TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
This morning’s email is all about events this weekend. As the forecasted rain has cancelled some, there are still plenty of things to do around Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
As with any outdoor event and the possibility of rain, check with event organizers BEFORE heading out!
NEWS
Rain rain go away…parades cancelled
Following Tuesday’s announcement that the Niceville Christmas Parade has been cancelled due to the weather, the City of Crestview has also cancelled their parade this Saturday.
- “Mother Nature seems to always want to rain on our parade, but Christmas Spirit is weatherproof,” wrote the city on social media. “Hold onto your jingle bells because on the 16th, we’ve got a festive surprise that will sleigh your socks off!”
The Town of Shalimar has also cancelled their Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday.
“We tried twice to host the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. But, due to the weather forecast for this weekend, the town has decided to cancel this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony,” wrote the town on social media. “Merry Christmas. We will see you next year!”
As of right now, the City of Destin still plans to move ahead with their parade on Saturday morning.
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ART+CULTURE
Okaloosa Arts Center hosts Holiday Arts Gallery Community Celebration
The magic of the holiday season will come alive Saturday at the Holiday Arts Gallery, a festive celebration of art, music and community engagement.
- The free event will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from noon to 3 p.m. at the HH Arts Gallery, located at 100 Beal Parkway SW.
The event will showcase the talent of local artists and highlight upcoming arts classes and events throughout Okaloosa County, said Amy Baty-Herbert, executive director of the Okaloosa Arts Alliance.
“This event is a celebration of our vibrant local art scene and a wonderful opportunity for the community to engage with talented artists while supporting the arts in Okaloosa County,” Baty-Herbert said.
On display will be an “exceptional array of artistic expressions, including pottery, jewelry, ornaments, art prints in various media, and captivating original works,” according to the arts alliance.
The gallery provides a chance for attendees to engage with artists, admire their work and even purchase one-of-a-kind pieces for the holidays.
- Live holiday music will be performed by musicians from the Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music.
Exciting drawings featuring prizes like tickets and artwork donated by local arts organizations will add to the festivities. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Okaloosa Arts Alliance.
The event aims to bring together the community “in the spirit of creativity and holiday cheer,” the organization said. More information can be found at https://www.okaloosaarts.org.
THINGS TO DO
The Grinch’s holiday toy drive and photo op at the Crab Trap on Okaloosa Island
“Load up the kids, load up the car,
get to The Boardwalk, we’re not very far.Bring your festive cheer and holiday joy,
and an unwrapped gift for a good girl or boy!Come hungry or grumbly, a crab feast does the trick.
And while here, snag a pic, with that naughty Saint Nick.The season of green brings holiday cheer,
let your heart grow 3 sizes when you donate this year.“
This weekend, the Crab Trap on Okaloosa Island will be hosting photos with the “Mean & Green One,” along with a Holiday toy drive.
- Saturday, December 9 from 12-3pm
- Sunday, December 10 from 12-3pm
Photos are FREE, and the Crab Trap asks that guests bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation for Toys for Tots. Enjoy a FREE KIDS MEAL for the Crab Trap restaurant with each donated toy!
So stop by the Crab Trap this weekend and get your pic taken with the Grinch, all while supporting Toys for Tots and our area kids.
ICYMI
News you might have missed
- New Park in Baker: Crews are installing brand new playground equipment and surfaces at the Baker Park – 1450 Charlie Day Road, Baker. They will be finished this week (pending weather and supplies) and open to the public following a safety and quality walk through from County staff, according to Okaloosa County.
- The Okaloosa Island Pier will be doing upgrades and maintenance now that we have entered the offseason winter months. The octagon section of the pier will be closed on Wednesday, December 13th and Thursday, December 14th, 2023 for renovations, including replacing the entire fence, repainting, and some minor plumbing and electrical work. Read More
- Shop Class: Students in the Building Trades and Construction Design program at Fort Walton Beach High School were recognized on Dec. 4 for crafting Adirondack chairs that were donated to a local organization. Read more
- A juvenile bald eagle is receiving emergency care from wildlife staff at the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida after likely lead poisoning, the animal rescue said Tuesday. Read more
- 2024 County Calendar: Okaloosa County has printed a new 2024 county calendar featuring images from across the area. A limited supply of calendars are available for FREE at the following locations:
- Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Niceville/Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
- Crestview Chamber of Commerce
- Okaloosa County Public Libraries (Crestview, Niceville, Valparaiso, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther)
- Okaloosa County Administration Building (1250 N Eglin Parkway, Shalimar – Board of County Commissioners)
- Brackin Building ( third floor- 302 Wilson Street, Crestview)
THE WEEKENDER
A few things to do around town
Today
December 2023 (multi-date) – Baytowne On Ice – View
December 8-9, 2023 – Kwiat Dazzling Diamond Event – Free – View
December 8-9, 2023 – Santa’s Camp Christmas- Topsy’s Polar Express – $5 – View
December 8, 2023 – Super Sew Day – Free – View
December 8, 2023 – Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf – Free – View
December 8, 2023 – ADSO Christmas Party – Free – View
December 8, 2023 – Holiday Pops feat. Brian Stokes Mitchell – View
December 8, 2023 – Winter Wonderland at NWF Fairgrounds – Free – View
Saturday
December 9, 2023 – FWB Police Community Bike Ride – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – Kwiat Dazzling Diamond Event – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – Pictures with Santa in Crestview – View
December 9, 2023 – YULE OF YESTERYEAR – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – Holiday Arts Gallery – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – Reindeer Dash 5K/10K 2023 ‘Prancer’ – View
December 9, 2023 – GRIMP, GRUDGE, GROUCH!! – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – Holiday Arts Gallery – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – The Nutcracker – $16.00 – View
December 9, 2023 – Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – Northgate Estates Luminaries – Free – View
December 9, 2023 – RADURDAY at Rabar (celebrating 4 years) – View
December 9, 2023 – Winter Wonderland at NWF Fairgrounds – Free – View
Sunday
December 10, 2023 – FWB Community Chorus Christmas Concert – View
December 10, 2023 – Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Holiday Performance – View
December 10, 2023 – A Downtown Holiday Market! in Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
December 10, 2023 – The Champagne Walkabout! – Annual Holiday Tasting – $35 – View
December 10, 2023 – Dock The Halls 2023 in Destin – $30 – View
December 10, 2023 – Destin Boat Parade – Free – View
December 10, 2023 – GRIMP, GRUDGE, GROUCH!! – Free – View
December 10, 2023 – The Nutcracker – $16.00 – View
December 10, 2023 – Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf – Free – View
Looking ahead
December 11, 2023 – Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf – Free – View
December 12, 2023 – Center for Lifelong Learning Student Social and Orientation – Free – View
December 13, 2023 – Wednesday Night Concert Series- Holiday Edition + Visits with Santa – Free – View
December 19, 2023 – Embroidery Demonstration – $5 – View
December 20, 2023 – Winter Fun for Everyone – $12 – View
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday. Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
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