Greetings {name},

Monday, December 5 is National Repeal Day, a celebration of the end of prohibition in 1933 and the repeal of the 18th Amendment, which banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the United States. Cheers to that!

Wednesday, December 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II -- a day to honor the service members who lost their lives and those that worked gallantly to save so many others.

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

A shiny new slide in the children's area of Losner Park.

click on the image to see enlargement.

Redland scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Now through December 30 at 6:30pm

Zoo Lights Miami

Bring the family out to Zoo Miami for the spectacular Zoo Lights Miami presentation featuring more than a million bright and dazzling tree lights from 6:30 to 10pm -- until December 30th. Experience the large bright Holiday Tree, animal appearances, arts and crafts, and a visit by Santa Claus. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Weekend of December 2–4

ARTZ 305 at Homestead Raceway

An exciting contemporary art gallery during Art Basel, ARTZ 305 at the Homestead Raceway is the vision of District 9 Commissioner Kionne McGhee, offering a unique platform to showcase the dynamic works of artists that will attract both seasoned and new collectors. https://artz305.com

Friday, December 2nd at 6:30pm

Rotary Smoked Prime Rib Dinner

The Rotary Club of Homestead's annual Smoked Prime Rib Dinner will honor Robert Fuchs of R. F. Orchids and Hal Arve of the Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Company. The event features live entertainment, raffle prizes and a cash bar. Tickets are $45. A table of eight is $360. Harris Field Pavilion is located at 1034 Northeast 8th Street. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, December 3 at 10:30am

Christmas Wine Run 5k

Holiday cheer is in the air for wine enthusiasts that love to run, featuring the scenic views of Schnebly Redland's Winery, a great assortment of locally produced wines, and extra swag options for all wine lovers and runners. Your race package for $30 includes a shirt, water bottle, finisher medal, complimentary wine pour, and race bib. All race results will be posted online in real time. Register for the race online.

Saturday, December 3 from 5 to 8pm

Holiday in Homestead at Losner Park

Bring the family to an unforgettable evening of snow, twinkling lights, and a special visit from Santa Claus at Losner Park as the historic district transforms into a magical winter wonderland for the Holiday in Homestead event. The traditional tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6pm with a special twist new for this year’s celebration. Throughout the evening, there will be plenty of holiday cheer to go around with sledding, snowball target practice, an ugly sweater red carpet, and special holiday performances. In addition, guests will enjoy food trucks, cookies and cocoa sponsored by Home by Sweet Jalane’s, story time with the Cybrarium, and photos with Santa. There will also be ornament decorating and a mailbox to send your Christmas wish list and letters straight to Santa. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys -- Homestead Police Department and has a goal of distributing 1,000 toys to local families in need this holiday season. Call Parks And Recreation at 305-224-4570. Get details online.

Sunday, December 4 from 10am to 5pm

Redland Heritage Festival and Craft Fair

Experience the rich history and traditions that are unique to Redland and get an early start on purchasing one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Vendors will be showcasing traditional arts & crafts, nurseries selling native plants and tropical fruit trees -- along with delicious food. Enjoy this day of festivities at the fabulous Fruit & Spice Park with your family. Included is a series of lectures about Redland Agricultural history. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids 8 to 12. Free for small children. Pre-sale tickets are available for 20% off by purchasing online. https://redlandfruitandspice.com/event/redland-heritage-festival-2/

Sunday, December 4 from 11am to 6pm

Snow & Crystals Holiday Festival

Attend a unique holiday gathering at Cauley Square Historic Village -- the 2022 Snow and Crystals Holiday Festival -- an all-day magic event, tons of Winter and Holistic Activities to enjoy, an amazing day full of good vibes for all Fun holiday shopping, well-being and lifestyle product and services. Admission and parking are free. Get details and RSVP for this free event.

Tuesday, December 6 at 5:30pm

Winter Movie Nights - Clifford the Big Red Dog

Bring the family to the Cybrarium for Winter Movie Nights on Tuesdays -- this week it's Clifford the Big Red Dog, rated PG. When Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, 10-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. With her single mother away on business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle set out on an adventure that takes a bite out of the Big Apple. Get details online.

Sat/Sun, December 10-11 from 8am 'til Dark

Gigantic Yard Sale at Phil's Berry Farm

Stop by Phil's from 8am until dark all weekend for a huge selection of great items, including toys, tools, stamp collections, restaurant equipment and supplies. A large selection of collectibles. Something for everyone. Phil's Berry Farm is located at 13955 SW 248 Street. Space available for vendors. Call or text Phil Marraccini at 305-905-2284.

