Ais paddle, more Oktoberfest top this weekend
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
How to Get a Construction Loan?
When I started this process, I was completely overwhelmed by all the aspects and paperwork involved in obtaining a construction loan. A lot of my frustrations came from not understanding beforehand what’s involved. But, I have since learned somuch and want to share that with you!
Source: What Joy Cho Has Learned About How to Get a Construction Loan | Architectural Digest
Monday, September 24, 2018
Friday, September 21, 2018
Oktoberfest, Pirate Fest, National Parachuting Championships, Museum Day top this weekend
Oktoberfest is coming to the Treasure Coast.
Three different German-themed events top the best things to do this weekend, but there’s still a long list of other ways to have fun in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
Find your treasure at a pirate festival. Watch a national parachuting competition. Visit a local museum for free. Pair beer from a local brewery with food from a local restaurant. Join a drum circle at sunset to welcome fall.
Here’s what you need to know about What To Do in 772!
Find your treasure
The fourth annual Vero Beach Pirate Festival is 2-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Riverside Park at 3258 Riverside Park Drive.
The festival brings the community together to remember the historical significance of the loss of the 1715 Spanish fleet, which is why the tri-county area is called the Treasure Coast. It also includes live music, living history encampments, pirate weapon displays, treasure hunts, mermaids, costume contests, vendors, performers, treasure hunters, historians, authors and food and drinks for sale.
Admission is free, but a buck-an-ear ($2) contribution is accepted. Kids can play all day in a children’s zone with a $10 wristband. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation. The event is rain or shine. For more information, call 772-226-5459 or go to www.verobeachpiratefest.com.
MORE: See how Treasure Coast lives up to its name at area museums
PHOTOS: Ninth annual Treasure Coast Pirate Festival in Fort Pierce
Watch parachute jumpers
The U.S. Parachute Association’s National Parachuting Championships continue this weekend at Skydive Sebastian at 400 Airport Drive West.
Watch some of the best athletes in the world compete in their disciplines of accuracy landing, canopy formation and canopy piloting.
The accuracy landing competition is Wednesday through Saturday. The canopy formation competition is Friday through Monday. The canopy piloting competition is Tuesday through Friday.
All competitions are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are free to watch. For more information, call 772-388-5672 or go to www.skydiveseb.com.
MORE: Skydive Sebastian to host National Parachuting Championships
Drink German beer
The Oktoberfest Celebration at Mash Monkeys Brewing Company is noon to midnight Saturday at 920 U.S. 1 in Sebastian.
The brewery is rolling out a German-style taplist, which includes the release of a Märzen beer. Plus, there will be drink specials. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/mashmonkeysbrewingcompany.
LAURIE’S STORIES: They’re ‘just monkeys to the mash’ at newly opened Sebastian brewery
Eat German food
A traditional 16-day Oktoberfest celebration at American Icon Brewery starts Saturday and lasts through Oct. 7 at 1133 19th Place in Vero Beach.
Enjoy German dishes, live music, games and special beer releases. The brewery’s hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 772-934-4266 or go to www.americaniconbrewery.com.
Join a block party
The 13th annual Block Party Barbecue is 3-6 p.m. Saturday at Riverview Park at 600 U.S. 1 on the corner of U.S. 1 and County Road 512 in Sebastian.
The party includes carnival games, face painting, a dunk tank, a DJ, giveaways, slow-roasted barbecue pork, hot dogs and snow cones. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/sebastianchurch.
Celebrate the brewery
Pareidolia Brewing Company’s four-year anniversary party is noon to 9 p.m. Saturday at 712 Cleveland St., in Sebastian.
Enjoy happy hour from noon to 6 p.m. where most beers are $4. The brewery will release Grumpy Face Olde Ale, which is brewed with fresh Florida-grown Willamette hops and bourbon-infused oak.
Plus, there will be live music from 6-9 p.m. and $4 hot dogs with chips and a pickle. For more information, call 772-571-5693 or go to www.facebook.com/pareidoliabrewing.
Visit a museum for free
Smithsonian magazine’s 14th annual Museum Day is Saturday at three museums across the Treasure Coast.
Admission is free with a downloadable Museum Day tickets at the following locations: the Vero Beach Museum of Art at 3001 Riverside Park Drive, The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast at 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach and the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum at 3300 N. State Road A1A in Fort Pierce.
