LRC Polk – Page 2 – Learning Resource Center

Tag Archive for: LRC Polk

Shop Back-to-School During the 2018 Tax-Free Weekend

Shop, and save on sales tax August 3-5!

The 2018 sales tax holiday will take place over three days beginning on Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5.

This year’s tax-free rules apply to clothing, footwear and certain accessories that cost $60 or less per item and school supplies that costs $15 or less per item.

Examples of items that will be exempt from tax this weekend include:

Clothing:

Backpacks & Book Bags
Belts
Hats
Jackets
Jeans
Raincoats
Shirts
Shorts & skirts
Shoes
Socks
Swimsuits
Ties
Uniforms

Supplies:

Binders
Calculators
Folders
Markers, crayons & colored pencils
Notebook paper
Poster board
Pens & pencils

According to the Florida Department of Revenue, the holiday will NOT apply to the following:

Any item of clothing selling for more than $60
Any school supply item selling for more than $15
Books that are not otherwise exempt
Personal computers and computer-related accessories purchase for commercial purposes
Rentals or leases of any of these items
Repairs or alterations of any of these items
Sales of clothing or school supplies in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

For a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items, please CLICK HERE.

Search #LRCback2school on Facebook and Twitter to find more posts, blogs and information from LRC on back-to-school 2018 in Polk County.

July 27, 2018/by mdmllc

News

Nominate Learning Resource Center as Polk’s 2018 Best

We are truly grateful for the many votes LRC received during each round of The Ledger’s Best of the Best Polk competition last year. Your nominations and votes awarded us the title of Polk’s 2017 Best Learning & Tutoring Center.

The time has come, and the first round of the 2018 competition is taking place now. We’re asking for your assistance again to help us defend our title!

The first round began on Sunday, June 10, 2018 and continues through Sunday, June 24, 2018. In this stage, voters nominate the organizations, businesses, people, etc. that they believe best fit each category. Voters can enter nominees for all 150+ categories or just one category daily. We need your help nominating us, the Learning Resource Center, as the Best Learning Center/Tutor for 2018.

To help us advance to the second round, please nominate LRC daily through Sunday, June 24 under the Kids & Education: Learning Center/Tutor category at TheLedger.com/Contests.

Another way to help is by spreading the word to friends, family and co-workers by email, social media, word of mouth, phone and/or any other ways you can think of. We appreciate any help you can lend.

As an added incentive, when you nominate 25 or more, you will be entered to win a $500 gift card from The Ledger Media Group.

Thanks for your support in this initiative!

June 19, 2018/by mdmllc

News

Gain Success in Reading at Camp Rockin’ READ!

The Learning Resource Center has added a new elementary program to its summer lineup.

Camp Rockin’ READ! is designed to help students who have completed grades 1, 2 or 3 enhance their reading, writing and spelling skills using the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach as well as the Barton Reading & Spelling System.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach:

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is multisensory, language-based, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive, flexible and individualized instruction.

Multisensory focuses on visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning, engaging sight, sound, touch and motion within the same lesson.

The Barton Reading & Spelling System uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach and also focuses on multisensory learning, aiding students in making connections between sounds and words.

Students who attend Camp Rockin’ READ! will:

Enjoy hands-on activities to improve reading, writing and spelling skills
Engage all the senses in the learning process– visual, auditory, and kinesthetic
Experience increased independence, success, self-esteem, and confidence in the classroom
Effectively learn to decode words independently using the Barton Reading & Spelling System
Start the school year with increased skills

Camp will begin Monday, June 25, 2018 at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland (1628 S. Florida Ave.) and continue for three weeks, ending on Friday, July 13, 2018. The program will take place Monday through Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. during that period. There will be no class on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

The cost of camp is $420. LRC does offer a sliding fee scale based on the family’s gross annual income, so the fee may vary.

The camp size is small, so be sure to enroll your child today. You may register students online by clicking Camp Rockin’ READ!, in person at LRC or by phone at 863-688-9477.

LRC presents 2018 summer programs
Summer camps and courses for all grade levels

Get “Kindergarten-Ready” with LRC
Kindergarten-Readiness Camp for students entering or repeating Grade K in the fall

June 6, 2018/by mdmllc

News

LRC Presents 2018 Summer Programs

Summer break is here! It has been shown that the majority of students may lose about two months of skills during the summer (summerlearning.com). Don’t let summer learning loss or the “summer slide” affect your children! Join us in programs suited for kindergarten through high school levels.

Background created by Freepik.

