All area codes are 850 unless specified.
Walton County Coastal Branch Library will offer free coupon classes with Julie Kline of Coupon for Dummies from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 11 in the community room of the library. No registration is required. Call 267-2809.
The Destin United Methodist Women will host its Ninth Annual Chocolat’ Fare from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Atrium Room at the church. A variety of chocolate items for sale include cakes, pies, cookies, candy and more — all homemade. The group’s handmade jewelry will also be on sale.
Mike Kay, saltwater fish expert, will present a program on aquaculture and its influence on the conservation of coral reefs, at 11 a.m. Feb. 11 at the E.O. Wison Biophilia Center in Freeport. Standard admission rates apply. Call 835-1824.
Florida Trail Association
• Feb. 11: Eight-mile hike at 8 a.m. on Eglin near Crestview. Eglin recreation permit required. Call 683-0803.
- Call 492-8258 or 865-7075.
• Feb. 25: Annual awards banquet at 11:45 a.m. at Bear Lake in Santa Rosa County. Call 654-1172.
• Feb. 28: Monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at Ed’s Hometown Seafood & Steaks in Niceville. Call 654-1172.
SunQuest Cruises will host Valentine’s dinner cruises from 5:15 p.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 11 and 6:15-10 p.m. Feb. 14 aboard the Solaris. Cost is $150/couple and includes a 3-course meal, cruise and live entertainment. A full service bar and appetizers are available for purchase onboard. Casual cocktail dress, suit not required. Seating is limited. Make reservations at SunQuestCruises.com or call 650-2519.
Geana’s Art Gallery & Custom Framing, at City Market east of Bass Pro Shops on U.S. 98 in Destin, will host a date night, Hearts and Art, from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 14. Spend the evening with your loved one and paint a canvas together and share wine and refreshments. Reservations required at 650-0779. Cost is $50/person and includes supplies.
The Walton County Health Department and the University of Florida IFAS Extension are working together to offer interactive and tasty cooking demonstration classes from 6-7 p.m. at the Walton County Extension office, 732 N.9th St. in DeFuniak Springs. The cost is $5 per class or $20 for the series. Pre-registration required at 892-8172.
• Feb. 14: Sizzling Stir Fry
• March 13: Super-Packed Salads
• April 10: Quick and Easy Casserole
• May 8: Mexican Fiesta
• June 12: Perfect Pizza Party
Walton County Coastal Branch Library will host published author Budh-Aditya Roy for a book signing from 9-11 a.m. Feb. 15. He will be available for an open discussion session with titles of his books on hand. His latest is “A Bend in the River of Life”. Call 267-2809.
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
The 2011-12 season at Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville includes the following. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Call 729-6000 or visit the Box Office between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday for ticket information.
• Feb. 15; Brigadoon
• Feb. 24: Monty Python’s Spamalot
• March 10: Andy Gross
• May 10: Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein.
The John Horton Senior Center, 194 County Hwy. 393, will offer Tai Chi exercise classes taught by an instructor for Seniors at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 15, 22 and 29. Tai Chi is designed for seniors regardless of physical capabilities. Senior Center hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 622-0917.
Walton County Coastal Library Winter “Prime Time Programs” will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesdays until March 7. Call 267-2809.
• Feb. 15: ACT4 Murder presents “The Mystery of ACT4 Murder: 10 Years and Counting of Killer Success!”
• Feb. 22: Attorney J. Mark Fisher
• Feb. 29: Novelist, Barbara Nowell
• March 7: Margaret Rogers, weaver
Duncan Baird and Cetin Oguz, two Cleveland, Miss.-based artists bring a decidedly contemporary two-man show to the McIlroy Gallery at Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville through Feb. 17.
In the Holzhauer Gallery, Elizabeth Austin will display her cassetinas, Italian for “little boxes.” These small-scale works, some of which display Austin’s signature style of reverse painting evoke magical, otherworldly scenes, and have often been compared to jewel boxes or reliquaries.
Classical Connections
Presented by Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Rosemary Beach Foundation and The Merchants of Rosemary, Classical Connections features Grammy Award winning Parker Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 and 18 at the Rosemary Beach Town Hall. Tickets are $35 and available at sinfoniagulfcoast.com or call 269-7129.
