The Venice Newcomers Club and Newcomers of Venice Alumni are hosting a “Celebrate Downtown Venice Day,” Saturday, Aug. 11 to give back to our beautiful, historic downtown during the Downtown Beautification Project.

The event starts at noon with free 45-minute trolley tours of historic Venice Island. Harry Klinkhamer, Manager of Historical Resources for the City, will share his wealth of knowledge about the history. The trolley stop will be near the Venice MainStreet Kiosk in Centennial Park and will go until 3 p.m.

Those who attend should plan to bring their bicycles as Bicycles International will host two bike tours at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Beginning at the Gazebo in Centennial Park, join them as they go on a leisurely ride to and from the Jetties. They’re also providing a free “Fix a Flat” workshop held at the Gazebo at 1:30 p.m., instructing how to properly fix a flat tire.

Downtown shoppers will have the chance to get into festive spirit by visiting with a full-face-painting artist by the kiosk between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. There’s also a chance to relax with Afternoon High Tea, which will be held at Café 124, at 2 p.m., and Upper Crust, at 3 p.m. Many stores will join in the fun with specials, raffles and even Down Island Way Boutique’s almost famous rum punch.

Moving into the evening, downtown goers will be able to enjoy extended Happy Hours at Daiquiri Deck, TJ Carney’s, Made in Italy, Abby’s on Miami, and Ciao Gelato (Wine & Gelato Floats) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a variety of wines during the wine tasting events held at Café’ Longet, the Olive Grove Wine Bar, and the Zebra Piano Bar Lounge from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support local businesses and have a great day shopping, learning and dining in Downtown Venice!