Special Community Events

Hands Bay News 9 sponsors a variety of community events throughout our seven-county coverage area.

Join us at these events to meet Bay News 9 on-air personalities.
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Snooty's Birthday Party

Snooty's birthday party Date: Saturday, July 19th

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: South Florida Museum, Bradenton

The South Florida Museum will be the place to be for Snooty's Birthday. There will be exhibit booths, children's games and art activities. Birthday cards will be on display and you'll get free cookies and juice. Food and drinks will be available for purchase along with various games. Plus be sure to get your Bay News 9 Project Weather Activity Book.

Back to School Supply Drive

school supplies Date: May 19th through July 17th

Time: During Business Hours

Locations: Listed Below

Family Fundamentals & community partners are collecting school supplies for the 2008/2009 school season. Items can be donated at:

The Ledger, 300 West Lime Street, Lakeland
News Chief, 455 6th Street N.W., Winter Haven
Bright House Networks, 1004 U.S. Highway 92 West, Auburndale
Family Fundamentals, 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland
United Way of Central Florida, 5605 US Highway 98 South, Highland City

School supplies that are needed: Backpacks, Pencils, Markers, Colored Pencils, Notebook Paper, Spiral Notebooks, Safety Scissors, Folders (3 brags with pockets), Crayons (24 pack), Glue Sticks and White School Glue

Then on Saturday, July 26th United Way, The Ledger, Bright House Networks and Bay News 9 will be at the Back to School Blast. For more information call 863-686-1221, ext. 221

Bright House Networks Customer Appreciation Day - Tampa

Bright House Networks Date: Friday, July 25th

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field

Bring your current Bright House Networks customer bill and you and your family get free tickets to see the Tampa Yankees take on the Dunedin Blue Jays. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. so come early to see some of your favorite cable network representatives and get free goodies. George M. Steinbrenner Field is located at the corner of Dale Mabry and Streinbrenner Way.

Back to School Blast

back to school Date: Saturday, July 26th

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Lakeland Center (Sikes Hall)

This event is geared toward pre-k through 5th grade children and is FREE. You must pre-register between July 1st and July 20th to receive free health screenings and to receive a free backpack (first 2,000 children). There will be hands-on activities and giveaways. Come get connected to your community resources. For more information call 863-686-1221, ext. 221. Bay News 9 will be there giving out free glue sticks while supplies last.

Manatee Children's Summit

Date: Saturday, August 9th

Time: 9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

Location: Manatee Civic Center

Join Bay News 9 and Bright House Networks in "Steppin' Up for Kids" at the 14th Annual Children's Summit. The event provides families an opportunity to gain knowledge of services available in Manatee County. There will be entertainment, door prizes, food and over 120 vendors. Parking and admission are free at the Manatee Civic Center at One Haben Boulevard in Palmetto.

Plus there will be a special appearance by Retro Bill. He'll be doing shows at 10:00a.m. and 12:00p.m. on the stage. And stop by the Bright House Networks booth when he's not on stage to meet him and get a Retro Bill Trading Card.