Events in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch
1. Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Challenge
Have some good times for a good cause with the good folks from Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub & Grill (6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton) on New Year's Day. Volunteers will brave the chilly Gulf waters for donations from family, friends and local businesses with all proceeds benefiting Caring for Children Charities, a fundraising arm of the Florida Winefest & Auction. Clancy's 10th annual Shamrock Shiver Challenge will take place at noon Monday on Bradenton Beach at Gulf Drive and Seventh Street South. A Post-Plunge Party will follow at Clancy’s with door prizes and a performance by the band Souls on Soul. To plunge for pledges or donate to the cause, call Clancy’s at 941-794-2489 or visit clancysirishsportspub.com
2. Movie Night at Benderson Park
Nathan Benderson Park and Sarasota Film Festival's free movie series continues with a screening of Disney's recent blockbuster "Moana." The event will be held on the park's Regatta Island with attendees advised to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The movie will start at sunset and drinks and snacks will be available for cash purchase. Event is dog-friendly. 4:30 p.m. (gates) Saturday; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; nathanbendersonpark.org
3. Holidays on the Green at UTC
Outdoor ice skating is a reality in Sarasota-Bradenton thanks to Holidays on the Green at UTC. Ten bucks gets you skates and use of the rink for 90 minutes. Everything else, including train rides, at Holidays on the Green is free and open to the public. 4-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 12-8 p.m. Sunday; through Jan. 15; Holidays on the Green at UTC, 192 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; 941-552-7000; mallatutc.com/holidayvillage
4. ‘Deck the Halls’ at Ca’ d’Zan
Have yourself a circus king and queen holiday experience at Ca’ d’Zan, the mansion filled with masterpieces on Sarasota Bay that John and Mable Ringling started building in 1924 and completed shortly before Christmas of 1926. Restored in 2002, Ca’ d’Zan has again been decorated for the holidays and its "Deck the Halls" events offer guests self-guided tours of the fabulous first floor. 5 p.m. Thursday; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road; Sarasota; $15 (included with Art After 5 admission); 941-359-5700; ringling.org
5. Sarasota Orchid Society's Show and Sale
The Sarasota Orchid Society's annual orchid show and sale returns to Sarasota Municipal Auditorium with this year's theme of "For the Love of Orchids." Two-day event features hundreds of orchids from the Sarasota, Venice, Englewood and Manatee orchid societies. The event also includes informational talks, orchid vendors as well as vendors selling orchid products. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7); Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $5; sarasotaorchidsociety.org