Celebrate March with an abundance of events

Low-cost inaugural Kids Fishing Tournament kicks off in Indiantown with prizes for youngsters, ages 5-15

The first of its kind is coming to Indiantown this month with the inaugural 1st Kids Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the Indiantown Chamber of Commerce. Set for Saturday, March 21 – rain or shine – at 8 a.m. at Lake Annie on Citrus Blvd., Indiantown, the check-in time is between 7-7:30 a.m.

This catch-and-release tournament is open to boys and girls, ages 5-15, each with his or her own individual adult supervision. A team can consist of up to three age-appropriate children with the adult as team “captain.”

The cost is $5 for each child, who should bring his or her own rod, reel and tackle. Hot dog lunch will be provided for all attendees. A fishing license is not required since the children are under 16. Fish shall be released in good health.

Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish in each age bracket – 5-7; 8-10; and 11-15. The event closes at a maximum of 75 children registered. Each team will snap a digital picture of the catch to prove at the award station.

The Indiantown Chamber is currently seeking sponsorships in each of five categories – $1,000 (Big Fish); $500 (Top Bass); $300 (Blue Gill); $200 (Crappie); $100 (Catfish). They also are collecting items for goody bags, which will be given to each child participating in the tournament. Between 100-150 items – gifts, swag items, gift cards, coupons, for example – must be delivered to the chamber office, 16656 S.W. Warfield Boulevard, by Friday, March 13.

Attendees are asked to RSVP by March 18. For more information on rules and regulations or to register, go to www.indiantownchamber.com. The address for Lake Annie is 20680 S.W. Citrus Blvd., Indiantown, and signs will be posted.

Besides the fishing tournament, there are quite a few family-friendly events – indoors and outdoors –  planned through March. Just take a look at what’s ahead.

Tuesday, March 3
“Deepwater Horizon – Ten Years Later”
Get an update on how the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill affected deep sea creatures that call the Gulf of Mexico home in “Deepwater Horizon — Ten Years Later” on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:30-7:45 p.m., at the Blake Libary, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. Dr. Jon Moore, Florida Atlantic University professor, will discuss the secret lives of bizarre fish and invertebrates that live thousands of feet below the surface of the Gulf – species that were at ground zero in the days and years following the Deepwater Horizon spill. Presented by the Florida Oceanographic Society. FREE. Call 772-225-0505.

Friday, March 6
U.S. Sugar Farm/Citrus Grove Tour
Set the day aside to learn about the U.S. Sugar Farm operation during the Citrus Grove Tour, set for Friday, March 6. The bus departs at 7:30 a.m. from the Treasure Coast Square Mall overflow parking lot behind the movie theater. Expected return time is 5:30 p.m. For reservation details, call Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce at 772-334-3444.

Friday, March 6
Salute to Stuart Hangar Party to Benefit Air Show
An evening of music, dancing, and community in support of the 2020 Audi Stuart Air Show will “take flight” on Friday, March 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the SkyBlue Jet Aviation Hangar at Witham Field, 2315 S.E Witham Field Drive, Stuart. Attendees are encouraged to come in a war-era/1940s themed costume; prizes will be awarded. Proceeds will benefit the 2020 Audi Stuart Air Show. The evening will feature appetizers by Catering Revolution and an open bar featuring a signature cocktail, mixed drinks, beer, and wine. Auction items such as a trip to Old Bahama Bay Resort West End, with private charter provided by SkyBlue Jet Aviation, for a three-day/three-night stay valued at $3,250 will be included. Raffle items include another three-day/three-night stay at Old Bahama Bay Resort and a Discovery Flight with SkyBlue Jet Aviation. Dance the night away with music by DJ Robert C. On display will be art by students from the Visionary School of Arts, who created Stuart Air Show-inspired paintings intended for display at the 2019 air show. Tickets are $125 and are available for purchase online or by check. Go to www.stuartairshow.com/salute-tickets.

Friday & Saturday, March 6 & 7
“Hooked on Books” Flower Show
So what does being “Hooked on Books” has to do with a flower show? Find out at the Garden Club of Stuart’s two-day flower show, set for Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7 at Indian River State College, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Hours are 1-4 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. There will be dozens of creative floral designs exhibited along with a multitude of horticulture entries. A Botanical Arts Division will display several groups of florally decorated artistic crafts along with floral themed photography. FREE. Go to www.gardenclubofstuart.org/

Tuesday, March 10
Sunset Concerts at the Gallery
Because we will “spring forward” on March 8, it won’t quite be sunset but the monthly concerts go on the same time. On Tuesday, March 10, at 5:30 p.m., Castle Hill Chamber Players will perform at the Courthouse Cultural Center, 80 S.E. Ocean Blvd, Stuart. FREE. Subsequent Tuesday concerts are Suzuki Lighthouse Strings on April 14; Treasure Coast Symphony on May 12; and Treasure Coast Guitar Society on June 10. Go to www.martinarts.org.

