School groups to be showcased at Port Orange Family Days

There is something for everyone at the annual Port Orange Family Days from Oct. 4-7 at the Port Orange City Center.

PORT ORANGE -- The Port Orange Family Days targets much of its activity toward youngsters, but serves also as a showcase for achievement by students at area schools.

Examples: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, bands and choral groups from elementary and middle schools will rotate in concert on the stage of the Parker Amphitheater in City Center;

10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, area students who individually and in teams have won state and regional championships will be featured as Grand Marshalls of the annual Family Days Parade that follow a portion of City Center Drive around the lake and through the exhibit area.

The Parade features the marching bands of several area schools. Immediately following, at the Parker Amphitheater, city officials will honor these students with a special recognition ceremony.

11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, the Spruce Creek High School Jazz Band will perform through the noon hour in the Parker Amphitheater. Family Days will present a certificate of appreciation to retiring band director Andrew Kidd for his role in making the student band an important part of the annual community celebration through all its years;

1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, a demonstration in the Amphitheater by the award winning Spruce Creek High School weight lifting team. The Spruce Creek students are hired by Family Days each year to set-up and take-down expo tents, which has become an important part of their program support.

2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, the Amphitheater stage is taken over for the annual Dance Showcase presented by students from area programs. The popular show presents individuals and groups in styles ranging from classical to modern and avant-garde.

Admission to all student activities is free, as it is to all of Family Days and there is no parking fee. The carnival, food vendors and exhibitors offering sale items represent the only costs. Family Days 2012 kicks off with the student concert, carnival, car show and The Food Truck Bazaar on Thursday evening, Oct. 4. It continues with Ice Age: Continental Drift as the free Movie Under the Stars Friday night and the two days of expo and entertainment Saturday and Sunday.

For More Information, please call Jill Geddy, executive director of Port Orange Family Days or visit the organization's website at 386 506-5935.

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