October always seems to be the month where your activities calendar begins ramping up. This year, despite the pandemic, is no different.
Get into the spooky mood of the season with a couple of goodies designed for fun. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is presenting an original adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic, “Dracula.” This one is written by the theater company’s talented young director and actor Alex Martinez. It has the entire story with all the usual characters. The theater expects it will be a very popular Halloween show, which is taking place this year because of happenstance. “Dracula” runs through Oct. 17, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $30. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is at 2020 San Juan Ave. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com. The Sebastian River Junior Women’s Club will open its 41st annual “Terror on Main Street Haunted House” this weekend. The annual event brings out thousands of visitors eager to get creeped out by scary rooms staffed by volunteers who shout ‘Boo!’ and basically scare the dickens out of you all in the name of fun. The Haunted House opens its creaking doors at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 and Saturday, Oct. 9 and again at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15-16, Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-31 on the grounds of the Sebastian Methodist Church, 1036 Main St. Admission is $10. COVID-19 masks required. No Halloween masks allowed. For more information, visit gfwcsebastianjrs.org.
It’s all about the food, the art, the food, the music and then, you got it, more food at Arte dell Orchidea, the fine art auction and exhibition held this weekend by the Italian American Civic Association of Vero Beach. Big dinners are planned for both Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10. “We’re hoping to make it an annual event,” said the event’s co-organizer, Marta Bertoldo. “It’s going to be really fun.” But there is certainly more than food involved. The organization, which is holding the event to raise funds for its IACA Annual Local Scholarship Awards, has invited five local artists to display work as well. Moreover, each artist has donated one piece to be sold in a silent auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the scholarship fund. Those artists are: Judy Burgarella, Camy De Mario, Lynn DiMenna, Cynthia Colella and Ella Chabot. And while guests will love the dancing, the art, the auction and general happy atmosphere, Bertoldo hopes everyone will arrive hungry because there will be plenty to eat. The club’s past president, Nick Zinni, “who’s an awesome chef,” will be there for the weekend. And, Mike Policare, a past vice president, will be at his side to serve up some irresistible Italian fare. The meal on Saturday gives guests the choice of veal Parmesan or Zuppa de Pesce – clams, mussels, scallops and white fish in a delicious sauce. There will also be pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Saturday’s event also offers dancing to live music by Kenny Clarke, a local jazz pianist, and Lynn DiMenna, a retired cabaret singer. Tickets to Saturday’s dinner are $25 per person. The meal on Sunday features pasta with meatballs. Sunday also features an artists’ reception and the announcement of the winners of the art auction. Tickets to the Sunday dinner are $8 per person. Dinners on both days start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. so guests can view the art, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and socialize. There will also be a full cash bar both days. Moreover, there will be a special children’s event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, featuring De Mario, who writes and illustrates children’s books. Panera Bread of Miracle Mile is donating sandwiches, fruit and drink to the children’s event. Tickets to the children’s event are $5 per child. Bertoldo, also an event sponsor through the FL Homes branch of Exp Realty, was born outside of Naples, Italy. She wants the event to be like a meeting of the two coasts – the Amalfi and the Treasure Coast. “‘Arte dell’ Orchidea’ features artworks in three categories, Treasure Coast of Florida locations and coastal art, Italian scenes and the Italian-American heritage,” she says. They will be displayed alongside Alice Spinosa paintings depicting Naples, Venice, Pompeii, Rome and Abruzzi. Arte dell Orchidea will be held in the Tee’s Bella Italia Ballroom at the Italian American Civic Association, 1600 25th St., Vero Beach. Reservations to the dinners need to be made today, Oct. 6. Call 772-778-1522.