Black History Month

February is Black History Month! An annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history, the event is the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson. Since 1976, February has been acknowledged as Black History Month in the U.S.A. Other countries around the world such as Canada and the United Kingdom also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

Historically, Black History Month grew from Carter G. Woodson and prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland’s Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). ASNLH was an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent. It grew into a month dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the incredible effort put into the creation of the U.S.A. as we know it by African American and Black communities. 

Rosemary Beach: Farmers Market

Tomorrow is the weekly 30A Farmers Market in the beautiful and quaint coastal community of Rosemary Beach! From 9 a.m. EST to 1 p.m. EST,  this family-friendly event will be occurring during the predicted sunny day. Featuring: locally-grown, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, beef, chicken, local seafood, freshly baked artisan bread, homemade pasta, sauces, meatballs, BBQ sauce, local honey, homemade Greek pastries and Greek food, delicious baked cakes, pies, tarts, cupcakes, gelato, grits, herbs, olive oil, vinegars, fresh-cut flowers, wonderful jams, preserves, salsas, and chow-chows. Visit the market at 28 N. Barrett Square, and enjoy a cool morning supporting local growers, artisans, and more!

Groundhog Day

Today is the day Punxsutawney Phil will deliver a prediction for a longer winter or an early spring! Groundhog Day is a very popular North American tradition observed primarily in the United States and Canada. Historically, it is a holdover of an old Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that says a groundhog emerging from its burrow on February 2nd sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will persist for six more weeks; but if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.

While the in-person event has been canceled for safety, there will be an official livestream broadcast of the event offered by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. There will be a video preshow beginning at 6:30 a.m. on February 2nd with fun facts and history. The live show, beginning at 7:15 a.m., will include Phil’s emergence and an official translation of his prediction. Visit the official website HERE to stream now!

Inspire Your Heart With Art!

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

Today is Inspire Your Heart With Art Day! Held annually on January 31st, this is a day to ponder how art affects you, your world, and your understanding of the world. Celebrate this annual event by appreciating art and/or your own creativity; consider the following activities to recognize this amazingly introspective day:

  • Visit an art gallery
  • Read a good book
  • Listen to music; especially an artist/genre you wouldn’t regularly listen to
  • Start your own artistic masterpiece (paint, draw, compose, create, et cetera)
  • A regular artist? Explore a new technique
  • Stream an inspirational film or art documentary
  • Share your art with others via social media 

Coffee in the Garden

Looking for something to do tomorrow morning that will keep you safely 6ft away from others AND in the delightful presence of nature? Consider visiting Tallahassee Nurseries from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a free Coffee in the Garden event. RedEye Coffee, TeBella tea, Tasty Pastry, and Three Sons Bakery will be available for purchase! Buy some refreshing coffee, calming tea, or a savory treat to enjoy while you stroll through the gardens. Tomorrow’s event is predicted to have a cool morning with a high of 66°F while the sun shines through mild clouds.

 

Grand Opening of The Busy Bee

Tomorrow is the grand opening of the new Busy Bee in Pensacola! It is a free event being held from 12 p.m. EST on January 29th to 6 p.m. EST on January 30th. The Busy Bee is hosting this Black Friday Weekend with Bantucola, and Chris Hendricks. There will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with Council Woman Tenaide Broughton of D5 as well as fresh-prepped produce and food-to-go! 

Register via Eventbrite for the Grand Opening Celebration! Eventbrite HERE!

Local Photographer w/ February Openings for Fun Kiddo Shoots

Are you located in or around Grand Ridge? Do you have children? Looking to create fun memories and lifelong mementos with them? Consider reaching out to a local photographer, Chloe Bishop, to schedule a fun mini-session for the kiddos in February. The theme is princess/superhero, and is appropriate for all ages. Bishop has experience working with children and has produced beautiful portraits such as those attached to this post (please do not repost without permission).

The minis are available February 20th-21st, so be sure to reach out soon. To get in touch for a shoot or to ask about other future availability, please email Chloe Bishop, Photographer at chloebishopphotography@gmail.com or visit her Facebook group HERE!

National Florida Day

Today is National Florida Day, an annual event held on January 25th that recognizes Florida as the 27th state to join the United States of America. Some quick history facts on the founding of the state:

  • Florida is home to the oldest established city in the country; St. Augustine is over 400yrs old and still maintains a large portion of its original colonial architecture and streets. 
  • After the end of the American Revolutionary War in 1763, control of the territory now known as Florida was returned to Spain.
  • Present-day Florida borders came through 1) the Louisianna Purchase of 1803 and 2) an 1812 transaction that merged West Florida with the Mississippi Territory in order to stop a local uprising. 

All You Can Eat Crabs

Have a hankering for crab? Head to Crystal River Seafood in Tallahassee tomorrow for their All-You-Can-Eat-Crab-Legs-Monday! From 4 p.m. CST to 9 p.m. CST, you can enjoy bottomless crab legs served with fried shrimp and two side dishes.

Visit their Facebook page HERE to RSVP for a specific event, find their address, and more!

National Handwriting Day

Today, January 23rd is National Handwriting Day! It was established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association to promote the consumption of pens, pencils, and writing paper. The date chosen is significant because it is the birthday of John Hancock, the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate this annual event by putting a writing utensil to a writing medium: 

  • Journal
  • Send a handwritten letter to a friend or family member
  • Write a short story or poem
  • Try calligraphy
  • Write a love note for someone you care about