Bunny Hop Trail Set for April 11
Free Easter Fun at Recreation Center
The City of Fort Walton Beach Recreation Department will host its annual Bunny Hop Trail on Friday, April 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex, directly behind the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center at 132 Jet Drive NW. This free family-friendly event will feature treats, bounce houses, face painting, and a photo booth with the Easter Bunny. Local businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to set up a table along the trail and hand out treats. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Pat Sherman at 850-833-9576 or psherman@fwb.org.
Construction Junction Returns April 12
Big Trucks, Free Fun & Safety Activities
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department will host Construction Junction on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds, 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd.
This free event gives kids a chance to explore big trucks and heavy equipment up close—including construction vehicles, police cars, military trucks, helicopters, and more. Activities include bounce houses, a sand mountain, safety demonstrations, and Home Depot’s “Kids Crew” with hands-on building kits. The first hour (10–11 a.m.) will be sensory-friendly, with no horns or sirens. Free food and drinks will be available throughout the day.
Doggie EGGstravaganza Returns April 18 to Grand Boulevard
Calling all dog lovers! Dog-Harmony’s 10th Annual Doggie EGGstravaganza hops into Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This canine-only Easter egg hunt features 800 treat-filled eggs, live music, pet photos, games, prizes, and delicious bites from JC’s Gourmet, plus beer and wine for the humans.
Two egg hunt zones—divided by dog size—ensure every pup has a chance to play. A $20 donation in advance ($25 at the event) includes a souvenir treat bag and helps support Dog-Harmony’s mission of reducing shelter populations through education, training, and outreach.
Part of the Coastal Culture Series by Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment, tickets are available at events.humanitix.com/doggieeggstravaganza-2025. For sponsorships, email hello@dog-harmony.org.
Celebrate Earth Day at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center!
Mark your calendars for an exciting Earth Day Expo on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, 4956 State Hwy. 20 East in Freeport.
This community-centered event, sponsored by CHELCO Operation Round Up, is a celebration of nature, sustainability and environmental education. A variety of Expo Vendors will be present including:
• Native Plant Nurseries
• Community Food Forest
• Master Gardeners & Garden Clubs
• Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance
• Camp Rudder’s Army Rangers Reptiles
• Vale of Paradise Mushrooms
• NoWal Farm
• And many more!
In addition to vendor exhibits, attendees can enjoy theater presentations featuring experts from Vale of Paradise Mushrooms, the Community Food Forest, and Sandhill Native Nursery, who will share insights into sustainable practices and local ecosystems.
Admission Information:
• $10 for ages 13 and up
• $7 for ages 4-12
Local food vendors, including The Bentea Stop and The Rican Vegan, will be offering delicious refreshments for guests to enjoy throughout the event.
Join us in celebrating our planet, connecting with the community and learning how we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment. For more information, visit www.eowilsoncenter.org.
Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS) is Putting A Cat-Tastic Twist on the Legendary Run for the Roses!
The nonprofit feline shelter is hosting “The Kittucky Derby” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at its event building, a.k.a. “Catnip Downs.”
The family-friendly event includes games such as horseshoes and cornhole; a contest for the most flamboyant derby hat; a silent auction with top-notch prizes, such as a VIP local distillery tour; bourbon punch and mint julep drinks in the Feline Lucky Lounge; delicious hors d’oeuvres including pimento cheese, of course; and the stars of the show, kittens “racing” to a feline photo finish.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on the SOCKS website, www.saveourcatsandkittens.com. To become a sponsor or donate silent auction items, call (850) 865-6866 or email socks@saveourcatsandkittens.com.
SOCKS is a no-kill, free-roaming, feline-only cat shelter funded by donations. Event proceeds will provide food, shelter and medical care for cats and kittens waiting for their forever homes.
Swing into Action May 3 FORE the Love of Animals
Get ready to hit the greens for a great cause May 3 at the Links Golf Club at Sandestion! Registration is now open for the FORE! the Love of Animals Golf Tournament, presented by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. This premier event combines friendly competition, camaraderie and a shared commitment to helping animals in need.
Secure Your Spot Today! Foursomes are $850 and individuals are $250 with proceeds directly supporting Alaqua’s mission of providing shelter, safety, and second chances to animals in need.
Register now at https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/fore-the-love-of-animals-2025. Want to make an even bigger impact? Sponsorship opportunities offer premium visibility, brand exposure, and the chance to be a leader in supporting animal welfare. Sponsor a Hole for Just $100! Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait! Join us on the course and help change lives – one swing at a time.
Spring into Savings at the Northwest Florida Spring Home & Boat Show!
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Northwest Florida Fairgrounds | FREE Admission!
Get ready, Northwest Florida! One of the most anticipated events of the season is sailing your way—the Northwest Florida Spring Home & Boat Show is coming to the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds for one exciting day only on Saturday, May 17, 2025—and admission is completely FREE!
Presented by Paradise Promotions and powered by sponsors Life Media (Destin Life, Bay Life, FWB Life), Ecoview Windows, Defined Interiors, JVC Broadcasting, Fast Signs, Peaden AC, Zoo Graphics, and The Honey Do Service, this dynamic event will feature 50+ vendors showcasing everything you need to upgrade your home and lifestyle—with exclusive show-only discounts and giveaways.
Expect to find the best deals on everything from roofing, remodeling, and restoration services to flooring, furniture, pools, spas, windows, and doors. Plus, explore innovations in solar energy, tech gadgets, closets, kitchens, bathrooms, and more—all under one roof!
And that’s not all—Emerald Coast Marine will be on-site hosting a Super Spring Boat Show & Sale, offering fantastic boat deals you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re dreaming of hitting the water or refreshing your home, this show has it all.
On top of that, there will be over $10,000 in swag and door prizes up for grabs! And with vendors from health and wellness to tech and travel—including Scentsy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and more—there’s something here for everyone.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with local experts, score unbeatable deals, and get inspired for your next home or boating adventure.
Want to be a vendor? Visit www.ParadisePromotionsFL.com to register your booth space today!
It’s all happening Saturday, May 17—one big day, one fantastic event. See you at the fairgrounds!
