Greetings {name},

Tuesday, Feb 1 is Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese zodiac. Many celebrations feature colorful costumes, floats, firecrackers and other attractions. It's also the first Day of Black History Month, an annual observation and celebration remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Wednesday, February 2 is Ground Hog Day, when news reporters, locals, and visitors meet at Gobbler’s Knob on February 2 each year to await famed Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil’s appearance and his whimsical weather prediction.

Friday, February 4 is National Wear Red Day, bringing attention to the issues of heart disease in women with public outreach events to promote prevention and screening of heart disease.

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.

Sun going down on a cold day in Redland

Redland scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr

Now Open On Campbell Drive

Crafty Crab Cajun Seafood Restaurant

Stop by the Crafty Crab for authentic Cajun and Creole seafood. The fried shrimp, catfish or calamari baskets are among the favorites. Dig in to the crawfish boil, or choose lobster tails, clams or snow crab. Can't decide -- the seafood platters offer a wonderful assortment and variety. Add a side order of hush puppies, gumbo, corn on the cob or sausages. The Lobster Special features one lobster tail with a half pound of snow crab, half pound of shrimp, quarter pound of sausage, 2 corn and two potatoes for $43.99. Dine in, takeout and delivery service is available -- and you can order online in advance. Crafty Crab is located on Campbell Drive just west of US1 at 801 NE 8th Street, Homestead, FL 33030. Call 786-460-8888. https://craftycrab801.com

January 28 - 30

73rd Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo

Experience the annual Miss Rodeo Homestead contest and three days of Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Roping, Riding and Wrestling -- plus special acts like the Homestead Everglades Posse Precision Mounted Drill Team performs at the 73rd Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo. The Books & Broncs Literacy Project educates children in the community about The Homestead Rodeo while encouraging reading. Tickets are $20 per day for adults, $15 for kid 4 to 12. Doc DeMilly Rodeo Arena at Harris Field, 1034 NE 8th St, Homestead, FL 33030. Call 305-990-1668. https://www.homesteadrodeo.com/

Friday, January 28 at 6:30pm

Movies in the Park

Bring the whole family out for a delightful evening of Movies In The Park each month at a Homestead city park. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and lawn chairs and grab your loved ones for a special night under the stars. January's movie is Disney's blockbuster animated classic Frozen at Blakely Park, 600 SE 14th Street in Homestead, starting at 6:30pm. This event is free and the public is invited. Call 305-224-4570. 

Friday, January 28 at 6:30pm

Campfire and Owl Walk at Castellow Hammock

Bring the family out for a campfire and nature walk through Castellow Hammock Nature Preserve --  a 112-acre park that contains a mature tropical hardwood forest. Experience the sights and sounds of screech owls, raccoons, night time spiders and much more. Bring marshmallows and hot dogs for roasting over the campfire. The cost is $6. Castellow Hammock is located at 22301 SW 162 Avenue, 33031. Call 305-242-7688. https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/castello-hammock.asp

Saturday, January 29 at noon

Boca Chita Key Cruise

Enjoy a three hour tour aboard the Pelican Skipper, a comfortable riding 45 foot Corinthian catamaran visiting Biscayne Bay to see Boca Chita Island and learn about the history of the Biscayne Bay islands. The cost is $56 per person plus tax. https://deeringestate.org/event/boca-chita-cruise/2022-01-29/

Saturday, January 29 from 10am to 3pm

Homestead Job Fair at Community Center

The City of Homestead has partnered with local employers to host a Job Fair at the William F. Dickinson Community Center with a chance to meet with local employers with current openings, including the City of Homestead. The Job Fair is the result of a partnership between the City of Homestead and Homestead Station QALICB. For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development by phone at 305-224-4832 or by email to asanroman@cityofhomestead.com. The Community Center is located at 1601 North Krome Avenue. https://www.cityofhomestead.com/

