Category: Festivals & Events

If you’ve never attended the FWMA Hearts Gone Wild annual music festival, you don’t want to miss out. Not only does it benefit a fantastic cause, but it’s an exceptionally fun event. The event is an all day affair on November 21. The gates open at noon and the day ends at 8pm. There is a $10 per person fee to enter and the silent auction tables are open from noon until 5pm.

The proceeds raised at this event benefit the Florida Wild Mammal Association and, not only will there be a silent auction filled with amazing items and exciting musical acts, but the FWMA will make a presentation highlighting the kind of work they’re doing. FWMA is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing abandoned and ill wildlife into North Florida, and they love to share their mission with anyone interested in preserving and improving the planet.

Musical Guest and a Day of Excitement

Whether you’re an avid wildlife supporter or just looking for a fun-filled event, the Hearts Gone Wild Festival offers a fantastic day full of great live music. Browse the live auction tables to place your bids or spend the bulk of your time near the entertainment. Music starts at 12:30 pm and ends at 8 pm. There are plenty of opportunities to mingle with other festival goers and socialize with those around you while supporting a great cause.

Musical acts include Michael Clanahan, Master Chief Ralph Pelletier, Despair Knot (Dean Newman and friends), Boo Radley, Hot Tamale, Mimi Hearn and Ric Edmiston, Rick Ott Band (Rick Ott, Sammy Tedder, Stan Gramling, and Nils Mann).

About the FWMA

The Florida Wild Mammal Association is a non-profit organization committed to saving, rehabilitating and releasing injured wildlife into North Florida. Established in 1994, the FWMA is also dedicated to educating the public on wildlife issues to better improve the planet and the lives of these animals.

Looking for a Fun Night of Live Music and Auctions?

Come out to join the FWMA Hearts Gone Wild Music Festival on November 21st. You’ll have a great time and can feel good about supporting a worthy cause.

Get into the spooky spirit just before All Hallows Eve at the Black Lagoon Ball, hosted by the Lodge at Wakulla Springs! It’s the perfect time of year to get into the Halloween spirit, and what better way to celebrate than taking in a classic horror film and dancing until the spirits come out to play.

The ball begins at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 30th, and is planned to run until 11:00 PM. Admission to this haunting event is free, and you’re encouraged to come dressed in your scariest costume.

A Frightening Film Presentation

1954’s Creature from the Black Lagoon has remained one of cinema’s most beloved monster horror classics for decades. The film instantly resonated with audiences, thanks largely to the production design of the titular creature’s head and suit. Now, you have the chance to see this Halloween mainstay in 3-D, the way it was originally shot back in the 50’s. Also, portions of the film were shot right here in Wakulla Springs, so you never know when the creature might emerge from the water to terrorize humanity once again! You won’t find a more frightening way to celebrate Halloween weekend anywhere in the area.

Drinks, Dancing, & More Devilish Delights

The Black Lagoon Ball isn’t only about the movie, however. It’s the time to show off your Halloween costume and enjoy drink specials, live music, and dancing throughout the evening. You can even plan to come a little early and enjoy dinner at the Lodge before the ball begins (reservations are requested).

Get in on the Ghoulish Fun!

With free admission, a classic monster horror flick, and costumes and music galore, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend a haunting evening at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs on October 30th. Well, unless you’re worried about the Creature from the Black Lagoon crashing the party! For more details on the spookiest event of the year, check out our Facebook page, or call 1-850-421-2000.

There are few sights more invigorating than witnessing the migration of wild monarch butterflies, which is why the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge is once again organizing its annual Monarch Butterfly Festival! This year, the Monarch Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

The St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most cherished nature preserves in the country, and this exciting event is perfect for veteran wildlife seekers as well as families looking for an afternoon of casual fun. Guests only need to pay the Refuge entrance fee in order to attend, so don’t miss one of the most unique festivals in the country!

