‘Jurassic Quest’ in JAX for three days

The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is BACK, BIGGER and BETTER than EVER! More than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs are roaring back from extinction to delight Jacksonville-area families when “Jurassic Quest®” heads to the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.

Jurassic Quest is one of the first indoor family edutainment shows to re-launch since March 2020 due to the pandemic and will come with its most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more.

Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon! Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!

Loved by millions, only Jurassic Quest can bring families memories this BIG! The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago. Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved.

DATES & TIMES:
Fri., Dec. 17 (1- 8 p.m.)
Sat., Dec. 18 (9 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Sun., Dec. 19 (9 a.m.- 8 p.m.)

ADMISSION: Advance purchase online recommended: Cost for entry (Offpeak / Peak): Kids & Adults: $19 / $22; Seniors: $18 / $20.
Kids Unlimited Rides (Includes Entry): $33 / $36
Activity Tickets On Site: $5
Premium Activities (Animal Art Tattoos & Green Screen Photo): $15
Offpeak hours are weekdays (all day) and weekends after 3 p.m.
Free entry for children under 2. 

TICKETS & LOGISTICS:
Tickets start at $19 at www.jurassicquest.com or on-site, and include a 100% ticket guarantee that in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Some venues may have wheelchairs for use, but please contact the venue in advance to make arrangements.

General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site for $5 each, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Green screen photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost. Entry is free for children under age 2.

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204

‘Christmas Made In The South’ is back

Due to the unforeseen COVID- 19 pandemic, “Christmas Made In the South” was cancelled in 2020; well, the city's favorite Small Business shopping experience will be back this weekend at the Prime Osborn Center, for your shopping enjoyment & convenience.

To answer your question, “Christmas Made in the South” is a show presented by Carolina Shows that featured ‘hand-crafted items. The 2010 Jacksonville, Florida event featured over 232 Local (and out-of-town) artists and vendors selling one-of-a kind merchandise.

There was an abundance of food, pillows, hair bows, wrought iron sculptures, calligraphy, doll clothes, dog wear, rubber stamps, hammocks, puzzles, gadgets, books, boomerangs, birdhouses, stuffed animals, candles, artwork, sweaters, scarves & other clothing, pictures, paintings, calendars, pottery, grills, shoes, toys, educational components, plaques, jewelry, garden decor, glass art, lamps, baby items, coasters, things for the hunter and many, many, many, beautiful Christmas decorations.

After walking the outskirts of the booths and then zigzagging up and down the aisles, this writer covered the entire show in about three exciting hours. There was so much to see and people were more than ready to explain how they made their wares.

Customers weren’t just looking; they were walking out with bag and bags of goodies to give and keep for themselves. So, call a friend and let a neighbor know that you can’t keep a good show down. See you there!!!

Regarding COVID-19, Carolina Shows will be following all state and local mandates in your area. They recommend vaccinations and masks if you are unvaccinated. Their staff will follow all standard COVID-19 protocols. For anyone concerned about the crowds, they suggest that they come later in the afternoon - much slower traffic.

“Christmas Made In The South”

DATES:
November 26 – Dec. 28, 2021
TIMES: Fri. 9-6 – Sat. 10-6 – Sun. 11-5
(one admission is good for all 3 days with a hand stamp)

TICKETS: may be purchased onsite.
Adults: $8 – Children 12 & Under: FREE
$1.00 off Ticket with ‘discount coupon’ from PUBLIX

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204

ASM Global and Jaxevents launch new app

ASM Global Jacksonville has just launched an updated version of the JaxEvents app presented by VyStar Credit Union! The new app will be the ultimate resource for all event information, promotions, deals, giveaways and updates at the ASM Global-managed City of Jacksonville owned sports and entertainment venues.

