Calendar of Events

Forgotten Coast 2008 Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

Compiled by Erin Sobel

May 3
Annual Apalachicola Historic Home Tour
Each year, the public is welcome to tour buildings of historical architectural significance throughout Apalachicola. Beginning at Trinity Episcopal Church, the tour includes dozens of private homes, churches and commercial buildings. Tour tickets are $15 to $18. Tickets including lunch are $25 to $28. Proceeds benefit the Trinity Episcopal Restoration fund. (850) 653-9550

May 3-4
33rd Annual Blue Crab Festival
For more than 30 years, the Panacea Blue Crab Festival has been one of the largest such festivals on Florida’s northern Gulf Coast. Festivities begin with a morning parade on the coastal U.S. Highway 98. Demonstrations and contests include crab picking, crab-trap pulling and a mullet toss. Bring the family to see fireworks over Dickerson Bay, one of the largest displays in the region. (850) 926-2338

May 8-18
Plein Air Paint-Out
Nationally recognized plein air artists will be painting on the beach, across the marsh, beside the lakes and throughout the streets of Gulf County. The allure of the Forgotten Coast will be captured, and you are invited to see each day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paintings will be displayed for purchase at the close of their “paint-out.” For more information, e-mail Kim Harrison at info@gulfalliance.org.

May 17
16th Annual Tupelo Honey Festival
There will be something for everyone at Lake Alice Park in Wewahitchka, but most important is the honey. Patrons can taste samples of the sweet stuff and bring home a jar – or two, or more. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., arts and crafts, food vendors, games and activities for kids, live music and dancing will add to the festival. Don’t miss the crowning of the Tupelo Queen, selected for her good works in the community. (850) 639-5672

June 7
Presnell’s 3rd Annual Saltwater Slam
Catch ’em if you can in the bay or the Gulf in this competition for cash prizes at the marina, located on Highway 30A in Port St. Joe. Back at the dock, enjoy great food prepared by the locals and music from live bands. (850) 229-2710

June 13-15
Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament
Have the ultimate Father’s Day Weekend at one of the biggest and best saltwater fishing tournaments in Florida. The tournament includes Adult and Youth categories as well as Team and Individual competition. Based in Carrabelle, there are fishing and weigh-in stations along the Forgotten Coast. (850) 926-2628

June 14
Annual St. George Island Mullet Toss
Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café sponsors this unique day of fun. Festivities will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on St. George Island. With a $10 donation, enjoy a T-shirt and two mullet tosses; men, women and children have divisions. The spectator sport is held on the beach and will include lots of prizes.

June 28-29
Florida Bass Federation Tournament

July 4
Sopchoppy Independence Day Celebration
Come out to Sopchoppy City Park for this daylong event. All-American festivities include a mid-morning parade, a canoe race, food and great entertainment. The day concludes with a fireworks display set to begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. (850) 962-4611

July 4
Mexico Beach Independence Celebration
Celebrate the Fourth of July as it should be; with friends, family and fireworks. In the morning, participate in the 5K run/walk and the annual Children’s Fishing Tournament. A whole day of activities closes at dusk with fabulous fireworks.

July 4
Port St. Joe Pirate Independence Celebration
Yo ho! Protect your booty from pirates as they attack passing ships in the waters off Frank Pate Park in Port St. Joe. Make this Independence Day one for the books as the fun-in-the-park party moves to Port St. Joe Marina for a fireworks display, live band and party.

July 25-26
Annual Marquardt’s Marina Offshore Classic
Enjoy two days of offshore fishing in a tournament dedicated to the pursuit of king mackerel, wahoo and dolphin. More than $6,000 in cash prizes. Proceeds donated to local charity.

Aug. 16-17
12th Annual Port St. Joe Scallop Festival
Celebrate the succulent shellfish for which the area is famous. The fun includes music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and, of course, great-tasting scallops. Enjoy them cooked fresh at the festival or purchase them frozen to take home. Located at Marina Cove, just north of Port St. Joe Marina (850) 227-1223

Aug. 23
12th Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament
The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association hosts this annual event at Mexico Beach. Proceeds are used by the volunteer organization to enhance fishery habitats, educate the public and fund research. Participants begin the tournament at 5 a.m. and finish at 5 p.m. E-mail Ron Childs at rechilds@bellsouth.net for more information or to register.

Aug. 29-30
Annual Florida Catfish Classic Tournament
Come out to the Apalachicola River in Gaskin Park this year to watch or take part in the annual fishing tournament. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Friday. The tournament will last from 4 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, with an awards presentation immediately following. Break the state flathead record and win $50,000. (850) 639-3474

Sept. 27-28
King Fish Shoot-Out
Held at C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle, all proceeds from the tournament go to the Leukemia Foundation. Payout is divided among several categories, including first through fourth place and largest wahoo. (850) 697-8400

Oct. 10
Apalachicola Bay Chamber Golf Tournament
Tee up with business members from nearby counties at this annual golf tournament. Tee time is 1 p.m. on the beautiful new St. James Bay Golf Course near Carrabelle. Scores will be totaled and prizes awarded at reception following the tournament. Proceeds will go toward the chamber’s programs. (850) 653-9419

Oct. 10-11
The Dixie Does Nashville
Mosey over to Apalachicola’s Dixie Theatre as some of the most talented songwriters from Nashville, Tenn., perform their own material. This is an exciting opportunity to hear music from the writers, whose hits have been recorded by top country stars. For reservations, call (850) 653-9419.

