Pensacola Magazine October 2022

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CONTENTS FEATURES

14 VANDALS TO VANGUARDS

The Pensacola Museum of Art premieres its latest exhibit showcasing the innovative and revolutionary genres of pop art and street art.

16 PAWSITIVELY FALL FUN: BARKTOBERFEST 2022

The Pensacola Humane Society’s Annual Barktoberfest returns to Community Maritime Park.

18 HAUNTED PENSACOLA

Historic Pensacola and UWF Historic Trust will once again host the popular Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours this October throughout downtown Pensacola.

21 A SPIRITED FALL

Crisp fall cocktail recipes to help you start the season off right.

25 CRISP AIR & SPOOKY SCARES!

A roundup of local fall festivities and Halloween events for the entire family.

30 FIND YOUR FOO FOO

The two-week celebration of arts and culture returns to the downtown streets.

TOPICS

8 Editor’s Note

10 Page 10 with DeeDee Davis

12 Pensacola Scene

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

THE MARKET

REAL ESTATE SECTION

ON THE COVER: Bubble Alley redering courtesy of Foo Foo Fest

Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note

EDITOR’S NOTE

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease became death sentences for too many people battling Covid. While genetics predispose some to these illnesses, many can be managed or eradicated by lifestyle changes. I’d like to focus on making healthy choices while still enjoying the bad-for-you good stuff in moderation.

strange spring. The novel in our so far been it from print with time, Escambia

already? assure you equally— alone.

2021 issue survived barrage loss and entire loved ones, kept side, at least will change vaccines coronavirus, some freely

OCTOBER 2022

Owner Malcolm Ballinger

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com

Santa quickly once The fact is, virus or be symptoms. That is community, stay possible--leaving the idea, too, rather than social via world—phone encourage tribe. We bring and something this.

it—the I’m over on a word: over Only suspect. pandemic the stress, distancing and many things can provide more return.

What has suspect it mental time positive experiences. resolutions Instead, brought home have uncertain. my community. health is our knew it.

Society has had fostering know that always a sweet kitty sounds check page 34. for our with some

in our will see that community groups and safe ways difference distancing. I must outpouring amongst my toilet paper more than to make up applause for our

Passion and Joy

incredible special-needs pets and their owners and she discovered that while these precious babies may take a little more care, the love they give in return is worth every second.

first responders and hospital workers? Thank you for putting yourselves on the front lines to keep us as safe as possible. Also, a big shout out to all the teachers out there scrambling to put together online lessons to keep our kids engaged and learning instead of worrying about things they cannot control. We appreciate you!

Executive Editor

Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com

Art Director

I don’t know about you, but 2020 offered far too little of either of these to me. I was so consumed with my mom’s illness and then with surviving the grief of her loss and the anxiety of the pandemic and the sorrow of so many national news stories that I took little time for myself. This year, I hope to explore creative and personal endeavors that help me rediscover myself and discover new outlets for personal expression.

If exotic animals are more your thing, head on over to the brand spanking new and significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The new location features all the hands-on, up close interaction as the previous location plus added attractions, amenities and experiences that will make for a wonderful family day out.

Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com

It is usually mid October before I start to feel the first real stirrings of fall. I know this because my Facebook memories remind me of all of my “Ode to Fall” posts. This year, those cool temps came a little early, though. As I write this, it’s late September and the chill is most definitely in the air. I’ve been taking full advantage of it, too. I’ve been outdoors more in general and my dogs and I have been able to enjoy increasingly longer walks. I’m not much of a pumpkin spice kind of girl, but I do like pumpkin carving, corn mazes, chunky sweaters and fall boots, so I’m excited for those things.

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

Procrastination

On that note, I encourage you to read our COVID-19 Resource Guide, which provides resources for food, business, community and more. The ever-changing nature of this crisis necessitates that I mention that these resources may or may not be available to you by the time you read this issue. I hope it will provide a place to start, some ideas or some inspiration either way.

Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Garrett Hallbauer advertise@ballingerpublishing.com

Editor

Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com

If you’re interested in conservation, check out Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Snyder. Through her work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting spaces in an increasingly overpopulated region.

We’ve rounded up all the fun fall events happening across the city for you in this issue as well. From the aforementioned corn mazes and pumpkin patches to Halloween scares, costumed pups at Barktoberfest and the local fan favorite—First City Art Center’s glass pumpkin patch—there is so much fun to be had this fall in Pensacola.

You may also notice that we have some nonpandemic related stories in this issue. We made the call to include already planned articles that might still be helpful, relevant or enjoyable for our readers. We hope you find them useful.

While many people made glorious headway on home improvement and personal projects in 2020, I did not. I did not organize anything. I did not fix anything. I did not learn a language or a new skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still here. That’s an accomplishment. However, in 2021, I’d like to lighten my load and empty my house of much of the clutter and unnecessary junk that fills it. It’s time to make room for something new.

All of this, plus a few DIY pet treat recipes and some good news from the Florida legislature regarding protection for pets in abusive situations.

Assistant Editor

Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com

Contributing Writers

DeeDee Davis Darien Hardy

Sales & Marketing

Plus, it’s Foo Foo Fest season! Although the festival kicks off in early November, we’ve gone ahead and gathered up some of the incredible cultural events happening taking place as part of this year’s festival so you will have plenty of time to plan your 14 days of art, culture, music and more. I know I’ll be out for Bubble Alley, Bela Fleck, the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and so much more! Hope to see you there.

As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been published under one title or another for more than 40 years. We have no plans on changing that. We will continue to publish and to bring you all the information we can for as long as we can. Please reach out to us with story ideas, inspiration or just a quick hello. We are all working from home and we are missing our water cooler conversations.

In this issue, we’ve covered all of these topics and more to help readers shift their own focus in 2021. We hope you enjoy. Here’s to your health!

I hope you enjoy the issue!

So, turn off the news, put down your phone and enjoy these heartwarming tales and adorable of photos of local animals and the folks who care for them. When you’re done, give your kitty a little catnip and throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple pleasures that will keep us all sane.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola!

21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502 850.433.1166 | fax: 850.435.9174 ballingerpublishing.com

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine

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Kelly Oden Executive Editor

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8 | OCTOBER 2022 Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com

NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is local ly-owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the con tents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Com ments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publish er. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2022

DeeDee Davis, Contributing Writer

Finally! After a miserable COVID delay, the Lee High School class of 1971 was proudly able to celebrate their 50-year reunion. Being a member of this esteemed group, I had looked forward to the gathering since it was announced more than a year before the originally scheduled date. Most of the pandemic threat had actually passed by then but, hey, we are all considered seniors now, and I don’t mean in the high school kind of way. That put all of us in an at-risk category, so the party had to wait. But it was worth it. While there was plenty of music and fun, let’s just say that the energy level wasn’t quite the same as it was during our 10-year class reunion. I had a hangover after that one. This one was already over by 10 pm.

If you haven’t experienced this milestone in your life yet, I highly recommend going when your turn comes around. My husband had his three years ago and I had to threaten him in order to get him to attend. Granted, he went to school here and is still in contact with the people he cares about. He didn’t care about going to see who would show up, but this was his 50-year reunion so, it’s one of those right of passage type occasions. The organizer of his party was one

of those take-charge types of people and she intercepted my unsuspecting didn’t-want-tobe-there husband as he took a shortcut across the dance floor to get a drink. After the shortest dance in the history of music, he bolted. I know him well enough that there was a reason he didn’t stop to get his keys, or me. He wasn’t coming back. Approximately 12 minutes after we arrived, I gathered his keys and phone and met him at the car.

