Jobie, the on-again-off-again mascot of the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, is on again, at least for this year. Today the cute little citric mascot re-emerges as the symbol of the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, in its 55th year as a Coral Gables holiday tradition. Because of legal issues little Jobie cannot be an orange -- that was reserved for the now-dead King Orange of the now-defunct Orange Bowl Parade. This little fruit is more like a tangelo, or dare we say clementine. Either way he makes his first appearance since the 1970s. Parade officials say back then they used an inferior "cheaper version of Jobie." The new and improved model is among the almost 60 entries of the parade, which also features Macy's-style balloons and marching bands from as far away as Montana, Alabama, and New York. If you see a dried -up looking citrus mascot hanging around the alleys, be sure to give him a smile; this is likely the old heartbroken Jobie sneaking out of the Home for Forgotten Mascots seeking a thrill. The parade makes its way down Miracle Mile starting at 7:00 p.m. at Coral Gables City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables. Grandstand tickets cost $14. Call 305-662-1210. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Child's Play
Vacationing youngsters stay busy
MON 12/29
Kids on holiday break are liable to take the "break" part literally and trash the house while you're at work. Keep them occupied in a constructive way at the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium's Winter Camp. Emphasizing science and technology, the camp is divided into 2-week programs and offers activities for children from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The youngest kids can learn about plants, animals, and robots while teenagers can discover photography with 35mm film and digital images. The fun runs through Wednesday, December 31, at the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium, 3280 S. Miami Ave. Fees begin at $90 per week for members; $110 for non-members. Call 305-646-4340. -- By Jesica Ryzenberg