Oct. 10-12
St. George Island Oyster Spat Festival
In an effort to encourage tourism in Franklin County, this event is sponsored by the St. George Island Merchants Association. The weekend festival includes an onshore fishing tournament with cash prizes, a parade, treasure hunt, 5K and kayak races and live entertainment. cwood@ccbflorida.com

Oct. 18
Stone Crab Festival
Ring in the stone crab season with great food, music, and arts and crafts. Held at the Riverside Café in Sr. Marks, the event starts at 10 a.m. and runs late. (850) 925-5668

Oct. 18
10th Annual Mexico Beach Art and Wine Festival
Discover the area’s finest artwork while sipping a glass of wine and listening to live music on the beach. Area restaurants serve up fresh seafood at the Driftwood Inn. Proceeds from the art auction and $10 entry fee go to the Mexico Beach Independence Day Celebration.

Oct. 25
Monarch Butterfly Festival
Treat yourself to a rare and beautiful sight at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Watch as thousands of monarch butterflies prepare for their journey across the Gulf of Mexico to wintering grounds in the mountains of Mexico. Bring your cameras to capture their magnificence while staff and volunteers provide educational information. (850) 925-6121

Oct. 31
Apalachicola Downtown Oyster Roast
This event promises to be a seafood lover’s dream. Enjoy roasted and raw oysters, artichoke and oyster soup, shrimp, crabs, and homemade desserts under the stars on Commerce Street. Musical entertainment, great microbrewery beers and wines, plus some of the freshest seafood in the country will be served up. Tickets are available at the chamber office. (850) 653-9419, info@apalachicolabay.org

Oct. 31- Nov. 1
45th Annual Florida Seafood Festival
Come out to Apalachicola’s Battery Park for the state’s oldest maritime exhibit. You’ll love the great seafood, arts and crafts, and wonderful entertainment this event has to offer. The event begins with a Blessing of the Fleet Friday evening at 4 p.m. Saturday’s highlighted events include the 5K Redfish Run at 7 a.m., a parade at 10 a.m., the Oyster Eating and Shucking Contest at 1 p.m. and the Blue Crab Race from 1 to 5 p.m. floridaseafoodfestival.com

Nov. 7-8
Jazz Festival at the Dixie Theatre
This two-night concert continues as the Forgotten Coast’s premier opportunity to hear jazz, blues and folk music performed live on stage. (850) 653-3200

Nov. 23
Apalachicola Christmas Celebration
Holiday spirit will be in great supply at this historical Christmas celebration. Apalachicola will light up your night with illumination from 4:30 to 8 p.m. The streets will be lined with luminarias and filled with cheer. Merchants will be open late and the sounds of carolers will echo through the streets, filling the evening with Christmastime spirits. The big man himself will arrive at 4 p.m. in coastal style on a shrimp boat at the City Dock on Water Street. The event is free. (850) 653-9410

Nov. 30- Dec. 1
Christmas on the Coast
Port St. Joe’s annual holiday festivities include all the season’s favorites. There will be a tree-lighting ceremony in Frank Pate Park, carols sung by local artists and lighted boats. A full parade will take place down Reid Avenue Saturday evening. (850) 227-1223

Dec. 5
Island Lights
St. George Island celebrates the holidays in true island fashion with the lighting of the palm trees, food and fun. Santa will be present to hear children’s wishes. (850) 927-2604, cwood@ccbflorida.com

Dec. 6
Mexico Beach Christmas Celebration of Lights
Spend an evening with family and friends in Sunset Park. Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit quite like carolers, candlelight and candies.

Dec. 6
Holiday on the Harbor
Marine Street will be glowing with lights, and River Walk is the place for watching the decked-out boat regatta. Stroll with loved ones, sip cider, see Santa and fill your eyes with enchantment! (850) 697-2585

Dec. 31- Jan. 1
New Year’s Eve Celebration Transportation
Celebrate safely and celebrate twice. Start in the Eastern time zone in St. Joe Beach, then travel west just five minutes to Mexico Beach and celebrate all over again an hour later in the Central time zone. The bus will run from Regan’s in Beacon Hill/St. Joe Beach to Mango Marley’s in Mexico Beach.

Feb. 2009
10th Annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off
(888) 723-2546

Feb. 2009
13th Annual Forgotten Coast’s Chef Sampler
Have the dining experience of the year as area chefs put out their finest fare. Proceeds benefit the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $50 each or tables can be purchased. (850) 653-9419, info@apalachicolabay.org

March 2009
27th Annual St. George Island Chili Cook-Off
Enjoy the great food, live entertainment and  charity auction. All proceeds benefit the volunteer fire department. (850) 927-2753

March 7-9, 2009
Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion
(850) 697-8575