Upcoming Events and Entertainment 9-4

All area codes are 850 unless specified

Free trees

Join the Arbor Day Foundation in September and 10 free live oak trees. The trees will be shipped postpaid between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10, at the right time for planting. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.

Send a $10 membership contribution to Ten Live Oaks, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Sept. 30 or join online at www.arborday.org/september.

Topsail tours

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach will hold the following tours. A $6 park entrance fee is required, except for Breakfast with a Ranger. Outside tours are canceled during severe weather. For information, call 267-8330.

•Sept. 11: Ask the Rangers questions and read “Do You Know Where Sea Turtles Go” at 9 a.m. Bring $4, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, or bring your own breakfast.

•Sept. 18: An indoor interpretive on owls, ospreys, hawks and other hunters in the sky at 1:30 p.m.

•Sept. 25: Help keep our beaches clean and safe for both visitors and wildlife on International Coastal Clean-Up Day from 8 to 10 a.m. Supplies and a free T-shirt will be given to each participant. Call 267-1216 to pre-register. No park admission.

•Sept. 25: Emerald Coast Refuge presents Owls and other Critters at 11:30 a.m.

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. If interested, call 243-2879, 226-1700 or e-mail ecppesanddrums@cox.net.

Florida Trail Association

The Florida Trail Association will hold the following events. Visit http://westgate. floridatrail.org or call the listed number. 

•Sept. 11: Open House and short hikes beginning each hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center. Call 492-8258.

•Sept. 12: Canoe or kayak for a float trip on Coldwater Creek at 9 a.m. from hwy. 4 to Springhill Road. Call 484-9111.

•Sept 15: Hike in downtown Pensacola at 6 p.m. with dinner following. Call 207-7390. 

•Sept. 18: Canoe or kayak for a float trip on upper Yellow River in Alabama at 9 a.m. Call 682-6098. 

•Sept. 18: Five to six mile hike from Peaden Bridge to McVay Road at 8 a.m.  Call 484-0528 or 623-1646. 

•Sept. 21: Monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at Ed’s Hometown Seafood & Steaks in Niceville. Visitors welcome. Call 682-6098.

•Sept. 22: Hike in downtown Pensacola at 6 p.m. with dinner following. Call 207-7390. 

•Sept. 25: Canoe or kayak for a moonlight paddle trip on Boggy Bayou at 6:30 p.m. with dinner afterwards. Call 683-0803 or 850-729-0344. 

•Sept. 29: Hike in downtown Pensacola at 6 p.m. with dinner following. Call 207-7390.

Centennial Celebration
The Santa Rosa Beach Club will offer complimentary champagne and special centennial menu features at lunch and dinner for the entire month.  

A Centennial Steamboat Dinner, featuring an authentic menu from the Charles E. Cessna Steamboat, that transported future residents to the Santa Rosa Beach area from Mobile and Pensacola in 1910, will have seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. The price is $30 per person and includes dinner, a commemorative glass of champagne and entertainment by Bobby Van Deusen. Don some early 1900’s attire if you feel so inclined. Make reservations early, as seats are limited. 

Grit & Grace

Grit & Grace will present “A Box of Grace” at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 and 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs. Admission is $10/adults and $5/students. Tickets may be purchased at The Walton County Chamber of Commerce, Nook & Cranny Antique and Gift Shop and The DeFuniak Herald/Beach Breeze Newspaper in DeFuniak Springs; Miss Lucille's Gossip Parlor in Gulf Place; Sun Dogs in Seaside; Paxton City Hall in Paxton; or call 892-0872 or e-mail hinsonharmony@yahoo.com.

Songwriter’s Festival

The first Panama City Beach Songwriter’s Festival will be held Sept. 11. The festival will showcase live, original music performed by more than 20 top songwriters. The stages of Boatyard Restaurant, Breakers on the Beach, Schooners, and The Cantina will host concerts each evening followed by “one for the road” at Firefly. A special Saturday night jam session will take place at Aaron Bessant Park on Sept. 11 recognizing Wounded Warriors and their families as honored guests.

Florida Literacy Month

To celebrate Florida Literacy Month, entrance to all of Florida’s state parks will be free Sept. 11-12 for visitors who bring a library card, library book or who donate a new or gently used family book. Join park rangers from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 in the clubhouse at Topsail Hill State Park in Santa Rosa Beach for a reading of Paul Lowery's Do You Know Where Sea Turtles Go?

Car Show

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and the Destin Porsche Club will host the Fifth Annual Charity Car Show organized by the North Florida Region of the Porsche Club of America from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 11. More than 100 cars, including Porsches, Lamborghinis, Lotus, Ferraris and BMWs, will line the boulevard of the Town Center. Admission is free and will include live music from Cheryl Jones. Call 654-5929. To register your car, contact Scott Roberts at 850-974-6060 or scottandjan@cox.net.

