Take the whole family out into the great weather at Saturday’s “Take a Kid Fishing” event hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast. The two-hour event begins 9 a.m. on the pier from the Barber Bridge fishing catwalk. Organizers supply tackle, bait, prizes and even lunch. Chris Woodruff, owner of Vero Tackle and Water Sports, helps with the event every year. He said people are eager to do this and that it’s fun for everyone. “I’m surprised how many people show up,” Woodruff said. “They almost completely cover the pier here. It’s fantastic to see.” Woodruff’s business usually donates bait for the event. The event organizers are well prepared with a trailer, rods and guides to help families get started. The most common fish to be caught are mangrove snapper and sheepshead. The fish are just big enough to give the kids a good fight, Woodruff said. “They do really well,” Woodruff said. “A lot of times, it’s a kid’s first fish.” So, yes, make sure you bring your camera along as well. Making this even more appealing, the event is free. The location is ideal with benches and some shade. It gets everybody involved. “Take a Kid Fishing” registration begins 8:15 a.m. Entry is free, but limited to the first 100 families signing up. Prizes are awarded for each age bracket and a special prize is awarded for the ugliest fish. The free lunch will be served 11 a.m. to noon. This is designed for children 5 to 12 years of age. Adult supervision required. Masks are also required. Call 772-234-9585 or verokiwanis.com. Vero Tackle and Water Sports is at 3321 Bridge Plaza Dr., Vero Beach.
The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra has its season announcement party Wednesday evening at the Emerson Center. The event gives patrons an opportunity to meet and greet musicians and conductor/music director Aaron Collins. “It’s always a good event for the musicians, myself and the board members to mingle with donors and season subscribers,” Collins said. “It’s a fun time.” Guests can also purchase season tickets for the upcoming season, which is packed with programming and begins in June. The announcement party includes complimentary drinks, both of the fermented and non-alcoholic varieties. Appetizers and desserts round out the goodies. Attendees can always win some prizes, which include season passes and merchandise such as CDs from previous seasons. There will also be some big-name artists in attendance. The annual event is like a mini-fundraiser for the concert. It begins 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19 at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. Free admission, but capacity is limited so be sure to get your tickets soon by visiting SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
The Vero Beach Theatre Guild will be busy as can be this weekend with a round of auditions and the presentation of its new show, “Moonlight and Magnolias.” This is the first time the Theatre Guild has held “unified auditions,” which allows actors to audition at one time for the upcoming season. All seven directors and choreographers will be in attendance. Directors can select the cast directly from these unified auditions or schedule later auditions. Actors, prepare a 60- to 90-second monologue of your choice, either read or memorized. You will not be asked to do any cold readings. Bring resumes and headshots if you have them. Social distancing will be observed. The Unified Auditions begin 7 p.m. Sunday, May 16, Monday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 18 in the second floor at the Theatre Guild. The shows being auditioned are “Dracula,” “Sleuth,” “I Do! I Do!” “See How They Run” and “Native Gardens.” If you want to audition for the musical, prepare to sing a song. For more information, visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com and click onto the “auditions” tab. If you’re more of an audience member than an actor, and you need a good laugh, then consider the comedy “Moonlight and Magnolias” (directed by Yours Truly). The comedy is set in 1939 in the office of Hollywood producer David O. Selznick, who locks witty screenwriter Ben Hecht and formidable director Victor Fleming in his office for five days, where he feeds them only bananas and peanuts as they pound out a new screenplay for “Gone with the Wind.” This is a fast-paced farce with wit and slapstick galore. Tickets are $15 to $30. The show performs May 12-23 at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
