I’ve had a lot of searches on my blog for things to do around Siesta Key this October.  Well, sadly I’m not there this October but I can still report what is going on.  Here’s the list of all the things I’m going to miss.  Hope you can make it to at least some of the events.  And write to me…let me know how fun it was.  I’ll be back….

This first weekend is busy for the YMCA SHARKS swim program.  Several friends of my children are on the SHARKS swim team so I encourage you to support them.  Here’s how:

There is an open water swim at Siesta Beach on October 3.  Go here: http://www.sysharks.org/info/2009tropicalsplashentry2.pdf for information.  

The Siesta Key Triathlon is October 4.  It also benefits the YMCA Sarasota Sharks swim team.    There is no race day registration so go here: http://siestakeytriathlon.org/ and sign up.

Other events on and around Siesta Key include:

The Farmer’s Market is in the Village every Sunday morning.  http://www.siestafarmersmarket.com/

October 4th you can go to St Boniface Episcopal Church with your pet for a Pet Blessing at 4pm.  www.bonifacechurch.org

Every Saturday the Ringling Museum has Family fun events.  www.ringling.org  Check out other events going on there all month long including a ballet night at the Oslo Theatre.

October 3rd head to GWIZ for their Bayfront Astronomy at 6pm www.gwiz.org

October 8 at 8am meet at the gazebo at the Celery Fields for bird watching with the Audubon Society.  I love going to the Celery Fields.  We have seen the coolest birds there.  For info call 335-3119.  They’re hoping you’ll give a donation for sharing their expertise with you.  It’s well worth it.

Calling all Safe Boaters (or those that want to be):  The Sarasota Power Squadron is holding Safe Boating classes this month starting October 5th.  Call for info: 400-6467. 

If you want to escape to another island, the St. Armand’s Art Festival is October 10 and 11.  http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/events/  We really like the Columbia Restaurant so stop in there for a salad or cuban sandwich.

I have to promote something that benefits the 4H and the Extension office.  My kids are 4Hers.  So please go to the Sarasota County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale on October 10.  It’s from 8am to 2pm at Bee Ridge Park.  Call for more info: 364-5838.  Refreshments are being sold by 4Hers, so buy a plant and a refreshment.  Thanks!

This same weekend (Saturday only) at GWIZ (my kid’s favorite museum) the Sarasota Magic Club is hosting a magic class for children in grades 4-8.  Check out www.gwiz.org for details.

October 17th: Coastal Cleanup is over but what about the rivers?  Myakka River cleanup is scheduled for 8am to noon.  Bring your kayak or canoe.  For info call or email Mary Jelks: mljelks@gmail.com or 366-0446

Sarasota Blues Fest is October 24. http://www.sarasotabluesfest.com/

Sarasota Arts and Crafts Fest is October 17 and 18 on Main Street.  Info: http://www.artfestival.com/events/visitorsShow/56/2

Also, at St. Armand’s Circle, is the Smooth Jazz free concerts.  They start October 30 and are held every last friday of the month through May.  Bring a lawn chair.  It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend your evening.http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/events/

Phillippi Estates is hosting a Pumpkin Festival October 30 and 31.  The event benefits the All Children’s Hospital.http://sarasotapumpkinfestival.com/Sponsorships.aspx

Safe Treats, the annual Trick or Treat event on Siesta Key at the Village is on October 31 from 3pm-6pm.  It’s a fun, safe kid’s event.  Sorry we’ll miss it this year.

Other Halloween events:  October 24 at GWIZ www.gwiz.org; October 27 at Selby Gardens Little Sprouts Halloween Parade www.selby.org; I’m sure there are so many more that won’t be advertised until closer to the date. 

No interest in the above?  Kayak the Grand Canal, bike from the north end to Turtle Beach and back, explore the shops at the Village, hunt for iguana (the Siesta Key Association will be happy if you find one), bird watch, go fishing, search the sandbar near the public beach for sand dollars before the water gets too cold; comb the beach; grab a chair and sit along the water; call a friend up north from the beach and let them hear the beach sound (they may hop on the next plane for Sarastoa or quit being your friend); rent a boat; parasail; play bocce ball on the beach; eat ice cream at Big Olaf’s; watch the sunset; walk briskly from parking lot beach access 5 to Point of Rocks and back; look for bioluminescent critters after dusk near the shore (stay out of the water after dark…its dangerous); stand on a street corner and call out to everyone that I said hi (you might get some funny looks); shop at Bliss in the Village for Sunshine Everyday tshirts; cookout at one of  the public beach pavillion grills; toss the football around on the beach; play paddle ball; build a sand castle/sand sculpture; float in the water on a noodle; pick up trash from the beach; fly a kite. If it’s raining check out my blog about what to do on Siesta Key in the rain.  Just enjoy your day at the most beautiful beach I know of.