Saturday & Sunday, March 7 & 8
Home, Garden & Orchid Show
Get ideas for redoing your home at the Home, Garden & Orchid Show, offered by the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Saturday & Sunday, March 7 & 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart. This show has an array of exhibitors showcasing fine art, landscaping, interior and patio design, home products and services, solar solutions, hurricane protection, remodeling specialties, orchids and more. Admission/parking: FREE. Call 772-287-1088.

Tuesday, March 10
The Boys are Back in Town
No, not the rock group, Thin Lizzy, but blacktip sharks. You’ll hear a discussion about them in “The Boys are Back in Town: Seasonal Aggregations of Blacktip Sharks in Southeast Florida” on Tuesday, March 10, 6:30-7:45 p.m. at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. Dr. Stephen Kajiura, Florida Atlantic University professor, will speak on why this species migrate to coastal waters in South Florida, how scientists are tracking the movements of these predators, and how climate change may affect their migratory patterns. FREE. The Coastal Lecture Series is sponsored by Florida Oceanographic Society. Call 772-225-0505.

March 12-29
“Noises Off”
Be prepared to hear a lot of slamming doors in “Noises Off,” an adult-oriented comedy and the latest production in the Barn Theatre’s season, set to open Thursday, March 12 and running three weekends in March at the theater, 2400 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Shows are 8 p.m., March 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28; and at 2 p.m., March 15, 22 and 29. Tickets: $15-$30. For tickets, go to www.barn-theatre.com or call 772-287-4884.

Fridays, March 13 and 27
Active Shooter Conversations
Get information on active shooter incidents, along with reviews of historical facts and response recommendations by the county’s facilities operations administrator, at two separate sessions. The first will be Friday, March 13, at 4 p.m., at Peter & Julie Cummings Library, Address: 2551 S.W. Matheson Ave., Palm City; the second will be Friday, March 27, at 4 p.m., at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. Both events are FREE. Call the Palm City library at 772-288-2551 or the Blake at 772-288-5702.

Saturday, March 14
Martin County Seminole Club
The Martin County Seminole Club will plan March Madness for game-watching parties, the Send-Off for students heading to Florida State University, and celebrating football season with our new coach Mike Norval at its meeting Saturday, March 14, 9-11am. All Seminole fans are invited to the meeting at Helping People Succeed, 1601 NE Braille Place, Jensen Beach. Call Suzy Hutcheson at 772.530.6481 for info.

Saturday, March 14
Rainbows in Springtime Fashion Show & Luncheon
With the cooler days of winter almost behind us, make plans for a springtime fashion show & luncheon with Rainbows in Springtime Fashion Show & Luncheon, set for Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Miles Grant Country Club in Stuart. Sponsored by the Women of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Port Salerno, fashions will be provided by Chico’s, Patchington, Evelyn & Arthur. Tickets: $40. RSVP by March 5 to Carol Broderick at 772-266-8868 or Ann Payne at 772-288-4091.

Saturday, March 14
Honor Flight BBQ Benefit
Here’s a cause where you can enjoy a plate of barbecue, knowing you’re also helping to support the Honor Flight program. VFW BBQ Benefit for Southeast Florida Honor Flight will be Saturday, March 14, noon to 4 p.m., at VFW Post 10066 Tiki Hut, 1805 N.E. Savannah Road, Jensen Beach. Along with the food, a corn toss, vendors, raffles are planned. Road To Victory Military Museum will have displays and weapons demonstrations. The $10 donation per person includes choice of Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, sausages, sides and desserts. Music will be provided by Southern Blend Band. Honor Flights take veterans to National World War II, Korean, Vietnam Memorials, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery and Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C. Call 772-334-9659.

Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15
Stuart Antiques Show
There’s all kinds of collectibles for display and sale by more than 100 dealers at the indoor 33rd annual Stuart Antiques Show, set for Saturday & Sunday, March 14 and 15, at Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission: $6 per person (ticket is good both days).

Sunday, March 15
LAHIA open house
LAHIA (Love And Hope In Action), a non-profit organization, 1760 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart, offering help for the homeless, will open its doors to the public on Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food prepared by students in the newly formed Culinary Pathways Program will be offered to the public. FREE. Call 772-781-7002.

Sunday, March 15
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Downtown Jensen Beach will look a little greener two days before St. Patrick’s Day because of the 9th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, set for Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the parade at 2 p.m. The parade route begins at Church Street and Indian River Drive and moves southbound along Indian River Drive to Jensen Beach Blvd. The Parade continues west on Jensen Beach Blvd. through Downtown Jensen Beach to Pineapple Avenue and disperses at Church Street and Pineapple Avenue. Admission: FREE. It will be presented by Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill and organized by the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce. Call 772-600-7377 or, for vendor booth participation, 772-334-3444 or go to www.jbstpatricksparade.com.