My reunion was in Huntsville, Alabama so it wasn’t as easy for him to run. I had warned him that I was excited about attending and that it was probably going to be painful for a spouse meeting people that I knew 51 years ago. He put on his best “I can do this” and went to the party. Surprisingly I recognized most people, though their weight and hair color (for the ones who still had hair) had changed significantly. Women tend to use enhancements to help fight aging. Men, not so much. A good salon, a gym and some Botox are the fountains of youth and keep us at least resembling our high school senior portraits. Cooperative classmates had brought all kinds of memorabilia, so newspaper clippings of sports events were scattered everywhere and each one brought back such memories. It was wonderful to be in the room with all of those people who actually cared that Lee High won the state baseball championship in 1971 and that we finally beat Huntsville High in football. Oh yes, glory days for sure.

Our schools integrated in 1968 so by the time 1971 rolled

around, we had significant diversity in our class, including a superstar athlete who went on to become the first Black SEC college quarterback for the University of Tennessee. I won’t say integration came easily but for the most part we all seemed to do pretty well, though the parents and outsiders were another story altogether. Sadly, not one of our Black classmates came back for the reunion. Not one. 1971 was the year of focus in Remember the Titans. Funny how sports and music have a way of uniting people at the time, despite politics and war.

And then, there was the table set with candles and flowers and a list of those who passed since high school. It was a long list and filled with names that made you hurt to read it, especially the classmate in attendance who read his name on the list! They did make a special announcement regarding him being on the deceased list of class members incorrectly, but most of us had figured it out by then.

The DJ played all of the popular music of our time. I really wanted to dance but I watched a lot of my classmates on the floor and decided that was not how I wanted to be remembered. It sure was fun, though. Our moves have changed a bit since 1971 but at least we are still rocking.

Like probably every generation before me, I have shared plenty about the 70s with my own grown children. And like those generations, I feel we experienced the best music and the worst social injustice of any other era. Integration, Vietnam,

Motown, Beatles, Stones, bell bottoms…quite a time.

They recently tore down our old school and have built a new one located nearby that’s still Lee High School. I hear there was quite a drive to name it something else and who knows? Maybe it was time to retire the Confederate general mascot but evidently, 150+ years isn’t enough in some places to let it go. I didn’t go and see the new school, because it certainly isn’t the same place I attended, even though it does carry the same name. But for one evening, 100 or so members of the graduating class of 1971, very much made that school come alive. We may or may not see each other again, but every cherished memory of happiness AND pain was shared once again.

Raisin’ hell and havin’ fun

We are the class of “71!

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

4 Eric Milstead

10 Johnnie Wright

12 Teresa Gilroy

27 Dona Usry

28 Dr. Martha Saunders

PENSACOLA SCENE

LAVERNE + DICK BAKER

JENN + LEWIS BEAR III

DICK + CAROLYN APPLEYARD

CINDY SLUDER + CARI WILSON

LAVERNE BAKER, LAURA RAE MORETTE, JAMES + JESSICA ROCKHILL, LAURA + BARRY COLE

RUSS + MELISSA GOELLER

LEWIS BEAR II + BELLE BEAR

GROVER ROBINSON, MARY HOXENG, BILLY HARRELL, CARI WILSON

ADDIE + MIKE MURDOCH

CHRISTINA WILLIAMS + TOM KEENER

BRENT + ANGELA LANE

JOHN MERTING + MARIANNE McMAHON

Photography courtesy of Ahnphotography

Vandals to Vanguards:

Pensacola Museum of Art hosts the premier art experience this fall centered around the innovative and revolutionary genres of pop art and street art

The Pensacola Museum of Art will be hosting the premier art experience in Northwest Florida this fall–Vandals to Vanguards. On view from November 4, 2022 to January 8, 2023, the exhibition explores the evolution of pop art and street art through works from the museum’s collection and loans from local collectors. Occupying the museum’s entire second floor, the exhibition will feature contemporary masterpieces by pop favorites like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring alongside current notorious street artists like Bansky and Mr. Brainwash.

Contributed by the Pensacola Museum of Art

Keith Haring "Flowers 2," 1990 silkscreen Collection of Lewis Bear, Jr. © Keith Haring Foundation

THE EXHIBITION

Vandals to Vanguards is a special opportunity to share works by celebrated artists and highlight incredible local collections. The exhibition examines how several icons of modern art found success by rebelling against the prevailing sentiments of the art world and seeking a more democratic form of artistic expression. Starting in the 1960s with pop art’s radical use of commonplace images from advertising and entertainment, the exhibition illustrates how generations of artists have recycled and remixed concepts and themes to continually advance and question the boundaries of fine art. What was once revolutionary is now an element of our mainstream visual culture.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalog celebrating the collection and contributions of Lewis Bear, Jr. and his family. Though the exhibition is composed of works from several local lenders, Lewis Bear’s collection served as both the inspiration and the primary source for this remarkable show. Lewis and his wife Belle fell in love with the playful and colorful work of the pop and street art movements many years ago and have since assembled an impressive collection of contemporary art.

When the Pensacola Arts Center, now the Pensacola Museum of Art, was opened, Lewis was one of its first students. Bear visited his grandparents in New York City and fell in love with the city and modern artworks not accessible in Pensacola at the time.

“Returning to Pensacola, following military service, my parents encouraged me to get involved in community activities. The Art Center had hired a new director, Mary Takach, who convinced her board to change the mission from an art center to a museum,” Lewis Bear said. “A few months later, I was on the board of the center.”

As well as supporting local arts organizations, Lewis has

always enjoyed collecting artwork, but didn’t have a strong direction until he discovered the many-layered relationships between artists like Warhol, Haring and Mr. Brainwash. “Their works were light and fun but also expressed some social issues. It was amazing how the early artists influenced the younger artists, and how the younger artists were becoming more socially relevant,” Lewis Bear said. The relationships between the pop artists of the twentieth century and today’s street artists are at the heart of Vandals to Vanguards. The Bear’s appreciation of these referential relationships is clear when you view their collection through the lens of the exhibition. Iconic images like Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans and his infamous portrait of Marilyn Monroe appear throughout the galleries, remixed and reimagined over several decades by many different hands. It is truly special to be able to highlight these connections through these examples from local collections.

THE EVENTS

The worlds of pop and street art will be brought to life this fall by the Pensacola Museum of Art in a series of programs supported by a generous Foo Foo Festival grant. The weeklong celebration of Vandals to Vanguards will kick off with an Opening Reception and Block Party on, November 4. To honor the ethos of the artwork, attendees will be able to enjoy a block-party outside the museum with food, beverages and street art-themed activities. The exhibition opening event will begin at 6 pm and end at 9 pm.

On November 10 from 6 pm to 9 pm, the PMA will bring the vibe and cultural context of these artworks to life through an event at Vinyl Music Hall that merges music, video projections, live street art demos and interactive artmaking. This will include participatory experiences for the public to print their own t-shirt, tote bag or band poster using custom designs. The PMA will facilitate the creation of the printed items, working with event attendees throughout the duration of the event. As a connection to the well-known Warhol soup cans, the PMA will also be collecting canned food donations to benefit Manna Food Pantries at the event.

“We look forward to inviting new audiences to the museum and working with Vinyl Music Hall to host a lively night of music, art making and community that captures the feel of the underground movements that inspired these revolutionary artworks,” PMA Director Nicholas Croghan said.

As part of the Foo Foo Festival celebration, admission to the Vandals to Vanguards exhibition will be free from November 4 to November 11. To learn more about these events, check the museum hours of operation or purchase tickets for an upcoming museum visit, go to pensacolamuseum.org.

Keith Haring “Andy Mouse,” 1986 silkscreen Collection of Lewis Bear, Jr.