Kindergarten

Rising and repeating kindergartners can gain the skills necessary for school at Camp READY! featuring multi-sensory learning experiences in an engaging format at nine locations throughout Polk County. Camps will take place for four weeks during June 4-July 27, 2018. Dates and times vary by site. The cost is $25 for the entire month.

Elementary

Elementary students have multiple academic enrichment options with Camp Discovery at All Saints Academy in Winter Haven, PEP Super Summer Science Camp at the Public Education Partnership Center in Winter Haven and Super Summer Success at South McKeel Academy in Lakeland, all beginning on June 4, 2018. Program dates, times and prices vary by site.

Camp Rockin’ READ! is another option for students who have completed grades 1, 2, or 3. This program features the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach and Barton Reading & Spelling System to enhance reading, writing and spelling skills. Camp Rockin’ READ! will take place June 25-July 13, 2018 (no class July 4) at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland for $420.

Middle School

Middle school students will become more effective learners through time-tested strategies with Study Habits of Successful Students at the Learning Resource Center on July 9-13, 2018 for $155.

High School

High school students will gain effective study techniques, leadership skills and service opportunities with Get REAL! taking place at the Learning Resource Center on July 9-13, 2018 for $175.

High School Test Prep

High School students may also benefit from LRC’s summer test preparation courses designed to help students achieve confidence while earning their best possible score. ACT Summer Prep takes place July 16-20, 2018. SAT Summer Prep begins July 23-27, 2018. GED Prep runs for four weeks per subject with Social Studies launching May 22, 2018, Science on June 26, 2018 and Language Arts on July 31, 2018. All will take place at the Learning Resource Center. The cost of each full ACT & SAT course is $575 and includes a book and a gift card to Starbucks or Chick-fil-A. GED Prep costs $25. Students must take a pretest prior to enrolling in GED Prep.

LRC offers a Sliding Fee Scale based on gross family income with the assistance of United Way. For questions or to enroll in any of the courses, please click on the program heading above or call 863-688-9477.

May 30, 2018/by mdmllc

News

LRC Progresses to Phase 2 of GiveWell Matching Fundraiser

The Learning Resource Center Achieves Phase 1 of Matching Fundraiser, Moves On to Phase 2

The Learning Resource Center of Polk County (LRC) has successfully reached its goal during the first phase of the matching fundraiser. In this initial stage of a two-step matching campaign, LRC needed to reach a goal of $20,000 by May 31, 2018 in order for a funder(s) of GiveWell Community Foundation to match the amount, dollar-for-dollar.

LRC has attained the first stage with the help of numerous donors.

Now, the 43-year educational organization has entered the second phase consisting of a 1:2 match of $20,000. To receive the additional $20,000 from the private funder(s), LRC must raise $40,000 by September 30, 2018.

If LRC succeeds in both matches, the organization will have raised $60,000 and will receive a matching amount of $40,000, earning $100,000 total over a six-month period.

More about LRC

Today, LRC’s small staff and volunteers strive daily to continue coordinating services for 3,500 plus students, ages five through adult throughout Polk County.

These services and programs include, but are not limited to:

One-to-one tutoring services to children and adults
Small group instruction for remediation and enrichment
Study skills courses
Middle school courses for grade replacement
High school courses for credit
Camp READY! for kindergarten-readiness
GED/SAT/ACT/GRE test preparation courses
Heartland for Children- academy support for children in foster care
Productive partnerships and flexibility to offer quality programs to other agencies, educational institutions and corporations to help students of all ages

Your Impact

Join the effort to save the Learning Resource Center, a one-of-a-kind nonprofit agency, to continue to help students maximize their learning potential and keep hope alive for current and future students. The gift of education is a gift for life!

Donations will help provide academic assistance to students in need, make it possible for LRC to employ highly-qualified tutors, and enable LRC to meet the needs of students, parents and the community by aiding with the expenses of daily operation. The effect of this fundraiser will reach every aspect of the nonprofit organization.

Help the Learning Resource Center and local students with more impact.

May 23, 2018/by mdmllc

News

PigFest 2018 Event Info

The 22nd Annual Lakeland PigFest is almost here!

PIGFEST 2018

The festival will open to the public on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at SUN ‘n FUN in Lakeland.

Unlike in years past, there will be no fee for parking. Instead, there will be a $2.00 admission fee per person. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. Once inside, stop by a Pig Bucks tent and exchange your cash for Pig Bucks. Purchasing food from competition teams, will support their efforts as well as local charities like LRC.

The competition will heat up with the Kingsford Professional BBQ (sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society), Publix Super Markets Backyard and Badcock Kids-Q events. There will also be plenty of entertainment featuring kids’ games, simulator racecars and live music.

