Seaside hosting outdoor fun Labor Day Weekend with
movies, music and more Sept. 3 – 5

Roman Street will perform Sept. 5

As the summer comes to a close, Seaside keeps the events coming. Join us as the family fun continues as we invite you to curl-up with a blanket during Central Square Cinema on Friday night, enjoy fresh produce and other local finds at the Seaside Farmers Market on Saturday morning and rock the night away with live music on both Saturday and Sunday evenings. Just because school may have started doesn’t mean the events are over!

Fri. Sept. 3 – 8 p.m.
Movie: Grab your blankets and head to the Amphitheater for a movie under the stars. Enjoy this Academy Award Winning Disney film that will take you up, up and away!

Sat. Sept. 4
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Seaside Farmer’s Market Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products and other unique offerings during the Seaside Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Located on the Seaside Amphitheater, directly behind Raw & Juicy, you’ll find local specialties that will help sustain our growers! Enjoy made from scratch breakfast at the market and other activities sure to liven up your morning!

6 p.m.
Live music with Michael Warren – Hoover, AL native Michael Warren has recently been signed to songwriter and recording artist deals with Atlantic Records.  Michael was recently recognized by BMI as one of their Nine Burgeoning Songwriters at BMI’s “Who’s Next –Writers on the Rise” event in New York.

Sun. Sept. 5
6 p.m.
Roman Street: Comprised of 2 brothers and a dear friend, Roman Street is an internationally trained Latin jazz group from Mobile, AL. Their unique repertoire and energetic live shows have earned them scores of fans along the gulf coast and in 20 countries around the world. This all-instrumental group wields classical and acoustic guitars, full percussion and is sure to enthrall with the listener with Latin-American rhythms, European flair, and good ol’ Gulf Coast fun.

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Art Expo at Village of Baytowne Wharf Sept. 3 – 5

5 – 10 p.m.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf welcomes the fresh fall season under the moonlight with a weekend good for the art and soul with world-class art and live music in the Village Events Plaza. Exceptional artists featured in the area’s leading galleries from across the southeast will gather for this three day festival featuring the best of the best in the world of art.
Admission is free. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

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Learn about frogs and toads at Topsail Sept. 4

Location/time: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park  – 7:30 p.m.

Come and join us for a program on native frogs and toads of northwest Florida. Learn all about these noisy yet elusive creatures. Discover where they might be found, how to distinguish species by their unique calls, and their adaptations for survival in this fun and informative outdoor slideshow presentation.  Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the outdoor amphitheater.

All programs require a $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park.

::MAP::

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::MAP::

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A Musical Farewell to Summer Labor Day Weekend Concert Sept. 5

Location: Grand Park in Grand Boulevard
7 p.m.
As part of Beaches of South Walton’s annual Autumn Tides series, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents “A Musical Farewell to Summer” featuring David Seering accompanied by a full orchestra, The Joe Occhipinti Band from Pensacola. The concert will include famous Broadway, big band and Sinatra-inspired musical mastery. Admission is $10, kids under 12 free. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org or call 850-650-2226.

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FWC offers hunter safety course in
Okaloosa County Sept. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a free hunter safety course in Okaloosa County. The course will be at the Okaloosa County Extension Office, 5479 Old Bethel Rd., in Crestview.  Instruction will be from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 6, 7, 8 and 9.  The range portion of the class will be Sept. 11 from 8-11 a.m.

An adult must accompany children under age 16 at all times.  Students should bring a pencil and paper with them to take notes.
The hunter safety course is required before anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, can purchase a Florida hunting license.  The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.

People interested in attending this course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling the FWC’s regional office in Panama City at 850-265-3676.

FWC offers hunter safety course in Bay County Sept. 7, 9, 21 and 23

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a free hunter safety course in Bay County.

