Festivals
& Events - 2007
Event Schedule
Click
on a month below:
This
is a work-in-progress!
If you have any festivals or events you'd
like to add, click here to
e-mail your info.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
This annual event
combines history; theater; humanities; music; arts and crafts;
architectural tours; and eclectic information and is held at Lake
DeFuniak in DeFuniak Springs. Close to 300 events are planned
for this year's assembly. Many events are free. For
details, click the link above, call the Florida Chautauqua Center
office at 850-892-7613, or e-mail President@Florida-Chautauqua-Center.org.
February 17 - Gospel
Sing & Chicken Dinner
Union Pentecostal; The
Church of Jesus Christ of Caryville; Harris Chapel; First United
Pentecostal Church of Westville; Caryville Evangelistic Center; Ebro
Assembly of God; Louis Kathman Ministries; and World Help will host a
free gospel sing & plate sale at the Caryville Civic Center on
Saturday, February 17. 100% of the proceeds will go toward the
production & delivery of Bibles to Iraq. Chicken plates will
be sold for $5 each beginning at 3:00 p.m. Concessions will be
served throughout the program. Entertainment will include Mike
Yates; The Rogers Family; The Gilleys; and Louis & Ann Kathman.
Open mic will last until 5:00 p.m. for those that have a song to
share. For more information, contact Charles Rogers at
850-547-5099 or 850-373-7817; or Louis Kathman at 850-547-2085 or
850-596-1490. You can also visit www.worldhelp.net
to see how you can help change our world for the greater glory of God.
February 18 - Bibles
for Iraq Benefit Concert
A "Bibles for
Iraq" benefit concert will be held at Carmel Assembly of God
Church in Bonifay on Sunday, February 18, at 6:00 p.m. Scheduled
groups and artists include The Carmel Assembly of God Drama Team;
Chelsey Parker; Grace Bailey;
and Louis & Ann Kathman. The offering will go toward the
production & distribution of Arabic Bibles in Iraq.
The 13th annual cooking
school event, co-sponsored by WZEP
and Chelco, will be held at
Freeport High School at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be $8. For more info, click
here, call 850-892-3158, or e-mail wzep@wzep1460.com.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
March 3 - Music
Festival
This festival is planned
as a fundraiser for the Ponce de Leon Volunteer Fire Dept. It
will be held at the Veterans Memorial
Park. For more info, call 850-836-5209.
Free to Holmes County
residents only. Hazardous household waste amnesty collection
day. The following household hazardous wastes will be
accepted: pesticides; insecticides; used oil; solvents; stale
gasoline; paint; paint thinners; paint strippers; brake fluid;
anti-freeze; furniture polish; engine degreasers; fertilizers; pool
chemicals; and spot removers. Due to the hazardous nature of
certain computer components in home computers, the following computer
hardware items will be accepted: monitors; processors;
keyboards; printers; scanners; etc. Conditionally exempt, small
quantity generators will be taken at a reduced rate. From 8:00
a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Items may be dropped off at the Holmes County
Recycling Center, located at 3165 Thomas Drive in Bonifay, Florida
(behind Holmes County Correctional). E-mail recycle@wfeca.net,
call 850-547-0922, or fax 850-547-2351 for more info.
March 9 - Jeff Bates in
Concert
Jeff Bates will be at Oh
Suzannah's on Friday, March 9. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. with
Rebel Syndicate opening the show. Show time for Jeff Bates will
be 9:00 p.m. Seating will be assigned as tickets are
purchased. Tickets cost $25 each. You may order by calling
850-892-4933 or 850-892-3400. Oh Suzannah's is located at 686
Hwy. 90 West in DeFuniak Springs.
March - Native Plant
Sale
The DeFuniak Springs
Garden Club will hold a native plants sale and education day at the
DeFuniak Springs Library on Circle Drive in March. For sale will be more than 2,000 Florida native
trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials representing more than 150
different Florida species. There will also be free wildflower
posters and educational materials. Special orders and large
quantities, as well as more info, may be obtained by calling Dara
Dobson at 850-859-0096.
An annual event jointly
hosted by the Crestview area schools in late March. This event is for
children to enjoy, with fun and games in all parts of the park and
city after the children's parade. The morning session is held at the
Spanish Trail Park and the afternoon session at Twin Hills Park.
Vendors and music are common.
Located at the Spanish
Trail Park, this Chamber of Commerce event in March includes a variety
of games and entertainment mixed with businesses showcasing their
services. The bar-b-que cook-off features area restaurants,
dining establishments, organizations, and individuals competing for
awards.
