Some of the Events paid for by
Friends of the Braden River Library
Friends of the Braden River Library Proudly Present:
Dinosaur Show by Showtime for Kids on July 28, 2026 at 2PM
Summer Learning: ShowTime for Kids Dinosaur Adventure
Dig into reading and unearth a story. Join us for a Dino-Tastic Adventure filled with awesome magic, hilarious audience participation, and laugh-out-loud comedy–all brought together by the Adventures Guidebook! Kids don’t just sit and watch the show, they become part of it. Who knew reading could be so much fun?!
Friends of the Braden River Library Proudly Present:
Johnny Appleseed Puppet Show by Katie Adams on July 21, 2026 at 2PM
Summer Learning: Legend of Johnny Appleseed–Puppet Show–America 250
Featuring Puppetry, Storytelling, and American Folk Arts.
Puppeteer and storyteller Katie Adams weaves the heartwarming story of Johnny Appleseed from the early days of the United States. Puppets crafted like old-fashioned toys, a storyquilt, and traditional music are all part of the show. Each square of the storyquilt tells an episode in the life of Johnny Appleseed, a man who followed his own unique dream and showed respect for all life. For ages 4 to 10, 45 minutes.
Friends of the Braden River Library Proudly Present:
Magic Show by Razzmatazz Entertainment on July 14, 2026 at 2PM
Summer Learning: Magic and Ventriloquist Show with Razzmatazz Entertainment — AMERICA 250
Razzmatazz Entertainment presents a fun and interactive ventriloquism and magic show built around the theme, “Celebrating the 250th Year Anniversary of the United States“.
Friends of the Braden River Library Proudly Present:
Bits N Pieces Puppet Theater “Rumpelstiltskin” on July 7, 2026 at 2PM
Summer Learning: Bits N Pieces Puppet show–The Legendary Rumpelstiltskin Promises, promises, promises… everyone makes them to get what they want. But what happens when the price of a promise is too high? In this enchanting retelling of the classic fairy tale,
Princess Daisy finds the price is too much to pay. Can the Prince journey to the edge of the world and return in time to save the day? And will Baby Sweet Pea remind us that good books in the library always end Happily Ever After?
With laughter, magic, and toe-tapping music, Jerry Bickel’s Merry Marionettes bring“Rumpelstiltskin” to life for modern audiences.
About the Artist
Jerry Bickel—puppeteer, singer, storyteller, and one-man cast—has delighted audiences
worldwide. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Career Award in Children’s/Youth Theatre
from the Florida Theatre Conference and has performed across Europe, Asia, and South
America. A master of classic puppetry techniques, Bickel blends tradition with imagination to
create legendary experiences for children and families.
Friends of the Braden River Library Proudly Present:
Windell Campbell Story Telling Puppets – June 9, 2026 at 2PM
Summer Learning: Tall Tales with Windell Campbell–America 250
Join master storyteller and puppeteer, Windell Campbell, for a dynamic hour of tall tales spun with action, puppets, and movement.
Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre – November 18, 2025 – 11AM
Kids Mad Science Show – October 18, 2025 – 11AM
July 26, 2025 – End of Summer Dance Party with DJ City Beat – 11:00 – 12:00
July 3, 2025 – 2:00 – 3:00PM – Out of My Hands
Juggling and Magic!
July 10, 2025 – Bits & Pieces Puppets Theatre present “Puss in Boots.” – 2:00PM
June 28, 2025 – 11:00 -12:00 – Monster Piece Theatre – Beauty and the Beast
Presented by Miss Chris and her merry band of Puppeteers.
June 26, 2025 – Katie Adams – 2:00PM
How Color Came to the World: Folk Tales from Latin America – with Shadow Puppetry.
June 21, 2025 – Tweens, Teens
Come hear about the newest additions to the Universal Epic Universe. Learn how a new attraction goes from concept to finished ride. With Engineer Associate Jeremy Kent. Enter raffle for a Universal Goodies basket.
June 19, 2025 – Mad Science – 2:00PM
June 12, 2025 – 12:00 – 2:00PM – Bubble Fun / Big Idea Productions
June 7, 2025 – 10:00 – 11:30AM – Pirates Invade Braden River!
Kick off Summer Learning with the Anna Maria Privateers.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens – July 25, 2024 at 2:00PM
Mote Marine Laboratory – 7/18/24 at 2:00PM – Science talk.
Steel Ring Academy – 7/1/24 at 2:00PM — Historical Sword Fighting presentation
Show Time for Kids – 6/27/24 at 2:00PM
Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre – 6/20/24 at 2:00PM
JiggleMan Show for Kids – 6/13/24 at 2:00PM
Mote Marine Laboratory – 6/12/24 at 10:15AM – Science talk.
10/7/23 – Youth – Mad Science
7/29/23 – Youth – Mulan End of Summer Party – 2:00-3:00PM
7/20/23 – Sarasota Jungle Gardens 
7/13/23 – Bits N Pieces Puppet Theater 
7/6/23 – Big Time Bubble Show 
6/29/23 – Youth -Save Our Planet Recycling – 2:00-3:00PM
6/22/23 – Youth – Reptiles with Big Cat Habitat – 2:00-3:00PM 
6/15/23 – Youth – Didgeridoo Down Under – Australian Music/Entertainment – 2:00-3:00PM 
Primary Colors Tween Art Club: Sunsets – 8/18/2022 Use acrylic paints to create a beach sunset. 
Mad Science Fire & Ice – 7/28/2022 Fire & Ice will scientifically teach about water and the ocean. Learn about the properties and states of water and how to protect our oceans. 
Bits & Pieces Puppet Theater – Rumplestiltskin – 7/14/2022 Using wonderful Marionette puppets, music and sets, this popular fairy tale is brought to life. 
Bishop Science Center and Aquarium – 7/7/2022 Learn about this great museum, Aquarium and Planetarium right in downtown Bradenton. 
Mote Marine Outreach – 6/30/2022 Known throughout Sarasota and Bradenton as a premier Aquarium and Rehab hospital for researching and caring for our Ocean Friends. 
Big Idea Bubble Show – 6/23/2022 
Stories from the Sea – Katie Adams – 6/9/2022 
Painting in Watercolors – Karalee Hammes – 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30/22 
Teen Poetry Contest – 3/8/2022 