The course will be conducted at Gulf Coast Community College in the second floor lecture hall of the Student Union East building, 5230 West U.S. Hwy. 98 in Panama City.  Instruction will be from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 7, 9, 21 and 23.  The range portion of the class will be Sept. 28 from 7-11 a.m.

People who have taken the Internet course and wish to complete the classroom portion must bring the online-completion report and attend only the Sept. 7 class from 6-10 p.m. and the Sept. 25 range day.

Successful completion of an approved hunter safety course is required for everyone born on or after June 1, 1975, before they can purchase a Florida hunting license.  The FWC course satisfies hunter safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
People interested in attending this course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling the FWC’s regional office in Panama City at 850-265-3676.

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The Great Word Hunt and Readathon at
Eden Gardens State Park Sept. 7 and 8

Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Eden Gardens State Park is sponsoring a fun-filled afternoon of reading events, including The Great Word Hunt in which the students will search the gardens for letters and then utilize those letters to create words; the team creating the greatest number of words will win a small prize. The day will be finished off with reading time facilitated by different costumed characters reading to the children at various locations within the park.
Participation Requirements
Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to participants.
Contact: (850) 267-8322
Directions: Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, off U.S. 98 on C.R. 395.

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Nick’s September Showdown fishing tournament Sept. 11

Nick’s Restaurant in Basin Bayou is hosting speckled trout, redfish, catfish and ladyfish tournament on the Choctawhatchee Bay on Sept. 11. Starting time will be at daybreak. This is a Choctawhatchee Bay tournament and all fish must be caught on the Bay or estuaries from Brooks Bridge to Peach Creek.
Entry Fee-$ 50.00 per person
All payouts guaranteed.
(Guaranteed payouts – Based on a minimum of 50 anglers)

FISH 1ST PLACE 2ND PLACE 3RD PLACE
SPECKLED TROUT $500 $300 $200
REDFISH $500 $300 $200
CATFISH $300 $200 $100
LADYFISH $300 $200 $100
*SLAM BONUS WEIGHT – $100 TO THE ANGLER WITH THE MOST TOTAL WEIGHT
OF ALL SPECIES. *
All contestants are subject to a polygraph test.

Download Showdown entry form

Download Showdown rules

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E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center annual open house Sept. 11

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center at Nokuse Plantation will host its first “Annual Open House” Event on Saturday, September 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The exhibit hall will be open, guided hikes will be available, scheduled films will be featured, and activities for all ages will be scheduled.  Drop in anytime from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. or pack a lunch and stay a while.  Public is welcome.

For more information, please visit the E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center website at www.eowilsoncenter.org or call 850-835-1824.

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Have breakfast with a ranger at Topsail Sept. 11

Learn about park life at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Saturday, Sept. 11 – 9 a.m.

Come and join the Rangers of Topsail Hill and ask them all the questions you can think of about park life. To cover the cost of food please bring $4, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to enhance the park, or bring your own breakfast. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. Outside tours canceled during severe weather. Call 267-8330 for more information.

Contact: (850) 267-0299. ::MAP::

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Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Sept. 11 -12

Enjoy a weekend of history, live music food dancing, arts and crafts

Come and enjoy a fun celebration at Gulf Place Sept. 11-12 as the community of Santa Rosa Beach celebrates 100 years.

Local community members have organized a two day celebration filled live music, food, dancing, history, art and crafts and much more. Local historians Chick Huettel and Brenda Rees will share their knowledge and history of life in the community of Santa Rosa Beach over the last century with a display of hundreds of pictures.

