Upcoming Events

Celebrate Walton County’s Bicentennial at the Chautauqua Assembly March 14 – 17

Assembly includes free outdoor exhibits around the Lakeyard on Circle Drive

The Florida Chautauqua Assembly, a cherished annual tradition, is set to return for its 2024 Assembly from March 14-17, 2024, in historic DeFuniak Springs.

This year’s assembly theme is “A Journey into Florida Pioneers: 200 Years in the Panhandle,” Each year, the assembly aims to be a celebration of art, education, religion and recreation – its four main pillars. This year’s assembly promises to be a memorable event for all attendees.

Enjoy free living history exhibits on the shores of Lake DeFuniak Jan. 26-28.

History:
The Florida Chautauqua Assembly has a rich history of bringing enlightenment and entertainment to our community. The assembly is legacy to the original Chautauqua Movement that began in the late 19th century, aiming to provide intellectual and cultural stimulation to people across the nation. Over the years, the Florida Chautauqua Assembly has continued to uphold this tradition, offering a diverse range of programs and activities that celebrate our shared cultural heritage. The Chautauqua Assembly brings entertainment and culture for the community with speakers, teachers, musicians, living historians, preachers, and specialists through its four pillars.

The Florida Chautauqua Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1993 (as the Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc.) to revive the historic Florida Chautauqua Assemblies held in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, from 1885 to 1927. This organization started doing business as Florida Chautauqua Association, Inc. in 2013 to reflect the name of the organization which orchestrated the original assemblies.

Dates and Location:
The 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly will take place from March 14-17 around Lake DeFuniak. This picturesque town provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend of enlightening experiences and enjoyable entertainment.

What to Expect:
Attendees of the 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly can look forward to living history encounters with three of history’s most remarkable women that all have ties to Florida; Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Enjoy thought-provoking discussions led by renowned speakers on a variety of topics. Hear from local history experts such as Brenda Rees, Sam Carnley, and Bruce Cosson. Our distinguished closing keynote is FL Superintendent of the Year, Russell Hughes. There will be authentic pioneer style farm to table suppers handmade from scratch with love by the local women of the Sisters in Spirit (SIS) group. Dirty Hands Farm is sponsoring these suppers providing heritage Spanish Cattle going back generations to the very first settlers.

There will be a tavern serving adult beverages and offering entertainment and games nightly from 6 – 10pm. There will be performances by local musicians such as the Walton County Community Band, the Walton High School Band, Jessica Comeau, Kimberly Miller, and Neal Dalton Kelly to name a few. Entertainment by the counties renowned Grit & Grace thespian group keeping oral history telling alive.

In addition to what has been listed, entertainment, recreation, outdoor exhibits, food trucks, and more will be on the docket during this weekend. Most activities around the lake yard are free.

The 2024 Program Chair, Dr. Renee Carnley, when asked about the event said, “The Chautauqua Movement put DeFuniak Springs on the map. Since it’s a vital part of our history the county’s bicentennial is a perfect opportunity for the Assembly together with our community to celebrate the pioneers who kindled the flame of exploring important historical, religious, social, and political issues of their time. Our hope for this year’s assembly is to ignite a spark that motivates each attendee to explore these same issues today while having some fun.”

Ticket Information:
Tickets for the 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly will be available for purchase at FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org.

Join in for a Journey into Florida Pioneers:
This year, the Assembly has a lot to celebrate: 150 years since the Chautauqua movement started in New York, 200 years since Walton County was founded, and 100 years since the inception of both the Walton County Fair and the Eagle Springs Golf and Recreation Center.

The 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly promises to be an enlightening gathering that celebrates two centuries of arts, education, recreation and religion. We invite everyone in the community to join us for this exceptional event and experience the charm of Chautauqua.

For more information, please visit FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org. or call 850-401-8192

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Tractor parade and farmer’s market in DeFuniak Springs March 16

Enjoy an old-fashioned tractor parade while you shop local farmer’s wares on Sat., March 16, 2024. The parade will commence at 10 a.m. along Baldwin Ave. in downtown DeFuniak Springs. These events will coincide with Chautauqua Assembly which includes outdoor exhibits around Lake DeFuniak on Circle Drive.
For more information visit mainstreetdfs.org or call 850-296-9051.

