Variety of events scheduled — from trolley tours touting Venice Island’s history to bicycle outings to wine-tasting opportunities
The Venice Newcomers Club and Newcomers of Venice Alumni will host a Celebrate Downtown Venice Day on Saturday, Aug. 11, “to give back to our beautiful, historic downtown during the Downtown Beautification Project,” Venice MainStreet has announced.
The event will start at noon with free, 45-minute trolley tours of historic Venice Island, a news release explains. Harry Klinkhamer, manager of historical resources for the City of Venice, “will share his wealth of knowledge,” the release adds. The trolley pickup/drop-off point will be near the Venice MainStreet Kiosk in Centennial Park, the release notes. Tours will continue until 3 p.m.
Organizers also suggest that those who plan to attend the Aug. 11 event bring their bicycles, as Bicycles International will host two tours — at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. “Beginning at the Gazebo in Centennial Park, join them as they go on a leisurely ride to and from the jetties,” the release says.
Additionally, Bicycles International will provide a free “Fix a Flat” workshop at the Gazebo at 1:30 p.m., with demonstrations on how to properly fix a flat tire, the release points out.
Among other activities, “Downtown shoppers will have the chance to get into festive spirit by visiting with a full-face-painting artist by the kiosk” between 1 and 3 p.m., the release notes. Further, participants will have a chance to relax with Afternoon High Tea, which will be held at Café 124 at 2 p.m. and Upper Crust at 3 p.m., the release says.
“Many stores will join in the fun with specials, raffles and even Down Island Way Boutique’s almost famous rum punch,” the release points out.
Moving into the evening, downtown-goers will be able to enjoy an extended Happy Hour — 3 to 7 p.m. — at Daiquiri Deck, TJ Carney’s, Made in Italy, Abby’s on Miami and Ciao Gelato (Wine & Gelato Floats), the release continues.
Finally, the public may enjoy a variety of wines during wine-tasting events scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at Café’ Longet, the Olive Grove Wine Bar and the Zebra Piano Bar Lounge.