Gulf Place is located in Santa Rosa Beach on the corner of Scenic Hwy. 30A and CR 393. ::MAP::

Event Schedule
Sept. 11 – 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
11:00 – 11:30: Grit & Grace: Walton County’s Official Folk Life Production
12:00 – 12:45: Mike & The Yellow Flies
1:15 – 2:00: The Nashville A-Team (featuring some of the Music City’s hottest talents!)
2:30 – 3:15: Blackwater
4:00 – 4:45: Eric Lindell
5:15 – 6:00: Cadillac Willy
6:30 – 7:15: Duke Bardwell & Washboard Jackson & Friends
7:15 – 9:00: JAM SESSION with Greg Barnhill & His Nashville Friends
Read More…

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3rd Annual Fence of Art Flags at Artists at Gulf Place Sept. 11

Time: 10 a.m. – 5p.m.
Location: Artists at Gulf Place, corner of CR393 and Scenic Hwy. 30A
Santa Rosa Beach

Artists at Gulf Place are hosting their 3rd Annual “Fence of Art Flags” on September 11. The Fence of Art Flags is a variety of patriotic artwork available for purchase with the proceeds donated to South Walton Fire District.

If you are interested in creating a flag for the Fence of Flags, email Wendy at wendyprentice@earthlink.net or call (850) 974-1452. Windows can be painted, colored, drawn, sewn, etc. on any type of medium. For more information call (850) 622-0400

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Fifth Annual Charity Car Show at Grand Boulevard Sept. 11

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Organized by the North Florida Region of the Porsche Club of America to benefit the Sacred Heart Foundation. The main street of Grand Boulevard’s Town Center will be lined up with 135 of the finest cars around including Porsches, Lamborghinis, Lotus, Ferraris and motorcycles. Hosted by Destin Porsche Club in conjunction with Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, the event will benefit the future expansion of Heart and Vascular Services at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.

Admission is free and will include live music by Cheryl Jones and food and beverages available for purchase. For more information, call 850-654-5929.

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2nd Annual YOLO Board Seaside Celebration September 14 – 18

Stand-up paddleboard races, art show, free concert and silent auction will benefit South Walton Fire Department Junior Lifeguard Program

YOLO Board announces details of the 2nd Annual YOLO Board Seaside Celebration scheduled from Tuesday, September 14th to Saturday, September 18th in Seaside, FL.  The celebration planned includes five days of Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) inspired activities ranging from a Seven Mile Elite Race and a Three Mile Recreation Race with over $5,000 of prizes awarded for each race, a SUP inspired Art Show, a free concert, equipment demos and a Silent Auction Fundraiser to benefit the South Walton Fire Department Junior Lifeguard Program.   Special celebrity SUP guests will include Nikki Gregg and Chuck Patterson.  The family-friendly event is open to the public. Click here for more info

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Learn about raptors at Topsail Sept. 16

Location/time: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – 1:30 p.m.
Come and join an exciting indoor interpretive on the birds that deserve respect.  Learn about owls, ospreys, hawks, and other interesting hunters in the sky.
Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.

All programs require a $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. ::MAP::

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Loop the Lake 5K Run/Walk slated for Sept. 18

Lace up your running shoes and get set to run or walk around historic Lake  DeFuniak

Loop the Lake 5K Run/Walk and 1 mile Fun Run on will be held Sept. 18 from 7 – 10 a.m. The event is a fundraiser for the 2010 American Heart Association Heart Walk, will be scored by RunItByUs, Atlanta, Ga., using Bar Code Bibbs technology.

This year marks the fourth year of the race. In 2009, slightly more than 300 runners and walkers participated in Loop the Lake and helped raise more than $8,000 for the American Heart Association.

Information about the run, as well as the race course and registration form click here. Click on the Loop the Lake logo on the left side of the page. Early registration costs $15 and ends Sept. 12. Registration from Sept. 13 until 7 a.m. on race day will be $25. The fun run for kids 10 and under costs $10. In addition, a group discount is available. Read More

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Via Colori Street Painting Art Festival at Grand Boulevard Sept. 18

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

As part of Beaches of South Walton’s annual Autumn Tides series, this unique art festival will turn Grand Boulevard’s Town Center into an artist’s canvas of street paintings. This community favorite brings together artists, volunteers and businesses in a unique community project to support Seaside Neighborhood School, one of the first charter schools in Florida. Most of the main street of Grand Boulevard will be closed off for this pedestrian-friendly event. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 850-654-5929.

