Local Events

 Discovering the History of Old St. Joe by Chris Hunt, registered professional archeologist and teaching assistant at the University of Southern Florida. 

Shellfish aquaculture in Florida consists primarily of clam farming. However, along the Panhandle primarily in Apalachicola, there are several operations culturing the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Erik Lovestrand, UF/IFAS Franklin County Extension Director, will talk about this emerging industry of oyster farming here in North Florida.

Coastal erosion is a natural process caused by currents, wave action, wind, storms and even boat wakes. The traditional methods used to harden the shoreline like seawalls and rip rap can actually often increase the rate of coastal erosion as well as remove the ability of the shoreline to carry out natural processes.
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) will host a workshop on using Living Shorelines to combat erosion on Thursday, February 20, 2020, 2:00-4:00 pm for local residents and homeowners. The workshop will discuss living shorelines vs. hardened shorelines as well as how to evaluate a shoreline by considering the physical factors such as wave energy, prevailing wind and wave direction, vegetation, and soil type, in addition to presenting living shoreline methods, materials, permitting, and success stories of local living shorelines. We will also look at which types of plants are the most beneficial and visit a local living shoreline.
This lecture is (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/living-shorelines-overview-for-residents/)

Class Fee: $72
(*Encaustics 101 or similar experience required to attend this class.)
Using the basic techniques and tools, in this half day class you will create 4-6 mini encaustic paintings which can then be mounted on card stock to create small, frameable pieces which will fit into a 5” x 7” frame or may be displayed on a mini easel. All supplies included.
​Class size limited to 6.  

2 Sessions offered this winter!
Session 1: Friday, Jan. 31, 10:00 am - Noon
Session 2: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:00 am - Noon
This free flowing class will get your creative juices flowing! Come learn the techniques, tips, and tricks of acrylic pouring. In this fun, interactive class, Leslie will walk you through the steps need to create a beautiful abstract painting in the colors of your choice.  All supplies are provided including 12x12 canvas. Dress for a mess!  (Because the canvas needs to set up and dry, students will need to return in two to three days to pick up their painting.) 
Fee: $35    Taught by Leslie Wentzell

Gumbo Is Back!! With the new year, comes the return of a crowd favorite.

On Saturday, February 22, in Mexico Beach the 21st Annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off will take place.  With a variety of types of gumbo and Brunswick stew to taste, this will be one hot competition. This year, the event will take place at the Boat Ramp Park. A new, larger, venue that is centrally located just off Highway 98, with plenty of parking and enjoyment along the canal waterway. For those interested in putting their secret family recipe to the test, please click here for a complete entry form.

Don’t worry, if you are more of a taster than a chef, you will have plenty to choose from! The event begins at 10am CT and there will be tons of great gumbo and Brunswick stew for the eating. This event is free to enter and the only costs is for food and beverages. Tickets will be available for purchase to sample one, two or as many as you like gumbos or stews. There will be beverages available as well as hot dogs and sausage dogs. With live music and free beads, this is one cook-off that will get you in the Mardi Gras mood! All proceeds raised will go toward the Special Events for Mexico Beach’s Best Blast on the Beach July 4th firework show.

The Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers invite you to join in the Apalachicola Mardi Gras Barkus Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 Riverfront Park in downtown Apalachicola from 11-1 pm. Come out and enjoy the furry family-friendly street parade and festival. The band for the 2020 Apalachicola Mardi Gras Barkus Parade will be Hot Mess, a local American/Zydeco group.

Trumpeter Longineu Parsons joins with an assortment of players to bring an exciting mix of contemporary Blues, Jazz, Funk, and World music. Reservations can be made online at riocarrabelle.com.

Joe Capo’s unique style is “acoustic parlor guitar” blending elements of blues, jazz and new age into original arrangements of popular tunes and original compositions. Don’t miss this exciting artist!

