Category: Family Friendly

Staying Safe Under the Summer Sun

Debbie Roney Smith on

August is Summer Sun Safety Month! What can you do to stay safe under the intense summer sun? 

  • Hydration! Make sure you’re drinking enough water and getting enough electrolytes. 
  • Sunglasses! These help protect your eyes, prevent cataracts, and the delicate skin around your eyes. Make sure they’re UV for maximum protection.
  • Skin protection! If you’re showing skin, use some reef-friendly sunblock. You can also choose to cover up using long sleeves, pants, hats, or umbrellas. Be sure to wear breathable fabric to avoid overheating.

Today is International Day of Friendship!

Debbie Roney Smith on

The International Day of Friendship was created in 2011 by the UN General Assembly. The idea was to help celebrate and further “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals [that] can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”(1) The U.N. encourages governments, community groups, and other organizations to coordinate activities and events that celebrate the friendships that help build, guide, and protect global peace.

Celebrate friendships today, international and local, by reaching out to a friend in your circle. Interested in forging a new friendship with an international friend? Listed below are some international pen pal sites that you can explore today:

Possum Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Wausau Possum Festival is coming up quick! Come enjoy this all-things-possum small-town festival August 2-3rd. There’s no end to the activities: Hog Callin’, Rooster Crowin’, Donkey Ball, Pancake Breakfast, arts & crafts vendors, a quilt auction, a Possum Parade, and more!

Wausau celebrates their historical dependence on possums during this annual event. Individuals are encouraged to come dressed as a possum. During the Possum Parade, the Possum King and Queen will be crowned. Best of all, there will be possum ice cream! Don’t worry, it’s not possum-flavored; possums love persimmons, so the ice cream is persimmon flavored as a nod to their enjoyment of the native fruit. Learn more by visiting the event webpage HERE. 

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. 

 

Marianna Independence Party

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The Fourth of July is coming up quick! The City of Marianna and Main Street Marianna want to invite you to celebrate with them on July 3rd. The celebration starts at 5pm at the MERE Sports Complex. There will be food trucks, vendors, live music, and fireworks.

Follow the Facebook event page for more details. 

Alice in Wonderland in Altha

Debbie Roney Smith on

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! 

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.

Candlelight Tour of Amelia Island’s Historic Fort

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Fort Clinch, located on Amelia Island, became one of Florida’s first state parks in 1935 due to historic conservation efforts. Now, Fort Clinch State Park is a 1,400 acre park featuring diverse nature, a historic fort, and a variety of outdoor activities. Tomorrow, visitors can register to participate in a candlelight tour of the fort. The fort has quite the ambiance with its narrow underground passageways, spiral staircases, and furnished bunkhouse. It also offers a gorgeous view of the Atlantic coast and Cumberland Island. Learn more about reserving your spot HERE. 

Additionally, the First Weekend Federal Garrison is occurring this weekend. During the Garrison, living historians dress and act as the Union soldiers who occupied the fort during its construction in 1864.

Gulf Coast Jam

Debbie Roney Smith on

Go on and slam, and welcome to the GULF COAST JAM! Panama City Beach is kicking off the summer beach season with an all-star act; come see Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, and Parker McCollum lighting up the front stage. The four-day festival also includes over 20 acts featuring hitmakers from the country and southern rock music scenes. There will also be a Jam on the Coast 5K on Saturday; all runners receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal. Register HERE. Learn more about the Gulf Coast Jam by visiting the event website.

2024 North Florida Wildflower Festival

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The North Florida Wildflower Festival is held annually on the last Saturday of April in Blountstown, Florida. This year, that means it falls on April 27th. Blountstown is located in the heart of the Panhandle, just an hour from Tallahassee, Panama City, and Dothan, Alabama. Held in the picturesque Magnolia Square and surrounding streets, the event will run from 9am-2pm. 

The festival features over 100 vendors specializing in flowers, plants, garden and outdoor items, handcrafted goods, jewelry, home décor, artwork, apparel, food, and more!

VENDOR REGISTRATION is now open! Apply HERE. The event is coordinated by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.