Annual event celebrates the arts and the migration of the monarch butterfly
One of South Walton’s most popular fall events, the annual Flutterby Festival is returning to Rosemary Beach, Nov. 12-13, celebrating the arts and the migration of the monarch butterfly along Scenic Highway 30A. Hosted by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), this year’s event will feature interactive adventures by the Seaside Repertory Theatre. Also, for the first time ever, Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s “Cottages for Kids” will debut the 2011 collection of designer cottages at the Flutterby Festival, promising a magical weekend in Rosemary Beach for kids of all ages.
The Flutterby Festival, which was named in celebration of the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly through the area, is a place for kids to flitter, offering an exciting and diverse array of activities along Rosemary Beach’s South Barrett Square, Main Street and Western Green. This fall, family tradition is a perfect chance for residents and visitors to enjoy a fun-filled weekend outdoors in South Walton. The Flutterby Festival, sponsored by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach, will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. both days.
Festival attendees will also enjoy live music, interactive storytelling adventures, animal encounters and an array of artists, vendors and exhibitors. The fun-filled day invites families to participate in street games, face painting, hula hooping, and street and mural painting. As part of the annual tradition, children create their own butterfly wing masterpieces to be worn for the butterfly costume parade each afternoon at 3:00 p.m. In addition, kids will enjoy using their creativity to build butterfly puppets and make other crafts, including decorating a butterfly plant pot to take home and plant their very own seeds to watch grow.
Throughout the weekend, a master gardener will be on hand teaching children the art and science of building their own butterfly garden, and kids will have the opportunity to take home a butterfly plant. Hundreds of butterfly paintings, created by Walton County students, will be on display throughout the festival. On the East Green, Cottages for Kids’ whimsical cottages, ranging from fairytale creations to modern designs, will be on display for families to view the tremendous imagination and craftsmanship of these playhouses, which will be raffled on Nov. 26.
Flutterby attendees looking for sweet treats, a meal or just a snack will delight in the delicious offerings by Rosemary Beach restaurants and vendors around the festival grounds. As an added bonus, families can explore all the great shops and galleries while enjoying the afternoon in Rosemary Beach.
Admission to the Flutterby Festival is free, although some activities may require a small fee. For more information, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call 850-622-5970.