Any venue that offers a "monkey fun zone" as part of its activities has got to grab your attention, right? At least, that's what the folks over at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach) are hoping. Oshogatsu is the celebration of the Japanese New Year, traditionally a time of renewal and a chance for the Japanese to clear up any debts or obligations before starting anew. To commemorate 2004 -- the Year of the Monkey -- Morikami is offering a flurry of activities. Families can participate in an origami class, where they fold paper doves for the Morikami peace tree. Participants can also learn kakizome, a Japanese calligraphy greeting specifically for the new year; omikuji, which is Japanese fortunetelling; mochitsuki, or the pounding of rice into large, round cakes; kamishibai, New Year's folk tales told with story cards; shishimai, a live performance by a lion dancer; fukuwarai, the Japanese version of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey; and how to practice serenity, peace, and meditation during a Japanese tea ceremony. And don't forget the monkey fun zone. That's right kids, real live monkeys, doing real live monkey stuff. The festival starts at 10 a.m., and the cost is $5 per person; children 3 and younger are admitted free. Call 561-495-0233. -- Audra Schroeder
Last Year's Model
Because some things never go out of style
SAT 1/3
Usually known for sun and citrus, Flamingo Gardens (3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie) switches gears Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an appraisal fair and Model A Ford show. Given the place's penchant for the past, though -- what with the Old Florida house and the gardens' storied history -- the event offers little surprise. The Model A Ford boasts its own famed past -- built from 1928 to 1931, the car remains the most popular antique automobile in the country. Those on display Saturday represent the work of the Model A Restorers Club. Bring your own antiques to be appraised by two experts in the field. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4 to 11. Call 954-473-2955. -- Dan Sweeney
