Tallahassee Museum Red Wolf Pups

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The Tallahassee Museum is excited to announce that the recently born red wolf puppies are now ready for visitors! The endangered red wolf pups were born in April, and are available for public during normal museum hours. Red wolves have a hard time breeding; this is only the fourth litter since 1988 with the last litter being almost 10 years ago in 2017.

Red wolves are some of the most endangered canids in the world with less than 250 wolves. The litter consists of two pups, a male and a female. Following the American Red Wolf SAFE (Save Animals from Extinction) Project protocols, the two pups were protected by their parents in their den for the first few months to minimize human contact. The Museum is excited to invite the public to witness the pups as they grow from puppies to young adults during the summer and winter months. 

Standard museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Learn more by visiting their website HERE. 

 

Announcement for All Event Coordinators

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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.

Pride Month & Rural America

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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. 

Alice in Wonderland in Altha

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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

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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

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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

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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

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The Artists’ Guild of Northwest Florida, Inc is looking for food and craft vendors for their Artists’ Festival. The festival will take place at Madison Park on July 13 from 2pm to 8pm. The deadline for application submissions is June 28th; email tagnwfl@gmail.com to request a vendor packet. 
Any community members who are creative and wish to exhibit their talents are welcome to bring their art to show the community. Additionally, they are looking for musicians and musical groups to play at the event. Follow the Artists’ Guild Facebook page for more updates.