IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

STYLE EVENTS, NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND ORLANDO By Riesa

There is never a shortage of things to do when you live in the wonderful city of Orlando, Florida! Each new month brings us an exciting plethora of new festivals, shows, family-friendly events and much more. Naturally, the month of February was no exception so here are all the highlights, just in case you missed it!

Get your taste buds ready because SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival is back! Since February 3rd, park guests have been setting sail on an adventure savoring tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings. From international cuisines to imported craft beers and unique wines, guests will revitalize their taste buds as they share this fan-favorite event that runs on select dates until May 7th. This year’s festival provides opportunities for attendees to sample from more culinary markets than ever before. To top it all off, SeaWorld also brought together a diverse lineup of performances to the stage with live concerts from hit-making Rock, Country, Christian, and Latin musicians. With so many exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animal encounters, the Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to stir the soul—and warm the belly!

February 4th kicked off Universal Orlando’s Annual Mardi Gras celebration! Every day until April 16th, guests of Universal Studios are experiencing nightly parades with outrageous street performers, colorful costumes, and countless beads flying through the air. Of course you can’t have a great party without great food and music as well! In addition to authentic New Orleans bands and mouthwatering Cajun food available for purchase, attendees also get to enjoy live performances from some of the biggest names in pop, rock, country, R&B and more at the Music Plaza stage on select nights. Best of all, the festivities are included with Universal Studios theme park admission so don’t miss out on the fun!

Lunar New Year is the most celebrated holiday in East Asia and although Chinese New Year is not an official holiday in Western countries, the city of Orlando still held their own celebration thanks to a partnership between Asia Trend Magazine, Mills 50 District, R.E.A.C.H. of Central Florida and Y.E.S.S. The “Year of the Rabbit” marks the 11th annual Central Florida Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival which has received an overwhelming response from local and distant communities alike. On February 5th, the Dragon Parade preceded the festival and was led by City of Orlando and Orange County officials together with representatives of numerous Asian organizations. Recommended by Visit Orlando as one of the must see Multicultural Festivals in Orlando, this year’s event was a fun-filled day for the entire family!

Animal lovers across Central Florida helped make a difference to

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thousands of shelter pets by attending the 29th Annual Paws in the Park on February 11th. The event held at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando was in support of Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, the region’s oldest and largest animal welfare agency. The Paws in the Park is Orlando’s largest dog festival and featured a pet costume contest, activities for dogs, photo stations, a vendor marketplace, food trucks, Pet Alliance swag, and more for parents and fur babies of all sizes to enjoy!

Florida has a rich history of rodeo and it was once a way of life for Osceola ranchers. Today, the largest rodeo event east of the Mississippi can be found right here in Kissimmee. The famous Silver Spurs Rodeo returned February 17th-18th and consisted of PRCA professionals competing in all seven rodeo events for prize money totaling $100,000. It was a fun event for all to experience with Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping and Tie-Down Roping. The beloved event also coincided with the Osceola County Fair, a fun filled 10-day event the whole family could enjoy right alongside the rodeo.

In honor of Black History Month, Orlando Weekly threw a celebration of Black history, arts, and culture in Central Florida on February 18th. The free event offered fun learning opportunities for the whole family, including hands-on activities, living-history presentations, and exciting guests. Performances included readings by members of the youth empowerment group Page 15 and by award-winning Central Florida historian and poet Valada Flewellyn. Children’s activities included making airplanes, inspired by pioneering pilot Bessie Coleman, a ring-toss inspired by ranching legend Lawrence Silas, and more. Attendees could even visit with Black Bee Honey, a student entrepreneurship program founded by the youth in Parramore Kidz Zone. It was an enjoyable and meaningful day to all in attendance!

From locally-produced bourbons to single malts from Scotland... from small batches to single grains... from the new to the classics. On February 23rd, Orlando Weekly’s Whiskey Business gave guests the opportunity to take their taste buds on an exploration of wheat and rye while meeting brand ambassadors who offer their unique insights and descriptions on many different products. Attendees of the annual festival sampled their way across continents to discover the best in scotches, bourbons, and whiskeys. Sample dishes from the hottest local restaurants, additional vendors, and great music rounded out the event in grand fashion — but whiskey was the main act as Orlando Weekly took taste buds on an unparalleled tasting journey! Proceeds from Whiskey Business benefited The Barber Fund whose mission is to help those living with cancer.