National Day of Mourning is For Honoring

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving as well as the National Day Of Mourning! The Day of Mourning has been observed annually since 1970 on the fourth Thursday in November. This year, 2020, this annual support rally is going to be held the same day as Thanksgiving. The National Day of Mourning rally is organized by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE). The UAINE is an autonomous, Native-based organization focused on confronting racism and fighting for the freedom of people who were imprisoned for political reasons. Their Day of Mourning rallies not only bring new perspectives and fondness for Native American culture but also bring about positive social changes such as revisions on how American history is portrayed.

From the UAINE Facebook Page

To celebrate and observe the National Day of Mourning, consider learning about the various complex, rich cultures of indigenous nations in what is now the United States. Looking for somewhere to start? Visit the First Nations Development Institute website HERE. Or consider using the Native Land Digital interactive map (click here!) to learn more about territory awareness. Or visit the UAINE official website HERE

Calhoun County Christmas Parades

Join the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce for the 2020 “Masked & Merry” CalCo Christmas Parades! The first parade will be on December 4th in Altha, and the second will be on December 5th in Blountstown. “Masked & Merry” is the theme of the parade, a theme celebrating CalCo making the merriest of a masked situation. Be sure to wear a mask, and make it merry! Interested in volunteering or participating? Be sure to sign up before December 2nd!!! 

Visit the following website for more information and to register: 2020 CalCo Christmas Parades

Thanksgiving Kids Fun Camp

Believe Martial Arts is putting on a camp for the kiddos this Thanksgiving. Available to kids age 5 and up, the camp begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. The camp will be a daily event from November 23rd to November 25th. They offer activities such as dodgeball, arts & crafts, relay races, zombie tag, Connect 4, martial arts fitness, life-skills education, and much more. Single-day passes are $40 per day while a 3-day pass is $90. Please note that if you are late to pick up, you will be charged $5 every 5minutes you’re late (after 5:30 p.m.).

Want more information or to buy tickets? Visit their event page HERE!

Theater Performance: Annie Kids

The Florida Chautauqua, Inc. is putting on their last performance of Annie Kids today at 2 p.m. The show is performed by their fantastic Emerald Coast Theatre Company education program students. The non-profit is charging only $10 per ticket to see this amazing, classic hard-knock-life story.

Tickets are available at the box office the day of OR online at Florida Chautauqua Site

Defuniak Springs: Farmer’s Market

Today is the last chance to visit Defuniak Springs’ Farmer’s Market! Come down to Downtown DeFuniak for the Farmer’s Market held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Baldwin Avenue. The whole street will be closed down for the market, so stroll down the lovely street while browsing not only the local farm stands but also vendors with crafts, gift items, and prepared foods for snacking. With a high of 77 degrees, it’s the perfect Saturday to browse for fresh produce and holiday gifts!

Operation Spay Bay: Free Spays for Females

A spay grant for female dogs has been approved for select counties this December. Operation Spay Bay is supported financially by the proceeds from the Florida Animal Friend License Plate. If you have a female dog weighing 50lbs (or more) AND you live in either Bay, Holmes, Washington, or Jackson County, you can have your pup spayed for a one-time fee of $12!

To schedule an appointment, call 850-215-1022 or visit the official website HERE. Be sure to mention the grant when making the appointment or you will not receive the heavily discounted fee. 

Sip & Clip: Satsumas, Kombucha, and More!

Starting tomorrow, JoNina Farm in Georgia will be holding a series of special events called the Sip & Clip! Although a bit of a drive, the experience of harvesting (also called clipping) your own satsumas and sipping fresh-pressed juice and/or kombucha is one-of-a-kind. The farm is also offering a photo opportunity with their old farm tractors. Head up to the beautiful Ochlocknee area on the following dates with your family for a fun, affordable day-trip!

  • Dates (from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 
    • November 14th and 15th
    • November 21st and 22nd
    • December 5th and 6th
    • 12th and 13th 

Wiregrass’ 21st Annual Festival of Trees

Wiregrass is hosting its 21st annual Festival of Trees event from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. on November 19th. Due to Covid-19, it will be held via Facebook Live. However, the beautiful trees will be available to view at Wiregrass Commons Mall as will a window display with other live auction items. Check out the displays in person until November 19th.

Opened in 1989, Wiregrass Children’s Home functions as a safe haven for neglected and abused children throughout seven counties in the Wiregrass area. Currently, it is the only licensed emergency shelter in the area that is capable of providing care to children birth to 18 years of age. Proceeds from the fundraiser and auction go towards helping the Children’s Home provide invaluable support and service to the community. 

Looking for more information about Wiregrass Children’s Home? Visit their official website HERE! For specifics on the Festival of Trees, visit the Facebook event page HERE!

Eagle Eye’s Mini Food Fair

The cancellation of the National Peanut Festival in Dothan, GA was a sad announcement for many reasons, not least because of the missed opportunity for fair food. Luckily, some community businesses came together behind store Eagle Eye Outfitters to create a weekend Mini Food Fair! They’ve been holding the event with the support of Dothan City every Saturday since October 17th. The last scheduled mini-fair is this weekend, November 14th. It will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is a family-friendly event; be sure to bring cash as some vendors do not accept cards. 

To keep up-to-date with vendor changes, weather alerts, and more, please visit the Facebook event page by clicking HERE

Food Truck Fest 2020

Want some affordable food and fun this weekend? Look no further than Downtown Pensacola! This Saturday, November 14th, visit the Community Maritime Park for the 2020 Food Truck Fest. The first-time annual event is scheduled on a forecasted warm, cloudy day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The festival is a family-friendly event featuring food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, a food truck tasting competition, AND a bounce house for kids. Entry is $2 per person with kids 12yrs old and under are free. So pack up your family, bring some chairs and reusable forks this Saturday!

And what’s better than a fun, food-filled community event? One that has a social conscience! A portion of the proceeds from the event goes to Feeding the Gulf Coast. 

For more information about the event, including vendor and volunteer opportunities, visit their official website HERE!