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The Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association is hosting a Night Under the Stars this coming Saturday (July 8th). Members invite guests to join them in viewing constellations, the moon, and planets from binoculars and/or telescopes set up by the association. Participants must enter the Big Lagoon State Park before the gates close at sunset. The event is free with paid park entry. Learn more by visiting the event website HERE.
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Dellwood Baptist Church in Greenwood is hosting a 4th of July Celebration on July 2nd! The focus of their celebration is on faith, family, and fireworks. The Celebration is FREE and will feature hamburgers, hotdogs, live music, yard games, shaved ice, and a fireworks display. The event starts at 6pm and lasts until after dark. Come out for a fun night!
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Today is the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival. Come out to George Core Park in Port St. Joe for a full day of family fun and learning! The festival’s purpose is sea turtle education; there will be local teams from several education and conservation organizations present to give talks on the importance of the local coastal habitats for sea turtles. There will also be live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, and a Sea Creatures Parade. Learn more by visiting the event website HERE.
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El Bethel Church is hosting its Annual Celebrate America Fireworks Extravaganza this coming weekend. Come out to Sneads Park on July 2nd from 6pm to dark for an evening of fun celebration. There will be free food, a free concert at 7pm, and fireworks at dark!
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The Bay Point Billfish Open starts this Wednesday, June 28th. The total prize money is expected to exceed $1 million this year. The payout for the largest blue marlin caught is expected to be $75,000 for first prize. There will also be Catch and Release categories for all billfish species. The fishing competition will also include live music, food and drink, an in-water boat show, and marina parties. Visit Point South Marina in Panama City Beach from June 28th to July 1st! Visit the event website here to learn more!
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Graceville Public Works will be picking up vegetative debris next Thursday, June 22 AND Friday, June 23. They ask that you place your vegetative debris right next to the street right of way for easy pick up. These dates are for vegetative debris ONLY. If you have construction debris, it can be taken to Public Works from June 15-17th for Amnesty servicing.
on Tallahassee’s premier art charity fundraiser is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Artopia will be held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on June 24th at 6:30pm. Artopia is an annual celebration that supports the Big Bend community; all proceeds raised from art purchases will go towards providing prescriptions, food, COVID-19 vaccines, and other medical care to those in need free of charge. 
Local and regional artists donate their pieces to Artopia. This year’s selection includes over 300 artworks including signed prints and numbered editions. Aquire a new piece of art for your home while supporting those in need. Featured artwork includes all forms of media including sculpture, photography, painting, photography, and styles. Learn more by visiting the Big Bend Cares Artopia website.
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The Panhandle Watermelon Festival is coming to Chipley! Founded in 1969, the Festival focuses more on music than watermelon. The musical lineup draws out-of-towners from June 23-24th. This year, the lineup includes Easton Corbin, Collin Raye, Andy Griggs, Ty Gerndon, and Leah Pettis. Love music but looking for other events to fill the day? There’s so much more to enjoy! There will be a pancake breakfast, car show, watermelon auction, 5K run, and a parade. Come out to Jim Trawick Park to enjoy two days of FREE music, fun, and food. Visit the Festival website HERE for more information including the rest of the musical lineup and a schedule of the events.
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PAW, otherwise known as Pet Appreciation Week, is an annual celebration of all things pets! Celebrated from June 4th-10th, PAW is dedicated to the beloved pets that humans share their lives with. Pet Appreciation Week was initiated in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association; it was designed to raise awareness about the beneficial effects of pets.
While Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new, some studies have shown a positive correlation between human health and the presence of pets. Animals serve as a source of comfort and support; their presence helps decrease stress, improve heart health, and assists children with their emotional/social skills. In fact, kids who read to the real animals have shown better social skills (i.e. sharing, cooperation, and volunteering).
The week-long celebration also functions as a reminder to take care of your pet. Check them for fleas, abrasions, and make sure their relevant vaccines are up to date. Additionally, be sure that their diet is meeting their needs and that they are remaining healthy and active.
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The 29th Annual Wellborn Blueberry Festival is happening this weekend! Visit the beautiful community of Wellborn on June 3rd to enjoy a juicy day all about blueberries. The day kicks off with a $5 Blueberry Pancake Breakfast; the pancakes will be available from 7-10 am at three locations: the Wellborn Baptist Church, behind the Fire Station near the country store, and the Wellborn Community Association Center.
The Festival will run from 7am-4pm at the Community Center. There will be over 100 artists and craftsmen, a parade, a classic car show, live entertainment, a kids’ games, a petting zoo, and pony rides. And, of course, there will be all things blueberry: bushes, jams, jellies, pies, cobblers and ice cream. Parking is available at the Masonic Lodge on 137 and the Wellborn Baptist Church, with a trolley service to transport visitors from the festival grounds. Learn more about the Festival by visiting the event website here.