National School Librarian Day is observed internationally on April 4th. The importance of school librarians is often overlooked by the general population. However, since 1992, school library impact studies have consistently shown positive correlations between high-quality library programs and higher student achievement (Gretes, 2013; Scholastic, 2016). School librarians help keep libraries well-stocked, organized, and clean. They’re also a key resource for students; they assist in research, provide a safe space to study, and often more. Support your local libraries and librarians by donating books and time, and supporting politicians who prioritize library sciences.
Author: Debbie Roney Smith
Cosmic: FSU Circus Production
Florida State University’s “Flying High” Circus was originally founded in 1947 as an opportunity to help men and women integrate when the university became a co-ed institution. The extracurricular program exploded, thriving off students exploring their skills in more than 20 different circus acts. Students also learn how to rig their own equipment, sew their own costumes, and handle all production aspects for the annual performances. The performances take place under the campus’ Big Top, located near the stadium.
Cosmic is the organization’s 2023 spring show; the student performers will take their audience on an intergalactic journey to new worlds through gravity-defying routines in the air and on the ground. There are several dates available to see the performance: April 7th-8th, 14th-16th, and 21st-22nd. Learn more at the official website by CLICKING HERE. Please note that all sales at the show (merchandise, concessions, etc) are cashless, so bring your debit/credit card.
Historical Russ House

Spring FamFest
First Assembly Marianna is hosting a Spring FAMfest on April 2nd from 3-5 pm. It’s a free, family-friendly event. There will be games, food, prizes, facepaint, a kidzone, balloon art, inflatables, AND pictures with the Easter Bunny. Come out and experience FAMily. Located at 4186 Lafayette Street in Marianna.
Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff
The Florida State Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff is coming to the charming small town of Perry (March 31 – April 1). This is one of the biggest events of the year for the town, bringing in thousands of tourists. There will be live music, a chili cookoff, free Moon Pies, a kids’ zone, crafts, and more! The music lineup includes Rhonda Vincent, Appalachian Road Show, Kenny Stinson, The Tim Shelton Sydicate, David Adkins, and Rekindled Grass. A two-day pass will be $40.00 in advance (via online purchase) or $45.00 at the gate. A one-day pass for Friday costs $20.00 while a Saturday pass is $30.00. Learn more about vendors and show times by clicking HERE to visit the Festival website.
Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival
Come out to the Tallahassee Museum to enjoy a two-day jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues music festival on March 25th-26th, 2023 from 11am-5pm! The Tallahassee Museum, located on an 1880s farm, is home to one of the town’s most beautiful outdoor concert venues. Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs or blankets to enjoy the music. There will be music, food, adult beverages, and historical activities. View the full lineup at the festival website HERE.
Sportsability Expo
The SportsAbility Alliance works to enrich the lifestyle of individuals with disabilities; it strives to help those in the community enjoy the leisure and recreational activities. The Sportsability Expo, the organization’s free annual event, promotes resources, equipment, trends, and activities for all ages and abilities. There will be multiple activities including adaptive golf, tennis, basketball, martial arts, laser target shooting, disc golf, and an interactive fishing simulator. There will also be a day of outdoor activities at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park; events will include water skiing, scuba diving, horseback riding, adaptive biking, jet skiing, parabadminton, and rock wall climbing. The Sportsability Expo will be held March 23rd through 25th. Learn more by visiting the event website HERE.
Jazz & Blues Festival
The Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival will be held at the Tallahassee Museum from March 25th-26th. There will be jazz, swing, and blues music playing throughout the day at the beautiful outdoor venue. Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs, folding chairs, and/or blankets to relax to the music. The Tallahassee Museum will also welcome guests to explore the living history museum and perform 1880s farm activities. The Festival will have food and adult beverages, so bring cash and card to enjoy. Learn more by visiting the event website HERE.
Suwannee County Fair Starts Tomorrow
The Suwannee County Fair is an annual event that has brought the community together for over 100 years. It will run from March 17-25. There will be carnival rides, fried food, and multiple livestock events. The Fair features the annual Fair and Youth Livestock Show and Sale, the Beef Heifer Show, plus Goat, Dairy Cattle, and Sheep Shows. There will also be a Figure 8 and Demolition Derby. Learn more about the fair by visiting the official website HERE or the event’s Facebook PAGE.
Pensacola VegFest 2023
The Pensacola VegFest is coming to the Community Maritime Park next Saturday, March 25th! The festival will run from 12 pm to 7 pm EDT. Pensacola Vegfest is a celebration of compassionate living, eating, and creating. All food at the event will be vegan; come out to try various delicious plant-based, cruelty-free foods. Turtle Roll Homemade Ice Cream will be at the festival with an entire line of vegan ice cream flavors AND several scrumptious sorbets. The festival will also feature eco-friendly vendors, vegan artists, family fun, live music, free yoga, cooking demos, and more! While entry to Vegfest is free, food and art vendors will take cash and cards. Learn more about the event and stay up-to-date with announcements by visiting the Facebook event page HERE.