Mad Lib Madness - An Emerald Coast Story

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A Day at the Beach, An Emerald Coast Mad Lib

Spring has finally arrived here on the beautiful Emerald Coast and that means it’s time for beach adventures! I am off to beach today in gorgeous Fort Walton Beach with my best buddy, Kenny Chesney. This is going to be a frustrating day!

Before we leave I need to pack up my beach bag, I don’t want to forget my dog or knife! Kenny Chesney is packing up the cooler with Cornonas and oyster sandwiches for lunch. Before we hit the beach we stop to have breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe. I just love their famous strawberries!

After fueling up, we head to the water for a little fun in the Florida sun. Kenny Chesney enjoys flipping the waves as I jump for seashells. Together, we smell a sand castle.

After lunch, we relax at with a potato and a great big sea oat, then it’s off to HarborWalk Village for a little shopping! I find a great deal on a dolphin and Kenny Chesney gets a brand new eye patch. We are so excited about our purchases we swing for joy!

We end this picture perfect day by watching the sun set over the train. There’s nothing better than a spring day on the beach… except maybe knitting.

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 30 - April 1

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

A bit of sleepy weekend here on the Emerald Coast this weekend. There are definitely a few great events happening, so on the bright side, you can devote more attention to these events. The weather should be gorgeous this weekend, so it will also be a great time to hit the beach or get out there on the water. For other ideas, check out the latest spring issue of Life’s A Beach, you’re sure to get some inspiration there!

Multi-Day Events

Purses with a Purpose, the much-anticipated purse extravaganza returns to Silver Sands Factory Stores on March 30 and 31. Purses with a Purpose is a two-day purse sale and auction where new and gently used designer handbags are donated to be sold and auctioned off with all profits benefiting Shelter House, the domestic violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. For more information about Purses with a Purpose or donating, please contact Shelter House at 850.243.1201

Head out to Bass Pro Shops in Destin on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 for their annual Easter celebration! Easter egg hunts will be held at 1 p.m., lasting one hour. Free crafts will be available from 12-3 p.m. Get a free photo with the Easter Bunny Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Sunday from 1- 4 p.m. The celebration will continue next weekend, so hop on over to Bass Pro Shop!

www.basspro.com

Bass Pro Shop is a hopping place this weekend! Head to the shop on Saturday, March 31 and on Sunday, April 1 between 12 and 3 p.m., and meet Pro Fisherman, Ott Defoe, the 2011 BassMasters Elite Series Rookie of the Year. Ott will give a presentation on fishing techniques and be available for autographs and "down and dirty" tips on how to improve your fishing.

www.basspro.com

Friday, March 30

Saturday, March 31

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Course begins at 8:30 a.m. This program is designed to be an introductory course to meet the boating education needs of all recreational boaters. Students who complete this program will earn an official boating education certificate and the FWC Safe Boater ID card will be mailed to you.

www.flotilla14.org

Learn how to make belts, sashes, and bookmarks with the art of stick weaving with Gail Lynn Meyer. Part of the Green Earth Living Craft Series, this fun class allows you to make a bookmark (including finishing and optional beadwork) and start a belt. Students will have the skills to finish the belt at home. Class costs $15 for the public, and $12 for Friends of the Museum Members. All materials are included with the price of the class. Advanced registration required. Please call 850-833-9595 or email jlamott@fwb.org to sign up for the class or for more information.

Sunday, April 1

Have fun-filled, sun-filled and  beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

8th Annual Kitty Hawk Kites Kite Festival

Dates: April 6 &7, 2012

Time: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days

The perfect way to kick off National Kite Month! This great family event will include numerous activities including free kite making and kids games in front of the store. Live entertainment will be on site to keep everyone singing and dancing the day away while having a great time flying kites! Best of all, this event is free and open to the public. 

Bring your camera! Large show kites will be flying on the show kite field. These include large 90 foot scuba divers, as well as a variety of sea creatures. There will also be a separate field for Stunt Kites and Power Kites.

Bonus! There will be free instruction in stunt kite flying and power kite flying for all who would like to try.

For more information about this one-of-a-kind event, please call 850.796.0102.

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 23-25

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

There’s some great stuff happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend. (Besides the beautiful weather that is.) If you haven’t made your weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. Go ahead, browse through some of the area happenings we’ve highlighted below and see if anything catches your fancy.