The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra 2011-12 concert season includes the following. Call 729-6000 for ticket information.
• Feb. 17: Annual Stars of Tomorrow, with guest artists from some of the finest young talent the area has to offer as well as the orchestra’s tribute to the Old West in a performance of Copland’s Billy the Kid.
• April 28: Season finale will feature three giants of classical music, Franz Josef Haydn and his two most talented students, Mozart and Beethoven.
The Florida Chautauqua presents their production of “Steel Magnolias” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, 18, 24 and 25 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26 at the Florida Chautauqua Theatre. Tickets are $15 for general admission/ $12 for seniors and students. Call 892-9494 for tickets.
Gulf Place Mardi Gras
The First Gulf Place Mardi Gras Street Party begins at noon Feb. 18 in the street at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach. There will be food, drinks, beads, costumes, parades, face painting, arts and crafts, and live New Orleans music, beginning at 2 p.m. The Barkus Pet Parade begins at noon, followed by a Bike and Golf Cart Parade and costume contest. To participate, call 622-0400, email or pick up application at Artists at Gulf Place, Restaurant Fire, or Furry Fanatics.
The Friends of the Coastal Branch Library will host a used book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Library, 437 Greenway Trail. Most hardback books will sell for $1 with some specialty or large coffee table books up to $5. Paperback books are 50 cents. To donate books, take them to the Library before Feb. 17. Members of the Friends are invited for a preview or presale from 3-5 p.m. Feb. 17.
The Freeport Relay for Life will host a spaghetti dinner and bingo night from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Freeport Community Center. The dinner is $7. Carry out meals available. Bingo players can purchase cards for $1 each in order to play for a variety of prizes. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Call 259-8871.
The Delta Delta Delta Alumnae of the Emerald Coast will meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at Sandestin Beach Club. For reservations, gate code and directions, call 654-5008 or email .
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society
Take a birding and photography walk Feb. 18 with Walt Spence on the nature trails of the E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center at Nokuse Plantation near Freeport. Meet at the Bluewater Bay Winn-Dixie at 7 a.m.; Freeport City Hall at 7:30 a.m.; or at the Biophilia Center at 8 a.m. Call 678-3965.
Sandestin Gumbo Festival
The 23rd annual Sandestin Gumbo Cook-off will be held Feb. 18-19 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf and includes fun, food and live entertainment. Guests can sample gumbo and Bloody Marys, voting for their favorite as People’s Choice. Celebrity judges will hold blind judging contests for the “Area’s Best” awards for gumbo. The award for Best Display, which goes to the business or restaurant with the most innovative booth, will also be announced.
Sean Dietrich and his group play Wednesday nights at Christiano’s Ristorante on U.S. 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. Call 267-2185.
Singer/guitarist Bill Evett performs from 7-11 p.m. Fridays at Marie’s Bistro on 30A in Blue Mountain Beach. DJ Vladi begins DJ-ing dance music and fun at 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; Karaoke takes center stage on Wednesdays; Kelsey Ann performs Thursdays; and Danice Lowery on Tuesdays.
Storytelling workshop
Coastal Library Storytelling Workshops will be held at 4 p.m. every Monday in the community room for elementary age children grades 3 and up. Storyteller Susie Arnold will present the art of storytelling with puppets and props inviting young people to “tell” stories. Call 267-2809 or email for more information.
Thursday thread therapy
Needlers, knitters, crocheters and others come for free therapy from 4-6 p.m. Thursdays on the porch at Yards N Yarn, 3770 Co. Hwy. 3280 in Freeport. Call 880-6404.
Seaside Farmers Market
Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings during Market on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Amphitheatre behind Raw & Juicy. Enjoy special cooking demos and activities.
Emerald Coast Pipes & Drums
All performing and student bagpipers, former and current marching band snare, tenor, and bass drummers are welcome to join the Emerald Coast Pipes & Drums in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa Counties. The group meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at First United Methodist Church in Niceville, 214 Partin Drive, for beginner bagpiping classes and 6:30 p.m. for rehearsals for performing players. Email or call 243-2879.
