You can’t deny that a Lakeland swan looks like it belongs at the center of the parade. | Photo via Macy’s Event Media + LALtoday
Picture this: You just woke up on the morning of Thanksgiving, and you plod into the living room to turn on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as you eat breakfast and prepare yourself for a day of feasting ahead.
The annual New York City parade has been broadcast since 1924, but we’re turning this 100-year-old tradition on its head by re-imagining it to be entirely Lakeland-themed. Step aside, Al, Savannah, and Hoda — we’ve got this.
While the Thanksgiving Day Parade is known for flying characters like Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat, and Tom Turkey, our version would include one of Lakeland’s beloved swans, Blinky the Alligator, a larger-than-life Pub Sub, and Southpaw, the mascot of the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
Adventure Day | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Document the park’s diverse wildlife to join the BioBlitz project — don’t forget your phone at home.
Family Movie | 2-4 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Beat the anxiety of fall break with this screening of “Inside Out 2,” popcorn + candy included.
Off The Wall SOUL Line Dancing Class | 6:30-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $5 | Get off the wall and on the dance floor at this weekly movement class.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Create Your Own Holiday Door Mat | 6 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $55+ | You’ll leave this workshop with a door mat you learned to paint step by step — pre-order a bottle of wine to kick the cheer up a notch.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Meraki Bakehouse Pop-Up | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | Price of purchase | Pick up your preorders for Thanksgiving desserts, or pop by for coffee + breakfast sandwiches on the patio.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Turn Up Zumba Mashup | 8:30-10 a.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $20+ | Work up a sweat in this fun, fierce dance fitness class.
Friday, Nov. 29
Joinery After Dark | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery | Free | Dance your worries away on the patio with tunes by DJ Barca and guest DJs.
Did you know? Although Impressionism originated in France, it influenced painters all over the world, including Dutch Impressionist Willem Maris. | Photos provided by Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, courtesy Hoogsteder Museum Foundation.
Looking for a unique way to embrace the winter season?
Get inspired by the Netherlands, a country known for its cozy winter activities, at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s exhibit on Dutch Impressionism.
The exhibit showcases snapshots of life in 19th century Netherlands and is on display until Sunday, Feb. 23.
Polk State College has broken ground on its new Haines City campus — a project nearly 20 years in the making. Projected to open in the fall of 2026 with a price tag of ~$51 million, the 75,000-sqft campus will house the school’s health sciences programs + a simulation hospital. (The Ledger)
Health
Construction is coming along on Lakeland Regional Health’s new freestanding emergency department at the corner of South Florida Avenue and County Road 540A. The health system shared on social media that, with windows installed, the department is anticipated to open in early 2025.
Development
The development news just keeps coming — The Florida Strawberry Festival is getting a growth spurt. The festival has purchased six acres of land from South Florida Baptist Hospital to store tractor trailers for rides + equipment, adding even more parking for festival goers. (Plant City Observer)
Closing
Polk County’s Disaster Recovery Center at the W.H. Stuart Center in Bartow will now be closed on Sundays. Those needing assistance can visit the center in person Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., as well as apply online or by phone.
Seasonal
Bonnet Springs Park has announced the full schedule of events for Light Up BSP, happening Dec. 14-31. In addition to extended hours in the park’s concession areas, guests of the event can also expect pictures with Santa, musical performances, and special sensory-friendly nights.
Opening
Santa’s House is coming to town. The Bigda family’s noteworthy holiday light display will open for its ninth year in Polk County at 4314 Shadow Wood Trail in Winter Haven on Saturday, Nov. 30. Stop by nightly + don’t forget to bring a donation for Polk Sheriff’s Charities.
Plan Ahead
Hold onto your trash. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, both Polk County + City of Lakeland Solid Waste customers whose normal pickup days are on Thursday or Friday will have a delay in service by one day this week. Monday-Wednesday customers will not experience any delays.
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Travel
Going’s “Best sale of 2024" is here with up to 50% off select memberships for a limited time. Sign up to save an average of $500 on international flights.*
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🥪 Side of local nostalgia, anyone?
We’ll never forget you, Crispers. | Photo by LALtoday
Earlier this month, we asked: Which Lakeland restaurant do you miss the most? Which restaurant or meal do you wish were still around?
Piece of cake, right? LALtoday readers sent us food for thought — with more than 100 responses, let’s stroll down memory lane + dive into a few of the most-requested eateries you would bring back, because we love a moment of local nostalgia.
Vito’s Italian Without a doubt, this former Dixieland spot was one of the most-requested spots readers wish they could bring back. Reader Brenda D. shared, “Without a doubt, Vito’s was our #1 favorite Italian restaurant. It was small and quaint, but it was well worth the wait! Our whole family loved it.”
Crispers This loss still cuts Lakelanders deep. Reader Maja O. misses the blackened chicken flatbread, and other readers commented on the spot’s delicious salads + soups.
A king size sherpa electric blanket that’s 22% off for early Black Friday. Save $30 on this warm, washable electric blanket, great for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend.
One of my favorite Thanksgiving Day traditions is eating cinnamon rolls in the morning while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so writing this article was particularly fun for me. What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions?
