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Things to Do
Things To Do on The Liberty Coast... FALL Calendar
September Activities
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GUARDIANS OF THE FIRST COAST: BUILDING READINESS FOR WORLD WAR II
EXHIBIT showcases artifacts, oral histories, first-hand stories, photographs, and videos that connect local people to world events. Ongoing at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, StAugustineLighthouse.Org or 904-829-0745. HISTORY OF NAS JACKSONVILLE Base historian, Ron Williamson, will share rare historical photos, stories, about the 80 year old base at a Navy League luncheon on the 22nd floor of the VyStar Downtown tower. 11:30 a.m., Thursday, SEPT 2, 76 S Laura St, Jacksonville. Validated parking, advanced registration appreciated at NavyLeagueJax.Org/Upcoming-Events, $25.
ST JOHNS COUNTY HOMELESS VETERANS
STAND DOWN provides basic needs and support services, dental screenings, showers, haircuts, tents, bikes, clothing, sundries, and connection, volunteer opportunities. 9 a.m., Saturday, SEPT 11, Elks Lodge 829, 1420 A1A S in St Augustine. Info and transportation 904.209.6160.
DEADLINE - JACKSONVILLE VETERANS
DAY PARADE APPLICATION to participate in the City of Jacksonville’s Veterans Day Parade on Nov 11 is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, SEPT 12. Application must be submitted online at COJSpecialEvents.formstack. com/forms/veterans_day_parade_2021_application. More info at (904) 255-5422 or Events@COJ.Net
DEDICATION OF MARY HELEN HOFF
HONORARY ROADWAY Join the Clay County Board of Commissioners and Veterans at the roadway designation and marker unveiling for the inspiration of the National POW/MIA flag. 10:00 a.m., Friday, SEPT 17, Moody Avenue Park, 3510 Moody Avenue, Orange Park, FL, free.
SEVEN BRIDGES POW/MIA REMEMBRANCE
RIDE from Jax Veterans Memorial Wall to National POW/MIA Memorial at Cecil Field for remembrance ceremony. Open to all riders, registration 9 - 11:30 a.m., KSO Noon, SEPT 18, arrive 1:30 p.m., 1145 E. Adams St., Downtown Jacksonville, more info from Denny Luke, 904-403-0141, FREE.
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY
includes ruck/run/walk challenge, car and bike show, live entertainment, kids zone, 9 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy ceremony at 2 p.m., Saturday, SEPT 18th, Chapel of the High-Speed Pass, Cecil Commerce Center, 6112 POW-MIA Memorial Pkwy, Jacksonville. Info & register for lunch, $10, at POWMIAMemorial.Org.
WHISTLING DEATH 10KM AND 5KM
Celebrating the F4U Corsair, nicknamed “Whistling Death.” Races will traverse the airbase where Marine Corps fighter pilots were trained. 8 a.m., Saturday, OCT 2, Military Museum of North Florida in Green Cove Springs, 1stPlaceSports.Com/Races/WhistlingDeath, $25 - $30.
VETS ON TAP AT CATTY SHACK RANCH
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Join Veterans networking with the really big cats while enjoying food trucks and experiencing the mission of this non-profit sanctuary for rescued exotic cats. 12 - 3 p.m., Saturday, OCT 2, 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville. Tix and Info at VetsOnTap.Org. ST MARYS ROCK SHRIMP FESTIVAL 48th annual day of famous rock shrimp dinners, parade, 5K/10K, music, vendors all on historic St Mary’s waterfront. Parade at 10 a.m., dinners sold 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, OCT 9, St Mary, Georgia. Much more info at SMKiwanis.Com.
USO ARMED FORCES HALF MARATHON AND FREEDOM 5K
Join us for the last race on the historic half marathon course as USO transitions into the reimagined “Tri-Bridge Challenge” next year. Walk, run, raise funds for a military branch team, finisher medals, technical shirts, fantastic post-race celebrations and more. Free for active duty, reserves, national guard and dependents E-6 and below and 50% off registration for E-7 and above with ID. Sponsorships available, contact Charlie Tramazzo at 904.635.7801. 7 a.m. SHARP, Saturday, OCT 16, Registration and more info at Jax. USO.Org/Events/145, free - $65.