Wednesday, March 18
Tales of Old Florida Lecture Series
Just sit right back and you’ll hear some tales of Old Florida from genealogical researcher and freelance writer, Alice Luckhardt, who will discuss Dr. George Porter and the Lincoln Conspirators of 1865 on Wednesday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. She will talk about Porter, a retired army doctor who frequented Stuart in the 1890s. His involvement with the people responsible for the death of Abraham Lincoln sheds a new light on one of the greatest tragedies in American history. A question-and-answer session will follow. FREE. Call 772-223-7800.

Thursday, March 19
Bingo Italian Night at St. Luke’s
Enjoy an Italian dinner and then play the game at the monthly Bingo Italian Night on Thursday, March 19, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5150 S.E. Railway Avenue, Cove Road at Old Dixie Highway, Port Salerno. Doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner is at 5:30 p.m.; bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost of $10 includes a Bingo card and a pasta dinner with salad and dessert. Beer and wine will be available for a donation along with the purchase of additional cards and specials. For more information, call 772-286-5455 or go to www.stlukesfl.org.

Thursday, March 19
Pirates & Smugglers of the Treasure Coast
Yes, there have been pirates and smugglers operating for years along Florida’s Treasure Coast. Longtime Stuart residents Patrick and Patricia Mesmer explore the characters that make the Treasure Coast unique as they embark on a journey of the area’s shadowy past in Pirates & Smugglers of the Treasure Coast on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m., at the Apollo School, 9141 S.E. Apollo St., Hobe Sound. They have co-written two Treasure Coast-based books, and Patrick has authored two more. Patrick volunteers as a tour guide at Gilbert’s House of Refuge, and together they operate Port Salerno Ghost Tours. Cost: $10. To reserve a seat and pay at the door, please email your reservation to [email protected] or go to www.apolloschool.org and follow “Buy Tickets Here” link under News & Events.

Friday, March 20
Local History Digitization Workshop
Got old postcards mildewing away in a dresser drawer showing historic sights of Martin? Then gather them up (10-20 per person) and bring them to a Martin County Local History Digitization Workshop 2020 set for Friday, March 20, 3-5 p.m., at the Log Cabin, Langford Park, 2369 N. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Items will be scanned and saved using professional equipment. You keep the original. Want a digital copy for yourself? Bring a USB flash drive. Share memories in a recorded oral history interview (optional). With permission, digital copies of selected items may be added to the Martin County Memory Project. Sought are Martin County postcards or souvenirs, old photographs and scrapbooks (images older than 30 years may be considered historically significant), newspaper stories, official correspondence. FREE. For more details, email [email protected].

Friday, March 20
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Famous Fish Fry
You can choose from either grouper or tilapia, all cooked to order (mild, lemon, spicy or naked) at the monthly St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Famous Fish Fry on Friday, March 20, 4 to 7 p.m., at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 800 Central Ave., Stuart. Cost: $12 for dinners; $8 for sandwiches. Choice of two sides — peas & rice, macaroni & cheese, green beans, collard greens and a choice of cole slaw, potato salad and hush puppies with a choice of dessert. Call 772-221-0552.

Saturday, March 21
Rio Nature Park Cleanup and Beautification
Get out the gloves and cutting tools and join other volunteers in beautifying Rio Nature Park, 150 N.W. Alice St., Jensen Beach on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Water and refreshments will be available. For more information, call 772-692-1163.

Saturday, March 21
VolunTeen Program – Native Plant Workshop 
Teenagers, here’s a fun chance to learn about Florida’s native plants and not just in a classroom. Audubon of Martin County will host a Native Plant Workshop on Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to noon, at Possum Long Nature Center, 621 S.E. Palm Beach Road, Stuart. Representatives of Martin County’s Native Plant Society will discuss why native plants make the difference in habitat restoration and preservation–for birds and other wildlife. Strategies in the field identification of native plants like wild coffee, porterweed, milkweed, rouge berry, and more will be discussed. Teams will then go on a scavenger hunt to seek out a prize for most plants identified. Snacks will be provided, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, wear closed-toe shoes and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting sweaty in. The event is sponsored by the Susan R. and John W. Sullivan Fund for Martin County and the Thomas Ladue McGinty Memorial Environmental Fund of The Community Foundation for Palm Beach & Martin Counties. FREE. Hours can be earned for high school graduation. To register, go to www.audubonofmartincounty.org/

Saturday & Sunday, March 21 & 22
Strawberry Fest at Stuart Memorial Park
Have a “berry” good time with all things strawberry during the Strawberry Fest, set for Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Stuart Memorial Park, 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Featured in the family-oriented festival are Plant City strawberries, organic strawberries, strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry fudge, strawberry ice cream, strawberry wine slush mixes, all for sale; art & crafts; free bounce houses; live entertainment; free rock painting; free Strawberry Relay; face painting; free Hula Hoop Contest; pie eating contest; free petting farm; a “Berry Cute Baby Contest;” free sack races; and more. Admission: $6; free to children, two and younger. Benefits Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. For more details, call 386-860-0092.

