Upcoming Events and Entertainment 3-5

All area codes are 850 unless specified.

Cooking demo

Sinfonia's bravo! will host chefs from 11:3 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12 at Carrabba's Italian Grill at Silver Sands Factory Stores to create signature Carrabba’s recipes. After the demonstration, lunch will be served. Tickets are $40/person and include all food and one complimentary glass of wine. To purchase tickets visit www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or call 269-7129.

The Princess & Pirate Ball

Shelter House will host The Princess & Pirate Ball from 5 to 8 p.m. March 12 at Linkside Center at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, treasure hunts, character pictures and costumer contests for the children. Tickets for a family of four are $99; adults are $50; and children are $20. Tickets will be an extra $10 at the door. Call 243-1201.

Cookout

Freeport Fire Rescue will hold a cookout from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12 at Food Depot. BBQ plates and hamburers available. Call 835-2192. All monies raised go to the Fireman’s Heart Firefighters.

Florida Trail Association

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

•March 12: A 3-mile Kids Hike on Eglin at 9 a.m. Call 683-0803.

•March 19: Volunteers needed for trail maintenance on Eglin at 8 a.m. Call 492-8258.

•March 19: Bring your canoe or kayak for a float trip on Blackwater River at 8:30 a.m. Call 484-9111.
•March 22: Monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at Ed’s Hometown Seafood & Steaks in Niceville. Visitors welcome. Call 546-1172.
•March 26: A 3, 6 or 8-mile hike on Eglin in the Cimarron section at 8 a.m. Eglin recreation permit required. Call 682-6098.

•March 26: A 3 to 4-mile hike in Blackwater Forest at 9 a.m. Call 484-0528.

St. Patrick’s Parade

The Fourth Annual 30-A St. Patrick's Parade begins at 3 p.m. March 12 on Scenic 300-A near Gulf Trace. The parade heads west, ending at Gulf Place. point. After the parade, face painting, Irish dancers, music and entertainment will take place from 4 to 6 p.m.

Wild Game Dinner

Point Washington United Methodist Church, 1290 N. County Hwy. 395 in Santa Rosa Beach, will host a Wild Game Dinner at 6 p.m. March 12. Cost is $20. Call 231-4928 or e-mail ptumc@embarqmail.com. 

History Fair

Walton County Heritage Association will host its next Walton County History Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 12 at 1140 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs. All organizations and individuals who have a history in Walton County are invited to participate. For information on exhibiting, call 951-2127. All exhibitors will receive two admission passes. The application form is also available at www.WaltonCountyHeritage.org.

Snowbird Sock Hop
The Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a Snowbird Appreciation Sock Hop from 6 to 10 p.m. March 13 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Dress in 50’s attire and participate in the costume contest. Tickets, $7.50/advance and $10/door, are on sell at the Convention Center and includes light refreshments, an entry to win door prizes, and a bag full of goodies and coupons. Visit www.EmeraldCoastFl.com or call 609-3800.  

Financial Matters seminar

Mainstay Financial Group will present a free seminar on “Outsmarting Investment Fraud” at 10 a.m. March 14 in the Suite 3 Resource Center conference room at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. This seminar is part of the monthly series of free education programs sponsored by Sacred Heart “Senior Spirit,” a free program for persons 55 and older. To register, call 278-3600.

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance of Northwest Florida State College annual meeting and installation of advisory committee members will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 onboard the Solaris at Baytowne Marina, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Board at 5 p.m. There is no cost, and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Cash bar available. Dress: Business casual. RSVP by March 7 at CBA@nwfsc.edu or 200-4160.

Pilates & props on the Beach

Pilates by the Sea will host a Pilates and props class every Saturday at 8.30 a.m. at Ed Walline Beach. Enjoy class and make a small donation to support those in the fight against cancer. Call 585-7324 or e-mail pilatesbythesea@gmail.com for more information.