© Keith Haring Foundation

Pawsitively Fall Fun

by Darien Hardy

The Pensacola Humane Society organizes and hosts Barktoberfest each year as part of its annual fundraising efforts to help support and raise aware ness of its mission. This year’s Barktoberfest event will be held Sunday, Octo ber 30 at the Community Maritime Park located at 301 W. Main Street in down town Pensacola.

The event will feature a selection of tasty foods and beverages from a vari ety of local vendors and food trucks, as well as PHS vendor information, adoption booths, pet-cen tric boutiques, multiple pet businesses, local veterinar ians, fun pet accessories and more.

“We will host a variety of contests, small dog races, local food trucks, pet-cen tric vendors, fun merchan dise, and so much more. Everyone planning to attend should expect this

to be a howlin’ good time,” Fischer said.

A series of fun pet contests will also be held as part of this year’s festivities start ing at 11 am on the amphi theater stage. There will be both a morning and an afternoon session, with the afternoon session beginning at 2 pm. The obedience and agility demonstrations, along with the “Moose’s Mutter Speedway” small dog race, are always a big hit for pets and pet parents alike.

The popularity of the costume contests has grown over the years so the PHS will be continuing the tradition and adding in other fun contests such as a pie eating and a food tasting contest. The food tasting contest will be judged by a team of local first respond ers. This year’s pet contests are generously sponsored by StepOne Automotive. Additionally, the always

Pensacola Humane Society’s Annual Barktoberfest

October is the time of year for crisp cool weather, pumpkins, tricks, treats and everything in between, but for the Pensacola Humane Society (PHS), October is also a time to celebrate and support all our favorite furry friends. Join PHS this Halloween for one of the area’s favorite pet friendly festivals and mega adoption events: Barktoberfest at the Community Maritime Park.

popular Barktoberfest T-shirts will be available for purchase through out the park with proceeds benefit ing the PHS.

Event festivities also include music and live entertainment. The Five Flags Dog Training Club has coordi nated the ever-popular “demo ring,” and will host special performances

and other demon strations along with other local dog trainers.

This Barktober fest event is to promote commu nity education and outreach and serves as one of three major fund raisers and adop tion events of the year for the Soci ety. The PHS also invites other area animal welfare organizations to join the event for adoptions and fundraising of their own.

This year’s Barktoberfest “Present ing Pawtner’’ is the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Last year, the PHS received support from 20 different sponsors, and according to Fischer, the orga

nization is on track to hit that same number with room for even more. We are still taking applications for new sponsors and look forward to answering any questions any poten tial partners may have. All questions and inquiries should be directed to our Community Event Coordinator,” Fischer explained.

All members of the community are invited to attend Barktoberfest on Sunday, October 30 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Community Maritime Park. Barktoberfest is a free community event, however donations will be accepted. All dogs attending the event should always remain on a leash.

Visit pensacolahumane.org or follow @pensacolahumane on Facebook and Instagram for complete event details.

Historic Pensacola Haunted Tours

by Kelly Oden

Ifgoosebumps, ghastly ghosts or murder and mayhem are what you’re looking for this October, UWF Historic Trust and Historic Pensacola have partnered to host another round of haunted walking and trolley tours throughout Pensacola’s Downtown Historic District. The tours take participants down storied streets of Seville Square, Palafox and North Hill, telling spooky tales of phantom whispers, ghostly sightings and more. Started by the Pensacola Historical Society as an annual fundraiser, Historic Pensacola continues the tradition of offering Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours the two weekends before Halloween each year.

Wendi Davis, visitor experience manager for Historic Pensacola, has coordinated the tours since 2006. Davis says volunteers guide the tours, many of whom return year-after-year to lead the spooky walks. Participants sometimes contribute to the tour stories as well. “One of the great things is that we often have participants who have lived in the homes or have had some first hand paranormal experience at a particular site,” Davis said. Those stories end up getting told on the tour and often, weave themselves into the tour guide’s repertoire.

The Haunted House and Trolley Walking Tours will run October 14, 15, 22 and 28. Tours are open to all ages except the Redlight Tour, which is designed only for adults due to its bars and brothels theme.

Tickets for walking tours are $15 for adults and $8 for children under the age of 12. Trolley tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tours last one hour and 15 minutes.

Haunted House Walking Tours

Adults Only Redlight Walking Tour

Dates: October 14, 15 & 28

Times: 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm

The Adults Only Redlight Tour explores Pensacola's haunted history of the old Redlight district. As a port city, Pensacola had a thriving saloon and redlight district. This tour route runs along Palafox Street.

Murder and Mayhem Walking Tour

Dates: October 14, 15, 22 & 28

Times: 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm

The Murder and Mayhem Walking Tour includes some of the darker stories from Intendencia Street.

Seville Spirits Walking Tour

Dates: October 14, 15, 22 & 28

Times: 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm

The Seville Spirits Walking Tour includes some of the original ghost stories from the first ghost tours about the ghosts who haunt Seville Square.

Trolley of the Doomed Tour

Dates: October 14, 15, 22 & 28

Times: 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm

The Trolley of the Doomed Tour runs north along Palafox Street to the old homes of North Hill. The stories are different from the ones heard on the walking tour routes.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit historicpensacola.org.

A Spirited Fall

Crisp Cocktail Recipes to Kick off the Fall Season

What's the BuZZ?

by Benjamin Haupt and Nicole Greenwell of George Bistro + Bar

This autumnal take on the prohibition-era Bees Knees cocktail offers bright citrus and cranberry flavors with a hint of sweet honey.

Ingredients

2 ounces Bar Hill Tom Cat Gin

1.5 ounces cranberry sauce honey syrup 0.75 ounces lemon juice

Cranberry and lemon for garnish Process

Combine ingredients, shake over ice and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with lemon and cranberry.

Cranberry Sauce Honey Syrup Recipe: 14 ounces jellied cranberry sauce 8 ounces honey 8 ounces water

Process:

Combine ingredients in a blender

Nutty brown butter, roasted pecans and sweet maple syrup bring fall flavors to the traditional New Orleans Sazerac.

Ingredients

2 ounces brown butter and roasted pecan infused Woodford Straight Rye* (See recipe)

.3 ounce Maple Syrup

7 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Kübler Absinthe

Lemon twist

Process

Rinse a small rocks glass with Kübler Absinthe. Discard excess absinthe. Chill whiskey and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker and strain into glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

*Brown Butter and Roasted Pecan infused Woodford Straight Rye Recipe

Heat ¼ cup butter in a pan until it’s brown and has a nutty fragrance.

Rough chop pecans and roast in oven at at 350 degrees and roast for 10-15 minutes or until fragrant. Combine butter and pecans into a large bowl and pour in 1 liter of Woodford Rye, stirring frequently. Place in freezer over night.

Strain solids from whiskey the next day. Whiskey is ready for the Sazerac.

Brown Butter & Roasted Pecan SaZerac

(Photo by Emily Veal, George Bistro + Bar)

Created by Nate Simmons at Union Public House

(Photo courtesy of Union Public House)

Agapi Fall Margarita

Agapi Bistro + Garden

(Photo courtesy of Agapi Bistro + Garden)

Fresh cranberry simple syrup with nutmeg, allspice and a dash of cinnamon brings a touch of fall to this sparkling cocktail.

Ingredients

1 ounce cranberry simple syrup (*see recipe)

4.5 ounces of Italian Prosecco Splash of Chambord Raspberry liqueur

Garnish with whole cranberries

Process

Add simple syrup and Chambord Raspberry liqueur to Champagne flute. Top with Prosecco and garnish with whole cranberries.

*Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe:

muddled fresh cranberries

1 tablespoon of nutmeg,

1 tablespoon of allspice,

1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 cup of white sugar, 1-1/2 cups of water

Process

Bring to boil and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until it develops a syrup consistency and then strain.