LRC Belk Charity Sale 2017

Visit LakelandPigFest.org for more information.
Photo: LakelandPigFest.org

PIGFEST COMMUNITY

What attendees may not realize is that PigFest takes hundreds of volunteers and thousands of volunteer hours to help carry out the event, and local nonprofits, such as the Learning Resource Center, partner to provide the needed amount of volunteers. PigFest then gives every dollar raised back to the community!

By granting the Learning Resource Center opportunities and funds based on service hours, PigFest has helped provide academic assistance and highly-qualified tutors to help students succeed and has also enabled LRC to meet the needs of students, parents and the community by aiding in the expenses of daily operation. The effect this annual barbeque festival has had on LRC reaches every aspect of the organization. Those who received any service from LRC in 2017 were impacted by its support.

VOLUNTEER AT PIGFEST

If you are interested in assisting at the event, please click: VOLUNTEER AT PIGFEST.
LRC will provide volunteers for shifts taking place in the judging, team breakfast, VIP party and golf cart shuttle areas on Wednesday, January 24-Saturday, January 27, 2018. To view the available shifts and to register, please click the above link.

We look forward to seeing you there! Whether you’re a competitor, attendee or volunteer, it’s sure be a fun weekend.

January 17, 2018/by mdmllc

News

2018 ACT & SAT Dates

Don’t miss the exams! We’ve compiled a list of 2018 ACT & SAT dates and deadlines to make it easier for you to keep up with them all. Scroll down to find the test dates that work best for you.

test prep

2018 ACT

[table]
Test Date,Registration Deadline,Late Fee Required
February 10,January 12,January 13-19
April 14,March 9,March 10-23
June 9,May 4,May 5-18
July 14,June 15,June 16-22
September 8,August 10,August 11-26
October 27,September 28,September 29-October 14
December 8,November 2,November 3-19
[/table]
Earn your best possible score on the ACT with LRC’s ACT Prep.
Information gathered from ACTstudent.org

2018 SAT

Test dates may be subject to change

[table]
Test Date ,Registration Deadline, Late Mail Deadline, Late Phone/Online Deadline
March 10,February 9,February 20,February 28
May 5,April 6,April 17,April 25
June 2,May 3,May 15 ,May 23
August 25,July 27,August 7,August 15
October 6,September 7,September 18,September 26
Nov. 3,October 5,October 16,October 24
Dec. 1,November 2,November 13,November 20
[/table]
Prepare for the SAT with LRC’s SAT Preparation.
Find more information on the SAT, and register for the exam at SAT.collegeboard.org

Check back for the remaining dates, which will be added throughout the year as they are announced.

Related Posts:
2017 ACT & SAT Dates

December 28, 2017/by mdmllc

News

Support LRC and Save While You Shop the 2017 Belk Charity Sale

It’s time to support, shop and save!

LRC Belk Charity Sale 2017

Support

Purchase one or more $5 Belk Charity Sale tickets from the Learning Resource Center to reach students of the community and further the mission of helping students maximize their learning potential. All proceeds from LRC’s ticket sales will directly support LRC. Tickets are available for purchase at the office now through Friday, November 3, 2017. Please stop by the Learning Resource Center at 1628 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland for yours.

Shop

Bring your $5 tickets to Belk on Saturday, November 4, 2017 between 6-10 a.m. (and later) to receive $5 off your purchase. If you won’t be able to make it to shop the private sale on Saturday, reserve your items during a pre-sale that will take place Monday, October 23, 2017-Friday, November 3, 2017.

Save

Another benefit of shopping this private sale is that rarely-discounted brands will be marked down. Customers will receive 15%-70% off their purchases storewide. The first 100 customers to attend the Charity Sale event at their local Belk store will receive a gift card with a mystery amount of $5-$1,000. Also, Belk Rewards Card customers will earn extra rewards during the event using their Belk card.

What could be better than supporting the local community and saving while you shop? Pick up your $5 Belk Charity Sale ticket/s from LRC today!

LRC Hours & Location

Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1628 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803, 863-688-9477

Tickets are available at the LRC office through Friday, November 3, 2017 at 4 p.m.

October 10, 2017/by mdmllc

News

2017 Fall & Halloween Festivities in Polk County

Look no further for fall fun! Search our list of Polk County’s 2017 Halloween happenings and autumn festivities now through early November.

Fall Festivities in Polk
Freepik.com

*Please contact event organizations, not LRC, for more information on events.