Sunday, January 30 at 3:15pm

Stiltsville Guided Bay Cruise

Depart from the Deering Estate on a two hour historic tour of Stiltsville. Journey through the northern most parts of Biscayne National Park to the alluring historic Stiltsville Houses and learn about the rich history of this area of Miami and Biscayne National Park. On this 2-hour family-friendly boat ed-venture you too can experience what draws people to these legendary waters. The cost is $56 per passenger. https://deeringestate.org/event/stiltsville-bay-cruise/2022-01-30/

Monday, January 31 at 4:45pm

Learn 3D Printing

Join this one hour class at the Cybrarium learning how to do a 3D print by creating and editing files, then watching the 3D printer in action. 3D print requests are welcome. Meet in the makerspace. Get details online.

Wednesday, February 2 from 4 to 5pm

Kids - Introduction to Archery

Camp Owaissa Bauer Archery Range offers basic instruction for $5 per class as an after-school activity for kids ages 8 to 14. All classes include safety instruction, archery lesson and target practice. No equipment needed. The park is located at 17001 SW 264 Street, 33031. Call 305-247-6016. https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/owaissa-bauer-camp.asp

Thursday, February 3 from 6 to 7:30pm

Dave Berry: Best. State. Ever.

In celebration of the Miami-Dade Public Library's 50th anniversary, join New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Dave Barry as he discusses his books Lessons from Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog and Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland. After the online discussion, enjoy a Q&A session with the author. Space is limited for this online event. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 19 yrs. + https://mdpls.org/event/6072750

Thursday, February 3 at 7pm

Prelude to 2100 at Deering Estate

The Deering Estate in partnership with Live Arts Miami and #ARTiculatingClimate present Prelude to 2100, a new immersive arts experience imagining a future Miami, conceived and curated by Susan Caraballo and created in collaboration with over 30 multi-disciplinary artists. Set in 2050, the Deering Estate has been converted into a residential complex made up of tenants who have been displaced from different parts of the world due to climate change. When rooms become available, they decide to host their first Open House, while re-opening partially as an art space. https://deeringestate.org/event/prelude-to-2100/2022-02-03/

Friday, February 4 at 7pm

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre

The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater comes to the Seminole Theatre with a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the talents of his furry costars. With more than 30 pets in the show -- each one has been rescued from animal shelters -- they love to perform their skills and stunts on stage. Tickets are $15 to $25. Get details online.

Friday, February 4 at 9pm

Friday Night Fights

Coastal Championship Wrestling Florida -- South Florida's premiere professional wrestling promotion and training facility -- and Miami Brewing Company present: Friday Night Fights; Enter Sandman. Meet up with friends to enjoy live pro wrestling at the Taproom. Doors open at 7:30pm, bell time 9pm. General admission tickets are $20, front row $25. Get tickets at bit.ly/3tWU7Jp

Saturday from 2 to 3pm

STEAM Saturdays at Cybrarium

Experiment with all sorts of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math-based activities and crafts. Kids ages 8 to 12 will be surprised by what they learn. February 5 Topic: I Dig Bugs. Experience the thrill of discovery like a real paleontologist! What will you find? Get details and register online.

Sunday, February 6 at 8am

Gravel Miami Bike Race

Gravel Miami presented by Conte's Bike Shop, returns to Miami Brewing Company with Gravel Miami Bike Race, an unforgettable bike race through Miami’s Countryside -- bigger and better than ever -- featuring a new 100 mile route, 50 and 36 mile routes, cool shirts and event medals with your registry, refreshments at the Taproom, and more. Get details and register online.