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Soul Food Festival in DeFuniak Springs Sept. 26

Walton County Shriners Building
4 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Highway 90 West @ Drive Roberts Road
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
Fun & Excitement at this year’s SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL. To register as Vendor or to enter Contests 850-218-0134.

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Destin Fishing Rodeo October 1- 31

Catch a big one this October!

Established in 1948, The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages.

• Open Everyday – October 1st through October 31st
• The Rodeo is FREE to angler’s fishing aboard a registered boat in the Rodeo. to contact a registered boat go to: www.destinfishingrodeo.org/registeredboats.html
• Weigh-ins everyday on the docks at A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
• Open to Private and Charter Boats
• FREE entry for Pier, Bridge, Jetty & Surf Fishing
• Over 30,000 anglers compete throughout the month of October
• Over $100,000 awarded in cash and prizes
• Daily, weekly and overall prizes.
• Junior, Teen, Ladies and Senior Divisions.
• Virtually every gamefish is recognized with awards during the Rodeo. Whether you’re trolling inshore for King Mackerel, offshore for Marlin and Sailfish, or fishing the deep bottoms for Red Snapper and Grouper, you’ll be in the running for prizes. Click here for more information on tournament

Located on Destin Harbor.
1/4 mile East of the Destin Bridge. ::MAP::

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Seaside Community Yard Sale Oct. 2

Location: Seaside Amphitheater
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Turn those old sweaters, retro furniture, record albums, and books into cash. If you have something to sell, there is no better place to fetch top dollar than at the largest yard sale in Walton County held in the picturesque, coastal town of Seaside.

Featuring vendors sprinkled throughout the Seaside Amphitheater, this semi-annual event has become one of the top attractions of the year with more than 100 vendors, selling a variety of items at bargain prices.

Now is the time to get rid of those old collectibles & treasures you’ve been stashing in your garage or attic! Vendor Registration Forms are available online so register early as space is limited. Download a registration form online at: www.seasidefl.com/yardsaleregistration or request an application by calling The Merchants of Seaside at (850) 231-6107.

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Walton Outdoors hosting Explore The Outdoors Festival at Camp Timpoochee 4-H Center Oct. 9

What better way to spend the day than exploring the outdoors!

Walton Outdoors and the Walton County 4-H Program announce Explore The Outdoors Festival at Camp Timopoochee 4-H Center on Sat. Oct. 9, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us for a day of fun filled activities for youth and adults. Discover the wonders of the outdoors right here in Northwest Florida. Activities will include kayaking, fishing, nature walks, archery, wildlife presentations, forest ecology, geo caching, nature based games and more.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks will be available. This fun event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door. Registration is required. Click here to download registration form

Camp Timpoochee 4-H Center is a camping retreat owned by the University of Florida 4-H Foundation with acres of live oaks and nature trails along the Choctawhatchee Bay on the Walton/Okaloosa County line.

For more information, contact Lori Ceier, event organizer via email at: info@waltonoutdoors.com or at (850) 267-2064 or Suzanne Wilson 4-H Youth Development Agent at (850) 892-8172.

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Ghost Walk Tour at Camp Helen State Park Oct. 9

Photo courtesy Fred Beauchemin.

Ghosts, spooks, pirates and witches will be hanging out at Camp Helen State Park, Saturday, October 9th. And everyone is invited to join them for an adventuresome evening of continuous storytelling and historic re-enactment from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.

The Ghost Walk and History Tour is hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen and is suitable for children. New stories, pre tour entertainment and activities are being planned for this year’s event. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway (Highway 98) near the Walton/Bay County line, on the south side of the highway just west of the Phillips Inlet Bridge. Parking at the state park is limited to the handicapped. All others are requested to park at Winn-Dixie and ride the free shuttle to the park. Winn Dixie is at the junction of U. S. 98 and Front Beach Road a mile east of the Philips Inlet Bridge and about five miles west of Florida Highway 79.

