Greetings {name},

Wednesday, February 1 is National Freedom Day, a chance to reflect on and remember the importance of freedom as a basic tenet, a founding principle, a bedrock doctrine of our society.

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

A watering hole in the Eastern Everglades attracts birds and other creatures in the dry season.

click on the image to see enlargement.

Redland scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

This Weekend

74th 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 74th Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo. Tickets are $25 per day for adults, $15 for kids 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

Saturday, January 28 from 6 to 8pm

Blue Jean Ball Rodeo Dance Dinner

The 2023 Soroptimist Blue Jean Ball Prime Rib Dinner will take place at the Harris Field Pavilion from 6 to 8pm, with dancing until 11pm. 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

Saturday, January 28 at 9am

Homestead Trolley To National Parks

The City of Homestead invites its residents, neighbors, and visitors to explore Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, and Homestead Bayfront Park with a free guided trolley ride from Downtown Homestead every weekend through April 3. The Homestead National Parks Trolley may be boarded from Homestead Station in Downtown Homestead at 4 South Krome Avenue. https://www.cityofhomestead.com/gateway

Saturday, January 28 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, January 28 at 8pm

Circa: Humans 2.0

Experience a symphony of acrobatics, sound and light -- this is next level circus by Circa. Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward? Get details and purchase tickets online.

Wednesday, February 1 at 6pm

Kids Video Game Night at the Cybrarium

Bring the family for Mario Kart, Super Smash bros, and Jackbox Party Games, all on the stage at the Homestead Cybrarium. Ages 7-12. This is a free event. The Cybrarium is located at 80 West Mowry Drive in Homestead. Call 305-224-4410. https://cybrarium.libcal.com/event/9995246

Wednesday, February 1 at 7:30pm

Sweet Baby James Tribute

Number one James Taylor tribute artist Bill Griese visits from Nashville with his acclaimed Sweet Baby James show performing the timeless music of the six-time Grammy winner. Not your typical tribute band fare, Griese brings you the songs and stories of Taylor in a refreshingly authentic way, using only his spot-on vocals and guitar playing on favorites like “Fire & Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Shower the People,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Steamroller,” and moreIt’s a natural, respectful homage to an American original. Get details and order $30 tickets online.

Monday, February 6 at 7pm

A Photo Tour of Neotropical Palms in Situ

Broward County resident and nurseryman Rory Antolak will present a Photo Tour of Neotropical Palms in Situ at the South Florida Palm Society monthly meeting. Born and raised in South Florida, Rory has been growing palms and other tropicals for just over a decade. Having traveled extensively through the neotropics in search of new and interesting species, he has encountered and photographed a number of seldom-seen plants, including palms. This meeting's presentation will focus on selected favorite palm species from some of those trips. The group meets at Fairchild's South Entrance, in Corbin or Nell’s Garden House at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Get details online.

Friday, February 10 at 8am

58th Annual Ag/Farm Tour And Luncheon

The 58th Annual Ag/Farm Tour provides an interesting opportunity to discover and learn about South Florida’s agriculture and horticulture and its economic importance for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida. Each year, the tour stops at different agricultural operations to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of farming in the subtropical climate of South Florida. This event is organized by the Dade County AGRICouncil in collaboration with UF IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Agricultural Manager, Dade County Farm Bureau, Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, and other partners. Check-in at UF IFAS, 18710 S.W. 288th Street at 8am for refreshments. Bus leaves at 9am. Lunch at 12:30pm. Return at 3pm. Tour and lunch is $65; lunch only is $40. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Save The Date
February 18 - 10am to 4pm

Upper Keys Garden Walk 2023

Tour spectacular private gardens at the 42nd annual Garden Walk of the Upper Keys and enjoy complimentary activities at the club house including an art show, vendors and food trucks at MM 94 Bayside. In honor of the club’s 70th birthday, tickets to their 42nd Garden Walk are being offered at the discounted price of $25. The address is 94040 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Save The Date
Saturday and Sunday, March 4-5

Homestead Stone Crab and Seafood Festival

Bring the family out to enjoy the freshest seafood Homestead and the Keys have to offer, with live local entertainment, brews on tap, unique arts, crafts and more -- Saturday, March 4 from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, March 5 from 11am to 6pm at the Homestead Sports Complex, 1601 SE 28th Avenue in Homestead. There will be food options for everyone, including BBQ, roast pork, and others, so bring all your friends. Benefitting the Rotary Club of Homestead Charitable Foundation. Admission is $10; ages 12 and under free. Get details and tickets online.

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, 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, butterfly garden, oak tree hammock and lychee grove. Reserve your agricultural learning events for school, company or birthday. Enjoy a photography session with horses and other animals. The largest and oldest equestrian center in the area. Redland Equestrian Center is a great place for horse boarding and training, since 1999. Call 786-650-6173. Reserve online. 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