Category: Upcoming Events

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

    Debbie Roney Smith on

      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. 

      Amelia Island Book Festival

      Debbie Roney Smith on

      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. 

      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. 

      Greenwood Supermarket: Grand Reopenening!

      Debbie Roney Smith on

      The Greenwood Supermarket is expected to reopen by the end of February. Bill and Christine Smith have moved the store to a new location; 4185 Bryan Street, righ next door to the old location. The original supermarket was destroyed in a fire on November 13, 2018 after barely escaping major Hurrican Michael damage. 

      The new market is expected to have a bigger deli and meat department. Additionally, the sq. ft. has gone up from 5,000 to 7,500. However, the rest of the store’s interior is being kept a secret so that there can be a big reveal at the grand-opening ceremony. Currently, the store reports that they anticipate needing over 20 people on payroll either part-time or full-time to provide a consistent experience to the community eagerly awaiting it’s reopening.

      Strawberry Festival

      Debbie Roney Smith on

      The annual Strawberry Festival will be held this weekend in Williston, FL. There will be a plethora of fun, strawberry-themed family activities such as a u-pick strawberry field, chocolate covered strawberry station, and more! Other kid friendly activities include bouncy jump pillows, a treehouse village, slide hill, and train. Additional adult activities include the u-pick sunflower patch, indulge in sweet treats like strawberry cheesecake or strawberry shortcake, and relax while listening to live music. There is even a Strawberry Pie Eating Contest that guests can partake in.

      Please note that all guests are requested to follow CDC protocols for Covid-19 safety. Come on down to Red, White, and Blue Farm this February 12-13th between the hours of 10am and 4pm to enjoy this spectacular event. For more detailed information, please visit the official Strawberry Festival website here. 

      Calhoun County’s New Brewery

      Debbie Roney Smith on

      Coming this Saturday, February 5th, is the opening of Calhoun County’s first brewery! From 11am to 9pm CST, bar foood and lots of freshly brewed craft beer will be available. Wine and soda will also be available. Additionally, there will be live music featuring Hot Mess from Apalachicola playing from 3pm to 7pm. Cody Barber of Carrabelle will finish the evening starting at 8pm. Visit the Blountstown Beer Company Facebook page to stay up-to-date with events and more. 

      Night of Lights Sail

      Debbie Roney Smith on

      Take a fun day-trip to St. Augustine this Sunday for a special event held by St. Augustine Sailing. The Hop On, Hop Off: Night of Lights Sail is a one night only event that allows guests to enjoy one-hour cruises along St. Augustine’s bayfront in a luxury yacht.

      Guests will be able to reserve spots on the yachts; they will leave every 15mins starts at 4:45pm. Each cruise includes a spectacular view of the city’s millions of lights, a waterfront BBQ feast, and live entertainment from local muisician Rob Peck. The BBQ feast will be held at the Camachee Cove Marina Patio Deck. Come enjoy the last weekend of the Night of Lights spectacular with this special cruise event! Tickets range from $69.00 for children under 5 to $149.00 for adults. For tickets, go here.

      Amelia Island: Closing Restaurant Week

      Debbie Roney Smith on

      Amelia Island Restaurant Week closes with a Celebration of the Sea at the Coast Restaurant. Located at the Ritz-Carlton, the closing celebration will be held on Sunday, January 30th. The reception starts promptly at 6pm EST, and a lavish dinner will be served after. The meal will feature a buffet that includes chilled seafood, sushi, shrimp and grits, scallops with pork belly, chicken and waffles, and mini-crab cakes. Dinner closes with a delectable array of dessert specialties. The cost is $125 per person and includes a service charge and wine service. 

      Register online at the Amelia Island Restaurant Week website.