Multi-Day Events

The Building Industry Association of Okaloosa-Walton Counties Home Showwill be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday this week. The show will feature over 100 indoor exhibits of products and services for the home and the homeowner. Popular seminars by experts will be conducted throughout the show at no extra charge to attendees. Hours: Saturday, March 24 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, March 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

www.biaow.org

The 10^th Annual Emerald Coast Metaphysical Festival featuring Tricia McCannon will be held at the Navarre Conference Center this weekend, March 25-26. This two day event will feature more than 50 vendors, psychics, readers, healers, guest speakers and more. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to check out the largest gathering of mystics and metaphysical vendors on the Emerald Coast.

                                              www.unlimited-horizons.org

Friday, March 23

The opening reception for the Art and Design Society’s Masque exhibit will be from 5-7 p.m. This annual show showcases masques created using recycled items. This event is free and open to the public. Can’t make the reception? Not to worry, the exhibit will continue to be displayed at the Art Center Gallery through April 14^th.

www.artsdesignsociety.org

Saturday, March 24

Have a great time and help a great cause at the same time when you participate in the Destin Relay for Life Texas Hold ‘em Shoot Out Poker Tournament. This event will take place at the Elks Lodge on Okaloosa Island beginning at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $50.

www.relayforlife.org/destinfl

Starbucks at HarborWalk Village will be hosting a Walter Richardson Book Signing from 2-4 p.m. The retired Tuskeegee Airman and Congressional National Award Winner will be signing his book How Great Though Art, which he authored based on his journal entries and experiences throughout his life.

The 11^th Annual Route 30A Car Show will take place in Rosemary Beach from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy music, demonstrations, plus the exciting People's Choice Award!

Sunday, March 25

If you’re not enjoying the Home Show or the Metaphysical Festival on this day, hit the beach, take in a good movie, or take Fido out to the new Destin Dog Park. It’s supposed to be a beautiful day, enjoy it!

Wishing you a fun-filled beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

36th Saturday In The Park Festival Will Be A Blast... From The Past!

36^th Saturday in the Park Festival at Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, April 21 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will be holding its 36^th annual Saturday in the Park Festival next month on April 21^st. Attracting tons of visitors every year, this popular Springtime community festival serves as a showcase of the museum and promotes the preservation the history of Northwest Florida.

Bring the whole family out for a day of good old fashioned fun. This event is free and open to the public and offers something for everyone. During the festival museum tours will also be free. Feel free to check out the local history exhibits that are on display including Native American artifacts, pioneer relics, turpentine pieces, fishing and military collections, and more.

 

Take pleasure in the festival’s live entertainment featuring a local musician on tour, Zach Williamson. Zach will be performing family-friendly classic hits from a variety of old and new musical favorites all day long.

The People’s Choice Antique Car Show and parade is always a popular event. Check out the engineering and design of yesteryear as you enjoy this delightful show. For more information on this particular event, please call 850.496.2604.

Your inner historian will love the re-enactments and traditional craft demonstrations which will be taking place during the festival. You won’t want to miss the Walton Guard, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Shire Phoenix, spinners, tatters, basket weaving, bobbin lace and wood turning.

The little ones will LOVE the festival’s Kid Zone! This area alone will have enough excitement to keep the kiddies occupied for hours. Youngsters can enjoy the pony wheel, the bounce house, the old fashioned games, toys and contests, the face painting, and the crafts.

Craft and food vendors will also be on site so you’ll be able to grab some grub and pick up a unique souvenir of the day without missing a thing.

On your mark. Get set. Go! …to the Heritage 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. If you’d like to participate in the race you may still register at www.active.com. Preregister to receive a reduced entry fee.

Remember, this fun-filled event is free and open to the public! So head on over the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida Saturday, April 21^st for a good old fashioned day of family fun, you’ll be glad you did.

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, FL

Phone:  850.678.2615

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 16-18

Kick off the Weekend! March 16-18, 2012

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Top o’ the morning to ya laddies! What fun-filled events are in store for you this St. Patrick’s Day weekend? The gorgeous weather makes it hard to stay away from the beach, but there are some great events happening this weekend that you may not want to miss. If you haven’t made any weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. We’ve highlighted a few of the area happenings for this coming weekend below – check it out!