The new mobile app’s features include the ability to buy and store event tickets through Ticketmaster, pre-purchased event parking through ParkWhiz and mobile ordering of food and beverages at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, all directly through the JaxEvents app!  Premium partners of VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena can also purchase tickets and manage their accounts through the JaxEvents app.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, TIAA Bank Field, The Ritz Theatre and Museum, The Prime Osborn Convention Center, 121 Financial Ballpark and Daily’s Place are making updates to ensure the guest experience at the City of Jacksonville venues is safe, fast, convenient and more enjoyable than ever. “The new JaxEvents app has been designed to better serve guests as we welcome them back to live events,” said ASM Global General Manager, Bill McConnell.  “We believe the transition to mobile ticketing and contactless transactions will be an additional level of convenience and comfort for guests as they return to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena,” McConnell added.

All users who download the app by Thursday, December 10 will receive a promotion code for 20% off their mobile concessions orders at the upcoming Icemen games at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena through December.

The JaxEvents app is available now for both Apple and Android phones. Download today at the App Store or Google Play. For more information, follow them on social media at: Facebook: @jaxevents; Instagram: @vystarvetarena & Twitter: @jaxevents.

ABOUT ASM GLOBAL: ASM Global-Jacksonville manages seven sports, entertainment, and convention venues on behalf of the City of Jacksonville. Our beautiful venues include:
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett and home to the Arena Bowl Champions Jacksonville Sharks, the ABA Jacksonville Giants, the Jacksonville IceMen and nominated for the 2020 ‘Arena of the Year’ at the 55th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida-Georgia, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and Monster Jam.
Daily’s Place, a 5,500 seat amphitheater with concert programming year-round and an indoor practice facility for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
121 Financial Ballpark, home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Florida vs FSU Baseball

The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, stage to Broadway and music elite like Wicked, James Taylor and Diana Ross; and home of the FSCJ Artist Series and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a historic renovated train station providing a unique venue for meetings, social events and conventions.
The Ritz Theatre and Museum, located in Jacksonville’s historic African American community of LaVilla, celebrating the artistic culture of African American life in Northeast Florida and the African Diaspora with museum exhibits, concerts, films, lectures, dance and dramatic arts.

Committed to the Jacksonville community, the guests that enjoy their venues and the clients that utilize them, ASM Global-Jacksonville provides the ultimate event experience in Northeast Florida. ASM Global was formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities, the global innovator in live entertainment venues, and SMG, the gold standard in event management. ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. As the world’s most trusted venue manager, ASM Global provides venue strategy and management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. Among the venues in our portfolio are landmark facilities such as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Conference Centre in Shenzhen, China. ASM Global also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies.

Get ready for ‘Christmas Made in the South 2019’

To answer your question, “Christmas Made in the South” is a show presented by Carolina Show’s Inc. that featured ‘hand-crafted items.  Last year the Jacksonville, Florida event featured over 250 local artists and out-of-town vendors selling one-of-a-kind merchandise.  The 31st event will be right after Thanksgiving.

There is an abundance of food, pillows, hair bows, wrought iron sculptures, calligraphy, doll clothes, dog wear, rubber stamps, hammocks, puzzles, gadgets, books, boomerangs, birdhouses, stuffed animals, candles, artwork, sweaters, scarves & other clothing, pictures, paintings, calendars, pottery, grills, shoes, toys, educational components, plaques, jewelry, garden decor, glass art, lamps, baby items, coasters, things for the hunter and many, many, many, beautiful Christmas decorations.

After walking the outskirts of the booths and then zigzagging up and down the aisles, this writer covered the entire show in about three exciting hours.  There was so much to see and people were more than ready to explain how they made their wares.  It is a wonderful experience!

Customers weren’t just looking; they were walking out with bag and bags of goodies to give to others and keep for themselves.  This year’s event will continue to be the best shopping experience here in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

Below are some of the vendors and their websites that were here in the past.  Get ready to attend this year, and see if you can find any of these companies.  Be on the lookout for gifts to please that special someone in your life.  Take a look at some of the vendors below from prior CMITS events here in JAX, FL. and see if they return this year:

Bridget & Pauley Gourmet Soups & Dips	Incredible Eggs (Eggzkwizit Art)
Iris Korthauer Doily Boutique	Brooms and Boxes (A Shaker Tradition)
Wings of Faith (Inspiration & Keepsake Line)	Nut ‘n’ Better
U Name It Bears	Picturesque Wires
ABA Collectables	Nutty Bavarian
MIOTG (Hand Painted Crystal Nail Files)	R.B.W. Enterprise

Thanks to Russ, Bob Hunt, and Allison, of Carolina Shows Inc., who have been so hospitable to this Blogger.