For more information please contact Lynn Cherry at 850.215.4651 or lcherry@cdc-s.com

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Howl*O*Ween goes to the dogs at Alys Beach Oct. 22

October 22 · 4: – 6 p.m.
Location: Fonville Press, Alys Beach
Bring your four legged friend to Fonville Press for the 4th annual Howl*O*Ween and Pet Parade benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. Pumpkin painting, face painting and a prize for the Best Owner & Dog Costume will be awarded.

Raffle tickets for a bag full of human and dog friendly goodies will be sold. Tickets are $5 a piece or five tickets for $20. Cash or check only. Checks made directly to Alaqua Animal Refuge. For more information about Alaqua, go to www.aarflorida.com

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Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival Oct. 22 – 23

Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf Sandestin
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
American specialty beers from around the nation will be displayed for participants to sample, savor, and sometimes shun. Come together to learn about the more than 70 beer styles, and the different balances between taste, aroma and appearances. While guest stroll along the 40 plus brewers, the Village of Baytowne Wharf events plaza will host a variety of live music to keep everyone entertained.
For the most up to date information visit baytownewharfbeerfestival.com
Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

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Vettes at the Village  Oct. 23

Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Area corvette clubs bring “America’s Sports Car” to the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Corvettes will be shined to the max as these automotive icons zoom into the Village streets.

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Trick or Treat festivities Oct. 31

Trick or Treat Street at Baytowne
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friends, fireworks, and frights! Come experience this family friendly Halloween event.
Admission is free. Open to public. Subject to change based on weather.

Trick or Treat at Silver Sands
Silver Sands Factory Outlet Stores Miramar Beach
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Children are invited to dress up in their ghoulish costumes for a spooktacular trick-or-treating event from store-to-store. Visit www.silversandsoutlet.com for more information or call 850-654-9771.

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:: Ongoing ::

First Friday Art Walk at Central Square and Ruskin Place in Seaside

Upcoming canoe/kayak paddles in the Panhandle

The West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club offers a variety of paddles in the Northwest Florida Panhandle. If you are interesting in becoming a member, you can go to their website at www.clubkayak.com/wfckc or contact Wes Mosteller at wesjane@earthlink.net

Guests are welcome on trips as long as they have the skills to safely navigate the waters being paddled.  Guests must sign a waiver form and have an Eglin Recreational Pass if the trip is on the Base.  Paddlers must supply their own boat.

Click here for upcoming paddles

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Take a hike or a paddle with the Florida Trail Association

Florida Trail Association – Choctawhatchee and Western Gate Chapters

Activities August/September 2010

Activity Participants Please note: Contact the activity leader well in advance for more information and/or to reserve your place (Space is limited.) Unless instructed otherwise by the activity leader, each participant should bring: day pack, plenty of water (recommended minimum, 2 quarts), sun protection (hat, glasses, screen), insect repellent, lunch and or snacks, adequate clothing for the forecast, and comfortable, sturdy close toed shoes with socks. Long pants, work gloves, and extra water are recommended for work hikes. Activity leaders may deny participation to anyone who is inadequately prepared.

The Western Gate Chapter (western area) and Choctawhatchee Chapter (eastern area) span a longitude difference greater than 80 miles. All activities are open to the public unless noted otherwise. Read More…

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Join the Choctawhatchee Audubon for bird walks, field trips and more

Choctawhatchee Audubon Society offers a wide variety of events open to the public

The Choctawhatchee Audubon Society is dedicated to the protection of bird and wildlife habitat, environmental education, and a greater appreciation of Northwest Florida’s natural beauty. During the year the CAS offers a wide variety of bird walks, bird counts, field trips and Eventures geared for children.

Below is a list of ongoing activities CAS will be hosting throughout the year. For more information, go to www.choctawhatcheeaudubon.org.  Read more

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