Agapi's Fall Margarita highlights the cozy fall flavors of cranberry, cinnamon and clove with a hint of orange in a house syrup you can make from scratch at home. These ingredients are combined with tequila, Magdala (a concentrated orange liqueur), a little splash lime and a splash of cranberry for a cocktail you'll be sipping all season long.

Ingredients

2 ounces Corazon Tequila (or your favorite silver tequila)

0.5 ounces Magdala

1/2 lime juiced

1 ounce cranberry juice

0.5 ounces house simple syrup (*see recipe)

Process

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and strain over ice into a margarita glass.

*Simple Syrup Recipe

(10 servings):

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 orange (peel only)

1 cinnamon stick

6 cloves

Process

Bring all simple syrup ingredients to a simmer over a medium-low heat in a small saucepan for about 10 minutes or until all the sugar is dissolved and cranberries have popped (they'll make a POP sound!). Remove from heat and strain into an airtight container or jar. Simple syrup will last up to two weeks in the fridge.

Spiced Cranberry FiZZ

Jackson’s Steakhouse

(Photo courtesy of Jackson's Steakhouse)

Shake up your dinner routine.

Grab your friends and escape to a special night of cooking and dining at our private culinary studio. Make it unforgettable by creating your own menu! Book today by contacting Group Sales: 251-446-4290 or sales@windcreekatmore.com.

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CRIS P AIR & Spooky Scares!

by Nicole Willis

Although the Pensacola area is most known for its sandy white beaches and summer sun, when it comes to the fall season, there are plenty of fun fall events and spooky Halloween festivities to keep everyone entertained.

From family-friendly festivals to horrifying haunted houses, the whole family can celebrate the season in their own way. Spice up the season with these fun fall events and spooky Halloween experiences.

Pensacon Halloween Fest

October 1-2

Pensacon Halloween Fest is a two-day celebration of pop cul ture and all things Halloween, featuring fun for the whole fam ily! This year’s HalloweenFest is a free event held at Splash City Adventures (6709 Pensacola Blvd). Pensacon HalloweenFest combines the fun, conven tion-style atmosphere of Pen sacon with the Halloween activ ities we all know and love. The event will feature trick-or-treat ing, costume contests, spookythemed vendors, live entertain ment and more. HalloweenFest will host several celebrity guests, including Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster on “The Munsters.” Dressing up is en couraged, as there will be oppor tunities for kids to trick-or-treat with various vendors across the festival. HalloweenFest will also host a raffle-style auction to ben efit the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida. Halloween Fest will run from 10 am to 6 pm on October 1 and 10 am to 5 pm on October 2. For more informa tion, visit pensacon.com.

Sweet Seasons Farms

Sweet Seasons Farms has all of your favor ite fall festivities– a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, pony rides, games (includ ing pumpkin bowling!) and lots of fall foods. Every year, the farm’s massive 10-acre inter active maze is perfect for those who are up for a challenge. At the start of the maze, your group will choose a trivia topic and you will answer related questions to progress throughout the maze. There is also a kiddie maze for those who may not be up for such a challenge. Sweet Seasons’ pumpkin patch features a vari

ety of shapes, sizes, and colors of pump kins; a percentage of all pink pumpkin sales will be donated to the American Cancer So ciety. Starting on Oc tober 1, the farm will be open on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. The farm will be open on two addi tional days, October 21 and 28 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Sweet Sea sons Farms is located at 2260 Horn Road in Milton. Tickets start at $13.50. For ticket infor mation and more, visit sweetseasonfarms. com.

First City Art Center’s 16th

Annual Pumpkin Patch

October 8

First City Art Center (FCAC) is hosting their 16th Annual Pumpkin Patch fundraising event on Sat urday, October 8 at Blue Wahoos Stadium (351 W. Cedar Street). The FCAC pumpkin patch will feature thousands of hand-blow glass and handcrafted ceramic pumpkins up for picking! Created by artists at FCAC, these glass and ceramic pumpkins come in different shapes, sizes and colors. The Annual Pumpkin Patch is the non profit’s largest fundraising event of the year. In addi

tion to supporting FCAC in their art education en deavors, this event also supports over 40 local artists who handcraft the pumpkins. Member tickets start at $30 and allow for the first pick of the patch with early entry at 10 am. Non-member tickets start at $40 with entry at 11 am. The patch will be open for the public to browse at no cost from 1 pm to 4 pm. Pumpkin prices begin at $20. For details, visit first cityart.org.

Beach-O-Ween

October 21

Halloween is making its way to Pensacola Beach with the 4th an nual Beach-O-Ween celebration. This fam ily-friendly event is free to attend and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The kiddos can spend their time jumping around in the halloween-themed bounce house, play ing games, making arts and crafts and more. Beach-O-Ween will also feature fun face painting (adults

can have costumes, too!), a photo booth, local businesses and vendors, food, drinks, and more to keep par ents and older siblings entertained as much as the kids. The 2022 annual Beach-OWeen will be held Oc tober 21 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk on Via de Luna Drive. For information, check out visitpensacolabeach. com.

Wahooloween at Blue Wahoos Stadium

October 29

Spooktacular: A Low Sensory Halloween Party at PMA October 15

The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) is hosting a different type of Hallow een party so that every one can be included in the spooky fun! Spook tacular is a low sensory Halloween party spe cifically designed for people on the autism spectrum. Spooktacu lar activities include low sensory games, arts and crafts and a special Monster Mash dance party. There will also

be refreshments, prizes and candy galore. Quiet spaces will be available for guests as needed. The fifth annual Spook tacular will be held Oc tober 15 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the PMA at 407 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $10 for PMA guests on the spectrum, with no charge for accompa nying adults. For com plete details, visit pen sacolamuseum.org.

Wahooloween is an annual event for Blue Wahoos fans to come together and celebrate Halloween on the stadi um field (351 W Cedar St). Occurring on October 29, Wahooloween will feature trick-or-treating and a showing of Hocus Pocus. Local businesses and organizations will open spookily decorated booths around the sta dium for guests to stop by and trick-or-treat at. Gates will open at 5 pm, with trick or treating run

ning until 6 pm. At 6, the stadium lights will dim and guests can enjoy a showing of Hocus Pocus. Tickets for Wahoolow een are $7 each. If trick or treating isn’t your thing, consider attending the Wahoos’ 18+ show ing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 28. To buy tickets and view further details for both nights, visit milb. com/pensacola/tickets/ specialevents.

Nightmare Chambers at OWA

1-31

Chills will run down your spine as you run through the Night mare Chambers at OWA Parks & Resort. Featuring three differ ent scare zones, this haunted adventure will leave guests having nightmares. Muster up the courage and face your childhood fears through the twisted clown room. Check into the haunted in sane asylum and try to outrun the demented patients, or else you may never check out.

Escape the butcher who has run out of meat and is looking for the next slab. The Nightmare Chambers will be open to all ages from October 1 through October 31 on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 pm to 10 pm, on Sundays from 7 pm to 9 pm and on October 31 from 7 pm to 9 pm at OWA (101 S OWA Blvd, Foley, AL). Tickets start at $19.99 and can be purchased online at visitowa.com/ nightmare-chambers.

Other Events

Holland Farms | September 24 - November 5

Holland Farms is a family-owned crop farm that puts together fun fall festivities. The farm is home to a bountiful pumpkin patch and crazy corn maze. The farm also offers hayrides, zip lines, a hill tube slide, and more. Holland Farms is located at 2055 Homer Holland Rd. in Milton. The farm will be open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. For more details, visit hollandfarmsonline.com.

Hadji Haunted House | October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 31

Get spooked and support a good cause at the Hadji Haunted House. With 40 rooms of horror, the Hadji Haunted House is Northwest Florida’s largest haunted house. Hosted at the Hadji Temple at 800 W 9 Mile Rd, the haunted house will be open from 7 pm to 10:30 pm several weekends in October. For the seventh year in a row, event proceeds will benefit the Pensacola Breast Cancer Association. For tickets and more information, visit hadji hauntedhouse.com.