The Chautauqua Amateur Radio Club of DeFuniak Springs/Walton County meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month at McLean’s Restaurant near I10 and 331 South. This club welcomes new and old Ham Radio operators. There are no business meetings on these Tuesdays. We have classes and a great time together. Call 892-2562 or email .
Rotary Club of South Walton
The Rotary Club of South Walton meets for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. each Thursday morning at the Embassy Suites, Scenic Hwy. 98 in Miramar Beach. Visiting Rotarians and their guests are welcome. Call 267-2929.
Herman Lodge #108 Free and Accepted Masons will meet at 7 p.m. first and third Tuesdays of each month on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.
The Order of the Eastern Star #281 meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays of each month at Herman Lodge on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.
Pianist Hilda McDonald plays mellow melodies at 6 p.m. Fridays at Christiano’s in Santa Rosa Beach.
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through May 31. Admission is $5/person, $2/children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
A Society of Human Resource Management Chapter in Walton County will meet at 8 a.m. the first Thursday of the month at TJ’s Table in Freeport. The group is open to all individuals involved in any aspect of human resources. Email or call 892-8668, ext. 215.
JobsPlus Mobile stops
Stops for the JobsPlus One-Stop Centers will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Freeport City Hall; from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the fourth Wednesday at Silver Sands Outlet; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the fourth Thursday at the South Walton Library. Jobseekers will be able to register in the EmployFlorida Marketplace database enabling them to search and apply for open positions and apply for unemployment compensation.
The Town Planters of Freeport will meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Blount House on Kylea Laird Road. Call 835-5611.
The Modern Bridal Expo will be held from 12:30-4 p.m. Feb. 19 at Sandestin’s Baytowne Conference Center, giving brides the opportunity to experience a day full of designer wedding trend ideas, vendors and destination wedding experts.
Mardi Gras Dog Parade
The ninth annual Mardi Gras dog parade will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at Baytowne Wharf. This year’s theme is Cruisin’ Canines: Fetch a Wave! The streets will be filled with costumed dogs, themed convertibles, small floats (especially pulled by masters), golf carts, bicycles, and decorated wagons and Mardi Gras music will fill the air. Proceeds from this event will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge.
Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade
“Laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) with the 10th annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 rolling through Sandestin. Unique and colorful floats, golf carts, and pick-up trucks roll down the streets and marchers dressed up in all their Mardi Gras best shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies, and other trinkets.
The post-parade celebration continues into the night with street performers, “throws” tossed from balconies on Main Street, and parties at various Baytowne establishments.
Shirley Simpson performs on stage as Gracie Allen at 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Sandestin Hilton Coral Ballroom. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the benefit performance for Billy Gray Ministries. Call 502-548-5311 or 582-4986.
The Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties and its JobsPlus One-Stop Career Centers will host the 2012 Spring Seasonal Hiring Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. The job fair is free and individuals from students to seniors are invited.
Shelter House presents the Carrabba’s Italian Grill Cooking Class from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at Carrabba’s in Silver Sands Factory Stores. The $40 registration includes a glass of wine and recipes to take home. Seating is limited. Call 243-1201.
The16th Annual Taste of the Bayou and Charity Auction, sponsored by Okaloosa-Walton Child Care Services, will be held from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 24 at St. Mary Church in Fort Walton Beach. The event features local restaurants presenting samples of their delicacies. The silent charity auction features a trip to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, autographed sports memorabilia, resort vacation getaways, golf packages, fishing trips, Disney World tickets and more. Advance tickets are $12/adults and $5/children 5-10. Call 833-9330, ext.202, for purchase locations. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Miss Freeport pageants
The Town Planters Society of Freeport will host the Miss Florida 2012 Pageants at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Freeport High School Auditorium. Signs up from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 21 and 28 at The Blount House, Kylea Laird Dr. Age groups are K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 16-21. Miss Freeport 2012 receives a $1,000 scholarship to school of her choice. All others will a savings bond. Call 835-5200 or 830-2389.