Recurring & Multi-Date Events:

Friday, September 22-Sunday, November 12

Harvest Holler Corn Maze
Location: 950 Tavares Road, Polk City 33868
Time: Begins Sept. 22, 4-8 p.m. Fridays; 12-8 p.m. Saturdays; 12-5 p.m. Sundays
Details: Admission includes an interactive corn maze, hayride, hay fort, corn cribs, tire swings, cow train, corn hole and pumpkin patch. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $8 youth (4-12 years). Kids 3 and under are free.

Friday, September 29-Saturday, November 4

The Shallow Grave
Location: 701 42nd St NW, Winter Haven
Time: Begins Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays
Details: The Shallow Grave is a highly detailed spine-tingling scare-fest that brings the Central Florida area something they have been missing. An intimate in your face, fear filled environment with custom themes and movie quality sets to put you in the midst of terror unlike anything you have experienced before. The cost is $27-$43.

Saturday, October 7-Sunday, October 29

Pumpkin Safari
Location: Safari Wilderness Ranch, 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland
Time: Begins Oct. 7, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays
Details: These special fall safaris include 45-minute customized vehicle tours, led by an experienced tour guides; guided walking tours of the small mammal house; visits to a free-flight aviary and petting zoo barn; one pumpkin for each visitor, which can be carved at the ranch and given to the animals for enrichment or taken home to decorate; and stops at craft and enrichment stations. Cost: $39 for one, $75 for 2, $145 for four

Sunday, October 8-Sunday, October 15

Polk Theatre’s Fall Movie Classics
Location: Polk Theatre, 121 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Details: Oct. 8 Jaws; Oct. 15 An American Werewolf in London. See events below for information on Hocus Pocus, Rocky Horror Picture Show & The Shining (Dinner & a Movie).

Thursday, October 12-Sunday, October 15

Lakeland Family Fair
Location: Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland
Time: Times vary (see below)
Details: Over 40 attractions including: 20+ rides, games and super food courts. Cost: $20 for unlimited rides, individual ride tickets also available.
Oct 12 (Thurs) – 5-10pm; Oct 13 (Fri) – 5-11pm; Oct 14 (Sat)- 2-11pm; Oct 15 (Sun)- 12- 9pm

Saturday, October 14-Tuesday, October 31

Brick-or-Treat
Location: LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven
Time: Begins Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays & Halloween Tuesday
Details: The Halloween party #BuiltForKids returns to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on weekends in October, featuring a LEGO® lineup of spooky, kooky, brick-tacular activities and extended park hours. Brick or Treat Presented by Shutterfly is included with park admission – no extra ticket required!

Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 22

Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival
Location: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland
Time: Vary over the weekend
Details: The annual event in Downtown Lakeland attracts over 40,000 spectators and draws top car collectors from across the southeast featuring a display of more than 650 show vehicles. Find the schedule at lakelandautoshow.com/schedule.

Friday, October 20-Saturday, October 28

Polk County Sheriff’s Haunted Jail Tour
Location: PCSO jail, 455 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow
Time: 6-11 p.m.
Details: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is hosting their annual Haunted Jail Tour to benefit the United Way of Central Florida. For the little ones who are too young, there will be a separate room with treats and games. Food and drink will be on sale. The tour costs $6, with proceeds going to United Way. Visitors will be taken through areas that include the morgue, infirmary, incinerator and jail.

Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 29

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Location: Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
Time: Begins Oct. 20, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays; 7:30-10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; 2-4:30 p.m. Sundays
Details: The brilliant tale of obsession and revenge, Sweeney Todd combines melodrama, murder – and “the worst pies in London” –with a sumptuous score by the incomparable Stephen Sondheim. Rated Mature. The cost is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (55 & up) and $15 for children (17 & under).

Friday, October 20-Tuesday, October 31

Buckingham Terror Haunted House
Location: 2600 Buckingham Ave., Lakeland
Time: October 20-21, 27-28, 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; October 22-26, 29-31, 7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Details: Buckingham Terror is a Haunted House that gives teens an avenue to express their creativity through the planning, building and implementation of a full working haunted house. Cost: $8 for 13 & up; $5 for 12 & under. Not intended for children under 10 or the faint of heart.

Begins Friday, October 20

Zombie Farm Paintball Hayride
Location: Smith Family Ranch, 13444 Moore Road, Lakeland
Time: Beginning Oct. 20, 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Details: Zombie Farm Paintball is a 20 minute hayride, in the dark, that takes you through Zombie Farm’s infectious zones. There have been reports of the living dead lurking in the night, especially around swampy areas. The ranch will supply you with a paintball gun for your protection against these creatures. Admission includes live zombies to shoot at, use of a paintball gun, 200 rounds of ammo and a narrated hayride. The cost is $30 per person.