Friday, March 16

The 6^th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Children in Crisis will be held at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. and shotgun will start at noon. Entry fee is $75 per player and $300 for a team. Drinks, prizes, raffle items, ditty bags, golf shirts and an awards party with hors d’oeuvres are included! For more information, contact Natalie Rodriguez at natalierodriguez@childrenincrisisfl.org, or call 850.864.4242.

Start your break with Spring Praise 2012 and join us for an evening of celebration and worship. The Spring Praise 2012 Concert with BarlowGirl, Jonny Diaz and Todd Agnew will take place at the Emerald Coast Convention Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sponsorships for this concert will benefit the Special Olympics of Okaloosa County.

www.emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com

Micky Mouth, Mixture, and 4 Beachcomber award nominee Homemadesoul will rock Destin Hard Rock with a little bit of soul during the Hip Hop Meets Rock II at Hard Rock Cafe Destin event. Doors open at 10:30 p.m.

http://www.facebook.com/events/235715503189405/

Saturday, March 17

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the Village of Baytowne Wharf’s  St. Paddy's Day Delight. Henri's Notions will provide traditional Celtic music in the Events Plaza from 6-9pm.

The 4th Annual HarborWalk Village Grogg Games & Irish Street Festival will take place from 12-11 p.m. Fun for the whole family! Enjoy live Irish music by authentic bag pipers Irish dancers, classic Irish fare and authentic Irish beers. Crafts and activities for children too! www.emeraldgrande.com

Don’t miss the Annual HarborWalk Village Grogg March taking place from 8-11 p.m. Each venue will entertain with music and games. Get your Pub Passport stamped at all the participating venues throughout the Harbor and you’ll be entered for a Grande giveaway.

 www.emeraldgrande.com

The 5^th Annual St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl will be taking place in downtown Fort Walton Beach from 6-10 p.m. Participating locations include Fokkers, Coasters, Salty Duck, Staff's, Golden Dragon and KC's Sandbar. Free entry! Food and drink specials, and lots of PRIZES! Must visit each location to be eligible for Grand Prizes!

The US Constitution Freedom Rally II - Fundraiser for the Navy SEALs and Veterans Families will be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from noon until 7 p.m. You won’t want to miss the special guest, Governor Scott.

www.theroguepatriot.org/Events_Page.html

Bring the kids out to this week’s HarborWalk Village Starbucks book signing, featuring Diane Box. This event will take place from 2-4 p.m. and will feature Diane’s children’s book Fred Visits the Emerald Coast.

www.emeraldgrande.com

Sunday, March 18

Not much going on in the way of events this Sunday, so maybe just enjoy the beautiful weather. Head to an area park, or beach access and soak up some sun! Or maybe just sleep away the lingering effects of St. Patty’s day festivities.

Have a GREEN and beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 9-11, 2012

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

With the sunshine back in our midst, I know we are all excited that the weekend is quickly approaching. If you haven’t already made your weekend plans, or if you think you can tear yourself away from a sunny beach for a little while, check out some of the area happenings for this coming weekend.

Multi-Day Events

 

 Southern Classic Gun and Knife Show at the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach on March 9^th and 10^th. Check out hundreds new and old guns, ammo, parts, reloading supplies, books, knives, coins, camouflage and other related items at discount prices. Concealed weapons classes will also be held at various times during the show.

www.floridagunshows.com

Friday, March 9

The Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn will be holding an Italian Wine Dinner for Fantasy Flight Friday. A mouth-watering four course meal with dishes inspired by the beautiful Rome, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Florence and Sicily will be served and paired with smooth, fine wine. Reservations are strongly recommended to attend this event. Call 850.650.7100 to make yours today.

www.beachwalkhendersonpark.com

Saturday, March 10

Andy Gross a nationally touring show, will be performed at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Enjoy a night of comedy, illusions and more with Las Vegas’ #1 Entertainer of 2010 -- Andy Gross, who will appear in Niceville to boggle the mind with his ventriloquism and magic. Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

www.mattiekellyartscenter.org

The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Crestview will be hosting Dance for Life, an evening of ballroom dance to benefit Covenant Hospice, in the Crestview High School Auditorium. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will feature Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo from ABC-TV’s “Dancing with the Stars.” The show will also showcase amateur and professional dancers from across the Emerald Coast.

www.fredastairecrestview.com

Starbucks at HarborWalk Village will be hosting a Dean Minton Book Signing from 2-4 p.m. Meet Dean Minton, author of the historical fiction book, The Universal Essence. The book tells the story of the apprentice of an alchemist who sets out on a journey to solve a mystery, rescue his master, and to find himself along the way. Check out the book, and hear Dean’s inspiration for this mysterious, historical tale.

