Florida Chautauqua Assembly comes to DeFuniak Springs Jan. 23 – 26, 2014

January 14, 2014

Muscogee Indian Gathering and Encampment one of the many free events at the Chautauqua Assembly. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Muscogee Indian Gathering and Encampment one of the many free events at the Chautauqua Assembly. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Explore history and culture at four-day event

The annual Florida Chautauqua Assembly will be held in DeFuniak Springs Jan. 23-26, 2014. The Assembly is a historic 4-day educational program comprised of notable keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions, performance teas, evening dinner performances and exhibits relating to an annual theme.

This year’s theme is “A Journey in the World of Motion Pictures.  The keynote speaker is Demond Wilson, co-star of the 1970s award-winning hit TV series “Sanford and Son” explains how the series positively impacted the future for black actors in television.

For a complete lineup of activities, educational sessions, go to: http://www.floridachautauquaassembly.org/assembly_2014/schedule_2014

Money saving books of tickets called “Passports” may be purchased for $135.  Upgrade that Passport to a “Platinum Passport” for $185 to attend all sessions in a Passport AND to have backstage access to meet Demond Wilson, have a photo made with him and to receive an autographed copy of his book.  All proceeds cover the costs of the Assembly.

Passports and Platinum Passports are available by calling (850) 892-7613 or online at www.FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org.  Those who wish to purchase individual tickets instead are encouraged to do so at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, 95 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs from Thursday, January 23 beginning at 10:00 a.m. through Saturday.

There are several free outdoor events as well along the Lakeyard listed below.

Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014:
8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.:  Free exhibits
Civil War Camp – Lake Yard
Florida Frontiersmen Settlement Camp – Lake Yard
Buffalo Soldiers – Lake Yard
Tin Can Campers Antique RV and Camper Show – Lake Yard
Muscogee Indian Gathering and Encampment – Lake Yard
Florida Forest Service – Lake Yard
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge – Lake Yard
Florida Chautauqua History Exhibit – Lakeside Building, 1290 Circle Drive
Plein Air Paint-Out & Art Sale – Lake Yard
Groundbreaking Television Shows Student Museum Exhibit – Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood
Walton County Heritage Museum (Train Depot) – Circle Drive
Historic Walton-DeFuniak Springs Library – Circle Drive
Porcelain Art Show – Community Center
Home Depot Kids Clinic (Saturday, 10am – 2pm):  1,000 free bird houses and kits to be given away

Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Free exhibits
Civil War Camp – Lake Yard
Florida Frontiersmen Settlement Camp – Lake Yard
Tin Can Campers Antique RV and Camper Show – Lake Yard
Muscogee Indian Gathering and Encampment – Lake Yard
Florida Chautauqua History Exhibit – Lakeside Building, 1290 Circle Drive
Plein Air Paint-Out & Art Sale – Lake Yard
Groundbreaking Television Shows Student Museum Exhibit – Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood

3:00 p.m.:  SPECIAL EVENT
Piano Concert:  Lois Van Dam will present a piano concert featuring the Bach Italian Concerto, along with Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata, a few pieces by Brahms, and a favorite or two from Liszt and Chopin. First United Methodist Church, 88 Circle Dr, DeFuniak Springs.  (Free)