Daniels and Goodling present the collaboration From Street Singer to Stage Star, with a program of opera arias, Italian street songs, and music from Broadway shows in a program that has been playing to sold out audiences. Daniels, a native of Kennebunk, Maine made his singing debut in Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon. Goodling, a coach, accompanist, and trainer of vocal musicians has won numerous awards for outstanding music educator, and is the Music History instructor at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance in New York. A reception at Trinity’s Benedict Hall will be held after the concert.

Monday, Feb. 24, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Class Fee: $22
​Kids from 6 and up are welcome to this Kids' Canvas Painting class. Kids work step by step with a fun instructor, but are encouraged to add their own creative twists! Canvas size is 12"x12". Class size is limited to 10 children. (Children under 6 are welcome with an adult.)

Local Waters- Wild Place:  A Musical Journey into the North Florida Wilderness by Sammy Tedder, musician and filmmaker. 

Leon Anderson, Bill Peterson, piano and Brian Hall, bass are one of the Forgotten Coast’s favorite trios. This will be a performance jam-packed with your favorite Jazz, Blues, and Bebop tunes, played in their unique style. Reservations can be made online at riocarrabelle.com.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum presents special exhibits commemorating the anniversary of the Iwo Jima Battle and African-American Servicemen. These exhibits will open Saturday, February 1 at 11 am and be on display at the museum until February 29, 2020 at 5 pm.  There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted.
75 years ago on February 19, 1945, the 4th Marine Division stormed the island of Iwo Jima. Deployed with them was the 476th Amphibious Truck Company, an African American unit that trained at Camp Gordon Johnston. Although the 476th was part of the US Army, the company was assigned to the artillery forces of the 4th Marines for the assault landings on the island. This much decorated unit was part of the heavy fighting that day and the following days.
Throughout the month of February, the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum will have the special exhibits commemorating the anniversary of the Iwo Jima Battle and honoring African American servicemen in WWII includ (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/anniversary-of-iwo-jima-and-african-american-servicemen/)

The exciting Tallahassee based duo of Holly Riley and Eliza Schneider-Green bring their musical magic to Cat Pointe Music on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm. Admission is $15 and BYOB is encouraged!

The St. George Island Regional Charity Chili Cook-off & Auction is a family friendly 3-day event. The Chili Cookoff is held the first Saturday in March – the 2020 cookoff will held March 5th-7th. The event features a Golf outing, a silent auction, retail, numerous food options, and an afternoon of family friendly musical entertainment. With an annual attendance of around 5,000 people, this 3-day event is fun for the whole family and is the primary fundraising event for the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department ( SGIVFD). SGIVFD is a 501 c 3 organization funded entirely through grants, donations, and fundraising.

The internationally acclaimed author, Robert Macomber, will be doing a presentation and book signing at the Margaret Key Library. The event is presented by PALS of the Library and the Susan Buzzett Clementson Author Series. Macomber is the the world-renowned author of the “Honor Series”, fourteen books about the adventures, intrigues, and dangers experienced by Peter Wake, a fictional officer in naval intelligence operations. Macomber is a spellbinding story teller who entertains audiences around the world with the adventures, history, and exploits of his characters, where he weaves fictional plots with factual history. All of his books are available for purchase at Downtown Books on Commerce Street, or for check-out at the Key Library. The most recent, “Honoring the Enemy” is number 14 in the series, which is planned for a total of 19 books.

The St. George Island Regional Charity Chili Cook-off & Auction is a family friendly 3-day event. The Chili Cookoff is held the first Saturday in March – the 2020 cookoff will held March 5th-7th. The event features a Golf outing, a silent auction, retail, numerous food options, and an afternoon of family friendly musical entertainment. With an annual attendance of around 5,000 people, this 3-day event is fun for the whole family and is the primary fundraising event for the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department ( SGIVFD). SGIVFD is a 501 c 3 organization funded entirely through grants, donations, and fundraising.