Sunday, March 11

Paradise Promotions of the Emerald Coast presents The Emerald Coast Sing-Off - Clash for the Cash at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from 5-10 p.m. Over $5000 in CASH and other prizes will be awarded at The Finals - with $2000 CASH to the Winner! www.EmeraldCoastSingOff.com

Enjoy the sunshine and have a beachy weekend folks!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 2-4

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

It’s going to be a HUGE and eventful Emerald Coast weekend this week. Wooooo! Who’s excited? No matter what your fancy, you will find some great events and entertainment to banish any and all boredom. If you haven’t made your weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. We’ve taken the liberty of highlighting a few of the area happenings for the upcoming weekend for your convenience. Take your pick!

Multi-Day Events

Calling all dog lovers! Head out the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds this Thursday and Friday, March 1^st and 2^nd for the Okaloosa AKC Dog Show. Show starts at 9:00 a.m.

If you love all things sewing and quilting you won’t want to miss the Flying Needles Quilt Retreat & Show at the Emerald Coast Conference Center from 9-5 March 1^st – 3^rd. Take in the beautifully crafted quilts, learn a thing or two with classes from national and local instructors, or peruse the show and rub elbows with vendors.

www.flyingneedlesquiltguild.org, 850.729.7772

It’s that time of year again, folks, that’s right it’s COBIA TIME! The HarborWalk Marina 16^th Annual Destin Cobia Tournament starts this Friday, March 2^nd with a kick-off party at the Emerald Grande Ballroom at 7:00 p.m.  This month-long event attracts hundreds of anglers from Northwest Florida. The tournament provides anglers with a great fishing experience and excellent payout.

www.destincobiatournament.com, 850.837.2343

The 4th Annual WSRE Wine, Women, and Shoes Dinner & Live Auction, the fastest-growing charity event series created by women for women in the U.S. is coming to the Emerald Coast from March 2^nd-4^th.The annual event will include a wine tasting, gourmet dinner, and live auction to benefit WSRE’s ongoing efforts to provide educational programming for over 77,000 viewers nationwide.

www.winewomenandshoes.com, 850.585.7294

The 30A Wine Fest at Alys Beach is a two-day event (March 3^rd-4^th) featuring seminars, a wine symposium, tastings, and food pairings from local restaurants, live music and dancing - all in the elegant surroundings of Alys Beach.

www.30awinefestival.com, 850.622.3200

Friday, March 2

Head out to Destin’s Hard Rock Café this Friday as they host the final event in their Hard Rock Rising series. Bands performing include FADED SAINTS, SKINCRAWL, 13th Shade, FOR SHAME, Hotel Oscar, Heritage, The Ayers, SKYVIEW and Vantage Point. Local winners will then be pitted against eighty-six other Hard Rock Cafe local winners from across the globe. Prizes are awesome!

www.hardrock.com/destin   

Saturday, March 3

For those with a love of the music of the 60’s and 70’s, Hotel California – a tribute to The Eagles – will fill the bill. Hotel California will be performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Mattie Keller Arts Center in Niceville. www.emeraldcoastconcerts.com, 850.362.9356

Brides-to- be will love the 2^nd Annual Navarre Area Bridal Show, which will take place from 12-3 p.m. at Hampton Inn and Suites in Navarre. Many recognized and popular wedding vendors will be available. Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a free getaway! This event is free and open to the public, so grab your girls and check it out!

www.NavarreChamber.com, 850.939.4848

The Green Earth Living Craft Show will be featuring Yarn Weaving with Phyllis Hunt – Learn this simple weaving technique to make coasters, bowls, baskets and more using extra yarn. Neat!

850.833.9595

Sunday March 4

"Republicans are a party with bad ideas and Democrats are a party with no ideas." Enjoy the comedic insights, of Lewis Black, one of the most prolific and popular performers working today, at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.

www.mattiekellyartscenter.org

The 10^th Annual Seaside Half Marathon and 5k Run starts at 7:00 a.m. Entries for runners are unfortunately sold out, however, feel free to come down and cheer the runners on, or come out for the Friday Night Party.

www.seasidehalfmarathon.com

Wishing everyone a warm and beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew