Meeting followed by a busy Saturday in the Cloud
A public meeting on Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study on the Hickory Tree Road widening, an approximately 11-mile long project from between its two intersections with U.S. Highway 192 takes place on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the St. Cloud Community Center, 3101 17th St. This study will evaluate widening the existing 2-lane road to a 4-lane divided urban roadway. This project is not yet funded for design or construction.
The 18th Annual Redneck Gala will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 5-10 p.m. at the Hastings Ranch and Farm (1550 Dolphin Dr.), and will be held regardless of weather. This fun-filled evening boasts live entertainment, Redneck games, beer, wine and a steak dinner with all the fixings. The silent auction has never seen before items to bid on. The Redneck Gala is a fundraiser to help support the efforts of the St. Cloud Main Street program in their mission for economic development and historic preservation in Historic Downtown St. Cloud. Tickets are $75 per person, corporate tables (seats 8) are $600.To purchase tickets, go to https:// bit.ly/RNGtickets.
Also on Saturday, the St. Cloud Women’s Club Heritage Museum (1014 Massachusetts Ave.) will hold its annual tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will be able to purchase a guide book of Downtown St. Cloud, Then & Now for $10. While you are there, stay and listen to stories from long-time residents.
Later in the day, Downtown St. Cloud presents Winter Wonderland from 5-9 p.m. This festive evening features pop-up vendors, food trucks, music and fun for the kids. There will be plenty of winter themed photo ops available, snow effects and a guest appearance from Frosty. Face painting and hair tinsel will be available. Downtown shops will be open extended hours for the evening.
St. Cloud Main Street and the City of St. Cloud are now accepting applications for their collaborative program to recognize historic buildings within the City limits. Homes that meet eligibility criteria can apply or be nominated for a Historic Preservation Award or Historic Plaque. For more information and to access the application form, go to https://bit.ly/41L7Nq4.
Stop by the St. Cloud Library on Monday, Jan. 27 from 1011 a.m. and Meet the Garden Expert. Enhance your gardening skills with the support of the University of Florida/IFAS Master Gardener volunteers. This team of trained volunteers will help with your gardening questions and challenges. Afterwards, stick around for the UF/IFAS Gardening Series: Orchids. Navigate the essentials of growing and caring for these flowers that are diverse and vibrant.
On Tuesday the 28th, from 2-3 p.m., learn how to build, manage and protect your business with Business Finance Basics presented by Truist Bank. Later that evening, find out how lucky you are when you win Bingo and great books 6-7 p.m. in the Robert Fiske room.
And, next week is the Friends of the Veterans Memorial Library book sale on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 1-7 p.m., Friday the 31st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 1st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost to restock your home library is $5 per reusable shopping bag.
Osceola Reads will be celebrating Literacy Week at Wild Florida, on Saturday, Jan. 25 starting at 10 a.m.. This event is about promoting the joy and importance of reading. Events include book themed games, literacy activities and a chance to meet real life gators. There will also be door prizes, animal backpacks and raffle tickets for special prizes. RSVP to www.OsceolaReads.com and click on Events.
