Community in Action

Firefighters’ Fair

For the 45th year, Indian River County residents and visitors will enjoy the Firefighters’ Fair, to be held at the county fairgrounds (7955 58th Ave.) March 14–23. Returning this year is the demolition derby, and, for the first time, a rodeo will be part of the fair’s lineup. Country singer Chris Cagle will perform March 22. Additional events include the popular cowboy circus, a magic show, youth livestock events, the firefighter training show, the Off Axis stunt performers, and much more—not to mention all the rides and fair foods. Admission is $10 for ages 6 to adult; $8 for seniors, military members, and first responders; and free for children under 6. Ride tickets are extra. The fair opens at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends. See firefightersfair.org for all the details; for further questions, call 772-571-FAIR (3247).

Fundraising Dinner

The Buggy Bunch welcomes Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon, former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and 2016 presidential candidate, as guest speaker at their Annual Fundraising Dinner Saturday, March 15. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction, and dinner will be provided by Wild Thyme Catering. Guests will enjoy music by Stott and Friends Strings and will also hear from families who have benefited from The Buggy Bunch’s free programs and services. Tickets are $100. The venue is the Corporate Air hangar at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport (3450B Airport West Drive). For more information, go to thebuggybunch.com or call 772-226-0066.

National Symphony Orchestra

The Indian River Symphonic Association welcomes the National Symphony Orchestra for a concert at Community Church of Vero Beach (1901 23rd St.) on Thursday, March 20. The NSO will be joined by renowned violinist Hilary Hahn, who took up the instrument at age 4 and was admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute at age 10. The program will include Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances, Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $125. For more information, see irsymphonic.org or call the IRSA at 772-778-1070.

Bingo Luncheon

With an Alice in Wonderland theme this year, Senior Resource Association’s Bingo Luncheon will take place March 24 at Oak Harbor Clubhouse (4755 S. Harbor Drive), presented by Coastal Concierge Services and Trudie Rainone. It’s a lively event featuring four rounds of bingo, raffles, and a silent auction, and it serves as an important fundraiser supporting SRA’s services for local seniors. The action starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m.; tickets are $150. SRA’s website, seniorresourceassociation.org, provides plenty of information, and those with additional questions can call 772-569-0760, ext. 134.

Bari Weiss

Journalist Bari Weiss will discuss media and politics as the third of four speakers in this season’s Distinguished Lecturer Series at Riverside Theatre March 31. Weiss has worked for both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She is also the founder and editor of the online newsletter The Free Press and host of the podcast Honestly. The Pittsburgh native writes on many aspects of current events, including anti-Semitism. She will speak at 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $130 to view the event in person on the Stark Main Stage and $88 for the Waxlax Theatre simulcast. Contact Riverside at 772-231-6990 and riversidetheatre.com.