Get to know the people, places, and things that make your town special Seasonal The Arts 58

from Emerald Coast Parent Magazine March+April 2020

Family Chatter 42 That’s Good to Know! 44 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care 45-46

3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 1 8 15 22 29 7 14 21 28 6 13 20 27 5 12 19 26 M S T W TH F S April 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 4 11 18 25 3 10 17 24 31 2 9 16 23 30 1 M S T W TH F S March FUN GUIDE Family CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Making the Most of Life on the Coast! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!

Seasonal St. Paddy’s Day Family Party Sun, March 15 – HarborWalk Village (12:00p.m.) Celebrate the luck of the Irish on St. Paddy’s Day at HarborWalk Village. There will be a ton of family fun, including a performance from the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance, crafts, a leprechaun treasure hunt, and more! Cost of registration is $5. For more information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com.

St. Patty’s Day Delight Tues, March 17 – Baytowne Wharf (6:00p.m.)

Baytowne Wharf will be bringing in the sounds of Ireland with traditional Celtic music on St. Patrick’s Day. With Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and live music from The Blenders, get ready to paint the town green at the Village of Baytowne Wharf! This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Easter Explosion Sat, April 11 – Baytowne Wharf (12:00p.m.)

Bounce over to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for an Easter Explosion. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, lawn games, face painting, and even race over an inflatable obstacle course! Last but not least, there will be a photo oppor tunity with the Easter Bunny himself. This event is free. For more information, visit www. baytownewharf.com.

The Arts

Pete the Cat Mon, March 9 – Niceville (9:45a.m.)

Adventure awaits at Mattie Kelly Arts Center with their presentation of Pete the Cat. This is the perfect show for the whole family, and one that everybody is sure to love! Tickets start at $8. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

President’s Speaker Series Fri, March 13 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

Dale Berra, the son of former Major League Baseball player, Yogi Berra, will take to the stage at Mattie Kelly Arts Center and discuss his unique relationship with his father, and more. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

The Choir of Man Thurs, March 26 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

The Choir of Man is more than just a 90-minute concert; it’s a party! Filled with amazing harmony,

58 • March+April 2020 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com incredible dance, and lively music, it’s easy to see why this show is known across the globe as the “ultimate feel-good show!” Tickets are $37. For information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Savor the Sound Sat, April 4 – Niceville (2:00p.m.)

Get ready for Savor the Sound, a night of music and fun at the outdoor amphitheater at Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Headlining the event is A Brother’s Revival, an Allman Brothers tribute band, with special guests Parker Willingham, Reed Waddle, and Zydeco. Ticket prices are $10 per person or $25 per family, and proceeds benefit the Taylor Haugen Foundation. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Disney’s High School Musical 2 Jr. Fri, April 17–Sat, April 18 – Miramar Beach

Based on the Disney Channel original movie, Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents Disney’s High School Musical 2 Jr. Troy, Gabriella, and the gang are back and ready to finish their junior year and kick off summer. This show is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! For tickets and more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Sound Waves Music Series at The Gulf Sat, April 18 – Fort Walton Beach (4:00p.m.)

Get ready for a night of boot-stomping fun at The Gulf on Okaloosa Island! The Sound Waves Music Series at The Gulf is hosting Billy Currington live in concert. Ticket prices are $45. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Stars of Tomorrow – An Evening with the Opera Sat, April 18 – Niceville (7:30p.m.)

NFSO presents the Stars of Tomorrow – An Evening with the Opera with performances from the winners of the 33rd annual Concerto

Competition. The Northwest Symphony Chorale will join the orchestra, performing some of the most popular and loved operas. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Dance Facets Fri, April 24 – Niceville (7:30p.m.)

This annual dance concert hosted by Northwest Florida State College Department of Dance is back and better than ever! Enjoy many different styles of dance, ranging from ballet to contem porary, and amazing choreography from students, faculty, and guest choreographers. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children. For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Runs, Walks & More

8th Annual Run for the Health of It Sat, March 21 – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.)

Meet at AJ’s Oyster Shanty on Okaloosa Island for the Run for the Health of It 5k/8k. Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to par ticipate, even the little ones! There will be children’s activities, including a bounce house, face painting, and art stations. Participants will enjoy delicious food and beverages. Awards will be given for the top three finish ers from each 10-year age group, and proceeds will benefit The White Wilson Community Foundation. For more information, visit www. fwbchamber.org.

