Press Releases

Call for Artists for the 21st Riverwalk Arts Festival

NEWS RELEASE (September 26, 2008)

Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 604, Bagdad, FL 32530;  www.SantaRosaArts.org  or www.sracf.org

 

Media Contacts for Riverwalk Arts Festival (RAF):    

RAF Fine Arts & Festival Chairman:        Pat D’Asaro                 (850) 623-8493          

RAF Heritage Arts:                                   Jan Dempsey              (850) 623-3711          

RAF Ethnic Cultural Groups:                    Margie Baldwin           (850) 983-9601            margie_baldwin@bellsouth.net

 

Basic Details:                            

What:       Call for Artists for the 21^st Riverwalk Arts Festival

Where:     Historic Downtown Milton, FL at Riverwalk Park

When:      March 14-15^th, 2009    10:00am – 5:00pm (CST)

 

MILTON – The Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation, Inc. (SRACF) in its mission to vitalize, promote and enhance the arts and culture in our county announces its “First Call” to all artists, entertainers, performers, historic and ethnic cultural groups, vendors and volunteers who would like to participate in the 21^st Anniversary RIVERWALK ARTS FESTIVAL scheduled to be held on the weekend of March 14-15, 2009 along the banks of the Blackwater River in historic downtown Milton’s Riverwalk Park.  This event draws tens of thousands to the historic downtown Milton area for a weekend of delight that embraces the sights, sounds and aromas of an old time Festival in the best Southern tradition!

 

Milton, Florida, established in 1825 as a trading post on the banks of the Blackwater River was once the hub of a river-based economy producing bricks made from local clay, harvesting virgin yellow pine lumber and turpentine stores along with other lumber related industries including building ships and assorted products. Settlers came from many diverse cultural backgrounds to mingle with the remnants of the Native populations.

 

The 21th Anniversary RIVERWALK ARTS FESTIVAL will celebrate arts and culture heritage with spirit and flair on Sat. March 14th and Sun. March 15th, 2009 in downtown Milton’s Riverwalk Park. Artists, musician, dancers and story-tellers will gather to share their talents and you are cordially invited to join them! A juried Fine Art Show will feature classic categories competing for cash prizes, while the Traditional Folk Art Exhibits will offer demonstrations and sales of heritage art forms. We welcome history buffs to visit Civil War encampments and the Blackwater Pirates lair, as well as walking tours of local historic districts. The Milton 1909 L&N Depot Museum Complex, celebrating its 100^th anniversary, offers one of Northwest Florida’s finest collection of railroad artifacts and rolling stock, not to mention a model railroad Gift Shop – only minutes from downtown. 

 

Application forms are now available on our websites www.santarosaarts.org and www.sracf.org  (simply click on forms) or are available by calling (850) 623-8493, FAX (850) 623-4098. Space is limited so please pass this message on to friends and make a speedy response. In addition to visual art, we invite writers, musicians, dancers, actors, story-tellers and others to join us. If you are part of an historical or ethnic cultural group that would like to perform or exhibit, please let us know.  The “CONTACT US” page on the website is for your convenience and is checked daily.

 

The City of Milton, Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation and Navy League Santa Rosa County Council join in welcoming you to celebrate the 21^st  Annual Riverwalk Arts Festival, March 14th and 15th, 2009 in historic downtown Milton, Florida. 

 

Contact: Pat D’Asaro at (850) 623-8493 or Jan Dempsey at (850) 623-3711.

The mission of the Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation, Inc. is to vitalize and enrich the cultural arts in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

 

Respectfully submitted by,

 

Margie Baldwin

Public Relations/Publicity Chairman & Webmaster

Santa Rosa Arts & Culture Foundation

850-981-1100 (@ Office located in Dragonfly Gallery)

www.santarosaarts.org     or     www.sracf.org 

Click to Download Press Release

 

First Friday Fest

NEWS  RELEASE  (August 26, 2008)

Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 604, Bagdad, FL 32530;  www.SantaRosaArts.org  or www.sracf.org

 

Media Contacts:    

First Friday Fest Chairperson:             Serene Keiek            (850) 623-6245         pineapplecove@mchsi.com

 

 

Basic Details:    

                               

What:        First Friday Fest (a fun monthly downtown event)

Where:     Historic Downtown Milton

When:      First Friday of every month 5:00pm – 8:00pm (upcoming October 3^rd , 2008)

 

 

MILTON – The Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation, Inc. (SRACF) in the spirit of cooperation and in its mission to vitalize, promote and enhance the arts and culture in our county, supports and announces “First Friday Fest” offered in historic downtown Milton.  Businesses of downtown Main Street Milton will extend their hours of operation from 5-8pm with live entertainment, special displays or demonstrations by artists, inventory specials and general welcome of activity to the public. 

