As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Hernando residents will be encouraged to dance, enjoy good food and drink, and wear their finest green attire. Just watch out for the leprechauns!
The Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill, will host a St. Patrick’s Day dance with Angelo on Friday, March 15th.
“Wear your green and check out the special drinks Suzy will have at the bar,” read the March newsletter of the Brooksville Elks Lodge.
The St. Patrick’s Day dance will feature music by famous performing artist Angelo 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., with guests enjoying their choice of fish—baked or fried or shepherd’s pie.
“Angelo” (Angelo Rifino Jr.) plays at our venue every month,” explained Brooksville Elks #2582 lodge chairman Gary Ashness. “He plays many of the standards and takes requests. Also, during his breaks, recorded line dance music will be played. Many folks come out for the dinner, and more show up later just to dance.”
According to his website, Spring Hill’s Angelo Rifino Jr. has spent the last fifteen years entertaining in various venues throughout West Central Florida. Under the support of his mentor, Mary Swan, Angelo honed his vocalist skills in the Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, Bobby Darrin and Neil Diamond styles, to name a few. Angelo also sings various country music, rock n’ roll, and standards made popular from the 1950s through the 1980s. He has appeared at functions for organizations such as Uptown Bar & Grill, The Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodges and Moose Lodges, and community developments such as Timber Pines and Heritage Pines, among others.
The St. Patrick’s Day dance will truly celebrate this spirited holiday. “We will have dinner choices based on the theme (St. Patrick’s Day), and the hall will be decorated accordingly,” said Ashness.
Admission for the Brooksville Elks St. Patrick’s Day dance is $20 for dinner and $10 for cover to dance.
And now, through March 16 at the Hernando County Public Library System, Leprechauns are on the loose in the library! “Last week, a rainbow appeared above the East Hernando Branch Library. Five leprechauns slid down the rainbow and are now hiding inside the library!” explained Valerie Martin, the East Hernando Branch Library supervisor. “Who will help us find them? There are new daily challenges and prizes. This is open to all ages. This event occurs Tuesday, March 12th, through Saturday, March 16th, at East Hernando Branch Library.” The East Hernando Branch Library is located at 6457 Windmere Rd., Brooksville.
Also at the East Hernando Branch, and in the spirit of bright and festive spring holidays, the Peeps Diorama Contest is underway.
“You are invited to make a diorama using Peeps! Stop by the East Hernando Branch Library to pick up a kit or use your own supplies,” said Martin. “Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Completed Peeps dioramas are due back to the library no later than Saturday, March 23rd. Come back to vote for Peep-le’s Choice from the 26th through the 30th!”
Martin also advises those seeking to craft the perfect Peeps masterwork! “The only rule is to use at least one Peep. Use a shoe box or cardboard box and your imagination!” she said. “The family-friendly theme is your choice. Take inspiration from your favorite book, character, TV show, movie, or pop culture. Open to all ages.”
Cindy Loftis-Culp, library services director of the Hernando County Public Library System, praises her staff for celebrating the spring holidays in grand style.
“Library staff always look forward to providing patrons with fun activity-based programs to accompany the holidays,” said Loftis-Culp. “We have very talented and creative staff, and I’m always excited to see what they come up with.”
