




By Michael Cooney, Directed by Patti Earl
Con artist Eric lost his job two years ago and has been defrauding the welfare system ever since in order to hide his joblessness from his wife. Confusion and hilarity ensues when government workers start showing up to check out his numerous deceptions!
When: Friday, July 30th & Saturday, July 31st @ 8 pm, Sunday, Aug 1st @ 2 pm (Play runs weekends July 30th through Aug 8th, see other dates)
Where: Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach
Tickets: $14 adults, $13 seniors, $7 students
Check tire pressure at least monthly for optimum performance and safety. Keeping your tires inflated correctly can save you $100 - $200 in gas each year, depending on your mileage, AND avoid accidents. For correct tire pressure, look inside the cover of the gas tank. Check with your dealer - some dealerships, such as Mercedes-Benz of Orlando in Maitland, check and adjust tire pressure for free.
Orlando is a great city for events, but if you can’t find one you like right in town, you can always jump in the car and drive a few miles. To come up with our list of Oldest Events, we looked at those that are within an hour and a half drive from downtown Orlando (Central Florida, basically), and came up with the following esteemed Top Ten list of the oldest events that are still going strong:
Ah, the Florida State Fair! Tampa hosts this grand dame, but she has a solid place in all our hearts. Well over a century old, this is “state-fairdom” at it’s best, with great rides, food, top-name entertainment, livestock, crafts and more.
Nipping at the State Fair’s heels is the Central Florida Fair. Right here in town, it boasts a big arts & crafts exhibit, baked goods & canned fruits, livestock, 4-H, and over 100 entertainment groups on three stages.
The Strawberry Festival had to take a brief hiatus during and after World War II, but we certainly aren’t going to hold that against them. This fantastic piece of Americana in Plant City celebrates the strawberry harvest with floats, parades, fine arts, horticulture exhibits, livestock, crafts, marching bands AND top-name entertainment.
This choral tour de force graces the Orlando area each Spring, with performances in several venues. Bach’s Mass in B minor is a favorite in the years it is performed, the first year being 1940 – the 2010 festival will mark the 25th performance of this work.
The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, and ranked among the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association! Silver Spurs Rodeo has been in their fancy new digs at Osceola Heritage Park since 2003. Events include Bareback Bronc, Barrel Racing, Team Roping and Bull Riding.
This great little fair has been going strong for many years. With midway rides by Strates Shows and a big focus on livestock and 4-H, this event brings back memories of simpler times.
The first of three art festivals to make the Oldest list, this prestigious art festival isn’t just the oldest art festival in Orlando – it is one of the oldest in the nation! Over 350,000 visitors enjoy the show each year, with works by 1200 artists from all over the country. Categories include Clay, Digital, Glass, Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Wood and more.
The Great American Race is NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious – truly an event that Central Florida can be proud of! The 500 was first run in 1959, but its roots can be traced back further - to 1903 and Daytona beach racing.
Just a few years shy of the previously mentioned art festival, the Halifax Art Festival in Daytona Beach offers live entertainment, children’s activities and a student art competition.
Florida’s oldest marathon has one of the most beautiful USATF-certified waterfront courses on our nation’s east coast. Held in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center, the entire event revolves around a space theme.
Did we leave out an “old” event, started before 1971 and still being held, that is near and dear to your heart? It IS possible – we’re good but not infallible! Email it to jphepler@bellsouth.net and we’ll take a look.