The theme of this year’s Museum Day is “Women Making History,” honoring women in society who are trailblazers in the arts, sciences, innovation and culture and emboldening others also to be pioneers.
One ticket can be downloaded per email address and grants two people free admission. For more information or to download your ticket, go to www.smithsonian.com/museumday.
MORE: Historic piece of Berlin Wall to be displayed at Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce
Pair beer with food
A beer pairing with Port St. Lucie-based HopLife Brewing Company is 6-9 p.m. Friday at Ellie’s Downtown Deli & Catering at 18 S.E. Sixth St., in Stuart.
Here are the pairings:
- Reel Lite with a grilled watermelon skewer over fresh arugula with feta cheese, Everglades tomatoes, chopped mint and yellow pepper drizzled with avocado oil
- Big House IPA with a smoked beer can chicken taco, which has smoked pulled chicken in a corn tortilla, with a black bean and roasted corn salsa, grated Manchego, shredded red cabbage and chipotle sour cream
- Fire Hog Red Lager with a lemon pepper hog wing, which is a marinated and grilled pork shank over Parmesan polenta with braised red onions, sliced beets and rosemary oil
- Nut House Brown Ale with a brown sugar-glazed skirt steak, which is pan seared and placed over mashed parsnips infused with fresh ginger, baby carrots, pearl onions and an orange marmalade and topped with scallions
- Nut House Coffee Porter with a raspberry chocolate brownie bar served with fresh cream and caramel
The cost is $45 per person, plus taxes and tips. To make a reservation, call 772-781-6605. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/elliesdowntowndeli.
MORE: Ellie’s Downtown Deli a quaint Stuart spot with gourmet touch
Admire art
The opening reception for the Arts Council of Martin County’s 28th annual All-Florida Juried Arts Show is 5:30-7 p.m. Friday at the Court House Cultural Center Gallery at 80 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart.
Angelica Arbelaez, juror for the show, will give a free lecture at 11 a.m. Saturday. The exhibition continues through November. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 772-287-6676 or go to www.martinarts.org.
MORE: Stuart, Florida: 12 interesting facts about Martin County’s biggest city
Have fun with family
Family Fun Day is 6-9 p.m. Friday at Langford Park at 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway in Jensen Beach.
The event includes field games, arts and crafts, karaoke and healthy food samples. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/tykesteens.
MORE: Celebrate connecting with your kids at Tykes & Teens’ free Family Day
Get hands-on with learning
Sensory Friendly Day is 10 a.m. to noon Sunday at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast at 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach.
Children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders get to have a fun and interactive learning experience in a comfortable environment. The event includes activity tables and a petting zoo.
Admission is $1 per person. Walk-ins are not allowed because the event is limited to 100 people. To register, go to www.childrensmuseumtc.org. For more information, call 772-225-7575.
MORE: Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast’s sensory-friendly day a great success
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Hoptoberfest is 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday at HopCat at 10553 S.W. Meeting St., in Port St. Lucie.
The Oktoberfest biers on tap will be from HofBrauHaus based in Munich, Germany; Weihenstephan based in Freising, Bavaria; and Sierra Nevada based in Chico, Calif.
Wear your best lederhosen or dirndls. Oktoberfest steins will be given away while supplies last. For more information, call 772-621-2823 or go to www.facebook.com/hopcatpsl.
MORE: To get the most of the experience, arrive hungry to HopCat in Port St. Lucie
Join the drum circle
The Fall Equinox Drum Circle is 7-9 p.m. Sunday at Savannas Preserve State at 2541 S.E. Walton Road in Port St. Lucie.
Kick off the beginning of fall with local drumming enthusiasts. Join with your own drum or just enjoy the beat. Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and a chair.
The cost is $5 per person, but kids younger than age 12 get in free. Minors must be accompanied by someone at least 21 years old. For more information, call 772-398-2779 or go to www.facebook.com/friendsofsavannas.
VIDEO: Drum circle at Kai-Kai Farm in Indiantown
Have more fun with family
The Local Business Expo at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place.
The event includes deals, gifts, raffles, a Zumba class, bounce houses, face painting and a pumpkin patch. Admission is free. For more information, call 772-828-0097 or go to www.facebook.com/localbusinessexpopsl.
