Mark Your Calendars

For those who know when these popular annual events roll around, we salute your memory. For those who don't, here's the list

OCTOBER

The Apple Festival

SEBRING - The Palms of Sebring retirement community will hold its 12th annual Apple Festival Oct. 2, 3, and 4 in a different location this year.

Due to renovations at the Palms of Sebring, this year's event will at Blough Hall at the Church of the Brethren, which is across the street from the Palms of Sebring, on the corner of Oak Avenue and South Pine Street. The entrance for this event is on Oak Avenue.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The Fall Bazaar

AVON PARK - The Beta Sigma Phi Annual Fall Bazaar will return for its ninth year at Donaldson Park in Avon Park Oct. 4.

This arts and crafts festival will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

March of Dimes Chef's Auction

SEBRING - The 10th Annual Highlands County March of Dimes Chef's Auction will be held Oct. 9.

This pink and blue event will take place at the Four Points by Sheraton Sebring, Chateau Elan.

Oktoberfest

AVON PARK - Oktoberfest returns to Avon Park Oct. 18.
It is sponsored by the Avon Park CRA Mainstreet, and will be held on Museum Avenue from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be plenty of food, fun and Oktoberfest-related fun.

Music In The Park

SEBRING - The Music In The Park concert featuring Back Porch Revival will be at the Highlands Hammock State Park picnic area Oct. 18.

Here you will hear some good ole time string band music reminiscent of summer nights on the  porch.

Concert performance is scheduled from 7 until 9 a.m.

Noah's Fall Festival

AVON PARK - The 13th Annual Noah's Fall Festival will be at 1000 Maxwell St. in Avon Park from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

This is an alternative to traditional Halloween celebrations and trick or treating by being in a carnival atmosphere

Ag-Venture

SEBRING - The Highlands County Ag-Venture will be from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30 at the Highlands County Fairgrounds.

NOVEMBER

The CCC Festival

SEBRING - The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Festival returns at Highlands Hammock State Park from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This event includes a CCC Alumni reunion, antique car show, live music and entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, live animals, pony rides, children's activities, hayrides, great festival foods, and more.

Florida Hospital Gala

SEBRING - The Florida Hospital Heartland Division Foundation Gala Black Tie Dinner and Concert featuring Michael Smith will be Nov. 6.

Balloon Festival

SEBRING - On Nov. 14, 15, there will be the 3rd Annual Balloon Festival sponsored by the Highlands County Boys & Girls Club at the Sebring International Raceway.

On Nov. 14, there will be a Sunset Balloon Ride starting at 5 p.m. and an evening balloon "Night Glow."

Music In the Park

SEBRING - "Music in the Park" continues Nov. 15 at Highlands Hammock State Park with Eddie & Renee Band playing from 7 to 9 p.m.

DECEMBER

Avon Park Christmas Parade

AVON PARK - The Avon Park Annual Christmas Parade - "Tots in Toyland" will be held Dec. 1

Historic Fall Classic Race

SEBRING - The Sebring Historic Fall Classic Race will be held Dec. 5 to 7 at the Sebring International Raceway.

Sebring Christmas Parade

SEBRING - The Sebring Christmas Parade will be Dec. 5.

Music In the Park

SEBRING - "Music in the Park" continues Dec. 6 at Highlands Hammock State Park with California Toe Jam Band playing from 7 to 9 p.m.

Lake Placid Christmas Parade

LAKE PLACID - The Lake Placid Christmas Parade will be Dec. 8.

Christmas On Main Street

AVON PARK - The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce presents Christmas on Main Street Dec. 8 in front of the Hotel Jacaranda.

JANUARY

Twelve Hours of BBQ

SEBRING - From Jan. 9 to 10, there will be the Twelve Hours of BBQ or Pig Fest at Fireman's Field.

Music In The Park

SEBRING - "Music in the Park" continues Jan. 17 at Highlands Hammock State Park with Roger and Penny Decker playing from 7 to 9 p.m.

Highlands County Fair

SEBRING - The Highlands County Fair will be held from Jan. 23 to 31 at the Highlands County Fairgrounds.

US Sports Aviation Expo

SEBRING - The US Sports Aviation Expo will be held Jan. 22-25 at the Sebring Regional Airport.

FEBRUARY

Lake Placid Arts & Crafts Country Fair

LAKE PLACID - The Lake Placid Arts & Crafts Country Fair will be held Feb. 6 and 7.

Roaring Twenties Festival

SEBRING - The Roaring Twenties Festival will be held Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Music In The Park

SEBRING - "Music in the Park" continues Feb. 21 at Highlands Hammock State Park with the Manatee Bluegrass Band playing from 7 to 9 p.m.

Highlands Little Theatre:
For tickets, call the box office at 382-2525
Box office hours are:
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Or go to www. highlandslittlethreatre.org

South Florida Community College Performing Arts

They will be offering several performances under the Artist Series, the Matinee Series, the Jazz Series and the Kaleidoscope Series.

For ticket purchases, box office hours are: Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Artist Series performance days, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., Oct. 15, through April 25, 2009.

By phone, call 784-7178.

For online ticket sales, go to www.southflorida.edu. Online sales will be available Oct. 1 through April 7.