Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Mardi Gras Barkus Parade

Debbie Roney Smith on

    Tomorrow is the 11th annual Mardi Gras Barkus Parade. This is a special Mardi Gras parade hosted by the Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers, a Krewe of dogs and their humans.

    The Krewe is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the parade proceeds will go towards the benefit of local animal charities. The theme of this year’s parade is Pirates of Oyster City; the event will include live music, local food and drink, and arts and crafts vendors. Festivities will start at 11am at Riverfront Park. The parade of costumed dogs, people, golf carts, boats, and floats will begin at 1pm. As always, the King and Queen of the Apalachicola Mardi Gras parade are shelter animals who are up for adoption; they have a place of honor in the parade. Learn more at the Mystic Krewe website here. 

    Mardi Gras GRAND Parade

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      The annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade is coming up this February 26th!

      The Grand Parade is the city’s largest parade; it includes more than 6,000 participants and 10,000 viewers. The parade features local Krewes, marching bands, organizations, and Scout Groups. Additionally, there are a number of out-of-town Krewes and organizations that visit specifically for this event. Interested in attending? The parade takes place on Palafox and Garden Streets in historic downtown Pensacola. It will start on February 26th at 2pm and lasts until 6pm. There will be a dedicated children’s viewing area free of alcohol and tobacco to ensure families can have a good time during the high-energy parade. Learn more about the parade at the Pensacola Mardi Gras website here. 

      Mardi Gras Parade

      Debbie Roney Smith on

        The largest men’s Krewe along the Florida Panhandle, the Krewe of Lafitte, is hosting their Illuminated Parade in Pensacola on February 25th! This all-male crew features 300 “gentleman” pirates, twelve floats, and is the only after-dark parade in the county. The parade will start at 7:30pm in Downtown Pensacola. Visit the official Krewe of Lafitte website to learn more about the parade float captains and other events held by the organization: https://www.kreweoflafitte.com/the-krewe/. 

        Leave the Leaves to the Bees!

        Debbie Roney Smith on

        Did you know that Florida is home to more than 300 species of bees?! In Florida, bees are active most of the year and rely on a variety of nesting materials to stay alive and reproduce. They may nest in well-drained soil that is sparsely vegetated, in trees or other wood, plants with hollow stems, or under fallen leaves. It is important to leave fallen leaves where they land in order to protect bee habitats, as well as help renourish the soil with nutrients from the decaying leaves. 

        It is incredibly important to help bees – and other insects – because they pollinate over 80% of flowering plants and food crops. The impact of bees’ hard work is seen very clearly here in the Panhandle, a notoriously agriculture-heavy area. If you would like to further assist the hard-working pollinators in your area, consider planting native wildflowers to help feed them and shelter them. Not only will you be helping the natural world but you will also get some beautiful flowers to enjoy! Click on the image below to view a list of wildflowers.

        Bay County Audobon Society: Local Field Trip

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        Today at 7:30am, there will be a local field trip held at Majette Park by the Bay County Audobon Society. Interested in birding? Native plants? Photography? Just getting out and stretching your legs? This field trip has something for everything!

        Please note that trips are subject to weather and last-minute changes. Additionally, due to COVID, facemasks are recommended while in close contact but may be removed once members spread out more than 6 feet during the walk. See their Facebook page, electronic newsletter, or Meetup page for up-to-date information; alternatively, call Ron Houser at 850-774-9733.

        National Drink Wine Day

        Debbie Roney Smith on

        Today is National Drink Wine Day! Support a winery in your community AND enjoy a nice glass of wine; see below for a list of relevant locations.

        • Maria’s Vineyard – Dothan, AL; website
        • Chautauqua Winery – Defuniak Springs, FL; website
        • Emerald Coast Wine Cellars – Miramar Beach, FL; website
        • Panama City Beach Winery – Panama City Beach, FL; website
        • Windy Hill Vineyard – Tallahassee, FL; website

         

        Amelia Island Book Festival

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        The Amelia Island Book Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This annual festival is designed to engage adults and young people in the joy of reading and writing through a series of public events; the events typically feature New York Times best-selling authors, independent publishers, independent authors, awards programs, and workshops. The Annual Author Expo is occurring February 18-19. The event offers the opportunity to engage with more than 100 authors, listen to panel discussions, and get books signed; admission is free to this event.

        Additionally, there will be a 20th Anniversary Gala hosted at the Ritz-Carlton. The featured authors at this evening event will be David Baldacci, Mary Alice Monroe, Jennifer Niven, and Jeannette Walls; there will also be a cocktail reception, an author panel discussion, and a book signing. Learn more about the Amelia Island Book Festival and the organization it benefits here. 

        Random Acts of Kindness

        Debbie Roney Smith on

        Tomorrow is National Random Acts of Kindness Day! Currently ongoing is Random Acts of Kindness Week which started February 13th and will end on February 19th. Both events are designed to help spread kindness and empathy in the world; the motto of these annual events is “making kindness the norm.” Random Acts of Kindness can be gifted to any person by any person, and includes a plethora of actions from holding a door open to making an anonymous donation and more. Looking for some inspiration to get you started? Consider one of the following acts:

        • Share words of kindness online
        • Take part in a community cleanup
        • Check-in with a friend/family member you haven’t talked with in awhile
        • Leave quarters at your local laundromat 
        • Donate items/money to an organization/individual in need
        • Plant a tree or native flowers
        • Leave an extra-generous tip for your next server

        Visit the official Random Acts of Kindness website for more ideas, tips, and to learn more about the movement and the people involved. 

        Cirque Italia: Water Circus

        Debbie Roney Smith on

        Cirque Italia has reimagined it’s popular performance to include lighted water fountains, a pirate adventure, death-defying acts, and a chance for visitors to be part of the search for a buried treasure. Upcoming dates include Tallahassee shows February 17th-21st, Panama City Beach shows February 24th-27th, and Pensacola shows from March 3rd-6th.

        The Water Circus recommends that all guests wear a mask to events and is enforcing recommendations set by the CDC. Visit the official Cirque Italia website HERE for more information and to purchase tickets online. 

        PCB Conservation Park Birding

        Debbie Roney Smith on

        Interested in birding, photography, or learning about the natural world? Consider taking part in one of the upcoming Birding Walks at the Panama City Beach Conservation Park. The walk will be held twice this month on February 12th and again on February 19th from 7:30-9:30 am. The early morning walk will be led by a member of Bay County’s Audubon Society. Participants are not required to have their own binoculars but are encouraged to bring water. For more information, please contact the PCB Parks Department at (850)233-5045.