Children’s Summer Fun Guidebook

The United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is gathering information on children’s summer programs for the “2010 Children’s Summer Fun Guidebook,” designed to help parents find safe, fun and educational daytime summer activities for children. Programs offered must be for youth ages 4 through 18 and held during June, July and August. If your agency/business offers such summer programs, send a general description of the programs to have listed including dates, times, cost and any items the children may need to bring. Reminder that this year schools are out earlier, Okaloosa Schools on May 19 and Walton County on May 26.

Send information to United Way, Attn: 2010 Summer Fun Guidebook, by mail: 112 Tupelo Avenue, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; fax: 243-6625 or e-mail events@united-way.org.  Deadline is March 18. The Guidebook will be available April 15. Call 243-0315 to request a copy or download it at www.united-way.org.

Tax help

Free tax preparation for those whose incomes are $50,000 or less will be available at Northwest Florida State College Chautauqua Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. JobsPlus and Northwest Florida State College in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, will have appointments available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays in DeFuniak Springs. Bring valid photo identifications and Social Security cards, 2009 tax return if available, W-2 forms, and Forms 1099 and other income and expenses if necessary. Call 850-892-8668, ext. 215 or e-mail waltonfreetaxprep@gmail.com.

Workshops
Artists at Gulf Place, corner of 393 and 30-A in Santa Rosa Beach, will hold a jewelry workshop between 2 and 4 p.m. every Thursday through April 16. A tie dye workshop will be held between 2 and 5 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through April 31 and recycled art workshops will take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. every Saturday through April 16. Call 622-0400.

Wednesday Night Concert Series

The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents the Wednesday Night Concert Series from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Events Plaza. Call 267-8186. Scheduled performers include:

•March 16: Stephen Simmons

•March 23: Roman Street

•March 30: Victor Wainwright & the Wild Roots Band

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.

Local discount

The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will have a 15 percent discount for Okaloosa and Walton County residents with valid ID during Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Sandcastles restaurant. Guests will enjoy live jazz piano entertainment, and adults 21 years of age or older will receive one complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne with each adult brunch purchased. The Sunday Brunch is $19.95/adult and $9.95/child ages 7-12. Children under 6 are complimentary with paid adult. Reservations recommended at 267-9500, ext. 43.

Amateur Radio Club

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 e-mail kj4jah@arrl.net.

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

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.

Eastern Star

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.

New SHRM Chapter

A new 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 currently seeking new members and is open to all individuals involved in any aspect of human resources. E-mail rpazik@jobsplus02.com or call 892-8668, ext. 215. 

Spring Fling Family Fun Night

Get ready for giant games, like Pick-Up Sticks, Dominos, Word-UP, Twist and lots of family fun from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 15, 22 and April 5, 12 on the Western Green in Rosemary Beach. Sign up for the Guitar Hero competition from 7 to 9 p.m. at Town Hall.

Cooking school

Culinary expert Michelle Roberts will demonstrate 10 new recipes during the 17th Annual WZEP Taste of Home Cooking School show at 6:30 p.m. March 15 at Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs. Doors open at 4:30. Tickets are $10 and include a gift bag. Tickets are available at WZEP radio station in DeFuniak Springs, by mail or online at www.wzep1460.com.

Republican Women

The Walton Republican Women Federated will meet March 16 at Carrabba's Italian Grill inside Silver Sands Outlet Mall. The guest speaker will be retired USAR Colonel Mike McCalister. Cost is $18/members and $20/guests.  Make reservations by noon March 15 at 837-5321.  Reservations must be made by noon on the 15th. 

Spring Concert Series

Seaside presents free concerts at 6 p.m. in the Amphitheater in Central Square on Scenic Hwy. 30-A. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Call 428-0825.

