SAT 5/28
There's something for everyone at the Memorial Day weekend celebration held by the Seminole Paradise, the block of shops, bars, and restaurants at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood). For the kids, bounce houses and visits by Dora the Explorer (Saturday). For adults, booze and craps.
It may seem that partying in Native American territory is an odd way to celebrate a holiday memorializing United States soldiers. In the 1840s, the U.S. Army finally subjugated the stubborn Seminole Indians by destroying their villages and crops. The Seminoles, like Native American tribes elsewhere, had the last laugh, though, since the same system used to isolate them from "America" in the late 19th Century also set up the bureaucratic framework that a century later would send billions of casino dollars their way. Go figure.
Also check out the new Okalee Village and Museum. Be warned: The living history demonstrations presumably have nothing to do with slot machines or early-bird buffets.
The kid-friendly festivities last from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Visit www.seminoleparadise.com, or call 954-583-3250. -- Dave Amber
High Times
Hot too
SAT 5/28
It's kind of like the Air and Sea Show, minus the bombs, the engines, and the guys in bell-bottomed uniforms. During the Sixth Annual Hot Air Balloon Glow and Festival, "Delray Beach will demonstrate its hometown All-America City harmony." That means people will be dealing crack and flashing you from behind black trenchcoats. Just kidding; the festival features all the wholesome crap you would expect -- "live musical entertainment, crafts, and kids activities" -- plus a chance to meet the "balloonmeisters," or pilots, when they inflate their balloons at the beach (Atlantic Avenue and A1A) from 8 to 10 a.m. Throughout the day, scope the merchandise (jewelry, paintings, photography, etc.) offered by 100 vendors along Atlantic Avenue. The pilots return from 5 to 9 p.m., when the balloons will be lit up, casting a pretty glow on the floozies down below. Call 561-279-1380, ext. 35, or visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com. -- Deirdra Funcheon
Burrow In
To the Home Show
FRI 5/27
Going purely on instinct, wombats in the wild build complex burrows for themselves, complete with long hallways and special nesting chambers. For that extra touch, they line the doorways with elegant arrangements of grass and bark. Martha would be proud. Unfortunately for you, humans lack the innate design talents of the wombat. Good thing, then, that the Fort Lauderdale Home Design and Remodeling Show has lined up Lee Snidjers of TV's Design on a Dime (pictured), Nani Vinken and Evette Rios of TLC's In a Fix, and the six authors of Dish and Tell to help. Suck the knowledge out of them at the Broward County Convention Center (1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) Friday through Monday. Admission costs $9. Call 305-667-9299, or visit www.homeshowspecials.com. -- Deirdra Funcheon
Doctors in the Hiz-ouse
SAT 5/28
Imagine a hospital where shots come in glasses, the E.R. is a dance floor, and the food doesn't suck. That sounds like Saturday's "Night Nurse" party at Porter's Place Sports Bar (4535 N. Pine Island Dr., Lauderhill). Prizes are awarded for best nurse and doctor costumes, while music by Trendsetta and Sly Foxx keeps your pulse pumpin'. Doors open at 11 p.m. Call 954-741-6850. -- Jason Budjinski