Yard sale

The Point Washington United Methodist Church Women's Group will have a yard sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the church, 1290 N. Hwy. 395. Proceeds will go to the new garden. Anyone wanting to donate good useable items can bring them to church after 3 p.m. Sept. 9 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 10.

Food donations

Shelter House is collecting donations of unopened, canned and non-perishable food items that summer tourists may have left over after their stay on the Emerald Coast. Food donations will be used to feed the women and children who stay in the emergency shelter. Donations may be dropped off at 102 Buck Drive in Fort Walton Beach or 78 Lynn Drive in Santa Rosa Beach.

Model search

JLynn Photography will host a model search for people of all ages on Sept. 11 in Destin.

Call 770-335-8424 to schedule an appointment.

Book sale

The Friends of the Library will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 11 at the Walton County Fairgrounds. All proceeds go to help the DeFuniak Springs Library.

Junior Orchestra

The Junior Orchestra, a string ensemble of Northwest Florida State College, is open to young Okaloosa and Walton County string students (violin, viola, cello and string bass) in fourth through eighth grade who have at least two years of musical experience. The group meets from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday mornings. A registration fee for the semester is $125, payable at the first rehearsal Sept. 11. Call 651-4308.

Art in Public Places

The Walton County Tourist Development Council and Friends of Coastal Branch Library present Suzanne Story as the exhibitor for the September 2010 Art in Public Places at the Library.

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Open House

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center at Nokuse Plantation will host its first Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 11. The exhibit hall will be open, guided hikes will be available, scheduled films will be featured, and activities for all ages will be scheduled. Drop in or pack a lunch and stay a while. The public is welcome.

Picnic  

A special picnic honoring grandparents and active seniors will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 11 at Eden State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. The event, a joint effort of Belvedere Commons of Fort Walton Beach and Belvedere Commons of Panama City Beach, is being held in recognition of Grandparents Day, Sept. 12, and Aging Activity Week, Sept. 20-26.

The theme for the day is “Be active your way.” Music will be provided by guitarist Mike Staggs. Food will be available.

There is a $5 per person charge to attend the picnic. In addition, Eden State Park has an entry fee of $4 per car. According to the Florida State Park website, correct change is required and there is a limit of eight people per vehicle. The park is shaded with picnic areas, fishing piers, walking trails and bat rooms. The grounds are handicap friendly. RSVP at 243-7735 or 236-0510.

Wine and Cheese Seminar

Arbor Wealth Management, LLC will present a small group Wine and Cheese Seminar, “Managing Market Volatility in the Remainder of 2010”, at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Arbor Wealth Conference Room at Tops’l Commercial Center. Existing and expected headwinds and tailwinds likely to impact economic conditions during the remainder of 2010 will be discussed. Make reservations at 608-6121.

Computer training

The South Walton Computer & Technology Club will offer Microsoft Windows 7 computer training from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 14 and 28 at the Faith Assembly Christian Church in Miramar Beach. Training is free. All computer users are welcome. E-maiI sandcloud@embarqmail.com or call 586-0603.

Half Off Art Sale 

Moe than 25 local artists will sell original art and prints at half off the marked price at the City Arts Fifth Annual Half Off Art Sale from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at 318 Luverne Ave. in Panama City. Call 769-0608.

Via Colori

The 13th Annual Via Colori will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Town Center. All proceeds benefit Seaside Neighborhood School. Enjoy live music as artists paint on the streets. To participate, call 231-0396. Art supplies, lunch and goodies are provided for artists.

Day of Caring

United Way’s 17th Annual Day of Caring will be held Sept. 21. Breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the DeFuniak Springs Civic Center, 361 N. 10th St. To volunteer to make a difference in the community, call 243-0315 or e-mail events@unitedway.org.

Taste of Home Cooking School

A night of fun can be had at the Taste of Home Cooking School show at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at South Walton High School. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. During this interactive two-hour event, watch culinary expert Michelle Roberts demonstrate 10 new recipes, from a sweet and zesty Apricot Beef Stir Fry to Cookie Dough Truffles and more. A gift bag will include an assortment of products and coupons, including two Taste of Home magazines.

Tickets are $10 and will be available at the studios of WZEP AM 1460 Radio Station in DeFuniak Springs or on line at www.wzep1460.com or TasteofHome.com. Call 892-5130.

A Starry, Starry Night

SANDESTIN – Beachside seating, fine cuisine, wine and live entertainment can be found at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s adult-only “A Starry, Starry Night” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 24. Bring a beach blanket to view the movie on the beach.  Cost is $49/person. Portions of the proceeds benefit The Children’s Volunteer Health Network. For reservations, call 1-800-367-1271 or 267-9500.

BARE Necessities drive underway

BARE Necessities, a basic baby needs drive, is underway to collect basic items needed to care for infants and young toddlers. Non-nutritional items such as diapers, wipes, pacifiers, sippy cups, baby wash and lotions are some of the items needed. The drive takes place through Sept. 25. Donations can be dropped off at Army Aviation Federal Credit Union, BankTrust, First National Bank or People’s Bank or between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center. Collected items will be distributed to local families in need through the Kids’ Closet operated by First Presbyterian Church.

Community Yard Sale

The Seaside Community Yard Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Seaside Amphitheater. The largest yard sale in Walton County will have more than 100 vendors.

Download a registration form online at www.seasidefl.com/yardsaleregistration or request an application at 231-6107. 

WAM classes

Shelter House will offer WAM! (Women and Money!) Economic Empowerment classes from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 6, at JobsPlus, 171 North 9th St. in DeFuniak Springs. Participants will learn about credit, how to deal with creditors, loans, basic savings and checking accounts, and more. All classes are free and open to the public and may be joined after classes begin. Call 243-1201 or e-mail info@shelterhousenwfl.org to register.

Conference

Throgh a grant awarded by the March of Dimes, the Healthy Start Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties will host a free conference, Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 8 at Shalimar United Methodist Church, 1 Old Ferry Road in Shalimar. Light refreshments will be provided.  Registration is required at 833-9284 or visit www.healthystartokawalton.org.

Holly Days Craft Show

Good News United Methodist Church, 4747 U. S. 98, will host its Holly Days Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 9. Vendors are needed. Call 622-9191 or 699-6031.

Explore The Outdoors Festival

Walton Outdoors and the Walton County 4-H Program will hold Explore The Outdoors Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 9 at Camp Timpoochee 4-H Center. Outdoor activities are geared to introduce children and adults to the wonders of the outdoors. Activities will include kayaking, fishing, natural trail walks, YOLO boarding, archery, wildlife presentations, forest ecology, geo caching and nature based games.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be available. This event is free and open to the public, with donations accepted at the door.  Registration is required. Download the registration form at www.waltonoutdoors.com. Call 267-2064 or 892-8172 or e-mail info@waltonoutdoors.com.

Fifth Annual Camp Helen Park Ghost Walk and History Tour

Ghosts, spooks, pirates and witches will hang out at Camp Helen State Park from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9 for an adventuresome evening of continuous storytelling and historic re-enactment.

The Fifth Annual Ghost Walk and History Tour, hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen, is suitable for children. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Tickets are $5/adults and $3/children 12 and under.

Camp Helen State Park is at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway near the Walton/Bay County line. Call 215-4651 or e-mail lcherry@cdc-s.com.

Annual Arts and Craft fair

The Point Washington United Methodist Church Second Annual Art and Crafts Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16 in the new gymnasium. Booth rental is $35 and table rental is $10. All proceeds go to local mission outreach programs. Call 231-2706. Deadline for submission is Oct. 1.

Taste of THE Beach

Taste of THE Beach was founded in 2008 to highlight the area’s beaches, culture and restaurants, paired with unique wine events and a charity auction. Events for Taste of THE Beach 2010, which is sponsored by Southwest Airlines, include Taste of the Harbor at the Emerald Grande in Destin on Nov. 4; Taste of the Bay Wine & Food Experience at Pier Park in Panama City Beach on Nov. 5; Al Fresco Reserve Tasting in Ruskin Place in Seaside on Nov. 5; Martini & Culinary Creations with Chef Jon Ashton at the Emerald Grande in Destin on Nov. 5; Teluride MountainFilm Festival at WaterColor on Nov. 5 and 6; Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside on Nov. 6; Winemakers & Shakers Dinners on Nov. 6 at select restaurants across the Emerald Coast; and the Taste of THE Beach & Charity Auction at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa on Nov. 7.

Tickets are available online at www.tasteofthebeachfla.org or call 267-0683.

Blue Angels Air Show

The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will close the 2010 season at their annual Homecoming Air Show aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola Nov. 11-13. Prior to the Blue Angels F/A 18 Hornet performances, the Blues’ C-130 Hercules transport known as “Fat Albert” will perform short field take-off and low level passes. Civilian and military aircraft will perform aerobatics throughout the day with the gates opening at 8 a.m. and shows starting at 10 a.m. A night show will begin at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 as aircraft light up the sky with full afterburner and pyrotechnics.

Admission and parking for all shows is free. Areas will be reserved for the physically challenged. Food and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands. Call 452-3100, ext. 1534 and 1539.