The Post-St. Patty's Day Weekend Has Plenty To Offer, Too!

If you're up for it after a wild St. Patrick's Day weekend, there's still more to do in Bradenton THIS weekend!

Check out the events below, including a visit to a local bar/restaurant by members of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

For those of you new to Bradenton - or baseball, the Pirates and the city of Pittsburgh have close ties with this gulf coast city. Bradenton has established a sort of "sister city" relationship with Pittsburgh, and they promote Bradenton and its lovely weather, awesome downtown and area beaches as a winter destination. And the Pirates have trained at our beautiful McKechnie Field since 1969 - one of the longest city-Major League Baseball team relationships in the game today.

So remember the Pirates when you're not watching the Rays!

• A handful of baseball players from the Pittsburgh Pirates will be signing autographs and chatting with guests at , 4310 S.R. 64 E. in the Braden River Plaza, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. I haven’t been able to pin down which ones yet – names floated about include James McDonald, Chris Leroux, Daniel McCutchen, Brad Lincoln, Jeff Karstens, Daniel Moskos and Jared Hughes. They may not be household names yet, but these young Pirates are starting to flex their muscles in the National League. Ladies, if you need another reason to visit Gecko’s on Thursday, aside from chatting up these fellas, here ya go: Thursday night starting at 5 p.m. is Ladies Night featuring $3 Pinnacle martinis and specialty wines for $3 per glass or $12 per bottle.
• It’s Texas Hold ‘Em Poker night Thursday at , 3102 53rd Ave. E., starting at 9 p.m. Free to play. Ask the bartender about the evening’s shot specials.
• Live music Friday night at , 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., from Commander Cody, a country-rock and blues band, followed by SG/Skin and Bone Band. Music starts at 9 p.m. Cover: $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Click here to order tickets or call Ace's at 941.795.3886. This is a non-smoking show.
• , 5526 15th St. E., is hosting a benefit for Lisa Barnes, who is facing her second battle with cancer. The benefit party is noon-7 p.m. Saturday at Mulligan's with live music from Slow Burn, Dueces Wild and more. There will be raffles, auctions, a 50/50 drawing and plenty of food and drinks. If you cannot attend but would still like to help Lisa, call one of her brothers - Geff 374-1035 or Derek 219-2931 - or Moe at Mulligan's 755-5696.
• , 2604 Manatee Ave. E., is hosting a Mac-N-Cheese Cook-off Saturday night. Bring your best dish of Mac-N-Cheese by 7 p.m. for the competition. Don Raphael, manager, said there are usually 10 to 20 entries during the typical Last Call cook-off, so make your meal a good one because the competition is fierce! Anyone who wants a taste has to fill out a ballot and vote for their favorites. Winners will get prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights.