Greetings {name},

Friday, March 18 is Holi, a Hindu festival that has been celebrated since ancient times as a way to welcome in spring, and also is seen as a new beginning where people can release all their inhibitions and start fresh.

Sunday, March 20 is the start of the Spring season -- the March Equinox -- marking the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north. On this first of Spring, all regions on Earth receive about the same number of hours of sunlight.

Tuesday, March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, with commemorative events like wreath-laying ceremonies, speeches, and luncheons held to mark the occasion.

Friday, April 1 is April Fool’s Day, dating back to 1582, when it is traditional to play hoaxes or practical jokes on others in a humorous manner. When the Gregorian calendar moved the first day of the year from April 1 to January 1, those that neglected to observe the change were labeled as April Fools. In Scotland, the tradition became a two-day event, starting with "hunting the gowk," in which people were sent on phony errands.

Saturday, April 2 is the beginning of Ramadan, a month of fasting for many Muslims in the United States.

Here's a few items of interest for those who enjoy a visit to the Redland Agricultural region, Miami's Bountiful Countryside. Make plans for a leisurely drive to the countryside to enjoy the beauty of nature -- and the calm relaxing pace of the Redland region.

Robert and Robin Burr 

https://www.redlandview.com/

Please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty, bounty and serene nature of our countryside.

The Lake at Fruit & Spice Park - Miami-Dade County Parks

Redland scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Spring Fling Sale at R. F. Orchids

The annual Spring Fling Sale is on at R. F. Orchids during the weekend of March 18, 19 and 20 with a 20% discount on everything in the nursery. Welcome spring into your garden with a incredible variety of stunning tropical delights during this three-day sale at R. F. Orchids nursery, 28100 SW 182 Avenue. Call 305-245-4570 or visit the web site for details. https://www.rforchids.com

Thursday, March 17 from 7 to 9pm

Moon Viewing at the Deering Estate

Bring a picnic and chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends as you view the Full Moon in the Miami sky at the Deering Estate. Bring your own telescopes and binoculars. Bugs and mosquitos are not uncommon at dusk. Cost is $10 for ages 4 and up; free for Deering Estate Foundation Members. https://deeringestate.org/event/moon-viewing/2022-03-17/

Friday, March 18 at 7pm

Spring Stargazing at The Park

Enjoy a night under the stars at Fruit and Spice Park cozied up by a bonfire. Don’t forget your telescope to catch the sights of the stars in the Redland during the spring season.The Southern Cross Astronomical Society will be onhand to share their viewing of the cosmos. S’more kits, wine, beer and soda available for purchase (while supplies last). Make sure to bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Admission and all items for sale is cash only, ATM available. The Fruit and Spice Park is located at 24801 SW 187th Avenue, 33031. Call 305-247-5727. https://redlandfruitandspice.com/event/spring-stargazing/

Saturday, March 19 at 10am

Goat Yoga at Miami Brewing Company

Yoga makes the soul happy... but even happier with real goats. Have you ever tried Goat Yoga? Stop in to the brewery Saturday at 10am for this super fun experience with furry friends that can help lower your anxiety, and increase your mental stimulation. Bring a yoga mat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water -- or find them at the door for rent or purchase too. $30 per person. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/256903664777 

Saturday, March 19 from noon to 4pm

Cybrarium Anniversary Celebration

Attend this state-of-the-art learning center's one-year jubilee. Celebrate the Homestead Cybrarium's first anniversary with great fun including a balloon artist at 1pm, the Fantasy Theatre Factory show at 2pm, along with cake, crafts and more at 80 West Mowry Drive starting at noon. http://homesteadcybrarium.stbooking.com/Events/EventInfo?EventID=634

Saturday, March 19 at 7pm

Atlantic City Casino Night with The Jersey Tenors

Come out to the Seminole Theatre for the Atlantic City Casino Night pre-event for The Jersey Tenors. Bring lady luck along with you as the lobby is converted into an Atlantic City style casino floor before an amazing show that’s sure to transport you back to the days of high style and high stakes. The Jersey Tenors is the newest Opera/Rock Mash-up sensation that creates an explosive blend of the most iconic Opera classics alongside such Rock 'N Roll industry greats as Queen, Journey, Elton John, and Billy Joel, along with Jersey's finest like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Sinatra, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Koolm and The Gand, and even Whitney Houston. https://www.seminoletheatre.org/seminole-calendar-of-upcoming-events/548

