5 Things To Do In Polk County This Weekend

LAKELAND, FL -- The weekend is nearly here. Wondering what to do with your free time? Here are some suggestions:

Cardboard Boat Challenge

The Lakes Education/Action Drive will host its annual Cardboard Boat Challenge Saturday, May 5 at the Lake Eva Boat Ramp in Haines City.

Registration for boats built on site is at 8 a.m. Registration for pre-built boats is at 9 a.m. The race begins at 10 a.m.

The event helps raise awareness about water resources and how to protect them. To reinforce the reason behind this event, each boat must have a “Lakes” awareness theme. Register a team and then create a boat out of cardboard and duct tape.

Environmental exhibitors at the Seven Rivers Festival will provide children’s activities, information on ways to protect waterways and other environmental facts.

To register, visit the Lakes Education/Action Drive website.

Mer-May Sea-lebration

Mermaids and mermen will gather at the Outback Oasis event center, 4000 Country Club Road S., Winter Haven, for its first Mer-May Saturday, May 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

There will be family-friendly activities, crafts, games and a mer-friends meet-and-greet.

The cost is $10 for adults and $15 for children.

Free Comic Book Day

The Coliseum of Comics at 121 S. Kentucky Ave. in downtown Lakeland will host Free Comic Book Day Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book shops around the world give away comic books free to anyone who comes into their stores, with no purchase required and no strings attached.

First Friday

Downtown Lakeland merchants will host a First Friday event Friday, May 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.

First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky and Tennessee avenues. The event features a Classy Car Show on Tennessee Avenue and a Makers Market with artists and craftsmen on North Kentucky Avenue. Streets are closed to vehicles.

Kentucky Derby Day

Catholic Charities of Central Florida will host its fundraising Kentucky Derby Day Saturday, May 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Rocking H Ranch, 2200 Ewell Road, Lakeland.

The event will include Derby Day fare, mint juleps, a live and silent auction, a fancy hat contest and racing games.

Funds raised support Catholic Charities programs in Polk County.

To reserve tickets, become a sponsor or to volunteer, call Renee Baker at (407) 451-5315

Image via Lakes Education/Action Drive