In late March of each year, there
is an annual spring carnival sponsored by the City's Historic
Preservation Board at Spanish Trail Park in Crestview.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
A community egg hunt
will be held Saturday, April 7, at the Spanish Trail Park in
Crestview. In addition to the egg hunt, children can enjoy a
train ride, moon walk, a 16-foot slide, and a sea of balls.
Holmes County Coalition
C.A.S.E., Holmes County Ministerial Association, and WJNF 88.3 FM will
host the fourth Soul Jam this year in Bonifay, FL. Tickets may be
purchased at www.itickets.com;
the WJNF studio at 2914 Jefferson Street in Marianna, FL; First
Baptist of Chipley; or First Baptist of Bonifay. Visit WJNF at www.wjnf.org
for more information on Soul Jam or the groups.
Everyone in the
surrounding community is invited to participate in this exciting
event, which benefits the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
It will be held at Ponce de Leon
High School on Saturday, April 14, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served.
Bring your bike, and be ready to ride for this worthwhile cause!
For more information, contact Debbie Kolmetz at 850-836-5116 or by
e-mail.
April - Florida
Chautauqua Gospel Celebration
The Florida
Chautauqua Gospel Celebration will be held in April at the lake yard in historic DeFuniak Springs.
For more information, call 850-892-9494.
April - Spring Fling
The Ponce de Leon Girl
Scout Troop invites everyone to attend its community Spring
Fling in April at the Blue Creek Park in Ponce de Leon. Plans include a gospel sing; child fingerprinting; health awareness; craft &
bake sale; and a community yard sale. BBQ plates will be sold at
lunchtime. For more info, call Theresa
Miller at 850-836-5217 or Kim Tate at 850-836-5236.
This year's 32nd annual
Festival on the Rivers will be held at Robert Fowler Park in Geneva,
Alabama. Entertainment will include Earl Thomas Conley; Steve
Holy; Cross Country; Lynn Hartline; and the Kirklands. There
will be a talent contest, as well as a 5-mile run/race walk and fun
run.
This festival held in
Crestview, Florida, salutes the area's rich heritage every year on the
last weekend of April and the first weekend in May. Festivities
include a major rodeo, arts and crafts bazaar, food vendors, an
authentic trail ride, beauty pageant, carnival rides, a parade, and
nationally recognized musicians. Old Spanish Trail refers to the
route used by the three European countries that settled the area;
Spain, England, and France. It was a trade route between El Paso,
Texas and Jacksonville, Florida. Call 850-689-1618 for more
info.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
This festival, held in
Crestview, Florida, salutes the area's rich heritage every year on the
last weekend of April and the first weekend in May. Festivities
include a major rodeo, arts and crafts bazaar, food vendors, an
authentic trail ride, beauty pageant, carnival rides, a parade, and
nationally recognized musicians. Old Spanish Trail refers to the
route used by the three European countries that settled the area;
Spain, England, and France. It was a trade route between El Paso,
Texas and Jacksonville, Florida. Call 850-689-1618 for more
info.
Held at Crestview,
Florida's Fairview Park on a Saturday in late May, this
festival is family-oriented; sports competitions, entertainment, food,
museum tours, and a wonderful community parade. Call
850-689-1618 for more info.
May - Moonlight
Trail Ride
Holmes & Walton 4-H
Youth Programs will sponsor a Moonlight Trail Ride in May. The horse ride by moonlight will also
include a barbecue, campfire, fun horse games with prizes, a silent
auction, and other activities. Bring a tent and stay the night.
To register or for
more information, call Rebecca Cuchens at 850-835-4820, the Walton Co.
4-H at 850-892-8172, or the Holmes Co. 4-H at 850-547-1108. Call
for special group rates of $10 per rider. The cost includes a
barbecue chicken plate and continental breakfast. Helmets are
encouraged, and no alcohol or tobacco will be allowed. Negative
Coggins is required. The proceeds will benefit youth in Holmes
and Walton counties. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy
the night with your family and horses.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
June 23 - Panhandle Watermelon
Festival
The 51st annual
Watermelon Festival will be held at the Agriculture Center in Chipley, Florida,
on Saturday, June 23. There will be a
pancake breakfast; 5,000-meter run; watermelon contest and auction; a parade; a downtown
street fair; live music; an
antique car show; arts and crafts; children's activities; and much
more. Call 850-638-6180 for more info.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
The Holmes County
Recycling Center's amnesty program will run during July. Holmes County residents may drop off
up to 20 waste tires free of
charge. NO TIRE DEALERS OR COMPANIES. Hours of operation are Monday -
Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m. The recycling center is located behind Holmes County Correctional. E-mail recycle@wfeca.net
or
call 850-547-0922 for more info.
The Bonifay Kiwanis Club and Bill Bailey Concert
Promotions will host the "Granddaddy" of all-night
gospel sings at Memorial Stadium in Bonifay in July. "The Biggest All-Night Gospel Sing in the
World" is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over
the world. This year will be the 55th annual sing, and will feature nationally
known gospel artists performing from sundown to sunup for approximately 8,000 avid fans.
For more information, call
850-547-5363 or e-mail kiwanis@bonifaykiwanis.com.
July
- Taste of Geneva
Experience
the "Taste of Geneva" at the Robert Fowler Memorial Park in July. Activities: open-air music,
food vendors, fireworks, sack races, clowns, face painting, flea
market, the River Junction Cruiser Cruise-In, and much more.
Exhibitors from throughout the south will be on hand displaying
everything from jewelry to painted gourds, original paintings, leather
goods, and stained glass. A fireworks show will be provided as
well. For more
information, call 334-684-2100.
July
- Panhandle Patriotic Celebration
The
Holmes County Ministerial Association will sponsor the Panhandle
Patriotic Celebration in July at the
New Life Ministries facilities in Bonifay. Highlights will
include games for the children, entertainment for everyone, free food
and drinks, and of course fireworks. Everyone is invited to
bring their family and friends to the ball fields of New Life
Ministries and enjoy a fun-filled evening. For more information,
call 850-547-3920.
July
- Firecracker Day
The
4th annual Firecracker Day, sponsored by the Vernon Area Merchants
Association, will be held in July in Vernon. Activities include
a car show, parade, children's activities ( including two water
slides), various entertainment, and a gala fireworks display. For
more information, contact Vernon's City Hall at 850-535-2444.
Crestview,
Florida's Leisure Services
Department together with other departments of the City put on the
annual fireworks display and activities with music and games for the
kids at Spanish Trail Park. Thousands of spectators from all around
the area attend annually. Call 850-689-1618 for more info.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
The 38th annual Possum
Festival will be held in Wausau, FL, in August. The annual Possum Festival and Fun Day
is a Washington County institution. There will be Possum King and Queen
contests, musical
entertainment at the Possum Palace all morning, and a parade at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street. A flag-raising ceremony
will be held at noon, and the world-famous possum auction will
follow. The Wausau Volunteer Fire Department will sell barbecue
pork plates and sandwiches, and other goodies will be available as
well. Come experience the possum
auctions; possum stew and ice cream; arts and crafts booths;
performances by local bluegrass, gospel, and country bands; and a
dance to round out the evening. Everyone is invited to attend
this fun-filled family event! For more information, call
850-638-2976.
Hosted by the Spanish
Trail Cruisers Car Club annually on a weekend in mid-August in
downtown Crestview, Florida. Classic and vintage cars of all
kinds, makes and models take the visitors back in time. Sidewalk
vendors, arts and crafts, music and live entertainment plus a review
of some marvelous automobiles of the past. Call 850-689-1618 for
more info.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
The Holmes County
Recycling Center's amnesty program will run during September. Holmes County residents may drop off
up to 20 waste tires free of
charge. NO TIRE DEALERS OR COMPANIES. Hours of operation are Monday -
Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m. The recycling center is located behind Holmes County Correctional. E-mail recycle@wfeca.net
or call 850-547-0922 for more info.
September - Lonnie
Lindsey Scholarship Trail Ride
Family activities &
live band. Held at Ponce de Leon
Old Town Park.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
Held in Panama City,
Florida. For more info, call 850-769-2645.
Bonifay, Florida, will
host the 63rd Annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo in October at the Memorial Field in Bonifay, Florida. The
rodeo is sanctioned by the PRCA
(Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) and the WPRA
(Women’s Pro Rodeo Association). For more info, call 850-547-5363.
Our parade is always a
favored event with the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo.
Area bands, queens, floats, dignitaries, and of course horses play an
important part in the rodeo season festivities. As always, horses
do not need to register and may ride in the parade at no charge. For
further parade information call Amy Tadlock at 850-547-5363.
Call 850-892-5260 for
more info.
This annual event held
in Niceville promises a great time for the entire family with
entertainment, fine art and home handcrafts, and a staggering array of
food concessions. Lots of hungry mullet fans will consume this
humble fish that has played such an important role in both the local
economy and in the general nutrition of our culture. This
celebration of food and fun will take place in October.
Call 850-547-3394 for
more info.
A Main Street Crestview
Association and City sponsored event held each year on the Saturday
closest to Halloween. Featuring special entertainment, games, treats
and displays for children of all ages on Saturday afternoon and
evening. Vendors and music are common.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
November 2-11 - National
Peanut
Festival
Call 850-862-0211 for
more info.