Saturday, December 10 from 10am to 2pm

Winter In the Redlands - School Baazar
Redland Middle School is hosting their 1st Annual Winter in the Redlands Event. Come out for family fun which will include local vendors, food trucks, and a kid zone featuring pictures with The Grinch. Redland Middle School is located at 16001 SW 248 Street -- across from Knaus Berry Farm. For details, email Ms. Rodriguez at: plrodriguez@dadeschools.net

Saturday, December 10 at 11am

Historic Walking Tour of Cauley Square

Your tour guide Cesar is a local historian and author -- known for his books on the Florida Everglades, Mary Brickell and Robert is Here, to name a few. He will be dicussing the history of Cauley Square, the Redland region and Florida Eastcoast Railway with details on Willam H. Cauley and Henry Flagler. Tours are one hour long ending at The Village Chalet for a courtesy sangria, mimosa, wine, beer or lemonade. Meet at the big red caboose at 11am sharp. Get details and purchase $15 tickets online.

Saturday, December 10 from noon to 5pm

South Dade High School Band's Holiday Musical and Art Festival

Bring the family out to Robert Is Here Fruit Stand for a day of wonderful holiday music by the South Dade Senior High School Jazz Band, Concert Band and the Buccaneer Marching Band, plus an array of seasonal treasures and gifts crafted by local artists. Among the many facets are the bake sale, food vendors, games and raffles, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating and more. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand is located at 19200 SW 344 Street. Call 305-246-1592. https://www.facebook.com/SouthDadeBand/

Saturday, December 10 from 5:30 to 8:30pm

Sunset Folk Music Series at Castellow Hammock

Enjoy a magical night of music and storytelling at the Sunset Folk Music Series at Castellow Hammock Park. Renowned South Florida folk musician and storyteller, Matthew Sabatella performs with singer-songwriter, Karen Feldner. Following their performance will be special presentation on the former Redland roadside attraction, Fennell’s Orchid Jungle, given by Castellow Hammock lead naturalist and manager, Eric King. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket with your favorite treats. Glass bottles are prohibited. The cost is $8 per person. Children 10 and younger free. Castellow Hammock Preserve and Nature Center is located at 22301 SW 162 Avenue. Call 305-242-7688. http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/castello-hammock.asp

Saturday, December 10 at 7:30pm

Prisma - Pink Floyd Experience Show

Experience the Latin American band that reproduces the essence of Pink Floyd with fidelity - Prisma. Nine live musicians playing the greatest hits from albums like The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish you Were Here, Animals, The Division Bell, as well as gems from The Piper At the Gates of Dawn, A Saucerful of Secrets among others. Enjoy an excellent light show along with the music. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, January 28 from 6 to 8pm

Blue Jean Ball Rodeo Dance Dinner

The 2023 Soroptimist Blue Jean Ball Prime Rib Dinner and Dancing event will take place at the Harris Field Pavilion from 6 to 8pm. Participate with Raffle Tickets, 50/50 Raffle, Line Dancing and more. Soroptimist International of Homestead promotes the advancement of women and girls through volunteer service to the community. http://Homesteadrodeodance.com

Hometown Pride

Homestead Main Street Lights Up Downtown

Initiated in 1977 by the National Historic Trust for Preservation, the Homestead Main Street project sponsors vibrant and wholesome family programming, presenting downtown as the center of commerce, culture and community. Carnivals, parades, street fairs, fiestas and holiday celebrations light up the town, inviting one and all to participate, while assisting and promoting local businesses as key components of the community. https://www.facebook.com/homesteadmainstreet/

Tropical Event Space

Mon Petit Garden

Since 2020, in the heart of the Redland, Mon Petit Garden' indoor and outdoor venues have been the setting for many fabulous events, from weddings and bridal showers to baptisms, baby showers, birthday parties, gender reveals and more, offering multiple spaces suitable to every event. Enjoy the setting of a beautiful sunset at the Coral Wall Waterfall, at the Old Barn, amongst 10 acres plenty of Avocado and Mango trees, behind the Round Door or underneath the Acacia Tree. Mon Petit Garden, located at 21601 SW 154th Avenue, is open daily from 10am to 8pm. Call 305-333-4500, email office@monpetitgarden.com, Instagram: @monpetitgarden.com or get details at https://monpetitgarden.com/venue-home/

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