11th Annual Navy Federal Credit Union 5K Run/Walk Sat, April 4 – Pensacola (8:00a.m.)

Head to beautiful downtown Pensacola for this year’s 11th annual Navy Federal Credit

Union 5K. This event will benefit Achieve Escambia, which works to develop the area’s workforce and education system. In 2019, this 5K raised $20,000 for Achieve Escambia. For more information or to register, visit www.pen sacolachamber.com.

Food For Thought 9th Annual Golf Tournament Thurs, April 9 – Santa Rosa Beach (10:30a.m.) Food For Thought is heading to the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club for their annual charity golf tournament. Start the day with light food and refreshments, then a shotgun start at noon. All proceeds from the event sup port Food For Thought’s mission to fight childhood hunger in Walton and Okaloosa counties. For more information, visit www.destinchamber. com.

Destin Chamber’s Annual Tax Relief Golf Tournament Thurs, April 16 – Destin (12:00p.m.)

This 4-person scramble takes place at the beautiful Emerald Bay Golf Club and starts with a cookout and putting contest. There will be a shotgun start at noon. For more informa tion, call 850-837-6241.

Chamber Classic Golf Tournament Mon, April 27 – Pensacola (10:00a.m.)

As one of only three area tournaments to be held this year, you don’t want to miss the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament. This event takes place on the private course at beautiful Pensacola Country Club. Check-in and lunch begin at 10:00a.m., with a shotgun start at noon, and a reception and award presentation from 4:00p.m. until 5:00p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.

Sounds Fun Bubbly Baytowne Thurs, March 12 – Baytowne Wharf (5:00p.m.) Sip and shop through the Village streets during Bubbly Baytowne. Stop in various retail merchants and enjoy a selection of premium champagnes. This event is free and for ages 21 and up only. The Village will be open to the public during this event. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

World’s Greatest Baby Shower Thurs, March 12 – Fort Walton Beach (5:30p.m.) The Healthy Start Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton counties is hosting the World’s Greatest Baby Shower at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. This event for expectant parents, new parents, and their families will have over 50 exhibits to explore, ranging in topic from prena tal health to community resources. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.healthys tartokawalton.org.

Animal Day at the Science Center Fri, March 13 – Fort Walton Beach (11:00a.m.) The Science Center is hosting Animal Day to kick off spring break with their animal ambas sadors. Not only will there be animals, but face painting as well, so you can transform into your favorite animal! For prices and more informa tion, visit www.fwbchamber.com.

Discover Science Saturday Sat, March 14 – Fort Walton Beach (10:30a.m.) The Fort Walton Beach Police Department will be at the Emerald Coast Science Center for Discover Science Saturday. The theme for the day is CSI, as attendees will learn about foren sics, fingerprinting, DNA, evidence collecting,

and more, from the professionals at the FWB Police Department. The event costs $10 for adults, $8 for children. For more information, visit www.ecscience.org/events.

Planetarium Nights Thurs, March 19 – Fort Walton Beach (5:00p.m.) Spend the evening under the stars at the Emerald Coast Science Center’s Planetarium Nights. This special event will take you on a journey through the galaxy as you explore the Norse legends and myths hidden within the night sky. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for children, and purchasing your ticket in advance is highly recommended. For more information, visit www.escience.org/events.

Pinewood Auto Show Sat, March 21 – Eglin Airforce Base (8:00a.m.) Start your day at Eglin Airforce Base for the Pinewood Auto Show and walk among some incredible cars and planes. Concessions will be available and awards will be given to the best in each category. For prices and more informa tion, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Snake Day with Reno’s Reptiles Sat, March 21 – Fort Walton Beach (10:30a.m.) Get ready for an amazingly creepy and crawly good time at the Emerald Coast Science Center. Reno’s Reptiles will be in house from 10:30a.m. until 2:30p.m., showing off a wide variety of crazy creatures, including anacondas, pythons, skinks, iguanas, a scorpion, and a 50-pound tortoise! For information, visit www.escience.com/events.

Gumbo Ya Ya Cook Off Sat, March 21 – Pensacola (4:00p.m.)

Head to Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter for a spicy and delicious evening full of tasty gumbo. Amateur and professional teams are both welcome to compete for bragging rights for the best gumbo in Pensacola. Trophies will be awarded to the top three winners. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Vettes at the Village Sat, March 28 – Baytowne Wharf (10:00a.m.)