Creepy Hollow Woods

September 23 - October 29

The unknown awaits around every corner at Creepy Hollow Woods, one of Northwest Flor ida’s favorite haunted trails. Venture through the woods and try to escape the horrific sights and sounds of the wood monsters. Since this haunted experience is so in tense, Creepy Hollow is offering “kid-friend ly” Thursdays. During the kid-friendly ex perience, kids will re ceive a flashlight that they can shine at the monsters to spook them and make them run away. Wood mon sters do not like light! Whether you want to

be horrified, or just want a fright, Creepy Hollow Woods is the perfect place to get into the spooky spirit. Creepy Hollow Woods is open every Thurs day, Friday, and Satur day from September 23 to October 29, from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on Thursdays, and 6 pm to 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Thurs day’s tickets are $15 and Friday and Satur day’s tickets are $20. Check out Creepy Hollow Woods at @ CreepyHollowWoods FL on Facebook, or at 2251 Wade Road in Jay.

Gulf Breeze Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo | October 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

Gulf Breeze Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is perfect for families looking to do something a bit more adventurous for their Halloween festivi ties. Boo at the Zoo features a trick-or-treat trail that runs through out the zoo, as well as other kid-friendly activities. The Gulf Breeze Zoo is located at 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Boo at the Zoo runs from 10 am to 5 pm several weekends in October. For ticket informa tion and more, visit gbzoo.com/event/boo-at-the-zoo.

Pensacola Interstate Fair | October 20-30

The annual Pensacola Interstate Fair is back for another year of family friendly fun, featuring all your favorite fair food, rides, games, prizes and entertainment. This year’s fair runs from Octo ber 20 to 30, with different open and close times each day. The Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds are located at 6655 Mobile Hwy. Visit pensacolafair.com/ for ticket prices and details.

by Kelly Oden

The Foo Foo Festival, Pensacola’s two-week arts and culture extravaganza, is back for its eighth edition, and this year’s celebra tion of all things creative promises to be one for the ages. Kicking off November 3 and running through November 14, the annual Foo Foo Fest is spearheaded and coordinated by local nonprofit, Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Inc. (more widely known as ACE). The event serves as an umbrella for the many of the city’s existing annual cultural events that typically occur in the fall and as an opportunity for newer events to contribute to the cultural landscape of Pensacola. Maria Goldberg, Foo Foo Festival board chair, is excited about the volume, diversity and quality of the events be ing presented as part of this year’s Foo Foo Fest “The great thing about Foo, is that it’s different every year,” Goldberg said. “There’s a little some thing for everybody, and this year is no different. In fact, this year, we were able to award more grants than we have in any previous year.”

For 2022, ACE awarded more than $400,000 in Foo Foo Fest grants to 12 local arts and culture organizations, whose events and performances will serve as anchors throughout the 14 days of Foo Foo festivities.

In addition to the headlining events, the Foo Foo Fest committee also accepts applications from other nonprofit and for-profit entities interested in taking part in this year’s event as a “Friend of Foo.” Nonprofits or local for-profit business es such as hoteliers, restaurants and bars who are interested in participating, and whose events meet the cultural mission of Foo Foo Fest, are invited to apply for this designation, which pro vides them inclusion on the official event website as well as on advertising and promotional materi als for the festival.

While the personal and creative impact of Foo Foo’s cultural contributions cannot be denied, neither can the economic impact. Dr. Rick Harp er, an ACE board member and highly respected economist, recently discussed the results of sev eral ACE commissioned research studies from Haas Center for Business Research and Eco

nomic Development at The University of West Florida regarding Foo Foo Fest. “The studies sur veyed Foo Foo Fest attendees to assess spend ing by out of town visitors that would not have occurred absent the Festival,” Harper explained. “The Haas study of the 2021 Festival found Foo Foo Fest visitor spending was responsible for 136 net new jobs (spread across the local economy), generating $6.5 million in net new gross regional product, $11.7 million in net new sales and $3.75 million in net new personal incomes in the local economy. By way of contrast, these figures are some eight to 10 times greater than the amounts shown in the Haas study of the 2016 Foo Foo Fest for these same metrics.”

Harper says the reason for the growth is clear— awareness. “In 2016, only 38 percent of respon dents said that they had been aware of Foo Foo Fest prior to their visit,” he said. “Of those who had been aware, 73 percent said it played a role in their planning. In contrast, the 2021 surveys showed that 89.5 percent were aware of Foo Foo prior to traveling, and 65 percent of visitors said Foo Foo Fest was the primary reason for their visit to Pensacola. This large change in vis itor awareness, trip planning, and thus new net spending can be attributed to prior experience with the festival and to effective marketing.”

As of this writing, the Foo Foo Fest website list ed 27 events (grant winner events and Friends of Foo Foo events) scheduled for the 14 day fes tival. Organizers expect many more to be add ed before the kick-off date of November 3. From symphonies and operas to bluegrass and funk and from pop art, high fashion and fine art to im provisational comedy, immersive theatre and the finest air show in the world, Foo Foo Fest 2022 does seem to have something for every taste. We’ve rounded up information on all of the grant winner events and a selection of Friends of Foo Foo events to help you plan your 14 days of art, culture, music and more.

Be sure to visit foofoofest.com for up to date ad ditions and information. Check out @FooFooFes tival on Facebook and Instagram for newly-add ed events and special announcements.

A Sampling of Friends of Foo Foo Events

New events are added daily. Please visit foofoofest.com for additional information and for links to all ticketed events.

MODA, presented by Pensacola Opera

Date: November 3, 6 pm to 8 pm

Location: Vinyl Music Hall

Tickets: TBA

American Mariachi, presented by PenArts

Dates: November 3 through 6

Location: The Gordon Community Art Center

Tickets: Start at $15

Multimedia Artwork

By Tra Bouscaren

Dates: November 3 through 4; November 7 through 11

Location: Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts at Pensacola State

College

Tickets: Free

Pensacola Elite Dance

Trap Waltz

Date: November 11 from 7 pm to 11 pm

Location: University of West Florida Conference Center

Tickets: $50

Foo Foo Fest Official Grant Winner Events

Unrequited Presented by the Pensacola Little Theatre

Bubble Alley Presented by Friends of Downtown Pensacola

Dates: November 3 through 14

Location: Intendencia Street between Jefferson and S. Tarragona Streets

Tickets: Free

The mission of Friends of Downtown is to en hance the district’s quality of life and economic success by creating a cleaner, safer and more enjoyable environment. For Foo Foo Fest 2022, Friends of Downtown will present “Bubble Alley” – a never before seen public art project consist ing of thousands of floating, oversized, eco-friend ly vinyl bubbles strung high above the heart of his toric Downtown Pensacola. Bubble Alley will be installed above Intendencia Street, just outside of Angelena’s Restaurant. For more information vis it downtownpensacola.com. Be sure to tag your photos with #PensacolaBalloonAlley and #Down townPensacola.

Dates: November 4 through 6, & Novem ber 8 through 9 (7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm)

Location: Pensacola Little Theatre

Tickets: $50

(Includes three drink tickets; Must be 21 or older to attend, for mature audiences only)

Fusing the haunting halls of The Center with the vibrant storytelling of one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved love stories, Pensacola Little Theatre will take the con cept of escapism from the New York City-in spired Sleep No More and bring it here to our community. Based on William Shake speare’s romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, Unrequited is an immersive theatri cal event: dance with the Capulets in their grand ballroom, dodge the Montagues on the streets of Verona and be a part of a thrill ing affair. Audience members will follow the characters through the action of the story as it weaves throughout the beautiful Clark Family Cultural Center. Tickets include sips and snacks throughout the tour, and each tour lasts for one hour.