Begins Saturday, October 21

CornFusion Crop Maze & Fall Festival
Location: Smith Family Ranch, 13444 Moore Road, Lakeland
Time: Begins Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays
Details: Join the Smith Family Ranch for a fun-filled day at CornFusion Fall Festival where you will find 20 acres of fun for all ages including a pumpkin patch, corn box, corn cannon, country store, cow train, miniature mazes, pony rides, and farm animals. Cost: $10 for adults, $9 for 4-15 yrs, Free for 3 & under and military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS

Friday, October 27-Saturday, October 28

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Location: Polk Theatre, Lakeland
Time: Part begins at 9pm; Movie at midnight
Details: Let’s do the TIME WARP again…The Polk Theatre continues its tradition of showing the ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and will feature the Original Lipstick Players as the Shadow Cast under the direction of Ferdinand DeJesus. Tickets are on sale online and in the office (9-5). $15 Prop bags will be available at the Door $5.

Saturday, October 27-Sunday, October 29

Pioneer Days Festival
Location: Lake Wailes, Lake Wales
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday
Details: There will be live entertainment on stage both days. Living history re-enactments, artisan and tradesmen demonstrations, pony rides, children’s activities, a Historic Architecture Carriage Tour, and an Antique Car Parade will showcase the weekend’s festivities.

Friday, November 3-Sunday, November 5

St. Joseph’s Annual Fall Carnival
Location: St. Joseph, 210 West Lemon Street, Lakeland
Time: Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Details: Check out St. Joseph’s annual fall carnival for fun! The cost of a day pass is $15 pre-sale or $20 at the gate.

Fall Events in Polk
Freepik.com

Single Date-Events:

Friday, October 6

Downtown Lakeland’s First Friday
Location: Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: This monthly event offers guests an evening of free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the opportunity to visit a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment. Each month, First Friday has a different theme, and special activities are provided to complement the theme. October’s theme will be “Celebrating Us, #LoveLakeland”.

Halloween Boo-gie Night Party
Location: Medulla Resource Center, 1049 Parker Road, Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Dance the night away at Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Halloween dance party. This free family event will feature a DJ, face-painting, a trick or treat village, coloring contests and a costume contest.

Saturday, October 7

Horror Fest
Location: Munn Park, Lakeland
Time: 4-9 p.m.
Details: Join us for the 3rd Annual Horror Fest in Downtown Lakeland for free family activities, vendors and the main stage event, sure to entertain all ages.

Thursday, October 12

Zombie Food Truck Rally
Location: Munn Park, Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Crawl on over to the October Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally and ZOMBIE bar crawl! Attendees are welcome to dressed in their best zombie garb to win prizes, and the bar crawl will begin at the conclusion of the food truck rally from 9pm-11pm.

Friday, October 13

Aqua Boo
Location: Gandy Pool, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Details: Join for a family fun evening at the pool featuring games, nachos and a kid-friendly movie. Normal pool entry of $4 or pass applies
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Party
Location: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, Winter Haven
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: Polk County Parks and Recreation presents this free Halloween party featuring music, light refreshments, arts & crafts, coloring contests and costume contests.

Main Street Winter Haven Oktoberfest
Location: Central Park, Winter Haven
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Join Main Street Winter Haven for the 11th Annual Oktoberfest sponsored by Victor Smith Law Group, P.A. and featuring beer, brats and live music. A Tasting Ticket is $25.

Pumpkinfest
Location: Winter Haven City Library, 325 Avenue A NW
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.
Details: Main Street Winter Haven, Inc will be hosting Oktoberfest for adults, while the City of Winter Haven will be hosting Pumpkinfest for children in kindergarten – 5th grade. Drop off your child or children while you attend Oktoberfest; they will enjoy games, decorating pumpkins and dinner. Cost: $10/child

Wednesday, October 18

Pep Homecoming Parade & Festival
Location: MILK Park on Lake Silver, Winter Haven
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Join the Public Education Partnership of Winter Haven, area schools and local organizations at the PEP Homecoming Parade & Festival. In addition to the parade and festival, there will be a performance by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team and a firework display.

Friday, October 20

Fall Festival of Fun
Location: Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: Bring your family out to Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center for a night of games, candy, refreshments, prizes, and more. Ages 6 – 13. This event is free.

