Ninth Annual Back to Nature Festival in October

With summer winding down, the South Walton Community Council wants you to find your way “Back to Nature” this October.

“The South Walton Community Council hosts the festival to inspire people to join us in our mission to preserve and protect the extraordinary natural resources of our area,” said Chandra Hartman, program chair of this year’s event. “Our diversity extends far beyond the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico to include the Choctawhatchee River and Bay, several rare coastal dune lakes, a state forest full of trails, and four unique state parks.” 

 During the weekend, there will be a variety of programs offered, allowing participants to experience the many unique natural aspects of Beaches of South Walton. From learning to YOLO to mountain bike trail rides to excursions, which will excite and inform, these programs will be the perfect way for individuals to get in touch with what this area has to offer. There will also be opportunities for participants to track animals and relaxing walks through places like historic Point Washington. Each event is led by local experts who guide participants and help them understand the ecology and special features of local natural and historic areas.

The Ninth Annual Back to Nature Festival will kick off Oct. 15 with an opening night party at Bud & Alley’s, with events continuing throughout the weekend including Oct. 16 when the SWCC will feature Family Fun Day in the Seaside Amphitheater. This central location will be the site of a fun filled day of family activities including kid-friendly workshops, demonstrations, informational booths, live music, films, and events.

Lee Wilcox, president of the SWCC, said, “I got involved in the SWCC because it is the only non-profit in South Walton that really focuses on our unique natural environment. Since getting involved, I've also come to learn how important our work is in assisting the County in promoting environmentally sensitive development."

This year, the SWCC will team up with local event planning company, Poor Truman Creative. 

“I’m really excited to be working with such an underrated and vital organization,” said Kevin Boyle. “They deserve to be recognized for all the work they do to protect our beautiful surroundings. And to be working with Seaside Event Producer Adam Shiland along with having the support of The Merchants of Seaside, I’m expecting this to be a great event.”

For more information on the Back to Nature Festival, including event registration, visit www.southwaltoncc.org or call 850-314-3749. Also, visit the festival’s page on Facebook for up to date information. The Back to Nature Festival is part of Autumn Tides, a series of fall events held in Beaches of South Walton.