Category: Family Friendly

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

Debbie Roney Smith on

Gainesville’s 36th annual renaissance festival starts tomorrow! Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will be held at 9409 SW Archer Rd for the next three weekends. Open January 14-15, 20-21, and 27-29, come by to bring 2023 in ye olde style. There will be NINE stages with live entertainment including full-flight falconry, aerial acrobatics, jugglers, knife throwers, and gypsy dancers. Over 160 artisans and craftsmen will be selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, stone carvings, leather crafts, and period fashions in the medieval marketplace. But that’s not all! There will also be living chess board matches, carnival rides, and a fully-stocked food court. Look forward to trying blooming onions, giant turkey legs, fresh-baked pastries, sweet potato fries, succulent ribs, and MORE. Learn more by visiting the Faire website here.

Earth’s Rotation Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

It is a well-known fact that the Earth rotates once every 24 hours. However, it wasn’t always common knowledge. It is thanks to the practical demonstration of Leon Foucault that we know about the Earth’s rotation. In 1851, the French physicist Foucault demonstrated how the planet rotates using his now-famous pendulum, the Foucault Pendulum.

A simple yet brilliant creation, the pendulum uses a suspended lead ball to indicate the rotation of the Earth over the course of a day. The pendulum is surrounded by small pins arranged in a circle, which the pendulum knocks down one by one, eventually completing a full rotation. Foucault first conducted his experiment in the Paris Observatory. It was then replicated in the Panthéon, where it remains an impressive centerpiece for visitors to view to this day. 

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Most discovery centers, planetariums, and museums have a version of Foucault’s Pendulum on display. However, you can also replicate this experiment at home with the kids using household items! For detailed instructions, visit this Resalvaged article to learn more. 

Falling (Pine) Needles Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is a national day created to remind families to recycle their Christmas trees rather than burning them or tossing them on the curb. One way is to search Earth911’s recycling solution to see where you can recycle a tree near you. You can also be sure to make use of each part of the tree. Strip the pine needles to use the wood after allowing it to thoroughly dry out; you can use the wood for fires, carving, and more crafts. Even the pine needles themselves can be utilized! Collect the needles, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water, and gently rub the needles to wash off dust and other debris. You can then use the needles to make sprite-flavored natural soda or tea! Visit Ms Shi & Mr He’s pine needle recipe page here for details, warnings, and recipes! 

Countdown Downtown

Debbie Roney Smith on

Looking for some family fun to ring in the new year? Come to Cascades Park Amphitheater for Countdown Downtown! Starting at 6pm on December 31st, the festival has TWO separate fireworks shows. The 7pm showing is perfect for families with young children. The 9:45pm show is perfect for all ages. There will also be live music, food trucks, activities, a photo booth, and more. Beverages are allowed but please note the event is BYOB. The event is FREE to everyone but bring cash/card for the food trucks and activities. Visit the event website HERE for more information. 

30A Farmers’ Market

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The last 30A Farmers’ Market will be next Thursday, December 29th. Come by Rosemary Beach for an end-of-the-year holiday market. It will run from 9 am to 1 pm. Please note that the market will be CLOSED on December 25th and January 1st. Follow the Facebook market page here for more information on 30A in 2023. 

Candy Land Christmas

Debbie Roney Smith on

Come out to the Watersound Town Center Farmers Market this Friday, December 23rd for Candy Land Christmas! From 5:30-7:30 PM, there will be a plethora of family-friendly holiday activities for everyone to enjoy while completing last-minute holiday shopping. There will be a Santa meet and greet, face painting, train rides, a bounce house, slides, hot cocoa, food trucks, live music, and more! The market itself will feature clothing, jewelry, gifts, and more. Be sure to bring cash and card for purchasing. 

 

A Hanukkah Celebration!

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Join James Weldon Johnson Park, Gili’s Kitchen, Catering and Bakery, and the Jacksonville Jewish Center for their annual celebration of Hanukkah and its related traditions. Totally Lit! A Hanukkah Celebration will be hosted in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. There will be live music, storytelling, crafts, dreidel games, traditional baked treats like sufganiyot, and the lighting of the Memorah. Beer and kosher wine will be available for adults. Totally Lit! will be held on December 20th at James Weldon Johnson Park from 4:30-7:30pm. The Menorah lighting ceremony will be at approximately 6:30pm. 

The event is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit the Facebook event page HERE for more information. 

Jingle Bell Express

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This upcoming weekend is your last chance to ride the Jingle Bell Express in Panama City. On Friday and Saturday evening, the Express will be taking visitors between Historic Downtown Panama City and St. Andrews. The Jingle Bell Express will run from 5-8 PM each night, with various pick-up and drop-off points in Downtown and St. Andrews. The Express is FREE and family-friendly! Each passenger is gifted with a cookie made from scratch by the local bakery, Who’s Got Time. The Panama City A Capelle Chorus will be singing carols on the Express, and visitors are encouraged to join in. The ride will feature gorgeous views along Beach Drive; keep an eye out for historic houses decked out for the holidays and the beauty of Christmas lights reflecting on the water. Explore both St. Andrews and Downtown to enjoy light displays, horse-drawn carriages, Christmas parades, and local shops filled with holiday cheer. 

Cottondale Christmas Festival

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The annual Cottondale Christmas Festival is here! Today from 10am to 2pm, come down to the quaint town of Cottondale for a fun family event. The parade will begin at 10am for viewers. The lineup will take place on Thomas Rd. beginning at 9 am., pulling out onto Willow Street., then turning left on HWY 90 parading in front of Cottondale High School. The Festival will run from 11am – 2pm at the Community Center. There will be inflatables, games, Santa, crafts, music, and food! 

Call (850) 352-4361 or visit the City of Cottondale website here with questions or to learn more.