Good morning, Greater Winter Haven.

This is Winter Haven Wake — the weekly newsletter that promotes family fun, furry friends, and community.

In today’s Winter Haven Wake:

Let’s get to it.

— Logan Byrd and Mike Romaine

Did you know?

One of the last remaining McDonald’s single-arch signs, dated back to 1963, is in Winter Haven—and it's being added to the National Register of Historic Places this month!

Fewer than 10 of these classic signs still exist in the U.S. 🍔

You can visit the sign at 245 6th St NW.

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?

I KNOW it wasn’t just my wife anxiously waiting for it…

Last year we were lucky enough to get Wawa’s Gobbler in late September, but the wait is finally over this year.

After a supply chain issue pushing it back a few extra days, we’re finally able to grab the Gobbler. 🥖

And yes, we’ve already been there twice…

-Mike

🐈 Meet Bella, a playful and affectionate 2-year-old Bengal with striking green eyes and a love for human companionship.

Known as "Bellaboo," she’s a chatty, intelligent cat who enjoys being part of the action and thrives on attention and interactive play.

ADOPT BELLA HERE.

🐕 Honey Buns is a sweet and energetic adult pup who loves cuddles just as much as she enjoys running and playing outdoors.

Friendly and full of life, she’s always ready for affection and adventure.

ADOPT HONEY BUNS HERE.

Check the event links for additional information.

Pro Late Model 100 | Saturday, October 11th | 6PM ($20 cash)
Location: Auburndale Speedway
Description: An action-packed night headlined by the Pro Late Models. The excitement continues with Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, Crown Vics, & Mod Minis for a full night of short track racing fun! Event Info

Badge of Hope 5k | Saturday, October 11th | 7PM ($40)
Location: Camp Margaritaville
Description: This haunted 5K race supports local breast cancer patients and youth in law enforcement programs. Open to all ages, the event features a spooky course, costume contest, and post-race celebrations for a memorable night with a meaningful cause. Event Info

Polk State FallFest | Saturday, October 11th | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: Polk State Winter Haven Campus
Description: FallFest is a lively autumn celebration featuring a craft show, Kids Zone, live music, emergency service demos, a Pumpkin Patch, food, and a Haunted House, all supporting student scholarships and organizations. Event Info

Oktoberfest | Friday, October 10th | 6PM (FREE)
Location: Central Park
Description: Enjoy unlimited beer tastings (with paid ticket), German food, and live music at Main Street Winter Haven’s Oktoberfest celebration—free to attend, just bring a chair and join the fun! Event Info

BINGO | Wednesday, October 15th | 5:30PM (FREE)
Location: Tanners Lakeside
Description: Free Bingo for all ages, players win gift certificates for restaurant items.

Winter Haven Farmers Market | Saturday, October 11th | 9AM - 1PM (FREE)
Location: NE Corner of 3rd Street and Ave C SW
Description: Fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and local vendors.

Winter Haven Saturday Market | Saturday, October 11th | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Location: 469 W Central Ave
Description: Our local vendors include art, crafts, seasonal fresh produce, homemade Goodes, local raw honey, lots of food trucks, local authors, and live music.

Latin Music Celebration | Thursday, October 9th | 7PM ($10)
Location: Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre
Description: Presented by Polk State Music Department enjoy various live performances celebrating Latin Music. FREE for all students, Polk State faculty & staff. Event Info

Chain O’Lakes Big Band | Sunday, October 12th | 2PM (FREE)
Location: Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre
Description: See Chain O’Lakes Big Band: Fall Colors and Much More concert! Free admission, but donations are always appreciated and go towards music scholarships for Polk State Students! Event Info

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

Puttin On The Pink | Friday, October 10th | 5:30pm ($40)
Location: Winter Haven Moose Lodge #1023
Description: The 10th Annual Puttin On The Pink celebrates a special milestone with a prime rib dinner, live music by Carlos & Company, the Brotherhood of Pinkness fashion show, silent auctions, raffles, and more—all raising funds to support breast cancer patients at Hollis Cancer Center. Event Info

Thanks for reading Winter Haven Wake today.

If you found something useful, please share it with someone who gives out full-sized candy bars on Halloween.

Thanks!

- Logan and Mike

Interested in advertising with us?

Have a minute to help us improve WH-Wake? Click here.