Sunday, March 20 from noon to 4pm

Car Meet at The Taproom

Make plans to attend Miami Brewing Company’s very first Car Meet, a fun-filed need for speed get together for car enthusiasts with music, beer, and excitement at the Taproom from noon to 4pm. Get in touch, spread the word through @miamibrewingco DMs. Free admission. https://bit.ly/3HyXvxj

Sunday, March 20 at 7pm

Vegas Edwards Twins - Celebrity Illusionists

Your favorite celebrities re-created by Las Vegas’ number one impersonators -- Twin brothers Anthony and Eddie Edwards are the country’s premiere Celebrity Illusionists. Utilizing the latest Hollywood grade make up and prosthetics as well as the fashion designers of the stars themselves -- the end result is a non-stop parade of stars on stage that are all at once amazing, funny and entertaining. Sonny & Cher, Billy Joel, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Lady Gaga, many more. Tickets are $30 to $49. https://www.seminoletheatre.org/seminole-calendar-of-upcoming-events/610

Wednesday, March 23 at 10am

Deering Homeschool - Wildlife Conservation

These homeschool classes at Deering Estate are geared for students ages 9-14 exploring the fields of wildlife biology, marine biology, ecology, and environmental science. Each session includes 3 or 4 classes in the same month. Price is $45 to $60. Register online only. https://deeringestate.org/event/wildlife-conservation/2022-03-23/

Wednesday, March 23 from 4:30 to 5:30pm

Chess Club at the South Dade Library

Sharpen your skills by playing other fans of this classic game at the South Dade Regional Library children's room. Ages 5 and up. https://mdpls.org/event/6221333

Thursday, March 24 from 4 to 5:30pm

Cybrarium - Hogwarts Study Hall

Kids: Step into our Hogwarts Study Hall at the Homestead Cybrarium, where you do your coursework, study for tests, or work on personal projects in the ambience of Hogwarts. Snacks provided. Ages 13-18. http://homesteadcybrarium.stbooking.com/Events/EventInfo?EventID=574

Second and Fourth Saturdays at 10am

Lamplighters Writers Group

For those interested in joining the writers' group, the Lamplighters meet at 10am on the second and fourth Saturdays at the Homestead Cybrarium at 80 West Mowry Drive in Homestead. Members share information and tips on writing poetry, short stories, novels and more. For more information, please call 786-218-5852. https://homesteadcenterforthearts.com/lamplighters-writing-group/

Saturday, March 26 at 8:30pm

Post Paddy's Comedy Show and Pub Crawl

After 21 years of growing up in Longford, Ireland, Sean Finnerty became the first ever Irish comedian to perform on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Sean was selected for Comedy Central’s Up Next competition, and as a semi finalist in Florida’s Funniest Comedian. Also on the bill, comedian Myke Herlihy is one of the most lovable jerks you’ll ever meet. Tickets to the comedy show are $20 to $25. The event is preceded by the Post Paddy's Pub Crawl starting at 5pm from the Seminole Theatre visiting American Legion, City Hall Bistro Bar, Simmons Bar and Chefs on the Run. https://www.seminoletheatre.org/seminole-calendar-of-upcoming-events/646

Sunday, March 27 at 2pm

Creating A Pollinator Paradise

Whether you have a few feet on your apartment balcony or several acres, you can make a difference in saving pollinators. Join this informative class at the Fruit & Spice Park on how to build your own pollinator paradise to help ensure the health and well-being of critical pollinators in our enviroment. Special Speaker: Barbara McAdam, UF IFAS Extension Urban Horticulture Program. $15 to participants with free entry into the park and $5 for FSP members. https://redlandfruitandspice.com/event/creating-a-pollinator-paradise/

Saturday April 2 from 10am to 5pm

Redland Blues & BBQ Festival

Bring the family out to the Fruit & Spice Park to enjoy award winning BBQ, incredible blues and country music, kid’s activities and full access to the garden. Food trucks will be present preparing delicious BBQ flavors. https://redlandfruitandspice.com/event/blues-bbq-2/

