Things to do on the Emerald Coast this December

Here are some exciting events happening on the Emerald Coast for December 2013:

December 4

McGuire's December Wine Tasting

December 5

Festival of Trees in FWB

Fort Walton Beach Christmas Boat Parade

December 6

Howl at the Moon Fundraiser – Benefits Military Widows at Air Force Enlisted Village

December 7

Christmas Open House at De’France Indoor Flea Market and Antiques

Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus – “Christmas Miracles”

Christmas Open House at the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum

Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Performance at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

SOCKS Christmas Pet Photo Shoot in FWB

Photo courtesy of SOCKS.

A Victorian Christmas – Northwest Florida State College Series

Destin Craft Fair

Tee Off for Toys in Destin

Santa at HarborWalk Village

Photo courtesy of Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village.

Shelter House to host 3rd Annual Luminaria Run in Destin

December 8

Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Winter Concert – NWF State College Series

Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus – “Christmas Miracles”

December 9

Hard Rock Cafe Christmas Networking Event in Destin

December 11

Charity Gift Wrap at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

December 12

Eat at Chick-fil-A to benefit Feline Friends of Destin

December 13

Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra – “Holiday Pops” Concert

Holiday Open House

December 14

Fisher House Holiday Boat Parade

35^th Annual Jingle Bell Jog

Spencer’s Art of Illusion – National Tour Artist Series

Christmas Market at De’France Antiques and Collectibles

Breakfast with Santa at Bubba Gump

Destin Christmas Parade

Baytowne Holiday Lantern Parade

December 15

27th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Lighted Boat Parade

Photo courtesy of Ocean Reef Resorts.

December 21

Annual Emerald Coast CHRISTmas Miracle Children’s Fiesta

December 26

After Holiday Sales at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

December 31

New Year's Eve Celebrations

For more information on any of these events, click here and here. 

The 4th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception for the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

About the Event

Join the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge this Sunday, July 22, from 2-4pm for their 4^th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception. Relax and mingle at the beautiful Magnolia Grill in historic downtown Fort Walton Beach while learning the latest news from the refuge. Patrons will enjoy live music, finger foods, cheese, wine and a fantastic silent auction. ECWR staff and volunteers will be onsite, ready to share their stories of interesting animal rescue adventures. Special appearance by the refuge’s Animal Ambassadors! Tickets to this event are only $15 per person and may be purchased online at ECWildlifeRefuge.com, or by calling the refuge directly at (850) 650-1880. Proceeds from this annual reception benefit the operations fund of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.

                              About the Refuge

Image: Facebook.com/EmerladCoastWildlifeRefuge

Established in 1994, the mission of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is education, conservation, and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida’s natural wildlife. The organization provides wildlife rescue, rehab and environmental outreach to 5 counties in Northwest Florida. Refuge staff is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing an invaluable service to the most biologically diverse areas of North America. While working closely with local law enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect, treat and release native species, the Refuge rescues thousands of animals each year. The Refuge is also the lead response team for the Federal Marine Mammal Stranding Network from mid-Walton County to the Alabama state line. The ECWR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relying on donations, grants , fundraising events, and memberships to support their mission.

ECWR Education

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is committed to bringing animal education to our community. Their team of professional educators, trained docents, and animal ambassadors are seen at many local community events and festivals, providing a memorable and engaging experience for both children and adults. ECWR’s education programs promote humans’ coexistence with and appreciate of nature. All programs are science-based and in compliance with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.

Image: TheDestinLog.com

The Refuge’s Outwild programs serve the public schools of Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties as well as local clubs, civic groups, senior centers, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Outwild programs feature live animal ambassadors and informative discussions on the natural history of indigenous wildlife. The program’s information is presented in an engaging, interactive format allowing for maximum interest and enjoyment.

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is also host to children’s summer camps, giving kids the opportunity to explore the great outdoors on ECWR’s waterfront property. Campers will get to participate in live wildlife demonstrations, and team-building games, all while learning about wildlife rehabilitation, Florida’s ecosystems and natural history and much, much more.

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

In addition to the numerous educational opportunities offered by the Refuge, perhaps the most immersive is participation in their Charter School. The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Academy of Zoological Sciences is scheduled to open its doors in August, 2012. Along with all required curriculum taught by certified teachers, the academy will emphasize the topics of wildlife rehabilitation, zoology, captive wildlife management, conservation, and pre-veterinary studies.

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

Show Your Support!

Now that you know more about this amazing non-profit organization and all the wonderful things that they do, get your tickets to this fun-filled event and help support the Refuge. While you’re there be sure to let them know how much we appreciate them and everything they do. 

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge