AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (January 19, 2011) – All year long, visitors to Amelia Island are treated to lively special events that celebrate the island’s colorful past, natural treasures and present day arts and entertainment. From the longtime favorite Shrimp Festival to the newer Wild Amelia Nature Festival, these family-friendly events showcase the island’s many charms, and a boundless love for all things Amelia. Major annual events scheduled for 2011 include:
Amelia Island Book Festival: February 18-19
Offering two days of programs, socials and special events, this event invites book lovers and writers to mingle with noted authors and publishing professionals in a casual, friendly setting. Held at venues throughout Nassau County, Amelia Island and Historic Fernandina Beach, the festival offers many free programs and all ages are welcome. Tickets are sold for certain events. For more information, call (904) 624-1665 or visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com .
Amelia Island Film Festival: February 24-27
Now in its third season, the Amelia Island Film Festival will present screenings, workshops, lectures and exhibits at several venues throughout Amelia Island. This year, the theme is “Meet Me in Paradise.” Additionally, three actors will attend the 2011 festival to present their most recent films. The actors include Aaron Michael Metchik, David Keith and Kent Moran. For more information, visit
www.ameliaislandfilmfestival.org
or call (904) 335-1110.
Amelia Island Garden Show: March 5-6
Hosted by the Fernandina Farmers Market, the Amelia Island Garden Show will roll out nature's brightest colors for two days (March 5-6) at Central Park in Fernandina Beach. With growers and nurseries from around the state, the show will feature more than 50 vendors with a full assortment of flowers and plants, fruit trees and palms, orchids, herbs, container gardens, native plants, butterfly-friendly plants, shrubs and garden accessories. Get on-site expert advice on how to "green" your home, yard and garden, and enjoy short presentations and demonstrations at the "Ask the Expert" booth. Visit www.ameliagarden.com for more details.
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance: March 11-13
On Sunday, March 13, more than 250 classic production and race cars from seldom-seen private collections will be on display on the 10th and 18th fairways at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The three-day event includes road rallies, RM Auction of vintage cars, seminars, a black tie Gala Dinner and silent auction. The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is one of only two Concours that have more than one auction. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org .
48th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival: April 29-May 1
For nearly half a century, this small crustacean has caused a big sensation in historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, where thousands of visitors happily strand themselves for this annual tradition. The popular event features a nationally-recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, kids activities, contests, pirates, free admission and 25 food booths serving up the tastiest shrimp you can find, prepared every way possible by local non-profit organizations. For more information, go to www.shrimpfestival.com or call toll free (866) 426-3542.
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival: May 20-June 19
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival will showcase world-class artists performing classical music in intimate and historic settings on Amelia Island. The festival is dedicated to bringing a wide variety of chamber music at the highest level, with performances by the Tokyo String Quartet, Louciana Souza, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, eighth blackbird, classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, and many more. The festival offers four free concerts, including the Air National Guard Band of the South performing a Splendor in the Brass concert. Other Festival highlights include two Candlelight Concerts at Fort Clinch State Park, the more informal Beer and G Strings at the Palace Saloon, and La Tierra Prometida. For ticket details and additional information, call (904) 261-1779 or visit www.aicmf.com.
Wild Amelia Nature Festival: May 20-22
The 2011 Wild Amelia Nature Festival invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island. With more than 25 seminars and experiences, the three-day festival offers something for everyone. Opportunities include a Segway tour of Ft. George Island, kayaking the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park, and exploration of bird habitats by bike. The festival also offers programs designed specifically for children, including a Kids Niche with hands on nature activities. There will also be an EcoExpo with green and nature-based exhibitors and a Silent Auction. For ticket or additional information, call (904) 251-0016 or visit www.wildamelia.com.
Annual NSFA Kingfish Tournament: June 16-18
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association’s 29th Tournament of Champions will be held at Fernandina Harbor Marina, located at the foot of Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, June 16-18. This tournament is sanctioned by the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) and is part of the hotly contested Division 5 that attracts the world’s best kingfish anglers. The tournament begins with the Captains meeting on Thursday and wraps up on Saturday with the fish fry, live entertainment and awards ceremony. The afternoon weigh-ins, fish fry, entertainment and awards ceremony are open to the public.
Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off
: August 26-27
The 2nd Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off will fire up again on August 26 and 27 on Amelia Island. Barbeque cooking teams from across the country will compete for cash and prizes and, of course, bragging rights. The event is held at Main Beach on Amelia Island, where the beach meats the brisket. Visit www.gstailgatecookoff.com for more information.
Women's Tennis Championships: September 24-October 2
Enjoy great tennis during the Women's Tennis Championships at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Racquet Park. Qualifying rounds are September 24 through 26, with the main draw matches on September 27 through 30. Tickets are free for matches on September 25 - 30. Tickets are $10 per adult or $5 per child for matches on October 1 and 2. Ticket sales on the final two days benefit the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club. For more information, contact the Tennis Pro Shop at Omni Amelia Island Plantation at 904-277-5145 or visit www.aipfl.com.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival: October 2-9
The Amelia Island Jazz Festival will once again light up the island with a week-long series of events celebrating the diverse all-American art form, jazz. Under the creative direction of renowned jazz drummer and bandleader Les DeMerle, the festival will feature world-class jazz artists in a wide variety of styles, including Dixieland, Smooth Jazz, Bebop, Big Band, Blues, Latin and more. Performances take place at St. Peter's Church Courtyard and several other charming venues around the island. www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
Ravenswood Winery Amelia Island Futures Championships: November 11-20
Ravenswood Winery Amelia Island Futures Championships, a USTA Pro Circuit men's tennis event, will be held at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Racquet Park. Qualifying Rounds are November 11 through 18 and free to spectators. Main Draw Matches are November 14 through 20 and cost $10 per adult and $5 per child. For more information, call the Tennis Pro Shop at Omni Amelia Island Plantation at (904) 277-5145 or visit www.aipfl.com.
Petanque America Open: November 11-13
Visitors can join close to 200 petanque players on Amelia Island as they compete in this simplified version of an older outdoor bowling game. The goal is to toss or roll a number of hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden target ball. Players take turns and the team that ends up nearest to the target ball when all balls are played, wins. Training clinics will be held on Friday, November 11. For more information, visit www.petanque-america-open.com.
AIBBA Holiday Cookie Tour: November 19
The Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association invites the public to enjoy its annual open-house self-guided walking tour of inns just in time for the 2011 holiday season. The event will take place this year on Saturday, November 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors will tour some of the most impressive buildings on the island, sample a signature cookie from each of the participating inns, and be entertained with history and carriage rides while collecting heirloom recipes along the way. Guests will walk away with ideas for cookies to add to their celebrations, as well as inspiration for holiday decorating. In keeping with tradition, a portion of ticket and cookbook sales from the Tour will benefit a local charity. For more information, call (800) 226-3542 or visit ameliaislandinns.com
Holiday Home Tour in Historic Fernandina Beach: December 2-3
Tour several of Amelia Island’s loveliest, private homes in Fernandina Beach’s historic district during the Amelia Island Museum of History’s fifth annual celebration of the holiday season. For more information, visit www.ameliamuseum.org.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau-
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers on Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com .
