Ten things to do this weekend

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  YMCA workout instructor Judy Hine will lead the fifth annual Turkey Burner class at the Venice YMCA on Thanksgiving morning.

  Burn off the calories before sitting down to feast

   

  You don’t have to shelve the Spinning class or nix the weights this Thanksgiving.  It used to be only hard-core instructors and their devotees would get together on holidays and work out. This year finding fitness on holidays is easy.  I’ve compiled a list of facilities, trainers and classes that are open on Thanksgiving to help you rev up your metabolism and bank some calories for a heart Thanksgiving feast. CLICK HERE TO READ ALIX REDMONDE'S LIST OF WORKOUT CLASSES
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  Florida football players celebrate after a win earlier this season.

  Football, football and more football!

  On Friday night, Venice plays Manatee at Kinnan Field in the second round of the high school playoffs. (Go to HTPreps.com for full coverage). On Saturday, UF’s Gators travel to Tallahassee to play the FSU Seminoles in a battle of Top 10 college teams. Then, on Sunday, the hot Tampa Bay Bucs plays division-leading Atlanta at Raymond James Stadium. Ticket pick: The Manatee-Venice game. It may be a long time before you get to see another No. 1 ranked team in the nation such as Manatee.

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  The 36th Annual Venice Holiday Parade made its way down Venice Avenue in downtown Venice last year. Thousands of people lined the street to catch a glimpse of floats, antique cars and Santa himself. ( Photo/ Matt Houston )  

  Ready for a parade? Head to Venice

  Venice, the city that loves parades, hosts its annual Holiday Parade starting at 7 p.m. Saturday through its historic downtown. If you can't be there, see it live on SNN-Local News 6.

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  In case you forgot, this is what to expect Friday!

  Shop till you drop

  This might be the year that Black Friday becomes Black Thursday. Discount retailer Walmart, along with Toys R Us, Sears and Kmart, will open its doors at 8 on Thanksgiving. Ticket pick: Don’t forget locally owned merchants this weekend.

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  Jarrod Zimmerman as Edward Rutledge of South Carolina sings about the hypocrisy involved in the slave trade in the song "Molasses to Rum" in the musical "1776" at Asolo Repertory Theatre. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ASOLO REP

  Local theaters get into the holiday spirit

  Our critic Jay Handelman writes: “Area theaters are taking a well-deserved day off for Thanksgiving, but if you have friends and family with you this weekend, it’s a good time to catch up on a show.”  Ticket pick: The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s thrilling production of “1776,” a musical about the creation of the Declaration of Independence. There’s even a song about the possibility of having a turkey, instead of the eagle, as the national bird. Click here to read Jay's guide to holiday theater in the area.

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  A scene from "Silver Linings Playbook"

  Good movies opening this weekend

  Openings include “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Hitchcock,” “Red Dawn,” “Life of Pi” and “Rise of the Guardians.” Check out today’s Ticket section for movie times and reviews. Ticket pick: “Silver Linings Playbook” is getting rave reviews. Check out our Movie page for shows and times.

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  Clay Aiken performs Sarasota in Sarasota

  Seasonal sounds at the Van Wezel

  Saxophonist Dave Koz headlines the holiday music cavalcade at Van Wezel on Friday, with pianist/composer David Benoit, Sheila E. and others. On Saturday, "American Idol" favorite Clay Aiken brings his seasonal stylings to the same stage. Click here for more details.

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  Dangerous Dan Toler, left,  and Chaz Trippy jamwith the Tucci Band at the 14th Annual Thunder By the Bay Motorcycle Festival in downtown Sarasota.

  Jamming local band

  Jamming local band: If you're not ready for holiday music, Allman Brothers alum "Dangerous" Dan Toler performs with his Toler Tucci Band on Saturday at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center, to celebrate the release of the band’s new album -- "Doc's Hideaway.” Click here for details.

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  Dress the part at author signing for new Civil War novel

  Gene Jones, author of "Suwannee Divide: A Civil War Novel," will sign copies of the book at a launch party from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Peace Education and Action Center(WSLR), 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. Period dress encouraged.

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  Remember the reason people call this place paradise

  From the white sands of Siesta Beach to the wonderful sights along the Legacy Trail, this is a good weekend to remind yourself why you came here. Ticket pick: The Siesta Key shorebirds walk with the Sarasota Audubon Society. Meet up first thing Sunday morning, so set your alarm clock and dress warm. Click here for details.