 

After the hustle and bustle of your work week, we turn up the music, light up the town, cruise in our classic cars all to bring you an opportunity to shop, dine and stroll in historic downtown Milton to experience it small town “working together charm”.  On a beautiful night, you may want to extend your stroll to our Veteran’s Memorial Park or enjoy a quiet romantic stroll along our beautiful Blackwater River boardwalk. 

 

Artists interested in future participation should contact First Friday Fest event chairman, Sarene Keiek at (850) 623-6245.       

 

You deserve a break, so bring the family and come join the fun to experience our distinct small town charm with all its unique offerings. Experience Milton come back to life with activities such as these monthly First Friday Fest! 

 

Respectfully submitted by,

 

Margie Baldwin

Public Relations/Publicity Chairman & Webmaster

Santa Rosa Arts & Culture Foundation

850-981-1100 (@ Office located in Dragonfly Gallery)

www.santarosaarts.org     or     www.sracf.org 

 

Click to Download Press Release

 

Milton Garden Club Indoor/Outdoor Fall Community Garage Sale

Click to Download Press Release

 

2008 Beaches to Woodlands Signature Tour Events

EVENT DETAILS:

EVENT……………...5th Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour
DATE……………….Each weekend in October 2008
LOCATION………...Venues located throughout Santa Rosa County
COST……………….Most venues are free; some have admission fees or options at additional costs

Media Contact: Romi White
850-623-2100 or BeachesWoodlands@aol.com


For immediate release

June 17, 2008
BEACHES TO WOODLANDS TOUR 2008

Santa Rosa County Showcases Diversity

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla.-- Visitors and locals will have the chance to discover the diversity of Santa Rosa County during the 5th Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour, which will be held each weekend during October 2008.

The self-guided tour showcases arts & culture, heritage, and nature-based venues along a route peppered with fun-filled festivals, seasonal foods, and adventurous activities from the sugar-white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico up through historic riverfront districts in Florida’s Canoe Capital and into vast farmlands surrounded by one of Florida’s largest state forests, Blackwater River State Forest.

A sampling of signature tour venues includes: the Jay Peanut Festival, Bagdad Village Front Porch Art Stroll, Munson Community Heritage Festival, Navarre Beach Fall Festival of Arts, and Historic Milton’s Ghost Walk.

To request a free Tour brochure featuring detailed venue information and maps, call 800.480.SAND (7263) or visit www.TheBeachesToWoodlandsTour.com.


SIGNATURE TOUR VENUES

*Check www.BeachesToWoodlands2008.com for venue additions, changes, and updates. Also, please note that the following listings are large-scale festivals which draw thousands of visitors or key venues unique to Santa Rosa County. There are many additional arts & culture, heritage, nature-based, and special events along the route, and we appreciate the participation of them all!

WEEKEND ONE – Oct. 4th & 5th

Jay Peanut Festival - Gabbert Farm, located at 3604 Pine Level Church Road in Jay

850-675-6823

Sat., Oct. 4th & Sun., Oct. 5th, 9 am – 6 pm

Huge farming festival attracting thousands to the small agricultural Town of Jay; features many vendors, hay rides, gospel singing and, of course, fresh peanut products.

Old Spanish Trail Sale - various sites along Highway 90 corridor

850-626-4492

Sat., Oct. 4th, from dawn until dusk

Antique treasure and bargain hunting at local antique stores, flea markets, and various sites along Highway 90!

Coastal Encounters Festival - Navarre Park, located at 8543 Navarre Parkway in Navarre

850-623-3868

Sat., Oct. 4th, 10 am – 3 pm

Family-oriented coastal awareness event includes lots of hands-on activities including: fishing, kayaking, fish painting, live marine life, games, arts & crafts, natural resource displays and more.

WEEKEND TWO – Oct. 11th & 12th

Munson Community Heritage Festival - Blackwater River State Forest in Munson

850-957-6140

Sat., Oct. 11th & Sun., Oct. 12th, 9 am – 5 pm

Held at scenic Krul Lake Recreation Area, this festival features heritage artisans, live bluegrass music, and living history exhibitions on old-time ways of life in the rural Florida panhandle; nearby Red Rock Masonic Lodge and Munson Community Volunteer Fire Department also provide festival activities.

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church’s Fall Festival - 6451 Park Avenue in Milton

850-623-3600

Oct. 10th-12th

Celebrate the Church’s 50th Anniversary with fair rides & games, international food vendors, entertainment, and arts & crafts abound at this fun-filled carnival.