The St. George Island Regional Charity Chili Cook-off & Auction is a family friendly 3-day event. The Chili Cookoff is held the first Saturday in March – the 2020 cookoff will held March 5th-7th. The event features a Golf outing, a silent auction, retail, numerous food options, and an afternoon of family friendly musical entertainment. With an annual attendance of around 5,000 people, this 3-day event is fun for the whole family and is the primary fundraising event for the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department ( SGIVFD). SGIVFD is a 501 c 3 organization funded entirely through grants, donations, and fundraising.

Register online at:  https://campscui.active.com/orgs/GulfCoastStateCollegeContinuingEducation#/selectSessions/2781404

Back for the second year in a row… join us for a special eve of music by renowned local singer-songwriters at JOBA Studios, featuring original music by Riely OConner & Molly B. Moon, David Lloyd and Clayton Mathis.
Clayton Mathis is known around Apalachicola as an up and coming songwriter, who has just laid down tracks this winter for his first recording. His songs are deeply personal, and he has a sly way with words and imagery. Mathis’ songs will leave you both laughing and crying.
David Lloyd has been penning songs his whole life, it seems. A key member of the band Kiwi, he wrote and performed in Nashville decades ago. Now, he lives in Apalachicola and works with other local musicians on writing, and developing songs, along with continually working on his own music. His songs are filled with hauntingly beautiful imagery, a gift he has mastered.
Molly B. Moon and Riely O’Conner are local part-timer-harmonizers, and this community has embraced their presen (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/songwriter-night-at-joba/)

The wonderful Ken Sizemore pays a heartfelt tribute to two of this country’s greatest and most iconic artists in “An Evening with John.” Near and dear to Ken’s heart , and everyone’s, are John Denver and Johnny Cash; two very different but much loved artists. Yet each, in their own unique way, helped to define their eras and the music of America. Ken, takes us on a musical journey through the lives of these two beloved artists. Don’t miss Ken Sizemore and “An Evening with John.” Sunday, March 8th at 3:00 pm. And don’t forget to BYOB!

The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Full Moon Lighthouse Climb on Tuesday, March 10, 8-10 pm in Carrabelle, FL.  Visitors can enjoy this opportunity to see the gorgeous natural surroundings of the St. George Sound, Carrabelle Beach, and Dog Island, under the night sky at this special Crooked River Lighthouse evening climb.
At March’s Full Moon event, the Crooked River Lighthouse will have fabulous live music with singer Susan David and her guitar. Guests can also enjoy s’mores around the fire pit (weather permitting). Visitors can climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast, Crooked River Lighthouse, to see breathtaking views of the bay under the glow of the rising Full Moon. Cost is just $8. The museum and gift shop will also be open for guests’ enjoyment. All climbers must be 44 inches tall.
Photo credit: Rod Gasche

Yard design and maintenance can have a big effect on adjacent water bodies. Participants in the workshop will learn about resources to help them transform their yard into a luscious bay conscious landscape. The class will also feature innovative Green Infrastructure techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs, and bio-swales. Come find out how to be good to the bay and reduce your water bills.
Please register for the class in advance on our eventbrite page. For more information contact:
Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 or by email [email protected]
-or-
Josh Eaton at (850) 670-7710 or [email protected]

On March 13-15, 2020, the Camp Gordon Johnston Association will be holding the Annual Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days in Carrabelle, FL for the 25th year! Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum has begun planning for this special 25th edition event and needs your help to honor our veterans and make this year’s parade and activities more special than ever! Veterans, their family and friends as well as the general public are invited to join in the efforts in organizing the celebrations.
On Friday, March 13, at 6 pm, the Camp Gordon Johnston American Legion Post 82 located in Lanark Village will warmly invite all WWII veterans, WWII widows/widowers, non-WWII veterans (with proof of service), active duty military, and members of Post 82 to a Low Country Boil in their honor. Each veteran or member is welcome to bring one guest. (This event is not open to the general public.)
On the morning of Saturday, March 14, the Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days Parade will celebrate all veterans of (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/camp-gordon-johnston-reunion-days-parade/)