“Christmas Made In The South”

DATES:
November 29 - Dec. 1, 2019
Fri. 9-6 - Sat. 10-6 - Sun. 11-5
(one admission is good for all 3 days with a hand stamp)

TICKETS: may be purchased onsite.
Adults: $8 – Children 12 & Under: FREE
$1.00 off Coupons with ‘discount coupon’ link

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204

2019 Southern Women’s Show is coming to JAX

The “Southern Women’s Show” will be back in Jacksonville, Florida from Thursday October 17th. to Sunday October 20, 2019.  You can enjoy over 300 vendor booths throughout the Prime Osborn Center.  There will be clothing, accessories, home decor, wine, gifts, make-up, gourmet products, crafts, live music, fashion shows, loads of freebies and “delicious foods”.

If you’ve previously attended the Southern Women’s Show, or this is your first time, you will be excited to know that special days have been designated for you again this year.  “Girls Night Out” will be Friday October 18 and a Complimentary Signature Cocktail with coupon; “Celebrating Women in Education”- FREE admission with Valid School ID at the Box Office for teachers and staff all weekend.  Saturday is “Mother Daughter Day”!

Saluting Women Veterans and Active Military, Police, Fire and Rescue – FREE admission all weekend with ID at the Box Office.  Visit the box office and show your military id card to receive one free admission (Acceptable Military ID Cards: Uniformed Service ID Card, State Issued Driver’s License or ID Card with Veteran designation, Department of Veteran Affairs ID Card) Military and First Responder Men are Welcome as well!

Val Chmerkovskiy will appear Saturday, October 19 to share the behind-the-scenes details of filming “Dancing with the Stars,” what it was like to grow up as an immigrant in Brooklyn, how he achieved career success amidst the ups and downs, and what others can learn from his inspirational life experiences in pursuit of their own dreams.

There are also a few fine Department Stores that have created a mini venue for your shopping convenience.  If you’ve missed it before – don’t miss it again.  Get your friends, family and coworker’s together as you make-a-day-of-it at the “2019 Southern Women’s Show” in Jacksonville, Florida.

“Southern Women’s Show”
DATES:         TIMES:
Thurs. Oct. 17, 2019  10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 18     10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 19     10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun. Oct. 20     11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: Prime Osborn Center    
                1000 Water St.
    Jacksonville, Florida 32204

Tickets: Advanced Adults $10 online
    Admission at the door: $12
    $4 After 4pm: Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Tickets                   Purchased at the Door.
    Youth 6 – 12 yrs. $6
    Children under 6 FREE with paying adult
    Groups: $8.00 (10 or More; Advance Only)
    Parking $5 per car

‘Disney On Ice - Dare To Dream’ comes to JAX

Disney’s Moana voyages onto the ice for the first time as “Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream”, produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., brings courage and adventure to hometowns across North America.  Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas and snow-covered mountains in this action-packed extravaganza when beloved characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled and Cinderella visit Jacksonville, Florida from April 4 to 7, 2019 at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for 8 performances.

Believe in what’s possible as five Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all in Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream!  In her Disney On Ice debut, see how far Moana will go in an epic adventure with demigod, Maui, to save her island and discover her true identity.  Join Belle as she fearlessly befriends the enchanted castle staff and reveals the Beast’s gentleness.  Experience Anna’s devotion to her sister, Elsa, on her life-changing journey to stop an eternal winter.  Explore with Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Cinderella and friends from around the Disney Kingdom as they find the heart and determination to overcome obstacles and make their dreams come true.  Journey with Mickey and Minnie to uncover why no goal is too big when we find the strength to shape our own destiny at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream!

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to celebrate family and tradition with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco in a special sing-a-long guest appearance.  Discover your inner hero when Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream comes to your hometown!  Check HERE for the show in a location near you.

To sign up to be a Feld Preferred member and to receive presale alerts please visit HERE.  Stay current on the latest developments through social media: Facebook, Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #100YearsofMagic, YouTube, or Instagram: @DisneyOnIce.