Nature

As you would expect from an institution as revered as the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge, there will be plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to learn about monarch butterflies and other wildlife. You can watch the butterflies be tagged as they continue their journey southward to warmer climates for the winter. Watching the brilliant orange butterflies take to the sky together is truly one of the most beautiful sights in nature, and every year the Monarch Butterfly Festival presents an opportunity to see them up close and personal. Additionally, many different exhibitors will be on hand with informational and educational presentations.

Food

You and your family can stay at the festival for its entirety, as picnic food will be available featuring Bradley’s sausage dogs and all-beef hot dogs. After lunch, you can even take an idyllic trip down one of the Refuge’s many scenic hiking trails.

Family Fun

The Monarch Butterfly Festival features many more exciting events that the whole family will enjoy! There will be special activities and craft projects set up especially for the kids, so they’ll always have fun and engaging ways to spend their time at the festival. Also, guests can embark on an exclusive, “behind the gates” tour of the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge contains one of the most diverse and interesting ecological habitats on the planet, so this tour is not to be missed! You’ll also have the ability to relax and enjoy live music throughout the festival, and no trip to the Refuge is complete without exploring the many wonders contained in the Nature Shop.

It’s time to once again get excited for the upcoming “Sharks and Chablis,” benefitting the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab and Aquarium! This year, the sixth annual installment of this incredible event will take place on Sunday, October 18 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Gulf Specimen in Panacea.

Tickets are just $45 for general admission ($35 for GSML members and schoolteachers), so order them today to contribute to a worthy initiative, and get ready for a day filled with marine life fun and education!

What will funds raised be contributing to?

For over 50 years, the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab has been dedicated to researching and protecting marine life, as well as providing resources to help others learn about the crucial role that the marine ecosystem plays in our environment. Each year, GSML uses the proceeds generated from its “Sharks and Chablis” annual fundraiser to support the organization’s myriad educational programs.

This year, the money raised will go towards the expansion of the laboratory’s sea turtle facilities. Rescuing and rehabilitating endangered sea turtles is one of GSML’s most important missions, and they plan to enhance this effort by installing a new filtration system built specifically for sea turtles, as well opening a brand new rehabilitation hospital for larger species of sea turtles. Your support is vital to helping GSML protect one of Florida’s most beloved and unique marine animals.

Who is this year’s headlining speaker?

“Sharks and Chablis” guests will have the honor of hearing Emmy-winning wildlife biologist Jim Fowler. Fowler may be best known as the veteran host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, and he has made many other TV appearances throughout his career to enthrall audiences with his tales of the animal kingdom. With Jim Fowler at the podium, guests are sure to be treated to thrilling stories and expert information from throughout his 50-plus year career.

What other events take place at “Sharks and Chablis?”

Some of the other activities that will be featured include:

• Silent Auction
• Live Sea Creatures
• Live Music from “Travelin’ Light,” “Tuesday Supper Club,” and the “Jerry Thigpen Trio”
• Interactive Educational Displays

Is there anything else I need to know about the event?

Each ticket includes a selection of hors d’oeuvres and a seafood dinner catered by local favorite, Posey’s Steam Room, as well as two drinks (beer and wine will be available). Additional drink tickets can be purchased at the event. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but there’s no need to wait! Order yours now, and you’ll get to enjoy a day of great food and fun while contributing to the protection of our region’s precious marine ecosystem.

Something exciting is starting up in Wakulla County! The County Airport will be hosting the 1st Annual Wings & Wheels Fly-In event on September 19th. From skydivers to free plane rides, classic cars to live music, this event has all the hallmarks of a huge success for the local community. It is a great place for people of all ages to have a great time. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting event:

The 10k-Foot View

What: 1st Annual Wings & Wheels Air & Car Show
Where: Wakulla County Airport
When: September 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Why: Because it’s Going to be Amazing!
Cost: Totally FREE
View the Official Facebook Event Page

The Ground View

Imagine spending your Saturday watching skydivers, eating shaved ice cream, listening to live music, and maybe go up for a ride in a Cessna 172! The Wakulla Wings and Wheels event is going to have a long list of local vendors and clubs showing off planes, classic cars, entertaining, and offering raffles – all for free.

