Things to do: Reptiles take over the RP Funding Center. Comedy, classic cars or live music

Paul Catala
Updated ·3 min read
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Shawna Wilson’s veiled chameleon climbs across her back during Repticon at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in 2018.
Shawna Wilson’s veiled chameleon climbs across her back during Repticon at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in 2018.

There’s a variety of music and sights to behold in Polk County from Thursday into next week. From the music of Africa to hot rods on the road, there’s a smorgasbord of family-oriented activities going on those four days so get up and go!

Before attending any of these events, it’s advised to visit the website listed or call to confirm if the times or dates for the event haven’t changed and if the event is still scheduled.

Have fun!

Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show

A young boy holds a Sunglo leopard gecko during the Repticon show at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in 2018.
A young boy holds a Sunglo leopard gecko during the Repticon show at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in 2018.

The RP Funding Center's Sikes Hall will become really cold-blooded and wild when the reptiles and exotic animals fill the venue. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Repticon, a Winter Haven-based company that hosts reptile and exotic animal expos throughout the United States, will have a family-oriented event offering guests the opportunity to learn about animals you wouldn’t normally see in local pet stores. Saturday and Sunday all-day tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for ages 5-12, and ages 4 and younger are free. Tickets for after 1 p.m. on Saturday are $10 for adults, $6 for ages 5-12. Two-day tickets are $15 for adults and $6 ages 5-12. Tickets are available online only. For information, see www.repticon.com/florida/lakeland-fl/ or call  863-268-4273 or 863-834-8111.

A girl holds Prada, an albino alligator, on display at Family Reptiles during the Repticon reptile show at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in 2018.
A girl holds Prada, an albino alligator, on display at Family Reptiles during the Repticon reptile show at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in 2018.

Comedy Carnival

Some of central Florida’s comedians – some who are and some who think they are – will once again gather at The Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave. to throw out their best lines and hope for the best responses. The guffaws start at 8:30 p.m. and go on until the puns pause. $10 cover. For information, see www.thepinkpiano.club, Facebook: The Pink Piano or call 863-937-8885.

Ektor Keys

Polk County piano-playing singer Ektor Keys takes the stage Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cypresswood Pub, 1099 Clubhouse Road, Winter Haven. Keys excels in reworked piano renditions of beloved classics and contemporary favorites. No cover. For information, see www.cypresswoodcc.com or call 863-326-9506.

Lakeland Cruisers Friday Night Cruise Night

Andrew Bosko looks at a 1933 Ford truck during a car show put on by the Lakeland Cruisers Classic Car Club in Lakeland in 2016. The group holds car shows every Friday, most recently at Lakeside Village.
Andrew Bosko looks at a 1933 Ford truck during a car show put on by the Lakeland Cruisers Classic Car Club in Lakeland in 2016. The group holds car shows every Friday, most recently at Lakeside Village.

For more than 18 years, The Lakeland Cruisers car club has held free Friday night car shows, and recently those have been at Lakeside Village by the theater. From 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, classic car enthusiasts and owners from across Polk County and beyond will have anywhere from 40 to more than 100 autos on display – from stock, to classic collectibles, to modern, to custom hot rods and everything in between. This event is held every Friday throughout the year. For information, see www.facebook.com/Lakelandcruisers or call 863-944-3102.

Music of the West African Kora

Musician Sean Gaskell will lead the second of the Winter Haven Public Library’s 2024 lecture series with a free educational concert from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 featuring songs played on the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp. Gaskell studied under the instruction of two musicians at their home in Brikama, Gambia. Many songs featured on the kora are part of an 800-year history dating to the founding of the Mande empire. The show in the library, 325 Avenue A NW, is free and doors open at 5 p.m. Printed tickets aren’t required. For information, see http://tinyurl.com/yvtahdtp or call 863-291-5880.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Things to do this week: Reptiles take over the RP Funding Center