Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: July 27-29, 2012

BRADENTON – It's hot, hot, hot, but there are still cool ways to have fun in Bradenton this weekend. Families Flock Together returns to Emerson Point Preserve Friday night and Arts, Crafts and Antiques returns to the Groveside Market at Mixon's Fruit Farm this Saturday. Plus the Marauders open up a four-game home stand with the Cubs tonight on another Thirsty Thursday! Get ready, it's time for another Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Families Flock together is an exceptional program brought to you by the Manatee County Natural Resource Department that allows you and your family to make excellent recreational and educational use of your local preserves.

It's National Moth Week and we're celebrating! Learn all about marvelous moths as you take part in the moth Olympics: can you match wits with these winged flyers? Find out how moths navigate in the dark, discover the secrets of sipping pollen, and learn how to attract and identify moths. Kids and adults alike are welcome to join in the fun! Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4605.

Arts & Crafts and Antiques returns for this great new monthly event at Mixon's Fruit Farms' Groveside Market. Some booths will be out front on Rosa's porch and some will be in the  packinghouse.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to buy homemade American products and while you're there, you can quench your summer thirst with the best Lemonade on the Planet!

The gang over at Mixon's will be staying open an extra two hours to accommodate these events. For more information, visit Mixon's website.

photo: Craig Jorgensen

The Daytona Cubs roll into town today for a 4-game series at McKechnie Field against the Bradenton Marauders. The second half of the season is heating up, so get out to the stadium and root on our hometown team as they make a run for the FSL playoffs; there are plenty of cool promotions to make it worth your while.

Tonight is Thirsty Thursday, featuring $1 sodas and select draft beers. Friday features free hot dogs and drink specials provided by Kayem and Cheney Brothers from 5:30-6:30pm, presented by Pier 22 Restaurant. It's also opening night for the "Plumber Olympics." On Saturday, the first 500 fans receive a Marauder baseball card set!