Navarre Beach Fall Festival of the Arts – located at Navarre Beach Pier Parking Lot on Navarre Beach

800-480-SAND (7263) or www.gnbaa.org

Oct. 10th-12th

The Greater Navarre Beach Arts Association hosts arts & crafts vendors with food, kids activities, music, and entertainment.


WEEKEND THREE – Oct. 20th & 21st

Depot Day
L & N Depot - 5003 Henry St.
850-623-3645

Sat., Oct. 18th

Just across the railroad tracks from historic Bagdad Village, this open house features heritage artists, a kids train ride, and much more; concessions available.

Bagdad Village Arts Stroll
4612 Church St.
850-981-9117 www.BagdadVillage.org

Sat., Oct. 18th

Artists, crafters, food, music, museum tours, historical walking tours of village and cemetery.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Oktoberfest
4257 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
850-932-3263

Oct. 17-18th

Children’s games, bake sale, craft show, garage sale, silent auction, food & live music!

WEEKEND FOUR – Oct. 24th & 25th

($) The Zoo’s “Zoo Boo”
5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Tiger Point
850-932-2229
Sat., Oct. 25th, 9 am – 5 pm

Enjoy over 1400 animals and special family-friendly Halloween activities!

($) Historical Society’s “Ghost Walk”
Starts at Imogene Theatre, located at 6866 Caroline St. in Milton

850-626-9830

Fri., Oct. 24th & Sat., Oct. 25th, 6-10 p.m.

Local ghost tales come to life during the Santa Rosa Historical Society’s guided downtown tour. Additionally, Main Street Milton will also be hosting a haunted house just a short walk away.

Click to Download Press Release

 

2008 Beaches to Woodlands Antique Trail

EVENT……………..Old Spanish Trail Sale - a Beaches to Woodlands Tour venue
DATE……………….Saturday, October 4, 2008
TIMES………………Starting early and ending at sunset
LOCATION………...Various sites along Highway 90 corridor
COST……………….Free
LODGING………….Gulf-front rates starting at $99 per night
INFO………………..Call 800-480-SAND (7263) or www.TheBeachesToWoodlandsTour.com


July 16, 2008

BEACHES TO WOODLANDS TOUR 2008 – OLD SPANISH TRAIL SALE

Discover Antique Treasures on Fall Tour

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla.- - Discover treasures every weekend this October on the

5th Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour.

The self-guided journey highlighting Santa Rosa's arts & culture, heritage, and nature-based venues, also features the Old Spanish Trail Sale, an opportunity to treasure hunt at antique stores and flea markets along the Highway 90 corridor, starting early on October 4th, the first Saturday in October 2008.

In addition to the Old Spanish Trail Sale, antiquing enthusiasts can enjoy shopping each weekend at the many antiquing venues featured on the Tour. Out-of-area vendors & dealers are also encouraged to sign up to participate at no cost.

Bargain hunters will also enjoy great low seasonal rates, starting at $99 per night for Gulf-front accommodations on Navarre Beach. There also are a variety of wooded cabins and RV parks available.

"Local antique stores are excited to hold sales on this date to attract shoppers, and we encourage local and out-of-area businesses and vendors to contact us to participate at no cost" said Kim Macarthy, owner of Copper 'Possum Antiques in Milton and a Tour volunteer coordinating the event.

To request a free brochure featuring maps and detailed information covering all Tour

venues, call 800.480.SAND (7263) or www.TheBeachesToWoodlandsTour.com

HOLLEY

Miss Donna's & Co. Antiques and Auctions
3240 Hwy 87S
850-939-9040 or www.missdonnas.com
Wed-Sat 10am-5pm


MILTON

Copper 'Possum Antiques
7060 Hwy 90 E
850-626-4492
Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm Sun 12-5pm

Dempsey's Antiques
8771 Hickory Hammock Rd
850-623-3711
Daily 8am-5pm

Florabama Auction Services
6148 Old Bagdad Hwy
850-626-7173 or www.florabamaauctions.com
Auctions twice monthly!

Old Post Office Antiques
6821 Caroline Street Historic Downtown Milton
650-623-MAIL(6245)
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm

Southern Ladies
5243 Willing St Historic Downtown Milton
850-981-1322
Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm


TIGER POINT

Cameo Antique Mall
5608 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
850-934-3407
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm

Magnolia Antique Mall
4390 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
850-932-2992
Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 12-5pm

The Flea Market
5760 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
850-934-1971
Sat & Sun 9am - 5pm


PACE

Alyssa's Antique Depot: Two locations:
4636 Hwy90 & 4586 Chumuckla Hwy.
850-994-9114 & 850-994-9144
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10-6pm

Pea Ridge Flea Market
5185 Hwy 90
850-994-8056
Sat & Sun 8am-4pm

Tami's Flea Market
4029 Hwy 90
850-995-5003
Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm, Sat 10-5pm

