Six Upcoming Winter Events to Attend

Bark in the Park

Calling all dog lovers (aka everyone) to come out to Riverside Park January 10 for a fun day supporting the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. It’s especially important this year, because last year’s Bark in the Park had to be canceled due to the enormous mountain of mulched yard debris occupying Riverside Park during Hurricane Milton tornado cleanup. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. There will be Frisbee dogs, comedic stunt dogs, dock-diving dogs, a law enforcement K9 demonstration, a lure course, a costume contest, food trucks, music, a kids zone, and vendors of cool pet products. Friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome on a maximum 6-foot unretractable leash. All the information is on hsvb.org, and HSVB can be reached at 772-388-3331.

“All Rodriguez: The Trios”

Ballet Vero Beach presents a program titled “All Rodriguez: The Trios,” featuring the choreography of its ballet master and principal dancer, Camilo A. Rodriguez, whom BVB describes as “sometimes neoclassical, often contemporary, and always irreverent.” There will be three performances at the VBHS Performing Arts Center (1707 16th St.): Friday, January 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 17 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $90. The three contrasting trios will be Tunics and Tutus, Sheer Vibration, and While There’s Still Music. Call the box office at 772-564-5537 or see balletverobeach.org.

“Florigami in the Garden”

From January 18 through May 24, McKee Botanical Garden will be home to its centennial exhibition, “Florigami in the Garden.” This fascinating collection comprises 17 metal sculptures that are built on a monumental scale but inspired by something quite delicate: the Japanese paper-folding art of origami. They are the work of Santa Fe artists Kevin and Jennifer Box, created in collaboration with modern origami masters Te Jui Fu, Robert J. Lang, Michael G. LaFosse, and Beth Johnson. The theme is plant pollination, and the sculptures represent flowers, butterflies, birds, and even grazing deer. Admission fees are $20 for adults and $15 for children. Veterans and active military members are also admitted for $15. You can contact McKee at 772-794-0601 or mckeegarden.org.

Prague Philharmonia

On January 20, the Indian River Symphonic Association will welcome the Prague Philharmonia for a 7:30 p.m. concert at Community Church (1901 23rd St.). Under the baton of Emmanuel Villaume, the orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture; Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3, featuring soloist Blake Pouliot; and Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88, B. 163, with piano soloist Andrew von Oeyen. Tickets are $90. For more information, call 772-778-1070 or visit irsymphonic.org.

Valentine Ball

Don your black-tie best, take your valentine by the hand, and head over to Oak Harbor’s clubhouse (4755 S. Harbor Drive) February 7 to support United Against Poverty of Indian River County. The Valentine Ball starts with a cocktail reception and silent auction kickoff at 6 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner and live auction. Then A.J. Saxx and his band will bring the jazz as guests take to the dance floor. Tickets are $250, and all proceeds support UP’s work helping people break the cycle of poverty. To learn more, call 772-770-0740, ext. 204 or see thevalentineballvero.org.

Gardenfest!

Attention plant people: the Garden Club of Indian River County will hold its 24th annual Gardenfest! February 7–8 at Riverside Park. As always, vendors will be on hand with a botanical bonanza as well as garden furniture and accessories, including pottery, fountains, lighting, and much more. There will also be food trucks, raffles, and children’s crafts. Admission is free, and, as you may know, many people arrive with a wagon in tow. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, see gardenclubofirc.org or call the Garden Club at 772-567-4602.