St. Augustine Ponte Vedra 2008 Travel Planner - (Page 38) Annual Festivals & Events JANUARY Nights of Lights. Each evening, more than two million tiny white lights illuminate St. Augustine’s historic district during this annual holiday celebration. 800-653-2489 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl. Bowl Championship Series game that pits the third selection from the ACC against a team from the Big 12 or the Big East or Notre Dame. Held annually in Jacksonville. 904-798-1700 APRIL Florida’s Birding & FotoFest. Enjoy a variety of field trips for birders at the height of the nesting season. A few of the species you may encounter include great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, night herons, painted buntings and more than 200 spring migrants. Other events include a photo contest, photography seminars, boat cruises and tours, butterfly gardens and much more. 800-418-7529 Celebration of Spring/Flower and Garden Expo. Celebrates the arrival of spring with everything for your garden. People can purchase plants, herbs and garden supplies. Crafts and lectures available, as well. 904-829-3295 A Taste of St. Augustine. A food and music festival. Thirty restaurants give samples of their signature dishes, and people can vote for their favorite restaurant to receive the People’s Choice Award. Live music. 904-829-3295 Blessing of the Fleet. During a centuriesold ceremony, those who take to the sea, in commercial and pleasure craft alike, receive a blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The event draws thousands each Palm Sunday to watch the parade of watercraft from trawlers and yachts to sailboats and motor craft, all decorated with flags and bunting. 904-825-1004 Spring Art & Craft Festival. More than 150 artists display their creations at the Special Events Field on Castillo Drive during this juried two-day festival. 904-824-0716 FEBRUARY Daytona 500 Speedweeks. Two weeks of racing and family-friendly events culminating with the running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. 386-254-2700 MAY Gamble Rogers Festival. A three-day celebration of the music and stories that made Gamble Rogers famous. Festival features folk and contemporary music, storytelling, a guitar-picking contest, early Floridian crafts and children’s activities. 904-208-5210 MARCH Lighthouse Festival. Enjoy a variety of Victorian activities, hands-on living history and free entertainment for the whole family. There are no admission fees for the museum and tower during the festival. A 5K run during the festival is followed by a free Fun Run. 904-829-0745 Nights of Lights
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