There will be paper airplane contests, helicopters, and maybe even some sailplanes to check out. Park down near US98 and catch a free tram shuttle to the hanger in a horse-drawn replica of the panacea trolley!

Vendor List:

• Rockulla Music Store – Providing Live Music
• Capital City Investments
• Dottie Meadows – Providing Shaved Ice Cream
• Gift Vendors
• AirMethods Medical Transport Helicopters
• Local Fire Rescue
• Local Food & BBQ Vendors
• ROTC
• Gulf Specimen Marine Lab
• Posey’s Up The Creek
• Tallahassee Civil Air Patrol
• Tallahassee Helicopters
• Tallahassee Antique Car Club
• Rose City Soaring Society – Sailplanes
• Flying PAPI Hot Dogs
• Lively Tech Institute

So make plans to come out and see this new Wakulla tradition! People will be traveling around from near and far to be there, so if you can be there, it will be well worth your time. Hope to see you there!

ABC 27 WTXL-TV has partnered with the Wakulla County Historical Society to present Lari White and Friends Wakulla Homecoming: A Heritage Event featuring Lari White, Chuck Cannon, Bryan Edwards, Rick Ott, Lindsay Sparkman, and Jerry Evans on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium of Wakulla High School, 3237 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville, Florida. The concert is A From the Heart Studio Concert Production.

According to Murray McLaughlin, Vice President/Heritage Village Park, ABC 27 is the exclusive broadcast television partner for the concert. Local Sales Manager Derek Wright indicated a promotional schedule on WTXL and Bounce will begin April 6.

Concert tickets for $35/$30/$20 are available online at www.wakullahistory.org and through the Museum Gift Shop during business hours at 24 High Drive in Crawfordville. Telephone 850-926-1110 for information.

Lari White and Chuck Cannon are coming from Nashville to perform donating their time and talent for the event from which all proceeds will benefit Heritage Village Park. Lari has “deep roots in Wakulla County” as her father, Larry White, was born and raised here and graduated Sopchoppy High School. Her grandparents Cortez and Rosebud White lived in Medart. Rosebud was one of the siblings who lived for a time in the McLaughlin House. Lari’s mother, Yvonne, grew up in the small North Florida town of Vernon. Chuck Cannon has family roots in Jefferson County. “Chuck with Lari as headline performers is a huge contribution for a successful event,” said Rick Ott, Concert Producer.

Another Nashville star coming home to perform is Bryan Edwards who attended Crawfordville Elementary School in the mid-1980s when his parents, Rev. Clark and Donna Edwards pastored the United Methodist Church. Clark Edwards grew up in Lamont, Jefferson County, Florida. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing in the “suburbs” of Aucilla. Donna lived in Tallahassee and graduated from Leon High School.

Among Lari’s local friends are the heart and soul trio of Sopchoppy who often perform together—Rick Ott, Lindsay Sparkman and Jerry Evans. Commenting on his willingness to participate Jerry Evans mentioned a recent discovery of history unique to his family in South Florida saying, “We support the Historical Society’s effort to preserve hidden treasures to be found in our heritage.”