Schumann Symphony No. 3 presented by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

Date: November 5 at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Location: Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Tickets: Starting at $23

Enjoy a spectacular celebration of place as the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents Schumann’s Third Symphony with its folk-like melodies and a genuine sense of joy, inspired by the monuments and natural splendors of the Rhineland. The Celtic melodies of Scotland will fill the stage with Felix Mendelssohn’s The Heb rides and Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy, a violin showcase featuring the talented Rachel Lee Pri day. The PSO also welcomes composer Michael Senturia as the orchestra performs his work Pe tra, inspired by the ancient sandstone city.

Vandals to Vanguards Presented by the Pensacola Museum of Art

Dates: November 4 through January 8, 2023

Location: Pensacola Museum of Art

Tickets: Free general admission from November 4 through November 11.

The Pensacola Museum of Art aims to facilitate the preservation, un derstanding and engagement of visual culture for audiences in the Northwest Florida region and beyond through its permanent collection, interpretive programs and a dynamic exhibition schedule. The Vandals to Vanguards exhibition explores the evolution of pop art and street art through works from the museum’s collection and loans from lo cal collectors. Occupying the museum’s entire second floor, the exhibition will feature con temporary masterpieces by pop art favorites like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, alongside current notorious street artists like Banksy and Mr. Brainwash.

Vandals to Vanguards Special Events:

Opening Reception & Block Party

November 4 from 6 pm to 9 pm

The weeklong celebration of Vandals to Vanguards will kick off with an opening reception and block party in front of the PMA on Friday, November 4.

PMA Art Factory Night at Vinyl Music Hall

November 10 from 6 pm to 9 pm

The PMA aims to bring the vibe and cultural context of these artworks to life through an event at Vinyl Music Hall that merges music, video projections, live street art demos, and interactive silkscreen printmaking. This will include participatory experiences for the public to print their own t-shirt, tote bag or band poster using custom designs by a local artist. The PMA will facilitate the creation of the printed items, working with event attendees throughout the duration of the event. As a connection to the well-known Warhol soup cans, the PMA will also be collecting canned food donations to benefit Manna Food Pantries.

Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart!

Presented by Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Date: November 5 at 7:30 pm (Gates at 6:30 pm)

Location: Hunter Amphitheater at the Community Maritime Park

Tickets: Free

Join the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and Foo Foo Fest on November 5 for Bela Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart! The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival will present this free concert in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Over the last four de cades, Béla Fleck has made a point of boldly going where no banjo player has gone before, a musical journey that has earned him 16 Grammys in nine different fields, including country, pop, jazz, instrumental, classical and world music. But his roots are in bluegrass, and that’s where he returns with his first bluegrass tour in 24 years, My Bluegrass Heart.

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe presented by Jazz Pensacola

Date: November 7 at 6 pm

Location: Vinyl Music Hall

Tickets: $25

Presented by Jazz Pensacola and Foo Foo Festival, internationally renowned group Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe (KDTU), will perform November 7, at Vinyl Music Hall. Touring saxophonist with The Rolling Stones and founding mem ber of the seminal funk band, The Greyboy Allstars, Karl Denson’s energy and spirit are contagious while his songwriting serves a larger message of fellow ship—across generations, genders, religions and cultures. Highly regarded as one of the best live acts on the planet, KDTU distills the sweeping stylistic range of their concert performances into their own authentic sound.

38th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival

Dates: November 3 through 13, times vary Location: Multiple venues Tickets: Vary by performance & venue

The 50th Annual Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Datess: November 4 through 5 from 9 am to 5 pm; November 6 from 9 am to 4 pm

Location: Seville Square

Tickets: Free

NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

Dates: November 11 and 12, Gates open at 8 am, show begins at 9:30 am

Location: NAS Pensacola Tickets: Free

The 11th Annual Mahabhuta Yoga VegFest

Date: November 12

Location: Margaritaville Beach Hotel

Tickets: Free and ticketed events; prices vary

Pensacola Big Green EggFest

Date: November 13

Location: Blue Wahoo Stadium Tickets: $25-$40 General Admission & $75-$90 VIP

Date: November 8, Doors open at 6:30 pm

Location: Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Tickets: Prices vary

On November 8, The University of West Florida and The Frank Brown International Founda tion for Music–through sponsorship from Foo Foo Fest– present The Songs, Their Stories, A Symphony at the Saenger Theatre. The show will feature three hit Nashville songwriters, Jon Nite, Rivers Rutherford and Brett James, performing their famous hits alongside the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. The Grammy Award winners and nominees will be offering acoustic performances of songs they have written for some of country music’s most notable stars, reimagined for the symphony. Professionally produced by Music City Hit-Makers, the show is part storytelling, part comedy and mostly, unforgettable acoustic symphonic performances of hit songs. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Frank Brown International Foundation for Music and sponsorship funds will be donated to support the Larry Butler Memorial Music Scholarship at UWF.com.

STAMPED: LBGTQIA+ Film Festival

Dates: November 10 through November 13, Thursday and Friday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm, all day on Saturday, family-friendly show case on Sunday with food, games, activities and films running from 1 pm to 3 pm

Location: Pensacola Little Theatre

Tickets: Free for general viewing with ticketed celebrity events

STAMPED: LGBTQIA+ Film Festival is back for Foo Foo Festival louder and prouder than ever–celebrating its 10th anniversary with the biggest festival yet. More films. More flare. More celebrity guest artists. And more color added to the beautiful array of arts and culture offerings at Foo this Fall. STAMPED represents a mixture of every letter of the al phabet–nodding to diverse groups within the LGBTQIA+ family to high light the artistic contributions both nationally and internationally of les bian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer films and filmmakers. The unique ability of film to transcend stereotypes and relate to the viewer opens the door to a dialogue about the LGBTQIA+ experience, building a stronger and more open Pensacola.

Jazz for Justice, presented by Legal Services of North Florida

Date: November 13

Location: Museum Plaza Downtown Pensacola

Tickets: Free general admission; VIP Tickets $50

Legal Services of North Florida’s (LSNF) 2022 Jazz for Justice event, in partnership with Foo Foo Festi val, is back. This year’s event will take place at Mu seum Plaza and festivities will begin in the afternoon and end before sunset. The lineup for 2022 promises to energize downtown, with longer sets and fantastic musicians from nationally recognized artists and our local favorites. This year’s event promises even more than amazing music. Enjoy demonstrations for kids (or kids at heart) from our friends at Pensacola MESS Hall who will be partnering with Jazz for Justice throughout the afternoon. Our friends at Gallery Nights will also be coming back this year for you to peruse local art during the afternoon. Jazz for Justice is a premier annual jazz event benefiting the Legal Services of North Florida, a nonprofit organization that serves low-income indi viduals and families across the Florida panhandle by providing free civil legal help to eligible clients.

The Songs, Their Stories, A Symphony presented by The University of West Florida & Frank Brown International Foundation for Music

Forty Forward: Celebrating Four Decades of Opera In Pensacola

Date: November 12 at 6 pm

Location: Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Tickets: Start at $25

In celebration of its 40th Anniversary Season, Pensacola Opera proudly pres ents Forty Forward: Celebrating Four Decades of Opera in Pensacola. On No vember 12, sixteen thrilling vocalists will take center stage at the historic Saenger Theatre—alongside the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra—to present an unpar alleled one-night-only gala concert, honoring the history of musical storytelling in Pensacola and looking forward to the bright future of Pensacola Opera. Fea turing some of the greatest arias, ensembles and choruses from the operat ic repertoire, Forty Forward will also showcase Pensacola’s proud reputation as a true arts community, including collaborations with the Choral Society of Pensacola, the Pensacola Children’s Chorus and Ballet Pensacola. In addition to highlighting some of Pensacola Opera’s most beloved productions over the past forty years, the concert program will also introduce works never performed by the company. Featured soloists include Kara Shay Thomson, Elise Quagliata, Adam Diegel, Luis Alejandro Orozco, Bizhou Chang, Emily Triebold, Alexander Scheuermann, Justin Hopkins, Sheila Dunn, Corey McKern, Hayley Ambramow itz, Kayla Nanto, Randy Ho and Scott Lee. Cody Martin and Jerome Shannon will conduct.