Disney On Ice
“Dare to Dream”

DATES:      TIMES:
Thurs., Apr. 4, 2019 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Apr. 5   10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sat. Apr. 6   11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sun. Apr. 7    1 p.m. & 5 p.m.


TICKETS: start at $15.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online, by calling (800) 745-3000, or by visiting the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Office at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

LOCATION: JAX Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

Christmas Made in the South 2018 in JAX

So, you’ve already made plans for the day after Thanksgiving, then you must add a trip to the Prime Osborn Center.  If you need to get, your Aunt Mary, Uncle Tate, your brother and sister-in-love, a one-of-a-kind special gift; then you’ll want to attend this special shopping experience.  It’s not too late to start making plans for your upcoming “Black Friday” or “Small Business Saturday” here in the greater Jacksonville, Florida area.  Find that unique gift at “Christmas Made in the South” 30th annual event.

What is Christmas Made in the South?  Well, this is a show (presented by Carolina Show’s) that is coming to Jacksonville for 3 days only.  The event features hundreds of local (and out-of-town) artists and venders selling unique items such as: gourmet foods, clothes, handbags, jewelry, pottery, personalized tree ornaments, lamps, woven goods, specialty coffees, furniture, photography, Christmas specialties & She-Crab Soup mixes; just to name a few.

Instead of selecting gifts from WallyWorld, Bullseye, Best Purchase, Little Lots or L-Mart (don’t get something that the recipients will know where you purchased it, and that your gift was on ‘super sale’) – visit the Christmas Made in the South event.  Don’t just give an everyday gift this year.  Make it a “one-of-a-kind item” from a gifted craftsman.  Come and browse the craftsmen’s best work and ask the experts.  See you there.

Christmas Made in the South

LOCATION:
Prime Osborn Convention Center
1000 Water St
Jacksonville, FL 32204

DATES & TIMES:
November 23, 24 & 25, 2018
Friday 9-6; Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5
(one admission is good for all 3 days with a hand stamp)

TICKETS:
Adults: $7 – Children 12 & Under: FREE
$1.00 off Coupons with ‘discount coupon’ tab.  Discount coupons are also available at your local PUBLIX supermarket.

‘Danny Gokey: The Hope Encounter” comes to JAX

Grammy® nominee, Dove Award winner, and Capitol recording artist, Danny Gokey is gearing up for his first-ever headline tour with this fall’s The Hope Encounter.  Also featuring Grammy® nominee Tauren Wells and breakout artist Riley Clemmons, the tour will hit 29 markets across the country, including Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts on October 6, 2018.  Produced by general market powerhouse Outback Concerts, the tour will play mostly theaters and performing arts centers.

“It’s been a dream of mine since American Idol to headline my own major tour,” says Gokey. “That platform opened my eyes to the power of mixing hope with entertainment. Hearing a message of hope at just the right time can truly make an impact in someone’s life. Getting this opportunity is a dream come true! I love touring, being with fans, and seeing first-hand how the music can encourage people in a time in our society where hope (mixed with a little fun) is so desperately needed.”

Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans as a Top 3 finalist on Season 8 of American Idol.  His first album, My Best Days, debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.  Since then, the Wisconsin native has celebrated a series of #1 album debuts, including his first award-winning holiday album, Christmas Is Here, as well as singles including the recently Gold-certified “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” and “Hope In Front of Me.” Gokey’s latest album, Rise, reached #1 on the Billboard Top Christian Album chart and garnered his first Grammy nomination.  Its title track, marked his third, multi-week, multi-chart #1 single.

Tauren Wells, a four-time GRAMMY® nominee, debuted Hills and Valleys — his first full-length solo project — in July 2017, just prior to hitting arenas on the Lionel Richie/Mariah Carey 22-city “All the Hits Tour.”  The album’s title track was one of the most streamed Christian songs of 2017, according to Spotify, and currently registers over 50 million total streams.  The official music video and lyric video have combined views exceeding 25 million.  His single, "Undefeated," also served as the soundtrack for the internet-famous Dude Perfect’s “World Records Edition” episode on YouTube which, along with another Dude Perfect video featuring the No. 1 single "Love Is Action," has garnered more than 100 million views combined.  Wells made history earlier this year by landing singles in both the #1 (“All My Hope (ft. Tauren Wells)” by Crowder) and #2 (“When We Pray”) spots simultaneously on national radio charts.

