FRI 10/21
When you hear someone yell "check out that hoochie glide" or "wow, what a slurpy," there's a fair chance the exclamation refers to an Orlando woman with the keeper name of Dallas Friday. When it comes to skeezers, vulcans, and mobes, Friday ranks among the top in the world. In fact she is undefeated in 2005 and hoping to cap off her stellar season with a win in the U.S. Pro-Am Wakeboard Championship, which begins today and continues through Sunday at Sombrero Beach (mile marker 50, Marathon). While Friday is a virtual lock to take the women's title, the men's field is highly competitive, with Australians Daniel Watkins and Josh Sanders currently leading Philip Soven (an American national champion), Danny Harf (an X Games winner), and defending champ Parks Bonifay. There are several other divisions featuring wakeboarders who, tethered to boats, will glide and fly and spin as they execute their hoochie glides, slurpies, and skeezers, plus a ton of other high-point maneuvers, in an effort to take home the $10,000 top prize. Admission is free, and the boarding will occur from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Call 407-405-0121 for information or to register. You can also visit www.tige.com/2005/news/proam.html. —Greg Baker
Party on the Beach
But pick up your trash
SUN 10/23
South Beach always makes the headlines for nightclubs frequented by celebrities. But the everyday people who live, visit, and conduct business on the Beach make it special. The first annual Sun & Fun by the Sea '05 is a free outdoor event celebrating SoBe's environmental and cultural uniqueness. "I wanted to create an event that would bring the community together while giving back to charities and creating awareness for various causes that affect our society," said event producer Christine Battles. This afternoon from 1:00 to 7:00, you can enjoy live music, feast on grub from Mango's and Tuscan Steak, and watch the first national Foot Volley Tournament. The fun takes place on Ocean Drive at Lummus Park, between Sixth and Tenth streets, Miami Beach. Adults interested in swilling in the sun can purchase advance tickets for the private tent area for $30. Call 1-800-670-NICE. Not in the partying mood? Visit www.ecomb.org to register for this weekend's beach cleanups sponsored by the Environmental Coalition of Miami. —Christina Kent
Make Like a Tree
And leave for fall festivals
SAT 10/22
Today families can wander through a tropical garden and imagine Northern climes where the return to school is greeted by piles of warm-hued leaves rather than hurricanes. For those who grew up in states with colorful deciduous trees, and those who dream about a cool autumn from their homes in the humid South, the Pinecrest Harvest in the Gardens is a chance to celebrate the season. You can even bring materials to build your own scarecrow for prizes. The festival is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest. Admission is six dollars, four dollars for children. Call 305-669-6942, or visit www.pinecrestgardens.com. —Maya Ibars
Be a Happy Camper
THUR 10/20
If you were wearing knee socks with tassels and a sash of badges the last time you hit the trails, it's time to brush up on your skills. The Big Cypress Chapter of the Florida Trail Association is offering a free Backpacking 101 demonstration to discuss food preparation and collecting and treating water in the wilderness. Get packing tonight at 7:30 at Palmetto High School, Rm. 900, 7460 SW 118th St., Miami. Call 305-226-4232, or visit www.cypress.floridatrail.org. — Lyssa Oberkreser
Note: Owing to Hurricane Wilma, many of this weekend's events have been postponed or canceled. Please call ahead to confirm.
