Back To Nature Festival coming to South Walton Oct. 14-16, 2011

August 16, 2011

Enjoy kayaking and YOLO boarding as some of the featured events. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Enjoy outdoor adventures and family fun at the annual fall festival

South Walton Community Council is pleased to announce their 10th Annual Back To Nature Festival October 14-16, 2011. The cool fall season and natural beauty of South Walton are the perfect backdrop for the annual festival.  Each fall South Walton Community Council hosts the Back to Nature Festival to inspire visitors and locals alike to discover the wonders of our unique coastal environment.

“It’s one of the ways we like to say thank you to the community who has supported our efforts over the years. We want everyone to come out, explore and celebrate this amazing place we call home. This year we have added some new events including a juried art show featuring our beloved coastal dune lakes. There is something for everyone, so please come out and enjoy the fun,” said Jacquee Markel, President of the South Walton Community Council.

Learn about wildlife and more at the Back To Nature Festival. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

• Opening Night Party on Oct. 14 in the Backyard of Love located at Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse in Grayton Beach. Enjoy a low country boil, live music under the stars and preview the silent auction items.

• Enjoy Outdoor Adventures with experienced guides Oct. 15 – 16. Sunrise meditation, Deer Lake shorebird and beach walk, Peach Creek kayak tour, Stand up paddling at Grayton Beach State Park, wildflower and butterfly hike in Pt. Washington State Forest, longleaf Greenway trail bike cruise, astronomy walk at Grayton Beach State Park, tracking the wild critters at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Western Lake kayak tour, forest ecology hike and Hogtown Bayou sunset paddle.

Most outdoor adventure events are about two hours long and cost $10 unless otherwise noted.

• Explore Nature at Grayton Beach State Park on Saturday, Oct. 15th. Walton Outdoors will be hosting a hands-on day geared towards introducing children to the wonders of exploring the outdoors. Activities include learning to fish in the Gulf with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, rod/reel giveaways, kayaking and YOLO boarding on Western Lake, a guided hike along the sand dune trail, sea life touch tank, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge wildlife exhibit and interactive activities.

This event is free and geared for children ages 6 and up.

• Celebrate Nature at the Seaside Amphitheater on Saturday, Oct. 15th. Live music from Chris Alvarado, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center wildlife exhibits, Choctawhatchee Audubon, Florida State Parks exhibits, Shoal Sanctuary, local community groups, arts and crafts for the kids, green business exhibits, demonstrations, farmers market and silent auction.

• Silent Auction Saturday, Oct. 15th at the Seaside Amphitheater.  Bid on great items with proceeds going to the South Walton Community Council.

• Art Show at the Hidden Lantern Gallery Sept. 26 – Oct. 29. Located at Rosemary Beach, “The Jewels of 30A,” a juried art show, will feature artwork inspired by our globally rare and imperiled coastal dune lakes. Artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the South Walton Community Council.

For more information and registration, go to www.SouthWaltonCC.org.

About South Walton Community Council
The South Walton Community Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition of several hundred residents, property owners, employees, neighborhoods and business owners.  In 1995, growing out of a need for grassroots expression, a group of dedicated citizens gathered to make a difference in their community.  They recognized how preserving & protecting the unique coastal environment would enhance the quality of life for all who visit or chose to call South Walton home.  After 16 years these volunteers are going strong.  For more information go to www.SouthWaltonCC.org or follow us on Facebook as South Walton Community Council.

About Seaside
The Town of Seaside is a gulf front community located on Scenic Highway 30A between Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida. Founded in 1981, this renowned New Urbanist town is the flagship cultural center of The Beaches of South Walton. Seaside has over 400 homes and cottage rentals, and more than 50 specialty retail shops and restaurants. Seaside’s thriving town center includes civic, cultural and educational institutions; a public charter school, an inter-faith chapel, a repertory theater and The Seaside Institute. Parks and a swim and tennis club provide year-round recreation. The Seaside Amphitheater provides a wonderful venue for recreation and hosts numerous events throughout the calendar year. More information can be found at: SeasideFL.com or find us on Facebook by searching “Seaside.”