Riley Clemmons is an 18-year-old, Nashville-based singer/songwriter signed to Capitol Christian Music Group.  Her debut single, “Broken Prayers,” skyrocketed at radio upon its release in early 2018 and the music video earned over a million views on YouTube in less than two months.  The single has now crossed over ten million global streams.  Most recently, Riley was featured on the song and music video for Social Club Misfit’s radio single “Misfit Anthem” and mainstream DJ, Tritonal’s “Out My Mind.”  Her upcoming full-length debut album released August 3, 2018.

  “Danny Gokey: Hope Encounter”
with Tauren Wells and Riley Clemmons
DATE: Saturday October 6, 2018
TIME: 7 p.m.

TICKETS: are available at the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Office at the Times-Union Center, online at ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone (800) 745-3000.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

Other “The Hope Encounter” Tour Locations: *Dates subject to change without notice.

‘Lit Af Tour’ starring host Martin Lawrence coming to JAX

The Fall/Winter leg of the “LIT AF Tour” has kicked off and hits 19 cities across the continent including an engagement at the Jacksonville Veterans Memoria Arena on Friday, October 5, 2018.  JAX tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com, or at the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Office at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

Back by popular demand, comedian, actor, director and producer Martin Lawrence* has added 19 more dates to the LIT AF Tour. Lawrence stars as the high-powered host of 2018's hottest comedy event, presenting a fire lineup of comedians including: DeRay Davis, Rickey Smiley*, Michael Blackson*, Jay Pharoah, Deon Cole, Bruce Bruce, Adele Givens*, Clayton Thomas* and Benji Brown. Coming off the 20th anniversary of Def Comedy Jam, where he is known for his legendary hosting, Lawrence has made a triumphant return to the stand-up stage wowing audiences with his signature style of hilarious stories, social commentary, and more.  The 18 date Spring leg of the LIT AF Tour played to sold out crowds in major cities across the country including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Chicago, Miami and Las Vegas.  (Comedians slated to come to Jacksonville, FL *)

“Being on the road with this group of funny AF comedians is a blast,” says Lawrence. “No two shows are the same and we all bring something different to the party.”

Martin Lawrence started in stand-up comedy at the legendary The Improv, where he honed his talents until he was asked by Russell Simmons to host his groundbreaking comedy series Def Comedy Jam on HBO.  From there, Lawrence became a household name after his hugely popular self-titled TV show, Martin, was an instant hit with TV viewers.  He starred for five years as not only the title character, but other support characters like the sassy Sheneneh and Mama Payne, who became comedy classics.  Lawrence would later go on to star in comedy blockbusters like Bad Boys 1&2, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, which he also directed, and Big Momma’s House 1, 2 & 3 where he once again proved his talent for creating and acting as multiple characters in one storyline.
Martin Lawrence Lit Af Tour

TICKETS: The full tour itinerary is listed on the tour’s website.  For ticket information and lineup by city, please visit HERE.

LOCATION: JAX Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

‘2018 Southern Women’s Show’ quickly approaches

2017 picture

It’s not too early to think about attending the “2018 Southern Women’s Show” in Jacksonville, Florida; October 18-21, 2018.  The event is spectacular and for a mere $12 ($10 with a coupon), you can enjoy music, freebies, and vendors of every sort of product, or service that you could imagine.  There are plenty of restrooms (which are well maintained).  

There’s an area for you to rest and enjoy live entertainment (Savannah Chrisley, from USA's hit reality show, Chrisley Knows Best; Dana Cody is the owner of Tippie Toes Beauty Lounge in Miami; Naja Rickette, aka The Naja, is an award-winning, celebrity nail artist; Current Top 5 MasterChef competitor, Ashley Mincey; Winner of Food Network’s Extreme Chef Mexican Showdown, Chef Amadeus’ and many more).  Did I forget to mention the many food items that are located throughout the event and also in a specific area?  Just follow the delicious aromas.

