This Saturday, the 21st Annual Waterlily Celebration returns to McKee! More than 100 varieties in peak bloom, plein-air artists, aquatic plant vendors, re-potting demonstrations, and the photo contest winners on display in the Hall of Giants. Arrive early. The window when night-blooming and day-blooming lilies open together is brief, and it's not something you want to miss. One more thing: tomorrow, June 9th, is the last day to submit entries for the Waterlily Photo Contest.

For more details on all upcoming events and to register for these, see "The Week Ahead" section here. June 3, 5 p.m. -- Ocean Grill Night Benefitting the Arc of Indian River County June 5, 5 p.m. -- First Friday Gallery Stroll June 6, 2 p.m. -- Artist Talk: Process Behind the Art at the Environmental Learning Center June 13, 8:30 a.m. -- McKee Botanical Garden 21st Annual Waterlily Festival June 13, 10 a.m. -- Second Saturdays at VBMA -- Free Admission All Day

The International Ocean Film Festival's Florida Tour sold out FAU Harbor Branch last year, and if the trend holds, tickets will go fast. The fourth edition takes place this Saturday, June 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $40 per ticket, advance purchase only. See our article on last year's festival here. Ten films, three blocks, filmmakers from a dozen countries. The standouts: a novice Italian diver who goes to Norway to film wolffish and finds a seafloor stripped of its kelp forests

Juneteenth is one of those things most people in Vero Beach would say they know. Federal holiday, June 19, end of slavery. Check, check, check. But knowing a date isn't the same as knowing the story behind it and why it matters.

Burgers and Brews has outgrown Riverside Park. After ten years, United Against Poverty is moving its annual fundraiser to the Indian River County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To celebrate, UAP is giving away two combo packs passes for: 5 sliders 10 brewery tastings A souvenir cup (valued at $50) Enter to win here. Eleven competitors, mostly new ones, will battle for Best Burger in Indian River County while guests sample sliders and vote. Last year'

Some 1,000 people gathered yesterday for a yearly tradition honoring Indian River County’s rich military heritage -- a solemn reminder of the sacrifices we take for granted. It's easy to let the day slip by with the long weekend, the barbecues, the family from out of town. But in a county where nearly 1 in 9 residents has worn a uniform, showing up to Memorial Island yesterday morning for the Military Officers Association of America's annual ceremony was the most Vero thing

The Replogle Family It turns out one of the longest running fundraisers in Vero has neither a ticket price, a dress code, nor a silent auction. Since 1982, the Replogle family, who have run Ocean Grill since 1965, have dedicated one Tuesday evening each May to The Arc of Indian River County. No admission fee. No sponsorship. You make a reservation, order dinner just like any other night, and the evening's proceeds go directly to the organization supporting over 200 individual

America's 250th birthday is 47 days away, and Vero Beach is ready to celebrate in style! Dubbed USA All Day: Pioneers to Paradise, the City of Vero Beach has organized a rich lineup of America 250 festivities in partnership with their sponsors: Cleveland Clinic, Piper, Dyer Auto, MidFlorida Credit Union, the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, Vero Heritage, Jackie Robinson Training Complex, Overlay Pros, Fabulous Co. Finery Events, Breeze, and George E. Warren LLC, FPL, with sup

None of us missed the Blue Angels this weekend as they dominated the airspace, but if you're like me, you can't get enough.

Loyal Vero Minute readers know by now that some of the most spectacular natural destinations in Indian River County are hiding in plain sight thanks to the Indian River Land Trust. Don't miss the last two chances to see them with a guide this season. The Trust wraps up its tour season with a native plant hike at Lagoon Greenway Tomorrow, Tuesday May 12 at 9:30 AM, and an early-morning birding walk on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 AM. Both are free, both are led by knowledgeable v