Five Cultural Events to Enjoy in Vero Beach

“Leave Only Footprints”

On March 9, Vero Beach Museum of Art’s International Lecture Series welcomes Emmy Award–winning CBS correspondent Conor Knighton with what is sure to be a fascinating presentation: “Leave Only Footprints: My Journey Through Every National Park.” In an epic undertaking, Knighton visited every U.S. national park in one year, and he will share entertaining, informative, and inspiring stories of his experiences and encounters. The presentation will take place at 4:30 p.m. in the Holmes Great Hall, and tickets are $130 for VBMA members and $160 for nonmembers. For the streaming option or the Leonhardt Auditorium simulcast, tickets are $90 for members and $110 nonmembers. For more details, see vbmuseum.org or call 772-231-0707.

Firefighters’ Fair

The 46th annual Firefighters’ Fair will take place March 13–22 at the Indian River County Fairgrounds (7955 58th Ave.). The Bellamy Brothers will headline the musical entertainment with a show March 14 at 7 p.m. (Tickets are $25, separate from fair entry tickets). Other highlights include the demolition derby March 15 and the rodeo March 22. The action-packed fair will also offer a firefighter training demonstration for children, a cowboy circus, a magician, the Scales Tails and Teeth reptile road show, crafts, livestock, and of course all the great rides and fair food. Monday through Friday, the fair opens at 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays it’s 1 p.m. Admission is $10, and children under 6 get in free. Much more information can be found at firefightersfair.org, and event staff can be reached at 772-571-FAIR (3247).

Blue Jeans & BBQ

On March 14, from 6 to 9 p.m., Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast will once again hold the enjoyable Blue Jeans and Barbecue at its scenic barn (7065 37th St.), which will be lit up and decorated for the occasion. The evening will include appetizers, a catered barbecue dinner under the stars, beer and wine, dessert, music, a silent auction, a giving tree, and a riding demonstration showcasing the gentle horses that foster confidence and a sense of achievement in the people with special needs who are served by the nonprofit. Tickets are $125. For more information, visit specialequestrianstreasurecoast.org or call 772-562-7603.

St. Martin in the Fields

On March 16, the Indian River Symphonic Association will welcome the esteemed Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, which is approaching the 70th year since its founding by Sir Neville Marriner. Today, the orchestra is directed by violinist Joshua Bell, an American former child prodigy who became a soloist at 14 and made his Carnegie Hall debut at 17. He will wield his 1713 Stradivarius on Camille Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 61. Other selections will include Charles Ives’ Variations on “America” (better known colloquially as “My Country, ’Tis of Thee”), arranged by Iain Farrington, and Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 38 “Spring.” Tickets are $125, and the concert will take place at Community Church of Vero Beach (1901 23rd St.) at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, see irsymphonic.org or call 772-778-1070.

Concours in the Oaks

For nearly half a century, the Antique Automobile Club of America, Indian River Region has been holding its annual Antique Auto Show in Riverside Park. And now, reflecting its distinguished history, the event has a new name: Concours in the Oaks. About 325 shiny antique cars are expected to arrive at the park March 21; they will be judged in 17 classes and viewed by some 6,000 attendees between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free, and proceeds from entrants’ registration fees will go to United Against Poverty. There will be food trucks, a DJ, a silent auction, and a 50/50 drawing. For more information, see indianriver.aaca.com.