Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — the bats are out, the weather’s perfect, and so is your local lineup for the week. 🦇

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s get to it.

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

If you’ve walked downtown after dark, you’ve probably noticed how the Ritz Theatre seems to hum with its own kind of energy. Maybe it’s the vintage marquee lights, or maybe it’s something else.

The Ritz first opened January 19, 1925 as the Williamson Theatre, back when vaudeville acts and silent films filled its stage. After a few remodels and a name change, it’s still standing strong nearly a century later.

But some say the theater still has a few lingering guests from the Theatre’s original audiences. 🎭

During Winter Haven Food Tours’ Beer, Spirits, & Ghosts outing, guides love to pause outside the Ritz and tell tales of flickering lights, distant footsteps, and shadows in the balcony. A few even swear they’ve heard whispers from the stage long after the curtains closed.

Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good story, the Ritz has earned its reputation as one of Winter Haven’s most haunted landmarks, proof that history sometimes lingers a little longer than we expect.

Winter Haven Run Club is a free run club that meets 2 times a week and always open to anyone who wants to join!

Come out and run (or walk):

Interested in joining?

Winter Haven’s getting a brand-new Fire Station, and it’s not just another brick-and-mortar project…it’s a full-blown upgrade for our city’s safety network (and a win for anyone who loves shiny new fire trucks).

City Commissioners just approved the $5.6 million plan with Whitehead Construction and crews are set to break ground in early November on the southwest side of Lake Hartridge Nature Park (right off 20th Street NW).

Once finished, the 9,000-square-foot station will replace the temporary setup at Champions Church and bring with it:

Construction is expected to take about 12 months, so by this time next year, the new station should be ready to roll.

For a city that’s growing as fast as ours, it’s nice to see the upgrades keeping pace, and keeping us safe.

🐶 Corby (A1246963), as we have affectionately named him, is an adult pup with the sweetest smile! Every dog deserves a real name and a loving home. If you’re looking for a dog, who can say no to that face?

Corby is a 4-year-old neutered male, black and brown Welsh Corgi- Cardigan Mix.

ADOPT CORBY HERE.

🐈‍⬛ Meet Pudding, a 6-month-old beauty with a tuxedo pattern and distinctive eyes. We’re betting she would look fantastic dressed up as a bat; what’s more festive than a group Halloween costume with a new furry family member?

Pudding is spayed and has been at the Polk County Animal Shelter since August 18th.

ADOPT PUDDING HERE.

Check the event links for additional information.

Cypress Gardens Ski Show | Saturday, October 18th | 5PM (FREE)
Location: MLK Park/ Lake Silver
Description: Walking distance from Downtown Winter Haven, catch Cypress Gardens Ski Team’s Monthly exhibition! Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating.
Pre-show begins at 4:30pm; attendance is free, but donations are always appreciated. Event Info

Open Wheel Modified 100 | Saturday, October 18th | 6PM ($20 cash)
Location: Auburndale Speedway
Description: An action-packed night headlined by the Open Wheel Modified. The excitement continues with Crown Vics, Mini Stocks, INEX Legends, and INEX Bandoleros for a full night of short track racing fun! Event Info

TODAY! Bloodhound Bash/ Fall-O-Ween | Thursday, October 16th | 6PM (FREE)
Location: Downtown Auburndale City Park
Description: Hosted by Auburndale High School, Bloodhound Bash starts with a parade at 6PM to the Baynard House, followed by a pep rally. The event coincides with the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce Fall-O-Ween, beginning after the bash concludes. Fall-O-Ween will feature live performances, food trucks, a Candy Trail for kids 12 and under, and a haunted house hosted by the fire department. Event Info

Trunk or Treat | Saturday, October 18th | 7PM - 9PM ($20)
Location: Moose Lodge
Description: Join Stewart Auto Repair’s Truck or Treat Night for spooky fun, sweet treats, and community spirit — with $3 from every ticket benefiting the Humane Society of Polk County. Enjoy food trucks, raffles, and Trunk or Treat fun while helping support local animals in need! Event Info

WHHS Homecoming Festival | Wednesday, October 22nd | 5:30PM (FREE)
Location: MLK Park/ Lake Silver
Description: The Winter Haven High School Homecoming Festival kicks off with a parade at 6PM, then enjoy the evening at MLK Jr. Park (Lake Silver) featuring vendors, a ski show, and fireworks. Event Info

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, October 18th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: NE Corner of 3rd Street and Ave C SW
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors.

Disney’s Frozen | Showtimes September 25th - October 26th ($39)
Location: Theatre Winter Haven- The MainStage
Description: Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. Event Info & Tickets

Love Quest | Showtimes October 1st - October 26th ($45)
Location: Theatre Winter Haven- Norman & Linda Small Second Stage
Description: Love Quest explores the journeys of two women in the perilous world of online dating. Each has started with different goals and they both find something they didn’t expect. Starring Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy! Event Info & Tickets

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

If you enjoyed this issue, forward it to a friend who still insists candy corn is good.

Thanks!

- Logan and Mike

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