Joggin’ for the Noggin 5K
Location: Polk State College – Lakeland, 3425 Winter Lake Rd
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Details: The 6th Annual Joggin’ for the Noggin! 5K to benefit Polk State College Foundation promises to be a fun and SCARY, Halloween themed race. Run, jog or walk this 3.1 race that includes gravel road, grass and a trek on the Fort Fraser Trail. The One Mile Walkin’ while Talkin’ is an option for those who want to support Polk students, but aren’t race enthusiasts. The run and walk will feature zombies on the trail to put pep in steps. This is a family-friendly event and will include a children’s fun run, adult and children’s costume contest, Zumba, face painting, music, and more.

The Story of An Undead World: A Rock Opera
Location: LKLD LIVE (STUDIO B, 202 N Mass Ave., Lakeland)
Time: 8-10 p.m.
Details: Born from the mind of Matthew Davis and Joshua McNair comes The Story of an Undead World. A musical with a heavy brutal experience that is like no other. Tickets available $5 advance.

Saturday, October 21

FallFest 2017
Location: Polk State College, 999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Details: Thousands trek to the campus each third Saturday in October to enjoy the event that features a craft show, the Kids Zone, music, police and EMS demonstrations, the Pumpkin Patch, food, Haunted House and more.

Fall Craft Fair & Sale
Location: Presbyterian Church in the Highlands, Lakeland
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Details: The 30th Annual Fall Craft Sale at Presbyterian Church in the Highlands will host 50 artisans, a baked good sale with sweets of all kinds, jams, and refreshments, concessions, and Lakeland’s Finest Pumpkin Patch. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Florida Dance Theatre Presents Dracula
Location: Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College
Time: 6 p.m.
Details: Join Florida Dance Theatre as they unearth a deadly foe at their first full-length ballet of the season, “Dracula”. This sensational selection has just the right amount of spooky, scary, and fun to make it entertaining for all. Cost is: $75

Haunted Halloween Hayride & Happenings
Location: Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Details: Polk County Parks & Recreation’s 21st Annual Haunted Halloween Hayride & Happenings event offers a fun and safe alternative to traditional “trick or treating” while offering attractions such as a hayride to a haunted walking trail, carnival games, live entertainment, a trick or treat village, costume contest and pie -eating contest. Advance tickets on sale Oct. 2 – Oct. 20 and include a hayride wristband.

Hocus Pocus at the Polk Theatre
Location: Polk Theatre, 121 Florida Avenue S, Lakeland
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:05 p.m.
Details: Join the Polk Theatre for a showing of the 1993 Halloween film, Hocus Pocus. Rated PG. The cost is $5.

Rootstock Plant & Garden Festival
Location: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Details: Bok Tower Gardens’ signature fall plant sale debuts ROOTSTOCK featuring dozens of plant vendors, local musical artists, healthy cuisine and a spectacular display of seasonal foliage. This festival marks the start of Florida’s gardening season, and admission is free both days. Cost: $10

Thursday, October 26

75th Annual Crickette Club Parade & Carnival
Location: Downtown Bartow & Mosaic Park, Bartow
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Details: Bartow’s favorite family tradition is better than ever featuring rides for tots and teens, expanded food selections including food trucks, new games, costume contest for store-bought and homemade, Crickette Club’s famous cake walk, drawing for $500, $300, and $100 Visa cards, Bingo and more. All proceeds benefit the Bartow area Girl Scouts and the Bartow Community. Parade is free with the Carnival to follow at Mosaic Park.

Safe Haven Halloween
Location: Freedom Park, Polk City
Time: 5-8:30 p.m.
Details: Join in the annual spooky fun for the entire family featuring free popcorn and candy, delicious food, a cupcake walk for tiny tots, carnival games and prizes, tug-o-war, three legged races, potato-sack races, and costume contests.

Friday, October 27

Halloween Spooktacular
Location: Wabash Community Center, 1230 Southern Ave., Lakeland
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: This Polk County Parks & Rec event is free and will feature costume and coloring contests, trick or treating, and more.

Hold On, I know This! Halloween Edition
Location: Lkld Live (Studio B, 202N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Details: Nick Allred & Benedict Heaps return to host a special Halloween themed installment of the funniest quiz show in town. Tickets $10 adv / $15 day of show

Spooktoberfest
Location: Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Ave., Eloise
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: This Polk County Parks & Rec event is free and will feature costume and coloring contests, trick or treating, and more.

The Nightmare Before Christmas – Movie on the Lawn
Location: 100 E Main St, Bartow
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Details: Bring your blanket or chairs to Main Street Bartow for an outdoor showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas on the lawn. Restaurants open for carry out or bring a picnic dinner. Movie begins at dusk. The cost is free.

