The Emerald Coast Vacation Guide - (Page 8) EVENTS **ONgOINg FEbRUARY mardi Gras on the Island Parade and Ball Magical Mardi Gras Ball Friday night, followed by Saturday’s 70-float parade down Santa Rosa Boulevard. Okaloosa Island, 850-244-8191 roll of the dice Junior Bicycle rally Recreational bike event for children at Fort Walton Beach Landing. Kids ride to five different stops along the course, rolling dice at each stop to try for the highest total score and win prizes. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks & Recreation Dept., 850-833-9580 mattie kelly Fine & Performing arts Center Enjoy Broadway performances, special guest appearances, Northwest Florida Symphony concerts, and gallery openings. 850-729-5382 annual Chili Competition Cash prizes for the best chili entries ($0.25 samples) and booths. Santa Rosa Mall, 850-2442172 audubon eventure Monthly nature night walk for children ages 5–10 at local nature park. One-hour program, lanterns provided, families encouraged to join in. Spring and fall only. 850-862-9588 saturday in the Park arts & Crafts Festival Talented artisans with an array of hand-crafted items, food vendors, entertainment, and children’s activities. Perinne Park in Valparaiso, 850-678-2615 MARCH annual archaeology day Indian Temple Mound Museum open house with hands-on demonstrations and kids’ activities. 850-833-9595 mattie kelly summer Concert series Bring your chair and picnic basket for free concerts by local bands. Kelly Plantation Community Park, 850-650-2226 st. mary’s spring Fling Carnival with rides and games, local food vendors, craft booths, and live music. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Fort Walton Beach, 850-243-8913 Price oil Celebrity Emerald Coast golf, fishing, and entertainment celebrity event to benefit local children’s charities. 800-774-2302 ext. 205 MAY emerald Coast Boat show More than 400 types of boats, marine accessories, fishing clinics, and kids’ activities. 850-609-3800 Friday night Flicks EVE nts Outdoor summer film series Friday evenings. Free. July and August only. Fort Walton Landing, 850-833-9505 Cobia tournament Tournament kicks off with first cobia catch of the season. HarborWalk Marina, Destin, 850-337-8250 First Friday Concert series Live music, food tasting, face painting, and kids’ activities spring through fall. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome, no coolers please. Destin Commons, 850-337-8700 destin “Week of Blessings” and annual Blessing of the Fleet Growing tradition now includes Blessing of the Youth concert, Blessing of the Family children’s fair, Blessing of the Marketplace, and annual Blessing of the Fleet, plus fish fry and concert. 850-837-6324 annual aBWa Coastal Classic Car show More than 60 classic car categories, local entertainment, auction, and vendors. 850-314-3010 sinfonia Gulf Coast Concert series A symphonic experience for both seasoned aficionados and those new to the classical genre. Concert information at www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org, 850-337-8700 APRIL musical echoes Native American crafters sell their wares, demonstrate how to make and play traditional flutes and perform music and dance. Three-day festival. Fort Walton Beach Landing, 850-243-4405 sunday in the Park Bring your lawn chairs for an afternoon concert from 2–5 p.m. Fort Walton Beach Landing, 850833-9576 JANUARY senior snowbird expo Showcases goods and services for seniors. Emerald Coast Conference Center, 850-244-8191 annual Gate-to-Gate run/Walk 4.4-mile run/walk and one-mile fun run. Eglin AFB, 850-882-6801, www.active.com emerald Coast Volleyball Week Fudpucker’s Four Player Volleyball Tournament plus a volleyball clinic, players’ party, and golf tournament. Cash and other prizes. Okaloosa Island, 800-447-7954 annual kite Fest and Beach Fun Fly Kite-making contests, stunt kite demonstrations, beach games, and mass ascension. Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, 850-796-0102 E m E r a l d C o a s t Va C at i o n G U i d E w w w. d e s t i n - f w b . c o m http://www.active.com http://www.destin-fwb.com Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Emerald Coast Vacation Guide Welcome & Visitors Information Getting Here/Directions Attractions Events Fishing Scuba Diving/Snorkeling Golf Shopping Weddings & Events Dining Rest Assured Rental Property Managers Map Conference Center Hotels & Motels Condominiums Owner-Managed Vacation Properties Meeting Facilities The Emerald Coast Vacation Guide http://www.nxtbookMEDIA.com