Make Plans To Celebrate Brooksville's 153rd Birthday

From a battle of the bands to a cemetery tour, there are a host of activities on tap to celebrate the city of Brooksville's 153 years.

The Brooksville Business Alliance and a host of volunteers has worked to put together this year's lineup.

Admission to events is free unless otherwise noted. Phone numbers are included with most of the events for those seeking more information.

For general information, call Sally Petrie at 650-8948 or visit www.brooksvillebusinessalliance.com.

Saturday, Oct. 11

4 to 8 p.m.: Bandshell Bash, Car & Bike Cruise-In, Hernando Park, 205 Fort Dade Ave.

Features a judged Battle of the Bands, food vendors, crafters and motorcycle show in the parking lot. Music by D.J. Joy.

Monday, Oct. 13

Noon to 4 p.m.: Victorian tea, Brooksville Woman's Club, 131 S. Main St. Admission is $7. Call 848-7988 or 584-0479.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Noon to 4 p.m. Victorian tea, Brooksville Woman's Club, 131 S. Main St. Admission is $7. Call 848-7988 or 584-0479.

Noon to 4 p.m. Cane weaving demonstration by Kathleen Barnes, Brooksville Woman's Club, 131 S. Main St.

6 p.m. Evening walking tour of Brooksville Cemetery. Starts at 6 p.m. sharp.

A brisk walk through the cemetery featuring stories and legends of the people from Brooksville's past.

A $3 donation benefits Belle Letters writer group. Call 352-799-3147.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Noon to 4 p.m. Victorian tea, Brooksville Woman's Club, 131 S. Main St.

Admission is $7. Call: 848-7988 or 584-0479.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free pizza on the Courthouse steps

Hosted by Bay Area Commuter Services at the courthouse, 20 N. Main St. Call 813-282-8200.

5 to 7 p.m. City Hall Art Gallery Reception, On exhibit are paintings by David Rivera, among others. Cake will be served in honor of 2008 Great Brooksvillian, Dr. Paul Farmer, who won't be present but is slated to come to Brooksville in December.

Thursday, Oct. 16

Noon to 4 p.m. Victorian tea, Brooksville Woman's Club, 131 S. Main St. Admission is $7. Call 848-7988 or 584-0479.

6 p.m. sharp: Evening walking tour of Brooksville Cemetery. Starts at 6 p.m. sharp.

A brisk walk through the cemetery, located at 1275 Olmes Road, with stories and legends of the people from Brooksville's past.

A $3 donation benefits Belle Letters writer group. Call 352-799-3147.

Friday, Oct. 17

Noon to 4 p.m. Victorian tea, Brooksville Woman's Club, 131 S. Main St. Admission is $7. Call 848-7988 or 584-0479.

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Family Fireside Storytelling, Dance and Open Mic Night. U.U. Pines Retreat Center, 7029 Cedar Lane, Brooksville.

Join local storytellers and bring an instrument. Witness a Civil War skirmish. Refreshments available. Donation of $5 benefits Belle Letters writers group; free admission for children 10 and younger. Bring folding chairs. Call: 799-3147.

6:30 to 9 p.m. Contemporary Christian music.

Rising Sun Cafe and Coffee House, 10 S. Main St., Brooksville. Call: 848-0090.

Saturday, Oct. 18

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market & Art on Main Street. Downtown Brooksville between Broad and Liberty streets.

An open air market with dozens of vendors selling produce, plants, art, handmade crafts, and antiques.

Call: 797-9330.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gem Mining activity

During the Market on Main Street, hosted by the Withlacoochee Rockhounds.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farmer's market, Main Street between Broad and Jefferson streets.

Hosted by Love Your Neighbor.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Flea market, American Legion, 208 E. Fort Dade Ave.

Hosted by Love Your Neighbor.

10 to 11 a.m. Dedication of Brooksville Mural Society's latest project, "The Livery Stable," by Ellen Snyder.

Liberty and Main streets, at the Antique Sampler Mall.

Snyder and local historian Mable Sims will speak.

11 a.m. Walking tour of the other five murals in historic Brooksville begins from the Sampler Mall.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cane weaving demonstration by Kathleen Barnes, Main Street Eatery, 101 N. Main St.