Heritage Village Park is to be a living history museum and activity venue located in northern Wakulla County. Comparable settings to illustrate goals for the Park include the five-acre Panhandle Pioneer Settlement in Blountstown, Florida and Historic Westville in Lumpkin, Georgia. There are seven homes and two schools in the Historical Society’s collection of “cracker houses” from the late 1800s and early 1900s to be preserved and restored. Progress is remarkable since 2012 when forty acres on Zion Hill Road was donated to the Historical Society for the park. On February 4, 2013 the Smith Creek school house was moved to the property. Lari White’s 1892 ancestral home, The John Archie and Annie Carraway McLaughlin House was moved from Medart to Zion Hill Road on September 10, 2014. Both buildings are temporarily staged and with anticipated grant funding beginning in July, the structures will be placed on engineered foundations with stabilization repairs. Proceeds from the benefit concert will be used to complete the surveying for Phase One, develop the pathways, install needed infrastructure, and storm water management plans. These things are needed before the public can begin to have access to the site.

Established levels of sponsorship to be recognized at the concert and published by the Historical Society are Heritage Champions $1,000; Heritage Keepers $500; Heritage Builders $250; and Heritage Friends $100. Monetary support should be directed to WCHS-HVP, Post Office Box 151, Crawfordville FL 32326.

View the event in the events calendar

Visitors will be able to watch the tagging process at our 26th annual Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2014, from 10 am – 4 pm.

Fall is in the air and so are the migrating monarch butterflies, making their 2,000 mile trip from the northern American boundary to the mountains of central Mexico. This amazing phenomenon passes through the Gulf coast of Florida beginning about the third week in October, and may be observed along the coast at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Unlike other animal migrations, each monarch butterfly is on its own. There is no parent to follow. Its annual journey is a complex, inherited behavior pattern, not a learned process. Migrating monarchs are usually those who hatch out in late summer. Monarchs have a 4-inch wingspan and weigh 1 gram (1/5 the weight of a penny). They travel with cold fronts, often at speeds of 10 – 30 mph, covering 80 miles a day. They may fly at 3,000 feet and higher and will “fall out” on the goldenrod and saltbush, blooming down at the St. Marks lighthouse, and feed hungrily for their long trip. This Saturday, the weather looks perfect to bring in loads of monarchs and visitors!

Volunteers have been tagging the St. Marks monarchs for many years, hoping a few would complete the trip to Mexico. Visitors will be able to watch the tagging process at our 26th annual Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2014, from 10 am – 4 pm. The event is filled with the wonder of folks of all ages charting their own “migration,” making butterfly crafts, talking with monarch butterfly researchers and other exhibitors, learning about landscaping to help all pollinators, munching on a Bradley’s sausage dog, watching tagged monarchs take flight, viewing wildlife on wagon tours and much more!

Join us to observe the miracle of migrating monarch butterflies in person. Everything is open to the public as space allows. There is no cost for any of the tours or programs; however, the regular entrance fee into the refuge will be charged. This year, we offer the triple play: Monarch Butterflies at the refuge; Stone Crabs and Ft. San Marcos State Park festivals in the town of St. Marks, all on Sat. Oct. 25! For more information about the monarch festival, please call 850-925-6121.

On Saturday,October 25, 2014, the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival will be held in the center of historic St. Marks

On Saturday,October 25, 2014, the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival will be held in the center of historic St. Marks (20 miles due south of Tallahassee). The annual event will feature a menu of stone crabs (of course) plus fresh local seafood, barbeque, hamburgers, hot dogs, a day of live music and entertainment (live bands will be appearing on the Florida Lottery Showvan), arts, crafts,and novelties. It will be a fun day that the entire family can enjoy and the event is free and open to the public. NO AMIMALS PERMITED. Event hours are 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

The stone crabs collected in the waters of the gulf near St. Marks are shipped all across the eastern United States from this small coastal fishing village. In fact, some of the finest restaurants in the country feature stone crabs harvested and shipped from St. Marks.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s festival will go to the St. Marks Waterfronts Florida Partnership and the St. Marks Volunteer Fire Department, two local organizations dedicated to the preservation and protection of the unique St. Marks area, and other non-profit service organizations.

St. Marks is located at the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the St.Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This year we have partnered with the St. Marks Monarch Festival at the refuge and the San Marcos de Apalache Fort Archaeology Day.

COME MAKE IT A DAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY