Greetings {name},

July is National Blueberry Month and people all over the world are busy enjoying blueberry-inspired fruit salads, smoothies, and other refreshing foods. In addition to this month-long celebration, blueberry fans have another reason to get excited – the 100th anniversary of commercial blueberries.

Sunday, July 10 is National Pina Colada Day. Imagine yourself lying on a lounge chair under the palm trees on a tropical, sun-baked beach or deserted island as you contemplate the nearly perfect combination of creamy coconut, tropical pineapple and delicious rum.

Thursday, July 14 is Bastille Day, a traditional holiday in French territories marking the anniversary of the fall on July 14, 1789, of the Bastille, in Paris. 

Sunday, July 24 is Parent's Day, on the fourth Sunday of July each year, a chance to recognize, uplift and support the role of parents in bringing up their children.

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.

air plants (epiphytes) growing on a tall Royal Palm

click on the image to see enlargement.

Redland scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Saturday, July 9 from 10am to 5pm

Midsummer Adventure - Fruit & Spice Park

Celebrate midsummer at Fruit and Spice Park during this fun filled weekend with summertime photo backdrops, scavenger hunts, summer fruit sightings, and tram tours featuring an array of delicious tropical fruit in season. Park admission is $10 for adults and $3 per child 6 and older. Call 305-247-5727. https://redlandfruitandspice.com/event/midsummer-adventure/

Saturday, July 9 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 contact either Melody Thorpe (novagem@gmail.com) or Daniel Grusauskas (damaruda@gmail.com). Get details online.

Saturday, July 9 from 2 to 3pm

Marine Science Eco Experience

Marine scientists from the Marine Science ECO Experience feature exciting topics and hands-on activities about marine life. Chat with scientists about sharks and meet live animal invertebrate guests. Get details online.

Saturday, July 9 from 4 to 6pm

Frenchie Link at MBC

Miami Brewing Company sure want you to BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog!) This time, it’s a French Connection with this special event for all French Bulldog lovers. Saturday, July 9th from 4pm to 6pm, visit the Taproom with your Frenchie for some mingling and lots of artisanal brews. Free event. Get details online.

Saturday, July 9 at 7pm

Live Pro Wrestling at Miami Brewing Company

Coastal Championship Wrestling Florida and Miami Brewing Company present: Saturday Slam Series. The second Saturday of every month, the Taproom features live pro wrestling. Doors open 7pm, bell rings at 8pm. General admission tickets are $20, front row $25. Get tickets and details online.

Tuesday, July 12 at 5:30pm

Summer Movie Night - Bernie The Dolphin

Bring the family out for Summer Movie Night at the Cybrarium to enjoy Lions Gate Films' Bernie the Dolphin. Two siblings befriend a lost dolphin named Bernie, who suddenly goes missing. They go out to find him and, in the process, uncover a scheme that would threaten their favorite beach. They kids must now try to protect the ocean and save Bernie from the bad guys and reunite him with his family. https://cybrarium.libcal.com/event/9158856

Tuesday, July 12 at 6pm

Tai Chi at the Library

Experience a gentle and graceful movement class designed to improve balance, coordination, focus and overall mental health at the South Dade Regional Library. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Space is limited. Registration is required. Ages 13 and up. 

https://mdpls.org/event/6814056

Tuesday, July 12 at 7pm

Tropical Beekeeping 101 - William Shaw

Meet at the Fruit & Spice Park for a special presentation by William Shaw, president of the Tropical Beekeeping Association on the basics of beekeeping. Feel free to bring a cover dish or something to share at the potluck dinner. The Fruit & Spice Park is located at 24801 SW 187th Avenue. Call 305-915-7226. https://www.facebook.com/TropicalBeekeepersAssociation

Starts Friday, July 15

Mamma Mia - The Musical

Enjoy the Seminole Theatre Player's production of Abba's Mamma Mia -- the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Tickets are available at the box office or online.

Saturday, July 16 at 8pm

Jazz Duo Davis And Dow

The Deering Estate Summer Cabaret Concert series presents multi award winning jazz duo Davis and Dow -- two strong halves of one big sound; a culmination of performing and touring together for 25 years. They tackle jazz and pop standards with a daring sense of abandon. While their style is deeply rooted in the classic jazz tradition, they enjoy weaving different genres of music into their repertoire. A Bossa Nova sung in French or a jazz standard with a Bach Interlude. Tickets are $120. Get details and tickets online. https://deeringestate.org/event/cabaret/2022-07-16/

Wednesday, July 20 at noon

Lunch & Learn for Small Businesses

The City of Homestead’s Community Redevelopment Agency (HCRA) wants to help small businesses grow and learn new ways to expand at the Lunch & Learn for Small Businesses Event -- Growing Your Business in Every Aspect -- with the Miami Bayside Foundation. This free event for smal business owners will be held at Showbiz Cinemas located at 100 South Krome Ave in Homestead. RSVP before Monday, July 11. Get details and RSVP online. https://www.cityofhomestead.com/lunch

Sunday, July 31 from 2 to 3:30pm

Preserving the Harvest

Whether you grow a garden full of vegetables and fruits, or buy fresh produce from your local farmers market, you won’t want to let it go to waste. Attend this seminar by Louise King at the Fruit & Spice Park to learn about the many methods available to help enjoy your produce long after it leaves the garden. $15 to participants with free entry into the park and $5 for Fruit & Spice Park members. https://redlandfruitandspice.com/event/preserving-the-harvest/

June Through August

Cybrarium Summer Reading Program

Signup online and start logging your reading for the "Oceans of Possibilities" Summer Reading Program at the Cybrarium in Homestead. All reading earns you points towards a badge. A badge rewards you with a Grand Prize drawing entry. Early Readers, Kids, and Teens also earn a visit to the Cybrarium Treasure Chest or Loot Box for each badge. At the end of the summer Grand Prizes will be randomly drawn for each age group. Get details and register online. https://srp.cybrarium.org

Carlos and Vivian

Roots & Pots Handcraft Creations

Discover stunning handcrafted one-of-a-kind creations that enhance and reflect your down-to-earth lifestyle. Roots & Pots is the creation and immersion of two best friends and their appreciation for all things nature. A world of ceramics where life and all of its imperfections are celebrated in every piece they create -- bringing passion and handcrafted art into your home. https://www.rootsandpots.com

Authentic Cajun Seafood

Krab Kingz in Florida City

When you're ready for some down-home Cajun seafood, bring the family to Krab Kingz in Florida City for a delicious meal. The spectacular Krab Kingz Sampler feeds a small army with an assortment of Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, Blue Crab, shrimp, potatoes, corn, sausage, egg and flavored butters. The 16 ounce Gumbo is filled with shrimp, chicken, rice and sausage. The Number 9 basket offers fried lobster, fish and shrimp with fries. Specials include coconut shrimp, grilled Cajun snapper and lobster. Krab Kingz is located at 35202 S. Dixie Highway in Florida City. Call 786-410-8100. https://www.krabkingzfl.com

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