Saturday, April 2 at 6:30pm

Hypnotist Flip Orley - Aliens Are Among Us

Don't miss the hilarious and amazing Aliens Are Among Us! featuring Comic-Hypnotist Flip Orley at 8pm. Before the big event, gather at the theatre for All Aboard The Mother Ship at 6:30pm. Have you seen strange lights in the night sky? Crops circles in a corn field in Iowa? ‘Weather Balloons’ crash landed in the New Mexico desert? What’s really going on at Area 51? Be sure to come dressed up in your intergalactic best or as your favorite terrestrial, for an Aliens vs Humans costume contest, and glow-in-the-dark tattoos. Enjoy specialty cocktails that are out of this world at the interplanetary pub station. The pre-show is a free event. Hypnotist Flip Orley performs Aliens Are Among Us at 8pm. Tickets for the Flip Orley show are $20 to $30. Register in advance online. https://www.seminoletheatre.org/seminole-calendar-of-upcoming-events/647

Friday April 8 from 6 to 8:30pm

Homestead’s Easter Egg Hunt

Flowers are blooming, and spring has sprung in Homestead as preparations begin for the annual Homestead Easter Egg Hunt. The event will return to its traditional format that includes an evening of Easter activities, an obstacle course, slide and food vendors at 6pm. The Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 7pm. Tickets for the event are $5, cash only, and go on sale Monday, March 14th at Parks & Recreation located at 350 SE 6th Avenue. Harris Field Park is located at 1034 NE 8th Street (Campbell Drive). For details call 305-224-4448. 

Sunday, April 24 at noon

Second Annual HCA Art and Artisan Show

Attend an artful shopping experience indoors at the Events Banquet Hall on Campbell Drive, featuring hand-crafted items by local artists and artisans. Art in multiple mediums, painted glass, wood turned items, pottery, and more will be available. Enjoy nice music, tapas for sale, and a cash bar; all intended to make this a leisurely, fun shopping experience. There will be a cash bar and tapas for sale, a 50-50 raffle, and plenty free parking. For more information, contact Charlie Hudson at 305-230-9572 or email: charlie@charliehudson.net. Events Banquet Hall is located at 144 NE 8th Street (Campbell Drive) in Homestead.

Safe Service

Two Computer Guys Help Available

Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for reliable, efficient and friendly service -- from soccer moms and students to small business. They solve problems and get your computer up and running at top speed quickly with personal service. Just call when you need a little help. 305-444-1984. https://www.twocomputerguys.com

Fun For The Whole Family

Royd’s on Krome

Enjoy a delightful ambience reminiscent of an old Southwestern town, featuring a mix of Latin and Southern comfort food, with fresh fruit milkshakes and home-made desserts. On the weekends, enjoy the mechanical bull rides, pony rides and a farm animal exhibit for the kids, with live music and a festive atmosphere. From the architecture to the agriculture, it's a beautiful family-friendly place --  a charming reflection of the Redland Region where you'll want to return again and again. Royd's is located at 20800 SW 177 Avenue. They're open Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 5pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 7pm. Call 305-235-1441. https://roydssfl.com

Artisanal Home Décor

Discover Jimmy's Bright Ideas

One of the highlights of visiting the Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village shops is a visit to Jimmy's Bright Ideas, a repurposed vintage shop where talented lamp makers and functional art designers -- Jimmy and Jaz Cordovez -- run a business dedicated to finding gently used or vintage items to lovingly transform into functional art. The result is whimsically creative and eclectic home décor that best reflects the "out of the box" thinking for those that appreciate one-of-a-kind items. In addition to masterful articles on display in the store, you can bring Jimmy special items that reflect your unique lifestyle and have them repurposed as artistically useful objects. Jimmy's Bright Ideas is located at Cauley Square Historical Railroad Village, 22420 Old Dixie Hwy, Goulds, FL 33170. Call 786-208-5853. https://www.facebook.com/JimmysBrightIdeas

A big thank you to all of our Redland View sponsors for helping us highlight these special events in the countryside -- and thanks to our Redland View readers for your continued interest in these delightful cultural opportunities.

Robert and Robin Burr