Christmas in July, Let's Paw-ty, and Get Your Gecko On

1.) TGIAF: Thank God, It's Almost Friday. In Gulfport, Thursdays are for prepping for the weekend ahead, with some fun scheduled before the work week ends. At the Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd., there's salsa dancing from 6:30-10 p.m. There are dance lessons in the early part of the evening. Cost is $7.

2.) Love Instagram? Istameet may be just the thing for you.Instameet is a new local meetup for people who love Instagram. It's a chance to socialize, exchange tips and just have fun. The first get-together was at the picturesque St. Pete Pier. This second one is 6 p.m. Saturday at John's Pass Village & Boardwalk, 12901 Gulf Blvd.,  Madeira Beach. Follow the group at @igersstpete on Instagram to learn more.

3.) Christmas without the white stuff: Hmm. It's 91 degrees out and the middle of summer. Must be time to celebrate Christmas. That's right. Christmas in July is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases 50 vendors selling holiday-type stuff for those folks who love to get their shopping done early.  There's also a Winter Snow Party and Holiday Photo Ops. Christmas in July is Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. 

4.) Calling all animal lovers! Mark your calendars for a special "Paw-ty" this Sunday at 1 p.m. to raise money for Friends of Strays. According to organizers: "In celebration of 35 years of service and the 90th birthday of Friends of Strays co-founder Jean Bomonti, the group is holding a paw-ty with appetizers, live music, door prizes, thrift shop specials and adoptable pets on site." The event takes places at the Friends of Strays Gift Shoppe, 3660 Gandy Blvd., Pinellas Park.

5.) Get Your Gecko On: Gulfport's biggest party of the year is Geckofest. Tickets are selling fast and furious for the Gecko Ball. This year, the Gecko Ball will be held at the historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom (5500 Shore Blvd. South) from 6 to 11pm on Saturday, August 24th. Tickets are $30 per person and are available at Beach Bazaar, Domain Home Accessories & Gallery, and Couture’d in Gulfport with cash or check, as well as online at www.GulfportMA.com with a credit or debit card.