Saturday, October 28

20th Annual Lakeland Hispanic Festival
Location: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland
Time: 12-8 p.m.
Details: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month during the 20th Annual Hispanic Festival of Lakeland featuring traditional and contemporary Latin American culture with live performances, authentic cuisine and children’s activities. Cost: adults $5.00, children 12 and under free

Evil Never Dies – Murder Mystery Dinner
Location: Ramon Theater, 15 E Wall St, Frostproof
Time: 6 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a dinner at the theater while trying to solve this fall-themed murder mystery. Tickets cost $40.

Ghouls Day Out
Location: MLK Jr. Park, Winter Haven
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Details: The City of Winter Haven presents this free event including a kid’s game area, music, a Halloween costume contest, food vendors and a trick-or-treat village.

Halloween Festival
Location: Lewis Matthews Complex, 400 E. Palm Street, Davenport
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: Enjoy free hot dogs and drinks, trunk or treat, costume contests, Touch a Truck, and games & activities.

Halloween Water Ski Show
Location: Lake Silver, Winter Haven
Time: 7 p.m.
Details: Enjoy this special ‘Spooktacular’ Ski Show on Lake Silver by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. There will be a costume contest before the show at 7 p.m. for ages 0-16. Free.

Harvest Festival
Location: Spence Field, 1100 NE 1st Street, Mulberry
Time: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a night of fun featuring vendors, pony rides, hay rides, candy, trunk-or-treat, games, a hay bale maze and a Bluegrass band!

Lakeside Village Halloween Bash
Location: Lakeside Village, Lakeland
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Details: The event will feature three costume contests for kids in different age groups, a DJ hosting games with kid-friendly music, face painting, a photo booth, a strolling magician and fun prizes! There also will be trick or treating throughout the village. The event is free.

Monster Mash Costume Party
Location: Lkld Live (Studio B, 202 N Mass Ave., Lakeland)
Time: 7-11 p.m.
Details: Grab to ticket to this special Halloween fundraiser for the opportunity to perform on the LkldLive stage. There will be a lip sync battle and karaoke all night with prizes for best costumes throughout the evening. The best way to pre-party for your Saturday night Halloween extravaganza! Tickets $5 adv / $10 day of event

Munn Park Extravaganza
Location: Munn Park, Lakeland
Time: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Details: The 33rd Annual “Munn Park Extravaganza”, presented by the Garden Club of Lakeland Inc. will offer over 50 vendors featuring a variety of plants, flowers, trees, and garden-related art for sale. A new plant introduction will be presented by Bill Koen from the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation.

Sunday, October 29

Fall Festival
Location: Lake Eva Park, Haines City
Time: 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Details: NorthRidge Church present this annual fall festival featuring your same favorite free elements and a few extras such as inflatables, food, games, train rides, Ident-A-Kid, Fire Department exhibits, by the Polk County Sherriff’s Office SWAT and Rescue teams, and candy.

Fall Festival
Location: Scott Lake Baptist Church, 5811 Scott Lake Rd, Lakeland
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Details: This fall festival is a Halloween alternative for families that want to make one stop for all the fun, food, and candy they desire for Halloween. Scott Lake Baptist will have plenty of candy, car show, inflatables, dodgeball, gaga ball, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, and more. Free event.

Family Fall Festival
Location: Beymer Church, 700 Lake Howard Dr. NW, Winter Haven
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Details: Stop by for free food, games, candy, a chili cook-off and more.

Harvest Party – Fall Festival
Location: Kathleen Baptist Church, 3939 2nd St. NW, Lakeland
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Details: You and your family are invited. There will be food, games, candy, bounce houses, horses, and much more.

Trunk or Treat 2017
Location: First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Details: This fall has been tough for our community and many families have experienced disruption and trauma. Take a break from the stresses of storm recovery, and take a photo in the pumpkin patch or at one of our photo booths and enjoy dinner, games and candy in a safe environment. Family-friendly costumes for children are welcome. Adults, please refrain from costumes with masks.

Trunk or Treat
Location: Highland Park Church, 4777 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Details: Bring your family and friends to Trunk or Treat with us at Highland Park Church. Enjoy a little time out with your family at this free, safe, and fun community event. Kona Ice will be here to help keep you cool.

Tuesday, October 31

6th Annual Fall Festival
Location: 124 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: The 6th Annual Fall Festival Celebration presented by Just Cares, Inc. is a free, community event. The goal is to fill the streets in Downtown Lakeland with families looking for an alternative to Halloween by providing a safe environment where they can have fun and spend quality time as a family.

Boo! Bash
Location: Explorations V, Lakeland
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 4-6 p.m.
Details: Celebrate safely during a fun-filled morning of Halloween games, food and activities for the youngest crowd. Join in by wearing kid-friendly costumes. Included with admission/membership.