62nd ANNUAL CRACKER DAY CELEBRATION
Family-friendly, showcases Spanish cracker horses and celebrates “cracker” cowboys who used whips to round up cattle. Horse and cattle games, barrel rolls, BBQ. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, OCT 16, Gates open at 6 a.m., St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 State Road 207, Elkton, FL, $5 per car.
BALD EAGLE SQUADRON LUNCHEON
Association of Naval Aviation connects and educates all with interest in overall military status and importance of Naval Aviation, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursday, OCT 21, Holiday Inn & Suites Orange Park, 620 Wells Rd, Orange Park, BaldEagleSquadron.Org, $20.
November Activities
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT CARRY
FORWARD 5K is a most powerful, one-of-a-kind event you’ll ever experience. It’s a unique opportunity to take action for wounded warriors. 8:00 a.m., Saturday, NOV 6, Wounded Warrior Project HQ, 4899 Belfort Rd Suite 300, Jacksonville, Register at CarryFoward@WoundedWarriorProject.org, free to $35. JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST is an awesome music and community festival in the historic Springfield neighborhood. Stroll among the porch stages and enjoy live music. 12 - 8p.m., Saturday, NOV 6. Info at JacksonvillePorchFest.Org, free.
NAVY LEAGUE SALUTE TO VETERANS
DINNER honoring Korean War Veterans, Korean War history and cultural programs, benefitting Naval Sea Cadets Corps youth training and Tillie Fowler Memorial Navy ROTC scholarship fund at Jacksonville University. 6 p.m., Thursday, NOV 4, NAS Jax’s River Cove (O Club). Base access NOT required. Register at NavyLeagueJax.Org/Upcoming-Events, $50.
UNIVERSITY of NORTH FLORIDA VETERANS
DAY TRIBUTE with keynote by Dr. George Candler, Director, Masters of Public Administration programs and Navy Veteran. 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, NOV 9, Veterans Plaza, UNF Student Union, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, MVRC@UNF.Edu, free.
VETERANS COUNCIL OF ST JOHNS COUNTY VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
Come early,enjoy patriotic entertainment, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall and Global War on Terrorism Wall, engage Veteran organization displays and representatives. Doors open 9:30 a.m., Celebration at 11 a.m., Thursday, NOV 11, Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A S, St Augustine, VeteransCouncilSJC.Org, free.
JACKSONVILLE VETERANS DAY PARADE
The City of Jacksonville’s parade, largest in Florida, honors those who have served with decorative floats, marching bands, Veterans groups, and more. Start near the Prime Osborn Convention Center. 11:01 a.m. Thursday, NOV 11, Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Downtown, SpecialEvents. COJ.Net, free.
10th ANNUAL SALUTE TO VETERANS 5K RUN/WALK & PATRIOTIC PAWS WALK
Legacy Veterans Day-related 5K along St. Johns River, presented by VyStar, finisher cash prizes, medals, shirts, family-oriented village, patriotic events, food, drinks, bounce houses, games. 8 a.m., Saturday, NOV 13, Patriotic Paws Parade at 8:45 a.m., 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, SaluteToVeteransRun. ItsYourRace.Com/Event.aspx?id=14612 ANTIQUE CAR SHOW & OPEN HOUSE Enjoy music, snacks and good conversations and awesome cars at the former NAS Cecil Field. All donations benefit the American Cancer Society. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, NOV 13, Cecil Pines Adult Living Community, 6008 Lake Cove Ave., Cecil Commerce Center, CecilPines.Org, free.
WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS
Featuring Rocky Bleier, Vietnam Veteran & Pittsburgh Steeler Superbowl Champion, everyone is invited to a hero’s welcome including a procession of honor of Vietnam Veterans. Sunday, NOV 14, 12:55 - 3 p.m., (doors open at Noon), VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A. Phillip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville. Register and sponsorships at JaxBar.Org/VietnamVetWelcomeHome,free.
BALD EAGLE SQUADRON LUNCHEON
Association of Naval Aviation networking with aviators and all interested in importance of Naval Aviation in the defense of U. S. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursday, NOV 18, Holiday Inn & Suites Orange Park, 620 Wells Rd, Orange Park, BaldEagleSquadron.Org, $20. NIGHTS of LIGHTS The annual winter celebration is back in the Ancient City. Enjoy extended hours at local establishments, special tours, and millions of lights. NOV 20-Jan. 31, Downtown St. Augustine, VisitStAugustine.com/Event/Nights-Lights, free.
