Wild party, arty party

Clarissa the llama -- that's her on the right in the top photo -- was the most popular girl at the Central Florida Zoo’s Safari Soiree last weekend. Everyone wanted their picture taken with her – including Sanford Commissioner Patty Mahany (above) and her husband Sean. Thanks to Commissioner Mahany for returning the favor and snapping the little photo on the right. Cute Clarissa is the one with the hat.

The annual fundraiser is generally a sellout, attracting local movers, shakers and ...board members in gorilla costumes. That was Bob O'Keefe in the mask -- you can see his picture on our website, along with guys in safari hats and women in animal prints. Oh, and there was an American bald eagle and a baby gator there too.

Next up at the zoo: breakfast or brunch with Santa on Dec. 10

Just down the road (and during daylight hours) was the Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts. We caught up with some of the organizers -- Steve Nelson, busy out and about, and Lesli Riggan and Greg May taking care of business in the VIP tent. (below). We’ll have more shots from that event on our site too.