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Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park March 18

You’re invited to a plant identification walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the third Monday of the month.

The walk starts at 9:00 am at tram stop #2, and is led by Bill Kuenstler, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Learn about the many native plants at the park.

Driving Directions
Located in Santa Rosa Beach, the park is located 1/4 south of U.S. Hwy 98 on western end of Scenic Hwy. 30A.  ::MAP:

 

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Westonwood annual Ranch Pro Rodeo March 22-23

Westwood annual Ranch Pro Rodeo will be held March 22-23, 2024 at Freeport Regional Sports Complex in Freeport. Hosted by New Life Church, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Freeport, the event will feature the Professional Cowboy Association performing bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding, and more. Doors open at 6 p.m. with performaces starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets sold at gate only $20/adults, $15/age 12 and younger, and free for children under 2. For more information, call 850-880-2220 or email at admin@westonwood.org.

Freeport Regional Sports Complex is located at 563 Hammock Trail E, Freeport, FL 32439.

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Camp Helen State Park Easter egg scavenger hunt March 30

Camp Helen State Park Easter egg scavenger hunt will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sat., March 30, 2024. Families may check-in any time throughout the posted event time at the park, grab a designated age group egg hunt card and enjoy a color-coded hike which will take them on an educational journey through the park. Once all 6 colors have been collected, participants return the cards and eggs to the volunteers at the tables on the porch of the Historic Lodge for a special prize.

Attendees can also enjoy Gelato Love food truck, a silent auction of local gifts, a merchandise table, and kayak rentals on Lake Powell, the Largest Coastal Dune Lake in the northern hemisphere.
Park Fees
There is an honor entrance station. The fee is $4.00 per vehicle and $1.00 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Click here for park website.
Driving Directions
Camp Helen is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL, just west of the Phillips Inlet bridge on the Bay County and Walton county line. The entrance is south of U.S. Hwy 98. ::MAP::

 

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Eggstravaganza and Spring Festival at Freeport Regional Sports Complex March 30

Celebrate an Easter egg hunt Eggstravaganza and Spring Festival at Freeport Regional Sports Complex from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on March 30, 2024.
Sponsored by the Freeport Town Planters Society, the event will feature pony rides, crafts, arts, touch tank, and food trucks.
Easter eggs that fall from the sky sponsored by Destiny Worship.
Times are:
Toddlers 0-3 at 10:00 a.m.
Ages 4-7 at 10:30 a.m.
Ages 8-11 at 11:30 a.m.
Freeport Regional Sports Complex is located at 563 Hammock Trail East, Freeport, Florida 32439

 

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Charity bass tournament in Freeport March 30

DeFuniak Springs Kiwanis is hosting a charity bass tournament at Black Creek Lodge in Freeport March 30, 2024. The tournament will begin at first safe light with 2 p.m. weigh in. Prizes are $2,000 1st, $750 2nd and $250 3rd place (1-29 80/20 payout 30 boats guaranteed). Entry fee is $100 per boat, $20 big fish.

Food will be available to purchase at registration at weigh in. Proceeds benefit Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, Purpose One:27, and Removing Barriers Initiative For more information contact Rob Neale at 850-978-6480.

Black Creek Lodge is located at 710 Black Creek Lodge Rd., Freeport.

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Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park April 4

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 10 – 11 a.m.

Join in for a ranger-guided nature hike. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. Hike is suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended.

The Friends of Camp Helen are excited to be open for kayak and SUP rentals 7 days a week from 9 am – 5 pm. Reservations can be made online at www.friendsofcamphelen.org or by calling (850) 238-1900. Walk ins are also welcome.

Park Fees
There is an honor entrance station. The fee is $4.00 per vehicle and $1.00 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Click here for park website.

Driving Directions
Camp Helen is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL, just west of the Phillips Inlet bridge on the Bay County and Walton county line. The entrance is south of U.S. Hwy 98. ::MAP::

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