Sunday, February 6 at 2pm

MPNOD - National Park Service Museum and Archive

Enjoy an interactive program by Bonnie Ciolino, archivist for the South Florida Collections Management Center in Everglades National Park with "Opening the Closed Doors: National Park Service Museum and Archival Collections in South Florida." Presented by the Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade historical society.  https://www.mpnod.org/events/mpnod-national-park-service-museum-and-archive/

Wednesday, February 9 from 3 to 6pm

Downtown Homestead Farmer's Market

Known for its historic roots unique to South Florida, Downtown Homestead is transforming into a vibrant community where small town charm meets modern amenities, so it's only fitting that an authentic Farmer's Market is held in Downtown Homestead at City Hall Plaza, 100 Civic Court every second Wednesday from 3 to 6pm through April. The Downtown Farmer's Market is part of the Downtown Homestead revitalization effort and is the result of a partnership between the City of Homestead, Homestead Main Street, and Homestead Station QALICB. https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3746

Second and Fourth Tuesdays at 6pm

Lamplighters Writers Group

For those interested in joining the writers' group, the Lamplighters meet at 6pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays 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/

Friday, February 11 at 6:30pm

Bat Talk and Night Walk at Castellow Hammock

Enjoy an encounter guided by a naturalist who will help set the record straight on bats, a group of fantastic but misunderstood mammals. The program will start with a short presentation inside on the importance of and common misconceptions on bats, followed by a night hike using special acoustic devices to listen for bat calls that we may not be able to hear with the human ear. The cost is $6. Castellow Hammock Preserve and Nature Center is located at 22301 SW 162 Avenue. https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/castello-hammock.asp

Friday, February 11 at 7:30pm

The Mersey Beatles at Seminole Theatre

The world’s most authentic and only Liverpool-born Beatles Tribute Band was the resident band for over a decade at the world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles got their start. These childhood friends have played in 20 countries, selling out shows worldwide. Don’t miss this all-new show for 2022 as the band performs All The Hits plus many more fab favorites. https://www.seminoletheatre.org/seminole-calendar-of-upcoming-events/641

February 12 Weekend at 2pm or 7pm

Monster Truckz Weekend

Bring the kids out for this adrenaline-filled 90 minute show featuring massive Monster Trucks. Ride in a monster truck in the pit party two hours before the show starts. One free kid ticket is valid per paid adult. Doors open two hours prior to the show for the Kid’s Fun Zone and the pit party. The Homestead Rodeo Arena is located at 1034 NE 8th Street at Harris Field. Get details and tickets online.

Wednesday, February 16 at 6pm

Winter 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 winter season. 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/winter-stargazing-2/

Saturday, March 5 at 3pm

Frost Opera Theatre - The Leopard

Frost Opera Theater with the Frost Symphony Orchestra present the world premiere of The Leopard at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. Based on the international best-selling novel Il Gattopardo, later adapted into a film starring Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, and Alain Delon, and winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Set in Sicily in the year 1860, the opera is told through the eyes of Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina (also known as the Leopard). Known for his commanding personality, he is a member of an impoverished Sicilian aristocracy soon to be obsolete. Now facing a society in upheaval, he is forced to choose between decay and progress, and between the downfall of the nobility and the future of his family. Music by Michael Dellaira. Libretto by J. D. McClatchy. Starring MET Opera baritone Kim Josephson, and featuring Robynne Redmon, Frank Ragsdale, Kevin Short and students of Frost Opera Theater. The opera runs 120 minutes with intermission. Discount tickets are available online. Use code: FROSTFRIEND. The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center is located at 10950 SW 211 Street in Cutler Bay. https://smdcac.org/events/leopard-world-premiere

Safe Outdoor Weekend Fun

Visit Redland Equestrian Center

Bring the family to the 17 acre Redland Equestrian Center for Farm and Horse Tours, or Horseback Riding Tours of the Redland, open at 10am everyday by pre-paid reservation. Kids will love a day outside on the farm with Pony and Horse Lead Rides, petting farm, oak tree hammock and lychee grove. Reserve your Agricultural Learning Events for School, Company or Birthday. Enjoy Photography Session with horses and other animals. The largest and oldest equestrian center in the area, it's a great place for Horse Boarding and Training, since 1999. Call 786-650-6173 for details. http://RedlandLife.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