When you enter the Prime Osborn Center (yes, it is that big of a deal), you are able to purchase a shopping bag to collect all your ‘goodies’.  The vendors entice you to come back to their area even if you are not prepared to take advantage of the “bling-bling” and fine wares that line the perimeters and intertwine throughout the center.  There are things for your personal body pampering.  You’ll find something for children, your spouse, your friend and something to beautify your house.

This is a great time to think about unique gifts for that ‘hard-to-shop for’ person.  You will leave the event having been fulfilled with time consumption, and getting your money’s worth.  Sign up for trips, baskets full of goodies, free treatments, parties, gifts, services and much more.  There are even a couple of fine Department Stores that have created a mini venue.

There’s something special every day of the event.  Besides many special presentations, there will be days for those elite group of people.  Military/Police/Fire/Rescue: One ticket for complimentary admission with ID on Thurs.  for Heroes Day.  Friday is Girls Night Out with $5 admission after 5pm!  Saturday is Mother Daughter Day!  Sunday is Teachers Day. All teachers get in FREE with school ID.

Shows of times gone by from Ms. "V"

So come one, come all and take a look.  Bring a friend or come by yourself (and don’t forget your comfortable shoes).  Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you can make plans to come again next year; same time – same place.  I might even see you there.

2018 Southern Women’s Show
DATES:         TIMES:
Thurs. Oct. 18, 2018  10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 19     10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 20     10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun. Oct. 21     11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: Prime Osborn Center
     1000 Water St.
     Jacksonville, Florida 32204

TICKETS: Advanced Adults $10
     Admission at the door: $12
     $2 off Coupon
     $5 after 5 p.m.
     Youth 6 – 12 yrs. $6
     Group $8 each of 10 or more (Advance Only!)
     Children under 6 FREE with paying adult
     4 day pass $20
     VIP Shoppers Package $50
     Advance Discount Tickets available at Walgreens starting Sept. 18th.  Click here to find your local Walgreens.
      Parking $5 per car.

‘Corteo’ Cirque du Soleil will be in JAX for a few days

“Corteo” is the latest and one of the best-loved Cirque du Soleil’s arena productions, will embark on a new journey throughout North America.  The show will visit Jacksonville at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for a limited run of seven performances. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005.  Since then, the show has been a great success and has amazed 8 million people in 64 cities in 19 countries on four continents.

“Corteo”, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown.  The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us.  The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality

The concept and disposition of the stage bring the audience in a theatrical atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows.  The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains, which were hand painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage.  This sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo.  The cast of Corteo includes 51 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors from all around the world.

‘Corteo’ Cirque du Soleil
DATES: Wed. Aug. 1, 2018 TIMES: 7:30 p.m.
    Thurs. Aug. 2       7:30 p.m.
    Fri. Aug. 3        7:30 p.m.
    Sat. Aug. 4      3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
    Sun. Aug. 5       1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

TICKETS: starting at $36.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at Ticketmaster.Com, or at The Tom Bush Family of Dealerships box office, at Veterans Memorial Arena online, or by calling (800) 745-3000.

LOCATION: JAX Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

Sponsor: Cirque du Soleil gratefully acknowledges the official partner of the Corteo USA tour: Forsythe, A Sirius Company  Social media: Facebook, Twitter #CORTEO & Instagram #CORTEO

About Cirque du Soleil: Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in artistic entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 180 million spectators with 42 productions that have taken place in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil currently has over 4,000 employees, including 1,300 artists, from nearly 50 countries. In 2017 alone, 19 shows are being presented simultaneously throughout the world.

SMG Jacksonville manages seven sports, entertainment, and convention venues on behalf of the City of Jacksonville. Their beautiful venues include:
EverBank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida-Georgia, the TaxSlayer Bowl and Monster Jam.  Daily’s Place, a 5,500-seat amphitheater with concert programming year-round and an indoor practice facility for the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett and home to the Arena Bowl XXIV Champions Jacksonville Sharks, the ABA Jacksonville.