Are you an event coordinator in Jackson County? Then you are invited to the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s meeting on Monday July 15th. The meeting will take place at the Russ House (4318 Lafayette Street, Marianna) at 2pm. All churches, non-profits, venues, parades, festivals, individuals, and associations are encouraged to attend. The focus of the meeting will be creating a community calendar for the County that will keep citizens up-to-date and avoid same-day event competition. There will be cookies! A Zoom link will also be posted on the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page; keep an eye out to participate online.
Author: Debbie Roney Smith
Pride Month & Rural America
It’s currently Pride Month. Pride began as a celebration and chance to remember the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. New York was persecuting gay people and frequently criminalizing their activities and presence.(1) It was illegal to simply exist as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Activists such as Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, and many other patrons of The Stonewall Inn fought back against a violent police raid. Their actions helped reignite the modern gay rights movement in the United States. Pride was a celebration of LGBTQ voices, culture, and activism.
And there is LGBTQ+ history to learn, explore, and celebrate everywhere, including rural communities. This might not fit in the mainstream cultural image of LGBT individuals. Most popular media features the community living in cities or on coasts; the home base for the cast of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye is a very high-class apartment with an ambiguous city backdrop. Yet an estimated three million or more LGBT+ people call rural America home despite the surge of anti-LGBTQ legislation threatening to chase them out; as of today, there are at least 520 anti-LGBT bills in the U.S.
Even Want to learn more? Here are a few projects that explore LGBTQIA2S+ folks living in rural, small-town, or country communities.
- CountryQueers, a multimedia oral history project.
- Han Powell’s Queer Florida: Speculative Southern Oral Histories.
- Where We Call Home
- Just Queer Folks: Gender and Sexuality in Rural America by Colin R. Johnson
Marianna Independence Party
The Fourth of July is coming up quick! The City of Marianna and Main Street Marianna want to invite you to celebrate with them on July 3rd. The celebration starts at 5pm at the MERE Sports Complex. There will be food trucks, vendors, live music, and fireworks.
Follow the Facebook event page for more details.
Alice in Wonderland in Altha
Looking for a fun weekend event in or around Altha? Look no further than Womble Farms!
Womble Farms, a local homestead, is hosting a two-day Alice in Wombleland event. The event will run from 4pm-10pm daily on June 21st and 22nd. Follow the White Rabbit down Womble Road for a whimsical evening surrounded by nature. Activities include vendors, plants for sale, a drum and dance circle, fundraiser photo ops, lights, nature trails, music, and more!
Visit the event’s Facebook page to learn more and stay up-to-date with event announcements. Follow and like Womble Farms on Facebook to see future event announcements!
Panhandle Watermelon Festival
Chipley’s annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival is coming soon! June 21st and 22nd, come out to Chipley’s 68th annual festival celebrating all things watermelon. The festival also celebrates country music and headlines favorites such as Grace and Grit, Exile, Clay Walker, and Jeff Bates.
But that’s not all! There will also be a parade, pancake breakfast, 5K Hot Trot, a classic car show, watermelon by the slice, arts & crafts vendors, AND a watermelon auction. Visit this free music festival’s website for more information.
Jackson County Calls for Community Feedback
Jackson County is calling for community feedback on its Comprehensive Plan.
What is a Comprehensive Plan? It’s a plan that guides the future of land use, development, transportation, housing, conservation, and capital improvements in Jackson County. It functions as a policy document that provides a blueprint for how the community will evolve and develop over time.
By taking part in the Comprehensive Plan Feedback Survey, community members can help influence Jackson County’s growth and development policies. Citizens will have the chance to address key issues in the community, and help set goals, and create effective strategies for the future of the county. First, review the current Comprehensive Plan HERE. Then, CLICK HERE to be taken to the survey or scan the QR code in the image.
Blueberry Season
We’re about halfway through the blueberry season here in Florida. Blueberries have been foraged in North America for more than 13,000 years. Here in Florida, we have FIVE native blueberry varieties and countless cultivars that thrive in our humid, sunny summers. Best of all, blueberries freeze well so you can enjoy them year-round. Visit a local blueberry you-pick farm like Blue Acres Berries to get the most bang for your buck(et)! Learn more by visiting their Facebook page or visit the Florida Department of Agricultre and Consumer Services’ You-Pick map online to find a farm closer to you.
Vendors Wanted for Marianna Festival

Candlelight Tour of Amelia Island’s Historic Fort
Fort Clinch, located on Amelia Island, became one of Florida’s first state parks in 1935 due to historic conservation efforts. Now, Fort Clinch State Park is a 1,400 acre park featuring diverse nature, a historic fort, and a variety of outdoor activities. Tomorrow, visitors can register to participate in a candlelight tour of the fort. The fort has quite the ambiance with its narrow underground passageways, spiral staircases, and furnished bunkhouse. It also offers a gorgeous view of the Atlantic coast and Cumberland Island. Learn more about reserving your spot HERE.
Additionally, the First Weekend Federal Garrison is occurring this weekend. During the Garrison, living historians dress and act as the Union soldiers who occupied the fort during its construction in 1864.
Gulf Coast Jam
Go on and slam, and welcome to the GULF COAST JAM! Panama City Beach is kicking off the summer beach season with an all-star act; come see Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, and Parker McCollum lighting up the front stage. The four-day festival also includes over 20 acts featuring hitmakers from the country and southern rock music scenes. There will also be a Jam on the Coast 5K on Saturday; all runners receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal. Register HERE. Learn more about the Gulf Coast Jam by visiting the event website.