Ponce de Leon High
School's Student Council will present its Veteran's Day program in the
gym. Student Council
members will have a presentation on what Veteran' s Day is all
about. Veterans - in all military
branches - in the surrounding area are cordially invited to come
fellowship with other vets and take part in the ceremonies. Door
prizes will be given to veterans in attendance. For more info,
call 850-836-4242.
November -
Veteran's Day Parade
The parade will assemble at 10:00 a.m. at the Piggly Wiggly on
Waukesha Street in Bonifay. Limited transportation will be
available for veterans who want to ride in the parade. There
will be no charge or registration requirement. Marching groups,
floats, antique vehicles, etc., are welcome. For more info, call
Jerry Soloman at 850-547-2688 or Dan Helms at 850-547-0686.
November - Ponce de
Leon Old Town Park's Fall Festival
This is a benefit
festival for the Veteran's Memorial Park.
For more info, contact Frank at 850-865-0810 or
Aubrey at 850-836-5209. Some pictures of past years' festivals
are below:
|
Shirley
Leavins, 1st place in lima bean cook-off |
Caroline
McMillan, 2nd place in lima bean cook-off |
|
Harry
Krauako, 1st place in motorcycle contest |
Art
Thomas, 2nd place in car contest |
|
Glen
Bottoms, 3rd place in car contest |
Aubrey
Ammons, Ugliest pickup truck contest |
|
James
McMillan, 1st place in car contest |
Charlotte
Barone, 1st place in piano playing contest |
|
Entertainment
provided by Amy Scipper-Allen |
|
|
|
|
|
Art
Thomas & Glen Bottoms, 2nd & 3rd place in car contest |
Blue
Creek Veteran's Memorial Park booth |
|
Car
show |
Car
show |
|
Car
show |
Car
show |
|
Crafter's
booth |
Crafter's
booth |
|
|
|
|
|
Carriage
rides |
|
|
|
|
Trail
ride |
A parade to honor all
veterans who served America in peacetime and war time in the downtown
area on Main Street in Crestview, Florida. Organizations, civic clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts,
school children, parents and especially veterans are special
dignitaries. Parade ends at the special veteran's memorial
located near the courthouse. Call 850-689-1618 for more info.
Celebrate the holiday
season in downtown historic DeFuniak Springs November 23-December
31. Over three million spectacular lights reflect across
beautiful Lake DeFuniak, illuminating the night sky. The event
will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Admission will be $3 per
person, and children under 6 will be admitted free of charge.
Seasonal passes are available for $25. For more info, call
1-800-822-6877 or visit www.christmasreflections.com.
Historic DeFuniak
Springs invites you to attend their annual Hometown Holidays
celebration on Friday, November 25, at the Walton County Fairgrounds
on Highway 83 North.
Hometown Holidays is
very family oriented and many local families plan their holidays
around this event in order to visit with old friends and relatives.
Over 100 vendors provide an array of handmade items to view and
purchase. Activities for children are continuous with a train ride;
rock climbing; petting zoo; clowns; free face painting and balloons;
slide; gingerbread house contest; carriage rides; quality dining;
shopping and entertainment. Hometown Holiday is an enhancement to the
visitors of Walton County by bringing families together to dine and
shop. Admission is free. The day begins at 9:00 a.m.
Sponsored by the First
United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs. Held every Sunday
morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you
fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies. Located on the lake
(Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building. Call
850-892-5332 for more info.
Decorated in their
finest Christmas attire, homes and historic buildings will be opened
to the public during a Tour of Homes. Homes will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tickets will cost $15 + tax and may be purchased the day of the
tour from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Visitors Center on Circle Drive
and The Big Store on Baldwin Avenue (in DeFuniak Springs). Light refreshments will be
served throughout the day at the Big Store. This event is
sponsored by
Partners in Progress, a non-profit DeFuniak Springs public service
organization. For more info, call 850-892-2448.
December - Christmas
Parade
This annual Christmas
Parade will be held in downtown Chipley, FL, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The Holmes County
Recycling Center's amnesty program will run during December. Holmes County residents may drop off
up to 20 waste tires free of
charge. NO TIRE DEALERS OR COMPANIES. Hours of operation are Monday -
Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m. The recycling center is located behind Holmes County Correctional. E-mail recycle@wfeca.net,
call 850-547-0922, or fax 850-547-2351 for more info.
December - Harvest
Festival Parade
Graceville's Harvest
Festival Parade will be held in December. All bands,
clubs, queens, agricultural departments, etc., are encouraged to
participate. Come as you are and enjoy the festivities
throughout the day. For more info, call Teresa Bush at
850-263-4744 (day) or 850-263-3072 (night).
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