Florida's Historic Coast Group & Meeting Guide 2011 | Page 31

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ANNUAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE DRAKE ’ S RAID Relive history as the English corsair , Sir Francis Drake , and his raiders return to St . Augustine in an authentic re-creation of the 1586 sack of the city . 1.877.352.4478 www . FloridaLivingHistory . org
JULY WORLD GOLF VILLAGE FIREWORKS Enjoy one of the largest fireworks displays in Northeast Florida as the World Golf Village celebrates Independence Day . Bring blankets or lawn chairs ( no coolers please ) and find a spot around the Walk of Champions to enjoy the show . Admission is free . 904.940.4123 www . WorldGolfVillage . com
ST . AUGUSTINE ’ S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Have a blast at one of the East Coast ’ s largest fireworks shows ! The spectacular fireworks burst above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflect in the waters of Matanzas Bay . The show includes a stirring soundtrack of great patriotic music . The best vantage points are along St . Augustine ’ s bay front between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions . 904.825.1004
KINGFISH CHALLENGE This exciting competition offers cash and prizes for the biggest catch . This exciting annual tournament takes place from the St . Augustine City Marina on the Bayfront . 904.824.8322 www . acgfa . com / kingfishchallenge . html
SEPTEMBER FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL Get literary at this celebration of the authors and books that chronicle the ethnic , social and historical heritage of the Sunshine State . The festival will feature a wide array of events and activities including workshops , readings and book signings by popular authors . 904.940.0194 www . fhbookfest . com
OCTOBER FLAVORS OF FLORIDA ’ S HISTORIC COAST Dozens of participating restaurants are presenting a “ Chef ’ s Choice ” prix fixe ( fixed price ) three-course meal reflecting their unique flavors and style . Great food , paired with a wide variety of lodging options and enticing cultural events , make October the perfect month to visit St . Augustine | Ponte Vedra on Florida ’ s Historic Coast . www . HistoricCoastFlavors . com
THE NATIONWIDE TOUR - WINN DIXIE OPEN AT TPC SAWGRASS See the future stars of the PGA TOUR in action at Dye ’ s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach during the Nationwide Tour ’ s newest event – and support deserving charities in Northeast Florida . The top 60 on the money list from this tour move up to the Nationwide Tour Championship . www . winndixiejacksonvilleopen . com
COLONIAL FOLK ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL See colonial craftspeople from throughout Florida demonstrate “ Lost Arts ” such as spinning , weaving , basket making , blacksmithing , pottery making and many other arts and crafts . The event takes place at St . Augustine ’ s Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum . Admission is free . 904.810.5587
GREEK FESTIVAL Everyone can be Greek for the weekend . Enjoy a delicious assortment of Greek foods , pastries and beverages along with nonstop entertainment with live Greek music . The Festival takes place at Francis Field on Castillo Drive in St . Augustine . 904.823.5906 www . stauggreekfest . com
CRACKER DAY Celebrate Florida ’ s Country Cracker Heritage with bluegrass banjos and fiddles , horsemanship demonstrations and mouth-watering barbecue . It all takes place at the St . Johns County Fairgrounds on SR 207 in Elkton . 904.824.9720
Painting the Region : A PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT Florida ’ s Historic Coast and the Northeast Florida Region host the Annual Painting the Region : A Plein Air Paint-Out , where more than 40 fine artists capture the natural beauty of our coastlines , marshes and shores on canvas ! Mother Nature provides the inspiration . www . PaintingTheRegion . com
NOVEMBER NIGHTS OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION From mid-November through January this spectacular holiday lighting display features more than two million tiny white lights adorning the palm trees and buildings of the city ’ s historic district , creating a holiday wonderland in a place with real history on every street corner . 800.653.2489 www . nightsoflights . com
FALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL See art created from lace to limestone and crayons to crystal . This renowned juried art festival takes place at Francis Field located on West Castillo Drive in St . Augustine . 904.824.2310 www . staaa . org
DECEMBER ST . JOHNS COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES This festival at Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village features entries decorated by businesses , organizations , families and friends from the local community , all to benefit local charities . 904.940.4059 www . wgv . com
BRITISH ENCAMPMENT AND GRANDE ILLUMINATION Experience what St . Augustine was during the British occupation of the old city from 1763 to 1784 . Featuring a British encampment , torch-lit parade , holiday proclamation from the Royal Governor , musket volley of joy and Christmas carols in the Plaza . www . britishnightwatch . org
ANNUAL ST . AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE One of the largest parades in north Florida , includes floats , marching bands , cars , horses and the arrival of Santa . The parade starts at Mission Nombre de Dios on San Marco Avenue and continues through St . Augustine . 904.824.4997
REGATTA OF LIGHTS A holiday parade of boats including sailboats , trawlers , shrimp boats and many other vessels all-a-glitter with brilliant lighted display sail across Matanzas Bay in St . Augustine . 904.824.9725 www . sayc2000 . com
42 nd ANNUAL GARDEN CLUB CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Annual tour showcases a selection of St . Augustine ’ s most outstanding private homes beautifully decorated for the holidays . Ticket includes a delightful tea . www . gardenclubofstaugustine . org .
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOUR OF BED AND BREAKFAST INNS Tour St . Augustine ’ s historic Bed and Breakfast Inns , all decorated in Holiday finery . Each inn unites with one of St . Augustine ’ s leading restaurants and confectioners , who serve complimentary samples . 904.819.3566 www . staugustineinns . com
BEACH BLAST OFF Usher in the New Year with a blast of flavor , icy sculptures and fireworks when several of St . Augustine ’ s favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off . The event culminates with the blast off of a huge fireworks show over the ocean at the St . Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion . www . beachblastoff . com