5 Things to do in St. Pete This Weekend

1. Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge

The 2013 Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Eastern Regional will be taking over Spa Beach Park Friday and Saturday, May 3-4.  According to the city, this annual competition involves 70 dogs competing in five categories (agility, Frisbee, diving dock dogs, Jack Russell hurdle racing, and a dual weave course racing. While most of the dogs are invited, there is an opportunity for the public to bring man's best friend to strut his stuff in the Frisbee and diving dog categories. 

2. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

American Stage Theater once again takes over Demens Landing for its annual theater in the park performances. This year, the award-winning theater will be presenting the Tony Award-winning, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" through May 26. "Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of overachievers' angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime." Tickets start at $13 and can be purchased online. 

3. First Friday

Between 2nd and 3rd Street on Central Avenue, First Friday will rock downtown St. Pete. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. Music for the night will be the Tempests. After First Friday, at Jannus Live (if you have tickets to the sold out show), Slightly Stoopid will be rocking the outdoor courtyard. 

4. Police Appreciation Runs

The third annual Police Appreciation 10K, 5K and 1M Walk is Sunday morning along Bayshore Drive in downtown St. Petersburg. The runs are dedicated to the fallen officers in St. Petersburg in 2011. While registration is closed, the public is to show appreciation to St. Pete's fallen officer. The runs are at 6:59 am K-9 Officer Jeff Yaslowitz 10K Race / Walk, 8:30 am Sergeant Tom Baitinger 5K Race / Walk and 9 a.m. for the Officer Dave Crawford 1 Mile Walk. For more information, click here. 

5. Reverse Trade Show

Small business owners and operators are invited to learn how they can increase their bottom line by doing business with the city and becoming a city vendor during a free Reverse Trade Show Friday, May 3. Representatives from up to 20 city departments who purchase more than $210 million in services and supplies annually will be on hand to help business owners determine if a match exists between the city and their product or service. The show will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the historic Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N.

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