Performers include:

•March 16: Jacob Jeffries

•March 23: Elise Davis

•March 30: Matthew Mayfield

•April 6: Heritage

•April 13: Josh Hoge

St. Paddy's Day Delight
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with entertainment and merchant specials March 17 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Concerts

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a night of free live music from 6 to 8 p.m. on North Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach. Scheduled performers include:
•March 17: Michael Warren Band
•March 24: Ryan Kinder Band
•April 7: The Shadowboxers
•April 14: Mile Marker 7
•April 21: TBD
•April 28: Sam Thacker Band

Florida: Then and Now lecture series

Dr. Fritz Davis, professor of history at FSU, will speak at 7 p.m. March 17 at the Niceville Community Center. He will discuss “Archie Carr: The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles” which tells the story of Archie Carr who was the world’s authority on the ecology, migrations and conservation of sea turtles. Davis will offer information about the oil spill’s short-term and lasting effects on the Gulf’s sea turtles. For information, call 678-5484 or e-mail pamsmith2@cox.net.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

Sinfonia Gulf Coast will commemorate its fifth anniversary with a season of concerts, an exhibition of fine art, social events and a talented headlining guest artist. For more information, to purchase season tickets or to learn more about Sinfonia’s Fifth, visit www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or call 269-7129.

Events and concerts include:

•March 17: St. Paddy’s Pops will feature the orchestra and the return of Irish instrumental ensemble Mithril. The event will be hosted at the Emerald Coast Conference Center complete with pre-concert St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

•April 16: “Beethoven and Botox” is a much-anticipated event to be held at Rolland’s Beauty Bar and Art Gallery in Seaside, with special guest Dr. James Patrinely.

•May 21: The first “bravo! beat 5K” run at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

•May 29: Sinfonia returns to Alys Beach for Sinfonia Goes Pops Under the Palms. This free community concert will feature light classics, Broadway show tunes and patriotic selections with a fireworks finale.

Job fair

The Workforce Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties and its JobsPlus One-Stop Career Centers will host the Walton County Resource & Hiring Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center. The fair is free and individuals from students to seniors are invited to attend and meet with employers hiring for permanent, part-time and seasonal openings. Job seekers are encouraged to bring resumes and dress for success to increase their chances of being hired. 

The 2011 Seasonal Hiring Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.

Meditation society
The Emerald Coast Meditation Society will hold a day of silent meditation and quiet activities from 6:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. March 19 at the Coastal Branch Library in Santa Rosa Beach to commemorate the equinox that takes place March 20. 
The day will include eight 30-minute meditation periods interspersed with breakfast, lunch, tea, outdoor walks, yoga and other related breaks. Participants need not stay all day. The retreat is free. To sign up e-mail nancyjames@embarqmail.com or call 231-1498 by March 17.

Cattle Barons’ Ball

The Emerald Coast Cattle Barons’ Ball will be held at 6 p.m. March 19 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This western-themed evening features dinner, dancing, a silent auction and entertainment by The Modern Eldorados to benefit the American Cancer Society. Cost is $5,000/Baron table for 10; $2,000/Rancher table for 10; $150/individual ticket. Call 376-1551 or e-mail KayPhelan@earthlink.net.

Elise Davis

Twenty-two year old Elise Davis is touring with her band and will make the following appearances:

•March 20: Harry T’s in Destin, 9 p.m.

•March 22: Sundog Records in Seaside in-store performance at 3 p.m.

•March 23: Seaside Spring Concert Series, 6 p.m.

•March 26: Harbor Docks in Destin, 9 p.m.

Seaside Rep

Seaside Repertory Theatre recently announced a season packed with good ole gals, gripping drama and holiday charm.

For the Mainstage Season, subscription prices are $100 for all five shows. Single tickets will go on-sale approximately six to eight weeks prior to each performance opening. Shows for the Summer Repertory season are free.

Mainstage Season

•Honky Tonk Angels: March 24-April 16, $30.

•Matt & Ben: April 21-30 at 7:30 p.m. $25.