The Gallery at High Cotton, and co-host Cat Braaten, will welcome Milwaukee based singer-songwriter Willy Porter in concert March 15th. This will be an unforgettable evening of music performed in an intimate gallery setting surrounded by the work of artists Jenny Odom, Beth Appleton and guest, Carole Spaulding.
Willy Porter continues on a musical and personal odyssey spanning over two decades, 11 albums, and multiple continents. His journey has been defined by an inquisitive love for humanity and the language that describes what we all hold to be true. Porter’s songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, and triumphs of human existence. His live shows are guitar-driven grit, soul, silence and muscle–at times electrifying. In a dynamic unique way, Porter’s voice blends and fuses with his fret work.
Join us on Friday, March 13th,
Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
(DOORS OPEN at 6:30 p.m.)
$25 per person
BYOB
Please arrive early, as there will be limited seat (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/willy-porter-in-concert/)

On March 13-15, 2020, the Camp Gordon Johnston Association will be holding the Annual Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days in Carrabelle, FL for the 25th year! Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum has begun planning for this special 25th edition event and needs your help to honor our veterans and make this year’s parade and activities more special than ever! Veterans, their family and friends as well as the general public are invited to join in the efforts in organizing the celebrations.
On Friday, March 13, at 6 pm, the Camp Gordon Johnston American Legion Post 82 located in Lanark Village will warmly invite all WWII veterans, WWII widows/widowers, non-WWII veterans (with proof of service), active duty military, and members of Post 82 to a Low Country Boil in their honor. Each veteran or member is welcome to bring one guest. (This event is not open to the general public.)
On the morning of Saturday, March 14, the Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days Parade will celebrate all veterans of (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/camp-gordon-johnston-reunion-days-parade/)

On March 13-15, 2020, the Camp Gordon Johnston Association will be holding the Annual Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days in Carrabelle, FL for the 25th year! Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum has begun planning for this special 25th edition event and needs your help to honor our veterans and make this year’s parade and activities more special than ever! Veterans, their family and friends as well as the general public are invited to join in the efforts in organizing the celebrations.
On Friday, March 13, at 6 pm, the Camp Gordon Johnston American Legion Post 82 located in Lanark Village will warmly invite all WWII veterans, WWII widows/widowers, non-WWII veterans (with proof of service), active duty military, and members of Post 82 to a Low Country Boil in their honor. Each veteran or member is welcome to bring one guest. (This event is not open to the general public.)
On the morning of Saturday, March 14, the Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days Parade will celebrate all veterans of (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/camp-gordon-johnston-reunion-days-parade/)

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is excited to host its 2nd Annual Dice Run on Sunday, March 15, 2020 in Carrabelle, FL as part of the 25th Annual Camp Gordon Johnston Days weekend. The Camp Gordon Johnston Dice Run will raise funds for constructing a vehicle display building next to the current museum facility. During this fun event, participants will drive along beautiful coastline US Highway 98 to various checkpoints, rolling dice at each one. At the end of the day, participants with the highest and with the lowest combined rolls win prizes. All types of vehicles are welcome to participate. Registration for the Dice Run will be open from 12:00-1:30 PM at Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, 1873 US Hwy 98, Carrabelle, FL directly across from Carrabelle Beach Public Park.  The run will conclude by 4:30 PM at American Legion Post #82. There will be prizes for high and low rollers, door prizes, and a 50-50 raffle. Ticket cost for this event is $15.00 for the rider/driver and $5.00 for eac (View Full Event Description Here: https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/dice-run/)

Cat Pointe Music prepares for St. Patrick’s Day in style with Celtic on the Half-Shell in concert. Grab a Guinness, get your Irish up and come on over to Cat Pointe and hear this marvelous trio serve up a full course of the finest Irish and Celtic music. Hailed as one of the area’s finest Celtic ensembles, Celtic on the Half Shell will be at Cat Pointe Music on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 3:00 pm. Don’t forget to bring along a “wee deoch an doris” – otherwise known as BYOB!
And remember: “Is fearr Gaeilge briste, ná Béarla clíste.” (Broken Irish, is better than clever English).