COMMUNITY COLLABORATION Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

BY PAIGE AIGRET

• The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation was created to raise money benefiting Northwest Florida children in need. The organization brings wine enthusiasts together with events, such as the popular Harvest Wine & Food Festival, to support 17 local children’s charity organizations.

The organization has donated more than $28 million to Northwest Florida charities since its inception in 2005.

Hilton Sandestin Beach has been a proud supporter of the organization from the very beginning — donating auction packages, hosting events throughout the year at the resort and serving as a welcoming lodging location for DCWAF’s wine- and culinary-industry celebrity guests.

“Hilton Sandestin Beach is more than just a sponsor and a donor; it’s a true partner to

DCWAF,” said Kate MacMillan, the charity organization’s Director of Marketing and Communications.

“They have worked alongside us for many years to ensure that children in need in our local community are able to get the services they need to thrive, and we are grateful for their support,” MacMillan added.

In 2020, when the global pandemic shattered the normalcy of events across the world, DCWAF was faced with the cancellation of their annual live auction event.

“Hilton Sandestin Beach stepped up and provided DCWAF with ballroom space to build a broadcast studio to televise the auction, live into the homes of our participants,” MacMillan boasted. “Without their support, we would not have been able to successfully hold our flagship event during the pandemic when our charity partners needed us most.”

May

Artsquest Fine Arts Festival

This popular event, held over Mother’s Day weekend, is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance and features more than 150 artists, live music, local food and fun throughout Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.

Digital Graffiti

Innovative artists from around the globe use the latest technologies to project their original artwork onto the stunning alabaster architecture, walls and bridges throughout Alys Beach as part of a juried art competition.

Outdoor Summer Concerts

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s familyfriendly outdoor summer concert series features a variety of music for all ages. Local and regional touring artists perform Motown, R&B, dance music and rock ‘n’ roll at the Cultural Arts Village in Destin

September

Sandestin Triathlon

Come to the beach to cheer on athletes as they endure a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike ride along the coast and a 4-mile run through Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s beach and bayside communities.

October

Baytowne Beer Festival

Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds and ales. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin hosts the 15th annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor.

Destin Seafood Festival

The world’s luckiest fishing village celebrates its heritage with the annual Destin Seafood Festival that attracts thousands who enjoy fresh seafood and live entertainment all along the Destin Harbor.

Best Of The Emerald Coast

The best of the best businesses from throughout the region, as determined by an Emerald Coast Magazine readers’ poll, will gather at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin to showcase their award-winning food, drinks, products and services.

↓ HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections at this threeday affair. Events include a celebrity winemaker dinner and an alfresco reserve tasting that features a library of rare vintages. The main grand tasting includes local restaurants, celebrity chefs and tasting stations featuring over 400 wines from around the world. Craft beer and spirits tents and VIP tickets are also available.

November SPARKLING WINE & HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Kick off the holiday season with this annual sparkling wine and champagne event at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Guests also enjoy live music, the first tree-lighting of the season, and the Village’s choreographed light show “12 Nights of Lights.”

Baytowne On Ice

Make memories with a visit to the iceskating rink at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, open November through February. The first hour of each day is a reserved “Kids Skate,” for children ages 12 and under.

Telluride Mountainfilm Festival

This three-day outdoor film festival in WaterColor showcases a selection of films from the International Film Festival that tie in with the MountainFilm mission of exploring cultures, preserving environments and promoting adventure.

COASTAL WHITE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION & HOMETOWN PARADE

Holiday cheer kicks off at Grand Boulevard with the start to their Coastal White Christmas. Enjoy the glimmer of tens of thousands of beautiful white lights and a parade to include Santa’s arrival. The Christmas spirit rings true through the month of December, including photos with Santa, horsedrawn-carriage rides, live entertainment and festivities.

December

Destin Boat Parade

Gather on the Destin Harbor for live music, kids arts and crafts, hot chocolate and a visit from jolly ol’ St. Nick during the Destin Boat Parade, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.

Baytowne Countdown

The skies above The Village of Baytowne Wharf will come alive during the annual Baytowne Countdown celebration on New Year’s Eve. A family-friendly evening, including fireworks, will be held from 5–8 p.m. Learn more about South Walton events at VisitSouthWalton.com/events.

Mention this ad for $2 off of adult tickets. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.