Join Military Family Appreciation Day to honor local service members and their families Saturday, April 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Landing in downtown Fort Walton Beach, 139 SE Brooks Street. Military Family Appreciation Day is a community event that aims to honor the brave service and sacrifices made by military families and veterans in our area. The event will feature live entertainment on the Eglin Federal Credit Union Stage, a free children’s play area and veteran service organizations, including the USO, Healing Paws for Warriors, Food For Vets, and Homes for Heroes. Attendees will enjoy complimentary on-site lunch from Sonny’s BBQ, sponsored by Step One Automotive Group and Forever Warriors. Business sponsorship opportunities include Presenting Sponsor, Kids Play Zone Sponsor, Participating Vendor Spots, premier giveaway sponsors and volunteers to serve lunch. For more information or to become a sponsor or volunteer, contact the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce at (850) 244-8191 or www.fwbchamber.org.
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida has two exciting things happening in April: A Free Home School Class presented by Sinfonia will take place at the Heritage Museum on Tuesday, April 10, 10 a.m. Space is limited so call to register and reserve your spot. (850) 678-2615. Recommended ages 6+. Visit www.heritage-museum.org.
The Heritage Museum’s 47th Annual Saturday in the Park will be held April 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be free admission to the museum, kids crafts, 5K run, bake sale, live music, food vendors, craft vendors and more. 115 Westview Ave. Valparaiso FL. 32580/ Perrine Park.
Musical Echoes Festival 2023, a family-friendly, Native American flute, art, music and cultural festival, returns to FWB Landing Friday, April 21–Sunday, April 23, 9 a.m. each day. Admission is free. Experience the unique sounds of the Native American flute as it is brought to life and featuring solo performers and full bands with live music during the entire festival. Dancers offer colorful, rhythmic traditional dances and they share the meaning of each dance offering us a rare experience. Flute makers selling their handcrafted flutes will collaborate with you to find your perfect flute. They’ll provide a few tips on playing as well. Visit art and craft vendors as they share their custom jewelry, baskets, leather work, and more. Traditional Native American fry bread and other delicious festival food add to the fun. Visit the silent auction and raffles at the main tent. Purchase the annual festival T-shirt, featuring the butterfly, this year’s totem created by artist Kenneth Maines, Tshirtfactoryfwb.com. Visit www.musicalechoes.org for the complete schedule and lineup.
Are you interested in blacksmithing? Think about joining the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA). Its mission is to teach and preserve the noble art of blacksmithing.
Recently popularized by programs like “Forged in Fire” and “Men at Arms,” blacksmithing has experienced a renaissance. However, FABA has been teaching and setting up historical blacksmith shops throughout Florida for 35 years. The local chapter, known as “The Far West Panhandle Blacksmiths,” is headquartered at Traditions Workshop in Fort Walton Beach and sponsors meetings throughout the Panhandle.
To join, visit blacksmithing.org. The cost is $30 per family, per year. An annual membership allows you and your clan to participate at any FABA event throughout the state (usually one every weekend). Plus, you get generous discounts at the annual convention as well as an e-copy of the monthly newsletter, The Clinker Breaker, featuring Florida blacksmithing news and events. Upcoming schedule: April 23, 9-3, Location TBD – probably in Navarre. Jordan Borstelmann will demonstrate how to make one of his trademark axes; May 28, 9-3, Timber Creek Distillery, 6451 Lake Ella Rd, Crestview. Project: forging a sea creature. For more information, contact david@traditionsworkshop.com or call/text David at (850) 974-1548.
The 11th Annual Paddle at the Park will take place in the Gulf of Mexico behind The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island on Saturday, May 6. It features 1- and 3-mile recreational races, a 6-mile elite race and a kids’ fun out-and-back paddle. The weekend begins Friday, May 5, with a Racer Welcome Party at Al’s Beach Club at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. It continues on Saturday morning with the races, which have staggered start times, beginning at 9 a.m. Racers and spectators alike will enjoy the festive atmosphere with displays and booths set up along the beach. The event will conclude with awards. Registration is now open at https://paddleguru.com/races/11thAnnualPaddleatthePark. Find all race details at PaddleAtThePark.com or follow Facebook.com/PaddleAtThePark.