Click to Download Press Release

 

2008 Beaches to Woodlands Art Venues

EVENT……………..5th Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour – art venues
DATES……………..Weekends in October 2008
LOCATION………...Various sites throughout Santa Rosa County
COST……………….Most venues are free
INFO………………..800-480-SAND (7263) or visit www.BeachesToWoodlands2008.com

For immediate release Media Contact: Romi White, Tour Coordinator

Aug. 22, 2008 850.623.2100 or BeachesWoodlands@aol.com

BEACHES TO WOODLANDS TOUR 2008

Art Abounds Along Scenic Routes

Santa Rosa County, FL – Art abounds each weekend this October during the 5th Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour, a self-guided journey highlighting Santa Rosa’s arts & culture, heritage, and nature-based venues along scenic routes from the sugar-white beaches up through historic riverfront districts and into vast farmlands surrounding Blackwater River State Forest.

Art-related venues on the Tour include but are not limited to: the Bagdad Village Art Stroll, Navarre Beach Fall Festival of the Arts, Dragonfly Art Gallery, and Gulf Coast Kiln Walk. Additionally, heritage artisans will be featured at several events including the Munson Community Heritage Festival and Depot Day.

“Local artists are excited at the opportunity to attract art enthusiasts to Santa Rosa County through this event, and in the past we have seen many new faces on the Tour, which not only helps promote the beauty and uniqueness of the area but also our work as artists,” said Brenda Stokes, artist and owner of Holley Hill Pottery and founder of Gulf Coast Kiln Walk,

To request a free brochure featuring detailed maps and information covering Tour venues, stop by any Visitor Center in Santa Rosa County, call 800-480-SAND (7263), or visit www.BeachesToWoodlands2008.com. Check website for additions, changes, and updates to venues.

Click to Download Press Release

 

2008 Beaches to Woodlands Heritage Release

Beaches to Woodlands Tour – Romi White, Tour Coordinator

850-623-2100 or beacheswoodlands@aol.com

Munson Community Heritage Festival – Ben Wolcott, Operations Administrator, Florida Division of Forestry at 850-957-6151 or wolcotb@doacs.st.fl.us

EVENT……………..Munson Community Heritage Festival - a Beaches to Woodlands Tour venue
DATE……………….Oct. 11-12, 2008
TIMES………………9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LOCATION………...Blackwater River State Forest
COST……………….Free
INFO………………..Call 800-480-SAND (7263) or www.TheBeachesToWoodlandsTour.com


For immediate release

August 4, 2008

BEACHES TO WOODLANDS TOUR 2008
Santa Rosa County Celebrates Rich Heritage

Santa Rosa County, FL – Step back in time and discover Santa Rosa County’s rich heritage each weekend this October during the 5th Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour. The self-guided journey highlights arts & culture, heritage, nature-based, and special events venues throughout the county and showcases local historical sites, including several on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Munson Community Heritage Festival, a signature venue on the Tour, will be hosted the second weekend of the tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11-12 at Blackwater River State Forest’s scenic Krul Lake Recreation Area. Nearby Red Rock Masonic Lodge and Munson Community Volunteer Fire Department also provide festival activities.

The event will feature more than 40 heritage artisans and living history exhibitions on old-time ways of life in the rural Florida panhandle, including operation of a water-powered grist mill, making cane syrup, cooking on a wood stove, moonshining, and milking a cow, plus forestry and wildlife exhibits and live old-time southern acoustic music.

“The big news this year is that a real old-time sawmill will be part of the event – as far as we know, this will be the only old-time mill anywhere around here where the public can actually observe the entire process of sawing logs into lumber,” said Ben Wolcott of the Florida Division of Forestry. “There is no admission charge to this great family event, but please do not bring pets.”

A sampling of other heritage venues on the Tour includes: Historic Milton’s Ghost Walk, “Legends & Lore of Bagdad Cemetery,” Gulf Coast Kiln Walk, Arcadia Mills Archeological Site and more.

To request a free Tour brochure featuring detailed venue information and maps, call 800.480.SAND (7263), stop by a Santa Rosa County Visitor Information Center, or visit www.TheBeachesToWoodlandsTour.com.

Click to Download Press Release

 

Panhandle Trace Hike

This spring, outdoor enthusiasts will gather to explore the natural beauty of Northwest Florida during an eight-day, hundred-mile hike that takes them from Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore to the Florida/Alabama state line in Blackwater River State Forest. 

Click to Download Press Release

 

Interactive trails map: Let your fingers do the walking- then your feet

Northwest Florida Unveils Online Interactive Trail Map.  Outdoor Enthusiasts Invited to Let Their Fingers Do the Walking.  

Click to Download Press Release