Saddle up for the Indiantown Rodeo and ride into October event
Two specialty clown acts, Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard of Mississippi with his Team Ghost Riders and Clint Parrish, world champion trick roper and creator of the “Texas Torch,” will break the tension with a few laughs. Parrish is the 2018 Southeastern Barrelman of the Year.
Bullfighter Stephen Bruner, a Martin County native and local favorite, will be returning to the Indiantown Rodeo again this year. Bruner broke his neck during 2015’s rodeo, recovering in time to compete in and win the National Finals Rodeo Bucking Stock Sale Championship in Las Vegas seven weeks later.
Bruner and fellow bullfighter George Austin will be on hand to protect the bull riders in the arena once they complete their rides. “We let the bull run at us instead of at the bull rider,” said Bruner.
Crowd favorite Jerry Todd will be returning as announcer. Todd has been announcing rodeos on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit for more than 25 years. He is a nine-time Southeastern Circuit award-winning announcer and the 2004 Women’s Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA) announcer-of-the-year.
The Indiantown Rodeo has been named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. The rodeo’s Kids Corral was named a first-place agricultural education exhibit by the Florida Federation of Fairs.
General admission tickets are on sale at Treasure Coast Seacoast Bank locations, the Indiantown Chamber offices at 15545 SW Warfield Boulevard, online at www.indiantownrodeo.com, and at other locations. Advance ticket prices are $18; available through October 17. Ticket prices include parking and tax and will be $25 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free. Gates open at 5 p.m. each day, the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Indiantown Rodeo is a PRCA and WPRA sanctioned event featuring bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and more.
Before the official events start at 7:30 p.m., there will be plenty of opportunities to get into the cowboy spirit with food, drink, and specialty shopping starting at 5 p.m.
For more information, call the Indiantown Chamber of Commerce at 772-597-2184 or visit www.indiantownrodeo.com. Timer Powers Park is at 14000 SW Citrus Boulevard, Indiantown.
Lots of events in addition to the rodeo fill the October calendar, all the way to Halloween, Oct. 31, with the Martin County Sheriff’s Halloween Trunk or Treat at the public safety complex on Monterey Road. Just take a look what’s in store for Martin County families:
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 11 & 12.
South Fork High School Drama Presents: “Almost, Maine”
Saturday, Oct. 12
Family History Fair
Learn all you can about researching your family’s history by attending the Family History Fair on Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Family History Center, 2401 S.W. Matheson Ave., Palm City. Topics will include Beginning Genealogy, Getting Started on Ancestry, DNA, German, French Canadian and Italian Research, Mayflower. Featured speakers include Miles Meyer and Kurt Bressner. FREE. Go to www.mcgsfl.org/
Saturday, Oct. 12
Treasure Coast Community Singers
Members of Treasure Coast Community Singers are tuning up their vocal pipes for the first concert of the 2019-2020 season with “We Stand Together” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. at Palm City Presbyterian Church, 2700 S.W. Martin Highway, Palm City. Tickets: $20 at the or $15 pre-buy online. Go to www.tccsingers.org/buy-tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 13
Hobe Sound Hometown Festival
Find out the kind of quaint community Hobe Sound can be by attending the Hobe Sound Hometown Festival on Sunday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at J.V. Reed Park, 9004 S.E. Athena St., Hobe Sound. FREE. Put on by the GFWC Hobe Sound Woman’s Club, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office BBQ Unit will be fixing food for sale. Games with prizes are planned, along with health checks, entertainment, vendors and community information. Call 772-634-0194.
Monday, Oct. 14
All About Orchids
Is there anything you always wanted to know about orchids – but weren’t sure where to ask? Then, consider attending the monthly Garden Club of Stuart meeting on Monday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to noon when Wayne Parrish, vice president of the Martin County Orchid Society, will offer a presentation titled All About Orchids. Monthly meetings are at the Indian River State College Chastain Campus, Wolf Technology Center, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. New members are invited to attend two monthly meetings to decide whether to become a member. Membership is $35 per year. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/381677569410756/
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Big Taste of Martin County
Get your taste buds ready — food and wine — for the Big Taste of Martin County benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Stuart Jet Center, 2501 S.E. Aviation Way, Stuart. Featured will be foods from over 30 local restaurants and wines from across the world, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets: $45 per person; $300 for table of four; $250 for Big Taste Friend Sponsor. For tickets, go to www.mentorbig.org/events.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Growing Vegetables & Flowers in Containers
All kinds of plants can be grown in the right container and you can find out about some of them in Container Gardening: Growing Vegetables & Flowers in Containers on Tuesday, Oct. 15,at 6 p.m., at Elisabeth Lahti Library, 15200 S.W. Adams Ave., Indiantown. FREE. Given by Jennifer Pelham, Martin County Extension Director & Urban Horticulture Agent. Call 772-288-5654.
Wednesdays, Oct. 16, Nov. 6 and 20.
The Mansion at Tuckahoe
Go back more than 80 years without a time machine by touring the The Mansion at Tuckahoe, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. The Friends of Mount Elizabeth offers public tours of The Mansion at Tuckahoe on the first and third Wednesdays, September through May. Tours are at 10 and 11 a.m. FREE. Visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the tours start so that groups may be assembled. The Leach family built the mansion on an Indian midden in 1938. The mistress of the residence was Anne Bates Leach, a Coca-Cola heiress from Atlanta, Ga. Children over eight are welcome; no pets. For organizations over 10 members, there is a $25 fee. Call 772-463-3201.
Wednesdays, Oct. 16 and Nov. 6
Beach Dynamics
Want to go on a little bit of a hike (weather permitting)? Then join naturalist Kim Mohlenhoff in a stroll at the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge beach on the north end of Jupiter Island for Beach Dynamics Wednesdays, Oct. 16 and Nov. 6, at 3:30 p.m. This could be a beachcombing adventure to find treasures brought to local shores by ocean currents and waves. Watch for wildlife, pick up some trash and litter along the way. Reservations are required. All ages. FREE. Call 772-546-2067 or go to www.hobesoundnaturecenter.com.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Bingo Italian Night
Enjoy an Italian dinner and then play the game at the monthly Bingo Italian Night, on Thursday, Oct. 17 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.
Friday, Oct. 18
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, Oct. 18, 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. Fish fry is monthly except in November and December. Call 772-221-0552.
Friday, Oct. 18
Back To School Bash
School’s been in session for more than a month for most Martin County students, but there’s still a “bash” planned to celebrate that. The teen-only Back to School Bash will be Friday, Oct. 18, 7-10 p.m., at Jensen Beach Bowl, 2303 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Bowling, karaoke singing, arcade games and more are planned. Email your name, date of birth, and school to [email protected] to register. FREE but advance registration is requested because capacity is limited to 150. Funded by Children’s Services Council of Martin County.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 19 & 20
Downtown Stuart Craft Festival
Who says Florida doesn’t have seasons? You know it’s fall in this area from the blooming of the arts & crafts festivals! And there will be the Downtown Stuart Craft Festival along Osceola Street, Stuart on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: FREE. Call 561-746-6615 or go to www.artfestival.com/festivals/annual-downtown-stuart-craft-festival.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Fire Fest 2019
Join more than an estimated 3,000 who turn out for the annual Fire Fest, put on by Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 16450 S.E. U.S. 1, Hobe Sound on Saturday, Oct. 19, 1 to 9 p.m. Organizers of the 13th annual Fire Fest invite the community to enjoy the park and learn about the essential role of prescribed fire in protecting Florida’s native wildlife, plants, and rich natural communities. Exhibits, interactive family-friendly activities, and burn demonstrations are planned. Most events are FREE but park admission of $6 per vehicle (up to eight people) will apply. Go to www.friendsofjdsp.org/fire-fest-2019
Saturday, Oct. 19
Third Saturday Food Truck invades Hobe Sound
More food trucks and more parking! The popular event has a new venue. It is now at JV Reed Park on Hercules Avenue in Hobe Sound. You don’t want to miss this! For more information, contact the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, 772.546.4724.
Saturday, Oct. 20
Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation Country Festival
Learn a lot about horses and let the kids enjoy pony rides, too. The fourth annual family-friendly Country Festival offered by Infiniti Stuart at the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, 6400 S.W. Martin Highway, Palm City, will be Sunday, Oct. 20, noon to 4 p.m. Admission: $3 donation; children six and younger are free. All money raised support care, feeding and health needs of its herd of about 40 rescued horses. Youngsters are encouraged to come in costume and bring a bag to collect candy for trick-or-treat from vendors. Planned are a mini-horse kissing booth, guided barn tours, pony rides by Happy Place Party Ponies ($5 per ride), mini pumpkins available for sale and decorating ($2); horse demonstrations led by trainers, games, dances, food for sale and cars on display by Infiniti of Stuart. Call 772-220-0150 or go to www.eraf.org/
Thursday, Oct. 24
Halloween Dance
Get your best Halloween costume – ghoulish or glamorous – out of mothballs now to have it ready for the first annual Halloween Dance at the Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes. Daryl Magill will lead the festivities. Menu planned by Chef Chris is chicken florentine, infused wild rice, fire-roasted corn and dessert. Cash bar available. Tickets: $15 per person or $80 for table of eight. Call 772-223-7800 or go to kanecenter.org.
Oct. 24, 25, 26, 27
‘Matilda’ at StarStruck
Youngsters up to age 18 will show off their acting, singing and dancing talents in “Matilda,” a Tony Award-winning musical at the StarStruck Academy Theatre, 2101 S. Kanner Highway, Stuart, Oct. 24, 25, 26 and 27. The musical is based on the 1988 children’s novel by Roald Dahl who also wrote “Willy Wonka.” In the plot, Matilda is an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Tickets: $19.99-$39.99. Shows are at 7 p.m. Oct. 24, 25, 26, 27 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 26. Show is suitable for all ages. Go to www.starstruckfl.com or call 772-283-5246.
Friday, Oct. 25
Food Truck & Movie Night
Get your Halloween fun in a few days early with the Food Truck and Movie Night on Friday, Oct. 25, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Sandsprit Park, 3443 S.E. St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart. Movie is “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween,” to be shown on a 20-foot tall screen. FREE admission to the movie which starts at 7 p.m. Bring blankets, chairs, insect spray. Food trucks will be onsite. Call Carlos Morales at 772-221-1430.
Oct. 26-Nov. 3
Senior Games
If you’re over 50 and still in pretty good shape, here’s your chance to show off your athletic prowess in no less than 13 events in the Martin County 30th Annual Senior Games, set for Oct. 26-Nov. 3 at locations in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Open to participants throughout Florida. Individuals, ages 50 and older, can participate in five-year age increment brackets in such sporting events as tennis, table tennis, pickleball, basketball, swimming, bowling, cycling, track and field and more. The Senior Games also serves as a sanctioned qualifier for the Florida Senior Games State Championships. Athletes who finish in the top 5 of their age group are eligible to enter the state championships. Registration continues through Oct. 26. Entry fees for bowling is $25 per person; for pickleball, $20 per person, plus $10 per event. All other sports are $20 per person. For a complete schedule and registration information, go to www.martin.fl.us/SeniorGames.
Saturday, Oct. 26
11th Annual Palm City Fall Fest
Cooler weather is on the way, which makes strolling among various fall festivals more enticing. Palm City Chamber of Commerce is preparing its 11th Annual Palm City Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Citrus Grove Community Park, 2507 S.W. Citrus Boulevard. Offered will be food for sale, live entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s area, car show & cruis, community and business booths and more. Admission: FREE. Go to www.palmcitychamber.com/
Saturday, Oct. 26
Hobgoblins on Main Street Costume Parade/Family Festival
They could be scary but in the afternoon, at least, they’re cute. And they’re going to be walking down Osceola Street to Haney Circle during the Annual Hobgoblins on Main Street Costume Parade and Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. Featured is the annual merchant trick-or-treating and the parade. Youngsters in costume are invited to join the fun by assembling first at the Riverwalk Stage by the City Hall Annex parking lot, 300 St. Lucie Ave., Stuart. Downtown merchants will be stationed outside shops for fun, safe trick-or-treating. FREE. Call 772-286-2848.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Creepy Creature Feature: Nocturnal Night at the Museum
Meet the animals who are awake during the night during the Creepy Creature Feature: Nocturnal Night at the Museum on Saturday, Oct. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Hobe Sound Nature Center, 13640 S.E. U.S. 1, Hobe Sound. You’ll get to meet exotic live nocturnal animals visiting from the Palm Beach Zoo and live animals housed at Hobe Sound Nature Center. Also planned are face painting, crafts and games. Costume contests for adults and children are planned. Recommended for families with children ages 4 and up. Adults without kids are welcome. FREE. Call 772-546-2067 or go to www.hobesoundnaturecenter.com.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Treasure Coast Halloween Half
It’s happening in the daytime but you can pretend that there’s a “ghoul” chasing you in the Treasure Coast Halloween Half marathon, set for Sunday, Oct. 27, 6:30-11:30 a.m., at Stuart Memorial Park, 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Cost: $25-$65, depending upon the event. Medals will be awarded to all finishers. Refreshments and costume contest are planned. Register: www.tchalloweenhalf.com.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Stuart Community Band
The five-concert season of the Stuart Community Band gets off to a patriotic start with “United We Stand,” on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Among the featured pieces to be performed will be “Chester Overture,” “When Jesus Wept,” “The Free Lance March,” “American Salute,” “Armed Forces Salute” and “Capitol Hill March.” Tickets: $10. Call 772-223-7800.