Dinner & a Movie – The Shining
Location: Polk Theatre, Lakeland
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Details: Enjoy dinner featuring a menu of ribs, chicken, Johnny Cakes, beans, redrum & Jack Daniels cupcakes, popcorn and a drink and then enjoy the featured film, The Shining. Tickets are $22 for dinner & a movie or $5 for the movie only.

Halloween Flashlight Egg Hunt
Location: Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Details: Join the Parks & Recreation Department for a fun, free, safe event at the Simpson Park Community Center on Halloween. There will be fun group activities inside and then an egg hunt outside for Halloween treats. BYOF (Bring Your Own Flashlight)

Mall-O-Ween
Location: Eagle Ridge Mall, Lake Wales
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Details: Bring your ghouls and goblins to Eagle Ridge Mall for a SPOOKtacular evening of free family fun, music, games, prizes and sweet treats! Get your photo taken to enter the costume contest. Five finalists from each age group (0-5, 5-13 and 14+), and shoppers will vote for their favorites from November 2-9th in the food court. 1st-3rd Place gift card prizes will be given in each age group (1st: $100, 2nd: $50, 3d: $25).

Trunk or Treat Annual Fall Festival
Location: Trinity Christian Center, 4416 E County Road 540A, Lakeland
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: This free event will feature food, games, bounce houses, a photo booth, face painting, balloon animal and candy.

Saturday, November 4

Belk Charity Day Sale
Location: Belk at Lakeside Village
Time: 6-10 a.m. (and later)
Details: Purchase your $5 Charity Sale ticket to support the Learning Resource Center or other local organizations and schools. Get $5 off your first purchase and save on rarely discounted brands! The first 100 customers to arrive on Saturday, Nov. 4 will receive a free gift card. The pre-sale dates are Oct. 23 – Nov. 3. Pick up your ticket at the Learning Resource Center or other participating organizations.

Fall-O-Ween-Fest
Location: East Park Complex, Dundee
Time: 10 a.m.- 2p.m.
Details: Bring the family out for fall festivities.

Kathleen Area Historical Society’s Fall Bazaar
Location: Heritage Park, Kathleen, 8950 N Campbell Rd. Lakeland
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Details: Enjoy this Kathleen tradition where you’ll find cane grinding/syrup making, a pioneer life exhibit, rummage sale, children’s activities, live music, food and more. Vendors and other nonprofit organizations will be in attendance. Admission is free.

Saturday, November 11

Lakeland LuLaPalooza
Location: R.P. Funding Center, Lakeland
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Details: Come out to this amazing LuLaRoe shopping opportunity featuring 30 consultants and more than 20,000 pieces of inventory.

Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run
Where: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland
Time: 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Details: The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., is a family event where adults can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and children can participate in the Kids Fun Run. We invite the community to join in the exciting 2017 Red Ribbon events on Saturday, November 11th that include a special tribute to our area’s Veterans.

The Big Event
Location: Frances Ford Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror Amphitheatre, Lakeland
Time: 4-10 p.m.
Details: The BIG Event Lakeland is a free music fest featuring local businesses, makers and delicious food. The event kicks off with the Red Ribbon Run Corporate Award and the Watson Clinic Poster Contest Award, immediately followed by a special Salute to Veterans by Green Construction. Then, enjoy non-stop entertainment.

Related Posts:
2016 Fall Festivals & Events
2015 Fall Festivals & Events

October 6, 2017/by mdmllc

News

LRC Named Polk’s 2017 Best Learning Center

The Learning Resource Center has been named Polk County’s Best Learning Center of 2017.

LRC learned of this distinction at The Ledger’s awards ceremony on the evening of September 21 at the R.P. Funding Center. The top three winners of each category were first revealed leading up to the announcement of overall winners.

The Ledger created The Best of the Best awards in 2016. Adding new categories including the Learning Center/Tutor category, the 2017 contest gave the public the opportunity to vote for their favorites in 149 categories during two installments. In the first round, individuals were able to submit their nomination daily in any or all of the 149 categories, which ranged from education and dining to shopping and services (among others). The second round began in mid July and allowed voters the chance to select one of the top five nominations in each category daily over two weeks. More than 450,000 votes were cast throughout the competition. Succeeding the two rounds, The Ledger revealed the best local business winners during a banquet in late September. The winners were also published in the newspaper following the ceremony.

About LRC
The Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. is a nonprofit, United Way educational provider. LRC has a proud 42-year history of offering high-quality academic programs to help students maximize their learning potential. For more information, please visit LRC online at LRCPolk.com or call 863.688.9477.