•Around the World in 80 Days: June 16-July 30 at 7:30 p.m. $25.

•The Turn of the Screw: Oct. 6 -22 at 7:30 p.m. $25.

•Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!): Nov. 25-Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. $25.

Summer Repertory Season

•Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: March 14-April 4, June 9-Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. Thursdays in Alys Beach at the Alys Amphitheatre.

•The Stinky Cheese Man: May 23-Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Mondays in the Seaside Amphitheatre.

•How I Became a Pirate: May 31-Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Watercolor in the Marina Park Amphitheatre.

•The Commedia Pinocchio: June 1-Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Rosemary Beach in North Barrett Square.

Choctawhatchee Audubon Society

Field trip to Fox Hill Property March 26. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Food World, Niceville, and bring lunch. Call 678-1926.

Canine Carnival

Alaqua Animal Refuge’s Fourth Annual Canine Carnival will be held March 26 at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach. The Mardi Gras-themed, pet-centric outdoor party will feature a parade of activities for pups and the people who love them, including games for kids and canines, live music, local vendor booths, food, a raffle, silent auction, agility demonstrations and the ever-popular dachshund races. A $5 donation is suggested at entry. Call 880-6399.

Antique and Vintage Car Show

The 10th Annual Rt. 30A Antique and Vintage Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 26 on the lawns of Rosemary Beach with a variety of antique, classic and vintage cars from years gone by. For the first time, prizes will be awarded in various categories, as well as the annual People’s Choice Awards. There will be entertainment, gift bags for those who participate, commemorative posters and demonstrations. Entry fee is $20/advance and $25/day of show. Proceeds go to benefit various charities in and around the Florida Emerald Coast. Call 951-2148.

Earth Day Celebration

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center at Nokuse Plantation will host an open house for Earth Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 at 4956 State Hwy. 20 E.in Freeport. A $5 donation per person is requested. Pack a lunch or purchase snacks, lunch and drinks on campus. Call 835-1824.

Turtle Fest

Turtle Watch and The South Walton Community Council are seeking selected “ocean themed” artists for Turtle Fest to be held from 1 to 6 p.m. April 30 on the Gulf Place amphitheater. The cost is $50 per booth. E-mail gulfplaceeventscoord@gmail.com.

Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents the season finale, “Prayer, Beauty and Strength”, April 30. Featured are Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with guest artist Anna Bulkina, 2009 Gold Medal winner of the Wideman Piano Competition, as well as a performance of the rarely heard Mozart motet Misericordias Domini and the popular and sublime Fauré Requiem with the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorus. Tickets can be purchased at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org, by phone at 729-6000, or in person from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office. Tickets are also available at the door starting at 6 p.m. the night of the concert for the same price as advance tickets. 

Seaside Neighborhood School
Registration for the Seaside Neighborhood School, a public charter middle school, has begun. Applications for student
enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year must be completed and submitted with proof of Walton County residency by 3 p.m. May 2 to be entered into the lottery. Applications are available in the school office or through the school
website at www.seasideschool.net. Siblings of current students must also complete an application for enrollment and submit it by May 2. The lottery drawing will take place at the school on May 10.

Little Black Dress Party

The White-Wilson Center for Women’s Imaging has partnered with local organizations to host the second annual Little Black Dress Party and to give away 10 Total Woman’s Health Packages. Package includes screening mammogram, bone density scan, little black dress from Dillard’s, Life Balance package from Success with Desley, massage from It’s All About You Massage and Day Spa, $75 gift card and two tickets to the Little Black Dress Party May 21 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.

To be eligible, you must be a woman, a resident of Okaloosa, Walton or Santa Rosa Counties and 18 years of age by March 31. To register, visit www.fwblittleblackdressparty.com. 

Tickets for the party are $60 and all proceeds will benefit Shelter House, Opportunity Inc. and local chapters of The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Call 863-8204 for tickets, or visit www.fwblittleblackdressparty.com.