Greetings {name},

Thursday, December 15 is Bill Of Rights Day. According to the National Archives, “The Constitution might never have been ratified if the framers had not promised to add a Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments to the Constitution gave citizens more confidence in the new government and contain many of American's most valued freedoms.”

Monday, December 19 is the first day of Chanukah, on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar.

Wednesday, December 21 is the Winter Solstice, marks the shortest day north of the equator and the longest day in the south, as the sun reaches the southernmost latitude all year.

Sunday, December 25 is Christmas Day, the pinnacle of the holiday season for many Americans and a traditional time for festive gatherings and the exchange of gifts within families.

Saturday, December 31 is New Year's Eve, a popular occasion for celebrations marking the end of the year, with elaborate gatherings, festivities and fireworks.

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

The Florida Pioner Museum on Krome Avenue is open once again with a treasure trove of historic exhibits and ephemera from past centuries.

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.

Now Open

RaceTrac Station Open On Krome

The new RaceTrac gas station is now open on Krome at SW 200 Street, with 18 pumps and a special area for big rig trucks. In addition to competitive prices for fuel, this large station features fresh prepared food, a frozen yogurt station, fresh brewed coffee and all types of drinks, auto accessories and special items for travelers. The company values honesty, efficiency, a positive attitude, respect and teamwork serve as their foundational principles. The Fuel Rewards VIP Program offers a discount at the pump, in addition to various coupons and promotions on RaceTrac products in-store. https://www.racetrac.com/Rewards/RaceTrac-Rewards

Thursday, December 8 from 7 to 10pm

Sip & Stroll at the Zoo

Eat, drink and mingle your way through the zoo on an enchanting evening with Live DJ, unlimited boat rides, a photo booth, beverages and bites --  presented by White Claw Hard Seltzer. Enjoy Encounters with the ambassador animals while all other animals at the zoo will be asleep. Get details and purchase tickets 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 2 to 6pm

Artwalk Homestead

Bring to family out to Artwalk Homestead for a delightful community holiday art experience at 213 Southwest 3rd Street in Homestead. Get details and RSVP online.

Saturday, December 10 from 5 to 10pm

Christmas Market and Toy Drive at Exit One

Shop 40 independent artists and makers specializing in home decor, fashion, art, design, jewelry at Exit One Tap Room's special event. Bring one unwrapped toy and receive a free beer. Take a photo at one of two photo walls, then watch a Christmas movie from a massive projector at 7pm. Get details and RSVP online.

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.

Sunday, December 11 from 5 to 8pm

Holiday Express at Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Deck the Halls and Treat your elf -- Catch Santa before he makes his trip around the world. At the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, ride Santa's Magical Train all the way to the North Pole, give the gift of giving with local vendors and food trucks. Get creative and get silly with the elves. Or get cozy with story time. Train Ride Times: 5:30, 6:30pm, 7:30pm. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled ride. Train leaves promptly. Get details and purchase $25 tickets online.

Tuesday, December 13 at 5pm

Hands On Beekeeping Series

Tropical Beekeepers Association members will be inspecting their hives at the Fruit & Spice Park. Pull frames one by one check for the Queen, laying patterns, for pest and parasites and to see if the bees are constructing proper comb patterns, doing a varroa mite check if time permits. The bee-yard is located at the back of Fruit & Spice Park at 24801 sw 187th ave. Visit their FaceBook page.

Saturday/Sunday, December 17-18

Andersen Farms - South Florida Plant Sale

Calling all plant lovers - don't miss Anderson Farms' 50% off retail weekend sale of indoor and outdoor house plants. The first 100 online RSVP visitors receive a free three gallon Ficus Lyrata/Fiddle Leaf Fig just for showing up to Andersen Farms. Usually, Andersen Farms only sells wholesale, but they decided it’s time to share the love with anyone looking for plants for half retail price for a limited time. Andersen Farms is located at 18455 SW 272nd Street in Homestead. Get details online and RSVP for your free plant.

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

Dependable Friendly Service

Two Computer Guys

Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service -- for small businesses, families, students and anyone that needs computer help. They solve problems and get computers up and running at top speed quickly. Serving more than a thousand clients in South Florida over the past three decades. Just call when you need a little help. 305-444-1984. https://www.twocomputerguys.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