Vettes at the Village is returning to the Village of Baytowne Wharf! Enjoy the Village while area corvette clubs bring “America’s Sports Car” to the Events Plaza. These automotive icons will be shined to the max as they zoom into the Village streets. Be a part of the show and vote for your favorite style and model. This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytowne wharf.com.

16th Annual Triple B Sat, March 28 – Crestview (11:00a.m.)

Get ready for a day full of delicious barbecue, international foods, music, and family fun. With vendors from all over Okaloosa County, and local bands that will provide fabulous entertainment, you are in for a real treat! For information, visit www.crestviewchamber.com/tripleb.

34th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival Thurs, April 16-Sun, April 19 – Baytowne Wharf Head to the Village for the 34th annual Sandestin Wine Festival. Four days of unique events will open up a wide range of experienc es, from attending wine dinners with celebrity chefs to taking part in wine tastings that show case hundreds of wines. This event is perfect for wine novices and professionals alike. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Bubbly Baytowne Thurs, April 23 – Baytowne Wharf (5:00p.m.) Sip and shop through the Village streets during Bubbly Baytowne. Stop in various retail merchants and enjoy a selection of premium champagnes. This event is free and for ages 21 and up only. The Village will be open to the public during this event. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Hogfest Sat, April 25 – Pensacola (6:30p.m.)

Hogfest in Pensacola is a huge party with a bigger cause! Each ticket to Hogfest includes admission to the event, a chance to win a 2019 Harley Davidson Fatboy, bottomless beer and wine garden, delicious food, live music, raffles, and more! Proceeds will benefit local charities, such as Pathways for Change, ECARE, and NE Pensacola Sertoma. For tickets and more infor mation, visit www.northeastsertoma.com.

Reoccurring Local

Poetry & Music Jam Every second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.)

Sunday Cinema

Every Sunday – Baytowne Wharf (7:15p.m.) Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and head to the Events Plaza Lawn at Baytowne Wharf to enjoy a movie. This event is free. For information and movie listings, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

ited table tennis match. This competition lasts from 9:00a.m. until 12:00p.m., and the paddles and balls are provided. This event is $3 for nonresidents and $2 for Destin residents. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Morning Tai Chi Every Monday – Destin (9:00a.m.)

The Destin Library is hosting a morning Tai Chi class with certified health instructor Barbara Rezmer. The class is free, but donations are appreciated. Registration is not required. For more information, call 850-837-8572.

Monday Hydroflight Shows Every Monday – Baytowne Wharf (6:30p.m.)

Enjoy shows from fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell over the lagoon! Watch as he soars to the sky and makes waves at Baytowne Wharf. For more information and show times, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Boomin’ Tuesdays Every Tuesday – Baytowne Wharf (6:00p.m.)

Enjoy lawn games and inflatables in the Events Plaza, and then watch as Baytowne lights up the sky with a breathtaking fireworks show over the Lagoon at 8:30p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Poetry & Music Jam Every second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.)

Poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form open-mic poetry reading and jam session. For more infor mation, call 850-682-4432.

Wednesday Night Concert Series Every Wednesday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.) The Wednesday Night Concert Series is back at Baytowne! Enjoy the great weather and live entertainment. The concert series features local and regional talent on the Events Plaza Stage. For more information, visit www.baytowne wharf.com.

Magical Thursday Every Thursday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.) Watch as featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows on stage. For show times and more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Farmers’ Market at Grand Boulevard Every Saturday – Miramar Beach (9:00a.m.)

Start your Saturday at Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market. There will be fresh-from-the-farm pro duce, local seafood, homemade dips and salsas, organic juices, homemade soaps, and more! There will even be organic pet treats for your furry friends!. For more information, visit www. destinchamber.com.

Table Tennis Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – Destin (9:00a.m.)

Head to the Destin Community Center for a spir

St. Jude patient Keeton, blood cancer pictured with his mom St. Jude patient Keeton, blood cancer pictured with his mom

Keeton’s family didn’t give up. We won’t either. When Keeton was found to have blood cancer, his family was referred to St. Jude for treatment, where he’s undergoing two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy. “St. Jude means everything to me,” said Keeton’s mom. “They’re saving my baby’s life.” Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it first opened more than 50 years ago. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. Keeton’s family didn’t give up. We won’t either. When Keeton was found to have blood cancer, his family was referred to St. Jude for treatment, where he’s undergoing two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy. “St. Jude means everything to me,” said Keeton’s mom. “They’re saving my baby’s life.” Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it first opened more than 50 years ago. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

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