Saturday, March 21
Classics at the Beach Car Show
You’ll not only get a chance to look at a lot of classic cars on display but to choose what you think is the best at the Classics at the Beach Car Show at the Elliott Museum, 825 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, set for Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 24th such show will feature nearly 100 antique, classic, rare, contemporary and exotic vehicles. Bid on your silent auction items donated by area businesses, individuals, and vendors. Food trucks will be onsite. A Bulldog Motorcycle Exhibit will be in the Changing Gallery. Admission: $14; seniors, 65 and older, $12; children, 6-12, $6; free to active military personnel, veterans and kids under 6. Call 772-225-1961 or email [email protected].

Monday, March 23
Center for Constitutional Values Awards Dinner
For its inaugural Annual Awards Dinner, the Center for Constitutional Values will host University of Oklahoma professor Dr. Wilfred McClay as its keynote speaker Monday, March 23, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Mariner Sands Country Club, 6500 S.E. Mariner Sands Drive, Stuart. McClay is author of “Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story.” The dinner celebrates the work of CCV and the Martin County community in fostering constitutional and civic literacy. Awards will be presented to individuals and organizations whose work and dedication have promoted a deeper understanding of the philosophy of individual liberty and self-government that gave rise to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at www.centerforconstitutionalvalues.com. Checks can be mailed to CCV, PO Box 1303, Hobe Sound, FL 33475. Contact Kate Boland at [email protected] or 772 266-3386.

Friday, March 27
Chow Down Hobe Sound Truck Event
Bring your appetite and sample the wares for sale at the monthly Chow Down Hobe Sound Truck Event on Friday, March 27, 5 to 9 p.m., at JV Reed Park, 9004 S.E. Athena St., Hobe Sound. Enjoy music from DJ Jef. Bring lawn chairs to relax in. Admission: FREE. The final Chow Down of the season is April 24. Go to www.hobesound.org.

Friday, March 27
Tikis on the Terrace to benefit United Way
It’s tropical time at Tikis on the Terrace on Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m., at the Mansion at Tuckahoe, benefiting the Tools for Success program of United Way of Martin County and presented by Bank of America. Featured will be music, tropical-inspired food, unlimited libations, and traditional Polynesian entertainment provided by Aloha Islanders Entertainment. In its first year, Tools For Success provided over 8,300 children with supplies for their classroom, saving Martin County families over $58,000. Tickets: $110 and can be purchased online at UnitedWayMartin.org/Tiki.

Saturday, March 28
Echoes of Old Hobe Sound
There’s enough history in Hobe Sound for a bus tour and the Echoes of Old Hobe Sound is slated for Saturday, March 28. Cost: $50 which includes a stop at Taste Restaurant in Hobe Sound. Seating is limited and on a first come/first served basis. For details and/or to reserve a seat, email [email protected].

Saturday, March 28
LUNAFEST® at Flagler Place in downtown Stuart
Short films – comedic or touching and all by, for or about women – make up the fifth annual LUNAFEST® set for Saturday, March 28, at Flagler Place, 201 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. Hosted by the Junior League of Martin County, the film festival has the goal of raising awareness of, and funds for, women’s issues. The festivities kick off with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. and the short films begin at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets include one drink ticket for wine, beer or signature cocktail; popcorn and candy bar; live entertainment; amazing silent auction; raffle items; swag bags and more. Advance purchase tickets are available through March 26 for $35, and, if still available, tickets can be purchased at the door for $40. VIP tickets, which includes valet parking and other amenities, are $60. For tickets, go to www.jlmcflorida.org and click “Events.”

Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29
HAE Stuart Craft Festival Downtown
Just a few days after the start of spring is the HAE Stuart Craft Festival Downtown. Enjoy the (hopefully) comfortable weather by strolling along Osceola Street in downtown Stuart to view the arts and crafts on display. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29. Featured are paintings, wooden sculptures, ceramics, one-of-a-kind jewelry, handmade baskets and much more. A green market compliments the weekend with plants, dips, and homemade soaps. Admission: FREE. Go to www.artfestival.com.

To include your favorite special event, send an email with details to calendar@martincountycurrents.com by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month’s calendar!