Born to Hand Jive: A "Grease” Sing-Along with Thunder Road, presented by The Choral Society of Pensacola

Date: November 10 from 7 pm to 9:30 pm

Location: Rex Theatre

Tickets: Range from $10 to $20

“Grease is the word,” and it’s also the theme for the Choral Society of Pensac ola’s Foo Foo Fest event, Born to Hand Jive: A “Grease” Sing-Along. Join the Cho ral Society for this amazingly fun event on November 10 at the Rex Theatre. Michael Dennis, a popular area actor and chore ographer will emcee a screening of the classic movie musical Grease, in a version displaying song lyrics enabling the audi ence to sing along with John Travolta, Ol ivia Newton-John, Frankie Avalon and the rest of the cast. Event staff will be dressed in 1950s style clothing and will greet mov iegoers and attendees who are also en couraged to wear 50s-inspired outfits for a costume contest to be held before the movie begins. To set the mood for arriving moviegoers, event organizers will open Thunder Road—a display of classic 1950s automobiles parked in front of the theatre.

The Second City’s Touring Company in Out of the House Party, Presented by Pensacola State College

Date: November 9 at 7 pm

Location: Pensacola State College

Ashmore Auditorium

Tickets: Free to PSC Students; $7-$11 for the general public

The Second City’s Touring Company is back, live, and in person! Join their raring to go cast of comedians for this laugh-packed adventure. From improv games to classic sketches from the archives, this experience is a great way for us all to laugh our way into the new normal. We can’t wait to welcome you back to The Second City where laughs (but not masks!) are mandatory. The Second City is the pinnacle of improv comedy, and it all started with children’s games. Rooted in the groundbreaking improvisa tional games of Viola Spolin, The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night in December of 1959, and a comedy revolution began. The small cabaret theater has grown to become the most influential and prolific comedy empire in the world, developing an entirely unique way of creating art and fostering generation after generation of superstars. Co-founded by Spolin’s son, Paul Sills, along with Howard Alk and Bernie Sahlins, The Second City was experimental and unconventional in its approach to both theater and comedy. Almost immediately, alumni of The Second City, including Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Fred Willard, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, launched the theater into the international spotlight.

Please visit foofoofest.com for additional information and for ticketing links to all events.

Pensacola Ice Flyers Schedule and Theme Nights

October Home Games and Theme Nights at the Pensacola Bay Center For tickets and information, visit iceflyers. com.

October 20 at 7:05 pm - Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Opening Night

October 22 at 7:05 pm - Macon Mayhem vs Ice Flyers; Pink In The Rink

October 29 at 7:05 pm - Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Capes and Crowns (costume contest)

Blue Angels Practice Dates

October 12, 18, 19, 25, 26

DoD identification card holders and their guests who are able to access Naval Air Station Pensacola and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum can view the Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations directly from the flight deck. The gates open at 9:30 am, with the Blue Angels taking off around 10:30 am. Practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises and various locations throughout downtown Pensacola.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Second Annual Gala: Soaring to New Heights

November 4

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is hosting its Second Annual Gala, themed “Soaring to New Heights” at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Beginning at 6 pm, this formal event will feature a cocktail hour, a delectable three-course meal, auctions and live entertainment. Gala attendees will hear from families impacted by Pensacola Habitat’s mission. The Second Annual Gala will help Pensacola Habitat for Humanity continue building homes, communities and hope. For more tickets and details, visit pensacolahabitat.org/phfhgala.

Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival

October 5-9

The 2022 Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival kicks off on October 5 and runs through October 9. This annual festival

has been running for over a decade and celebrates the art of songwriting. The festival will feature a variety of special events and performances taking place at more than a dozen different beachside bars, restaurants and businesses. Visit pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com for complete event details and to view the full lineup of scheduled events.

ITEN WIRED Summit

October 5-7

Hosted by IT Gulf Coast, ITEN WIRED is the Southeast’s premier cybersecurity and IT conference. Attendees will connect, collaborate and build community with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, students and educators. The three-day event highlights the region’s cybersecurity and explores emerging technology and innovators in startup tech, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advancements in technology on the national level. The ITEN WIRED Summit will be hosted at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach at 12 Via De Luna Drive. Visit itenwired.com for tickets and information.

Reboot Wellness Retreat

October 6-9

Refresh, revitalize and reboot your mind, body and soul at Reboot’s bi-annual wellness retreat. This four-day, three-night experience is an all-inclusive luxury retreat led by local wellness professionals who specialize in plant-based nutrition, fitness, holistic wellness practices and mindfulness. This year’s Reboot Retreat will be hosted at the beautiful Oyster Bay Hotel located at 400 Bayfront Pkwy. in downtown Pensacola. For registration and details, visit rebootandco. com.

Cinemas in the Sand

October 7 & 14

The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) will be hosting “Cinemas in the Sand,” free family-friendly movie nights. Held at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach, Cinemas in the Sand allows families to come together and enjoy the beautiful beach and a wholesome movie. On October 7, the SRIA will be showing Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. On October 14, Hocus

EVENT CALENDAR

Pocus will be shown. Cinemas in the Sand runs from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. For more information visit visitpensacolabeach.com.

Taste of the Beach Festival

October 14-15

Taste of the Beach is Pensacola’s Beach’s largest culinary event, featuring signature dishes from 18 local restaurants. The festival kicks off on October 14 with an upscale VIP dinner and continues on October 15 from 10 am to 4 pm with a free outdoor festival open to the public at the Gulfside Pavilion. All kinds of seafood, sandwiches, sweets and more will be available for purchase at the festival. In addition to delectable food, attendees can also enjoy live music, a dance performance, a chef demonstration, cooking classes for kids and more. Check out the full event schedule online at pensacolabeachchamber.com/taste-of-thebeach-2022.

Backyard Beautification at O’Riley’s Uptown Tavern

October 15

O’Riley’s Uptown Tavern is inviting the city to make their mark on the tavern at their Backyard Beautification event. On October 15 from 12 pm to 6pm, artists, organizations and creatives are invited to paint the tavern’s backyard fences and picnic tables. The fences and tables will be primed and ready for your or your organization to paint or tag. The event will also feature food trucks and a new outdoor service bar. For more information, visit orileystavern.com.

Bridge to Bridge 5K

October 15

The Bridge to Bridge 5K is a 5k race across the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The Bridge to Bridge 5K will start at the base of the 3 mile Bay Bridge on the Pensacola side at 7:30 am and will run over the Bay Bridge into Gulf Breeze, finishing at The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge. There will be a post-race party held at The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge with food, refreshments and live music. A portion of every entry fee supports the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club’s local scholarship foundation. For more information, visit runpensacola.com.

EVENT CALENDAR

WSRE PBS Wine & Food Classic

October 15

The 32nd WSRE PBS Wine & Food Classic is the perfect event for a food fanatic. The Wine & Food Classic features a “Walkabout Tasting on the Plaza,” cuisine from local chefs and a chance to meet Alejandra Ramos, the host of “The Great American Recipe” on PBS. Nobius, a local Pensacola band, will be providing live music for the evening. The event will run from 6 pm to 9 pm and will be hosted at the Studer Community Institute Building at 220 West Garden Street. If you want to extend the experience, consider purchasing a ticket to “The Great American Brunch” on the 16th. For tickets and more information, visit wsre. org/events/wine-food-classic-2022.