Next weekend’s preview
- Oktoberfest at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach
- Vero Beach Pipes and Drums at Downtown Friday on 14th Avenue
- Special Needs Hoedown at LaPorte Farms in Sebastian
- San Juan Festival at Port St. Lucie Civic Center
- Invasive Plant Removal at Savannas Preserve State Park in Port St. Lucie
- Ultra Soca Fest at Causeway Cove Marina in Fort Pierce
- Wounded Warrior Surf Day at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
- Ais on the Lagoon Community Paddle at U.S. Sailing Center in Jensen Beach
- Open House Guest Party at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Stuart
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
Source: Oktoberfest, Pirate Fest, National Parachuting Championships, Museum Day top this weekend
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
The Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent
The Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent
BY ELIZABETH WEINTRAUB Updated May 04, 2018
With so much information readily available online, clients sometimes ask me, “Why should we hire a real estate agent?” They wonder, and rightfully so if they couldn’t buy or sell a home through the Internet or regular marketing and advertising channels without representation, without a real estate agent. Some do OK; many don’t. So if you’ve wondered the same thing, here are 10 reasons why you might want to consider hiring a professional real estate agent.01 Education & Experience
Senior couple visit new home with an estate agent
Andrew Bret Wallis/Photographer’s Choice RF/Getty Images
You don’t need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who does. Henry Ford once said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are. The trick is to find the right person. For the most part, they all cost roughly the same. Why not hire a person with more education and experience than you? We’re all looking for more precious time in our lives, and hiring pros gives us that time.02 Agents Are Buffers
Agents take the spam out of your property showings and visits. If you’re a buyer of new homes, your agent will whip out her sword and keep the builder’s agents at bay, preventing them from biting or nipping at your heels. If you’re a seller, your agent will filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere from lookie loos and try to induce serious buyers to write an offer immediately.03 Neighborhood Knowledge
Agents either possess intimate knowledge or they know where to find the industry buzz about your neighborhood. They can identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you, in addition to pointing you in the direction where you can find more data on schools, crime or demographics. For example, you may know that a home down the street was on the market for $350,000, but an agent will know it had upgrades and sold at $285,000 after 65 days on the market and after twice falling out of escrow.04 Price Guidance
Contrary to what some people believe, agents do not select prices for sellers or buyers. However, an agent will help to guide clients to make the right choices for themselves. If a listing is at 7%, for example, an agent has a 7% vested interest in the sale, but the client has a 93% interest. Selling agents will ask buyers to weigh all the data supplied to them and to choose a price. Then based on market supply, demand and the conditions, the agent will devise a negotiation strategy.05 Market Conditions Information
Real estate agents can disclose market conditions, which will govern your selling or buying process. Many factors determine how you will proceed. Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria, will have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.06 Professional Networking
Real estate agents network with other professionals, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell. Due to legal liability, many agents will hesitate to recommend a certain individual or company over another, but they do know which vendors have a reputation for efficiency, competency, and competitive pricing. Agents can, however, give you a list of references with whom they have worked and provide background information to help you make a wise selection.07 Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality
Top producing agents negotiate well because, unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and because they are skilled. It’s part of their job description. Good agents are not messengers, delivering buyer’s offers to sellers and vice versa. They are professionals who are trained to present their client’s case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.08 Handling Volumes of Paperwork
One-page deposit receipts were prevalent in the early 1970s. Today’s purchase agreements run ten pages or more. That does not include the federal- and state-mandated disclosures nor disclosures dictated by local custom. Most real estate files average thicknesses from one to three inches of paper. One tiny mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands. In some states, lawyers handle the disclosures, thank goodness!09 Answer Questions After Closing
Even the smoothest transactions that close without complications can come back to haunt. For example, taxing authorities that collect property tax assessments, doc stamps or transfer tax can fall months behind and mix up invoices, but one call to your agent can straighten out the confusion. Many questions can pop up that were overlooked in the excitement of closing. Good agents stand by ready to assist. Worthy and honest agents don’t leave you in the dust to fend for yourself.10 Develop Relationships for Future Business
The basis for an agent’s success and continued career in real estate is referrals. Few agents would survive if their livelihood was dependent on consistently drumming up new business. This emphasis gives agents strong incentives to make certain clients are happy and satisfied. It also means that an agent who stays in the business will be there for you when you need to hire an agent again. Many will periodically mail market updates to you to keep you informed and to stay in touch.
Source: The Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent
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