The 18th annual WZEP Taste of Home Cooking School will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Walton High School auditorium. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Culinary expert Michelle Roberts will demonstrate new recipes, and gift bags include an assortment of products and coupons including a cookbook with the show’s recipes. Attendees should bring non-perishable items for the Matrix Outreach Center in DeFuniak Springs. Tickets are $10 and available at WZEP AM 1460 Radio in DeFuniak Springs, or on-line at wzep1460.com. Call 892-3158.
IHOP invites guests to enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s signature buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 28. In return, guests are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to support the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital or another local charity.
Music in Pictures, a free educational art exhibit, will be held through Feb. 28 at The Hidden Lantern Gallery and Amavida in Rosemary Beach, Wells Fargo Redfish Village. More than 900 students from 13 Walton County schools listened to and visually interpreted works by 20th century American composer Aaron Copland.
MARCH 2012
Wine, Women & Shoes
A weekend of Wine, Women & Shoes to raise funds in support of local PBS television station, WSRE, will be held locally March 2-4. Wine lovers, men and women, will meet some of the country’s top winemakers, savor dinners prepared by top chefs, bid on auction packages and shop the latest trends in a designer marketplace.
• March 2: Patron Dinners featuring world-class wines and a private chef, all held in Destin residences. Tickets are $250 per person.
• March 3: The Fourth Annual WSRE “Recipe for Success” Wine Dinner and Live Auction complete with wine stroll, gourmet dinner and a live at the Emerald Grande Ballroom. Tickets are $150 per person.
• March 4: Wine, Women & Shoes Signature Event at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Magnolia Ballroom. Enjoy a wine tasting, shopping market of designer shoes and accessories, a silent auction and a fashion show. Tickets are $65 each.
To purchase tickets, visit wsre.org/WineWomenShoes or call 484-1054.
Saint Agatha’s Episcopal Church, 150 Circle Dr. in DeFuniak Springs, will host a breakfast, Cooked To Order, from 7-11 a.m. March 3, April 7 and May 5. Cost is $4.50 adults and $2.50 children under 10. Proceeds benefit the building and grounds fund.
The 30A Wine Festival is a two-day event in Alys Beach March 3 and 4, featuring seminars, a wine symposium, and tastings along with food pairings from local restaurants, live music and dancing. Tickets are $300 and include entrance to all events throughout the weekend. Funds will be used for on-going operating funds to sustain the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. To purchase tickets call 622-3200 or visit 30awinefestival.com
America’s Boating Course
A 5-week public boating course, America’s Boating Course 3, will be conducted from 6:30-9 p.m. on Monday nights beginning March 5 at the Anchorage building, 404 Green Acres Road in Fort Walton Beach. Tuition is free, with a $45 charge for materials.
The course covers safe boat handling, good seamanship, rules of the road, aids to navigation and piloting, tips about local waters, and more. Call 863-0874.
Wednesday Night Concert Series
The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents a free concert from 6-8 p.m. March 7 in the Events Plaza. Call 267-8186.
Nicole Paloma will offer new sessions of free sewing classes for beginners or pros from 9-11 a.m. March 9. Bring your stylish self, sewing machine and a project you are working on. The store is in the Shops of Grayton, 26 Logan Lane in Santa Rosa Beach.
Antique & Vintage Car Show
The 11th Annual Rt. 30A Antique & Vintage Car Show, sponsored by Hilltop Productions, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24 on the lawns of Rosemary Beach. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on North Barrett Square for any car 30 years and older. Awards will be presented in various categories. Entry fee is $20/advance and $25/day of event. Proceeds benefit various charities on the Florida Emerald Coast. There will be entertainment, gift bags for participants, commemorative posters, and demonstrations. Call 951-2148.
APRIL 2012
Northwest Florida Ballet’s 2011-2012 season serves up three major productions at the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center, including an epic romance, a beloved favorite, special new guest artists and a touch of magic. Call 664-7787 for ticket information.
• Romeo and Juliet: 7:30 p.m. March 30 and 2:30 p.m. April 1.
• Starlight Ballet: June in Rosemary Beach.
MAY 2012
Country music performer Darius Rucker will headline a charity concert at 7 p.m. May 13 on the North Park lawn at the Grand Boulevard at Sandestin as an exciting finale to the inaugural ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. General admission tickets go on sale Dec. 1 at AnnikaandFriends.com.
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