UWF Pace Library Book Sale

October 18

As a part of University of West Florida’s 2022 Homecoming, there will be a book sale on the first floor of the John C. Pace Library.

From 8 am to 2 pm guests can browse various gently used books that have been marked down to incredibly low prices—$1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardbacks. The sale is cash or check only. The John C. Pace Library is Building 32 on the University of West Florida campus (11000 University Pkwy.). For more information, visit libguides.uwf.edu/calendar.

Brown Bag Opera

October 25

Take a lunch break with the opera, and pair your sandwich with an aria! Grab a sack lunch—or just yourself—and join us downtown for Brown Bag Opera, a free, monthly performance featuring the 2022-23 Jan Miller Studio Artists. Musical performances include a variety of beloved arias, timeless showtunes, stunning duets and trios. Brown Bag Opera performances will be held at the Pensacola Opera Center located at 75 S Tarragona Street in downtown Pensacola. Each of the

performances begins at 12 PM and lasts around 45 minutes. Seating is first-come, first-served. For complete details and to view the full schedule of Brown Bag Opera events, visit pensacolaopera.com.

The Beulah Fall Food Truck Festival

October 29

Try some scary good food and get into the fall spirit at the Beulah Fall Food Truck Festival. The festival will feature an assortment of food trucks and vendors, as well as kids’ activities, trick-or-treating, costume contests, live entertainment and raffle drawings. Admission is $5, but kids 12 and under are free. The festival will run from 11 am to 6 pm and take place at the Escambia County Equestrian Center (7750 Mobile Highway). For more information, visit beulahfoodtruckfestival.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

A Look at August’s Market Highlights

Market Highlights

Total sales were up 7% compared to July.

The median sale price (both property types combined) remained at $325,000, the same as July.

Average days on market for residential and condos combined rose nearly a week to 21

Single Family inventory fell for the first time following four months of gains to 2568

August pending sales were up 14% compared to July.

courtesy of the Pensacola Association of

On-Trend Colors ReflectingComforting Lifestyle Design

space cozy like a soft blan ket, like Cozy White from Valspar. Complement the softness with a muted clay that brings in brown under tones that suggest gentle contentment.

While you might turn to family or friends for inspira tion for your next DIY proj ect, another resource for collecting concepts and op tions to upgrade your space is the internet. Consider the Valspar Color-verse, which allows visitors to explore colors in a unique way and offers paint color inspiration and decor trends they can envision within their own homes.

After experiencing the Val spar 2023 Colors of the Year firsthand by painting walls and art from the collection to see the 3D virtual house come to life, you can find the perfect paint shade for your space.

"Through the Color-verse, visitors can experience the 12 Colors of the Year in a realistic virtual home," said Gus Morales, vice president of brand marketing for CBG Sherwin-Williams. "Aside

from exploring the Colors of the Year, the home is an en gaging space for visitors to create art, play games and order paint chips to see how their top color picks look and feel in their homes."

Color Trends to Consider Many of this year's popu lar nature-inspired designs are all about finding com fort, embracing a flexible lifestyle, rediscovering joy and leaning into the grow ing DIY movement. The most trend-worthy, for ward-thinking and livable colors reflect specific facets or emotions of life so you can update your well-used spaces with thoughtful col ors that evoke positive en ergy and lasting change.

Comfort and Contentment: If your goal is to create a space that envelopes you in a sense of comfort, con sider a white with a yellow undertone that makes a

Calming Restoration: Tap into the calming tones of nature with a hazy green that has duality, which brings in both the calm and liveliness of the great out doors. Another option is a deep midnight blue used as an elegant calming shade to restore mind, body and home.

Healthful, Mindful Living: Create an uplifting space where your wellness is a priority. Evoke a greater sense of health conscious ness with a light blue that has a dose of softness used as a fresh neutral with up lifting qualities of a modern pastel, like Valspar's Rising Tide. Reinforce the benefits of mindful living with a cool gray that is balanced by the warmth of the yellow un dertone, a natural hue like a cotton muslin cloth.

Connections and Joy: Estab lish spaces where you can celebrate relationships with others, the world around you and happiness in your

being. Consider hues like a white softened by a violet undertone, a harmonious shade promoted by digital connectivity. Evoke joy with a dependable classic tan that features a yellow un dertone suggesting new life with uplifting qualities.

Natural Balance: Bringing hints of the outdoors into a well-loved living space cre ates a soothing ambiance.

Consider a warm neutral brown tone inspired by the shades found in nature or a cooled down blue that strikes a beautiful balance between cool and warm shades in your design.

Inspirational Thought: A work-from-home or craft ing space needs color to inspire great thinking. Try a faded natural terracot ta that sparks individual ity and warmth or a deep blackened olive, an ontrend neutral that embodies charm and sophistication.

Explore the tool and find more colorful ideas at Val spar.com.

#16343

Source: Valspar

Upgrading your home design is an opportunity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive design aesthetic.

What to Do if Your Mortgage Application is Denied

If you dream of homeownership, having your mortgage application denied can be devastating. If this does happen to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Thirteen percent of all purchase mortgage applications -- a total of nearly 650,000 -- were denied in 2020, according to federal government data.

Before quickly reapplying for a loan, it’s important to first understand the reasons your loan was denied. The lender is required to disclose that information to you within 30 days of its decision. You can also call your lender for further explanation. Having this knowledge will help you work toward building your eligibility for a mortgage.

In some instances, the situation involves a quick fix, such as providing missing or incomplete documentation. However, if the reasons cited for your application denial involve down payment cost, a low credit score, an ad verse credit history or a high debt-to-income ratio, here are six steps you can take toward recovery:

1. Consult a Housing Counselor. Con sider speaking to a community-based credit counselor or a HUD-certified housing counselor. They can help you create a plan to increase your savings, decrease your debt, improve your credit, access down payment assistance or take advantage of firsttime homebuyer programs.

2. Improve Your Credit. In a 2022 Freddie Mac survey of consumers denied a mortgage application in the past four years, three in five cited debt or credit issues as reasons given for their initial denial. If this describes you, take time to improve your credit profile before applying for another loan. Good credit demonstrates responsible money management and gives you more purchasing power, opening doors to better loan terms and products. Visit creditsmart.fred diemac.com to access Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart suite of free financial education resources that can help you understand the fundamentals of credit and prepare you for homeown ership.

3. Pay Down Debt. In the application process, lenders will look at your recurring monthly debts, such as car payments, student loans and credit card loans. By lowering or paying down monthly debts, you can build a positive credit history and lower your debt-to-income ratio. Not sure where to start? Tackle your debt with the highest interest rate first.

4. Obtain Gift Funds. If you’re short on money for your down payment, you may be able to use gift funds from a family member to decrease the amount you need to borrow.

5. Find a Co-Signer. A co-signer applies for the loan with you, agree ing to take responsibility for the loan should you default. The co-signer’s credit, income and debts will be eval uated to make sure they can assume payments if necessary. In addition to ensuring your co-signer has good credit, you should make sure they are aware of this responsibility and have sufficient income to cover the payment.

6. Look for a Lower-Cost Home. Re member, you should only borrow an amount you feel comfortable repay ing. You may need to look for a low er-cost home than you’re financially prepared to purchase and maintain.

For more information and additional resources, visit myhome. freddiemac.com.

If your home loan application is denied, don’t panic. There are ways to build your eligibility so that next time, your mortgage application is more likely to be approved.

Child abuse is ugly.

Sunday, October 23, 2022