AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (February 24, 2011) – Located off Florida’s northeasternmost coast, Amelia Island welcomes springtime visitors with a colorful assortment of annuals and perennials – events, that is. The island will blossom with long-time favorites like the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, and the NSFA Kingfish Tournament, and newer arrivals such as the Wild Amelia Nature Festival and Old Town Bicentennial Celebration. Springtime weather will add a new twist to ongoing events such as Sounds on Centre, Union Garrisons at Fort Clinch State Park, ArtRageous Artwalks and others. As always, visitors can expect to find Amelia’s usual bouquet of award-winning hotels, resort and inns, unique attractions, and more than 40 restaurants to round out a memorable spring escape.
Upcoming events include:
Sounds on Centre
(April 1, May 27, June 3)
Presented by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, Sounds on Centre is a free community concert held the First Friday of each month (March – October) in the historic downtown on Centre Street between 2nd and Front Streets. Concerts are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and feature different bands each month. Bring a chair and your dancing shoes. For additional information, call (904) 277-0717.
Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
(April 2-3, May 7-8, June 4-5)
The first weekend of every month, history comes alive at Fort Clinch, as interpreters recreate life as it was at the fort during the Civil War. Garrison activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations, drills and other duties. Additionally, soldiers and civilians offer a glimpse into garrison life, taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are from 9 a.m. until noon. For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Old Town Bicentennial Celebration
(April 2)
Two hundred years ago, the small community of Fernandina was so named by Spanish Governor Enrique White, and the town was platted according to the Spanish Law of the Indies of 1573. On April 2, 2011, Old Town Fernandina will mark this milestone with Bicentennial Day, a celebration of Old Fernandina’s unique history. The event will include walking tours, home tours, nature walks, archeological exploration, authentic Spanish music and Flamenco, a pirate weapons display, re-enactors, and much more. To find out more about the history of Old Town Fernandina and Bicentennial Day activities, visit www.oldtownfernandina.org.
Amelia Island Lighthouse Tours
(April 6, 20, May 4, 18)
On the first and third Wednesday of each month (through May), a shuttle will depart from the Atlantic Avenue Recreational Center for a tour of the historic Amelia Island Lighthouse. The tours take place at 10 a.m. for one hour and are limited to 25 people. Participants will not be permitted to climb the stairs of the lighthouse. Tours cost $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. For additional information, visit www.fbfl.us or call (904) 277-7350.
Morning's at Seven
(April 7-23)
The Amelia Community Theatre presents “Morning’s at Seven”, a charming Broadway comedy about families and relationships. The performance will be held in new theatre at 207 Cedar Street on April 7-9, 14-17, and 21-23. For additional information or to purchase tickets call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org.
Evening of Story & Song with The Waymores
(April 9)
Three of Nashville's finest singer/songwriters, Sally Barris, Don Henry, and Tom Kimmel, perform together as "The Waymores.” Taking place at Burns Hall at St. Peter’s Parrish, the concert costs $15 per person. For additional information, call Mark Kaufman at (904) 277-2664.
Artrageous Artwalks
(April 9, May 14, June 11)
Every second Saturday, Amelia Island holds an exciting Artrageous Artwalk. The Artwalk opens the doors to some of Amelia Island’s impressive galleries and an incredible assortment of photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more. Visitors can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina or Plantation Artists’ Guild and Gallery, located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. The complimentary Artrageous Artwalk will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more details, visit www.ameliaisland.com or call (904) 277-0717.
Wild Nights Nature Lecture
(April 12)
Learn about "Saving Sea Turtles" from Mary Duffy and Sandra Baker-Hinton of the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Peck Center Auditorium and is presented by Fernandina Parks and Recreation and Wild Amelia. Visit www.wildamelia.com for more information.
3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
(April 15, May 20, June 17)
Each month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers a presentation on the third Friday of the month. The presentations are on a variety of different topics relating to the history of the island. The event takes place at 6 p.m. at Baker Hall in the museum. For non-members, admission is $5. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org for additional information about the museum.
Katie Ride for Life Organ Donor Awareness Cycling Event
(April 16)
Held during National Donate Life Month, the Katie Ride is a cycling event in which all levels of riders may participate to raise awareness about the need for everyone to make an organ donation commitment. In addition to the ride, the event includes a 5K (3.1 mile) or 10K (6.2 mile) walk through scenic, canopied-covered Fort Clinch State Park. Participants also raise funds for a unique organ donor education program at the high school level. Visit www.katierideforlife.org for more information.
Wine Tasting
(April 19, May 17)
O’Kanes Irish Pub and Eatery is offers a wine tasting on the third Tuesday each month for $10 per person. Try 10 different wines while listening to live music in a festive atmosphere. Wine will be accompanied by different types of cheeses. The wine tasting starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.okanes.com for additional information.
Koo Schadler Workshop
(April 22-25)
Koo Schadler's "Egg Tempera Painting Workshop" is a comprehensive five-day workshop covering all aspects of egg tempera painting. It is open to all levels of painters, from beginner to advanced. Cost is $650 with an additional materials fee of $60. An Early Bird Discount is available if paid by March 22, 2011. Visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040 for registration and Early Bird pricing.
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.
FODfest
(May 6-7)
A special fundraising event, FODfest offers the community free, public concerts that bring together diverse groups of artists and audiences. FODfest offers, school programs, and multimedia productions that promote its community-building mission. For additional information, visit www.fodfest.org.
Butterflies are Free
Breakfast, Author Talk, and Butterfly Release
(May 10)
New York Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe has chosen Amelia Island to launch her latest book, “The Butterfly’s Daughter”. A breakfast and author talk will be followed by a release of monarch butterflies, coordinated by volunteers from Wild Amelia Nature Festival. Tickets are $50 and include a signed copy of the book. Tickets can be purchased at Red Otter Outfitters and the Golf Club of Amelia Island after March 15, or by contacting Dickie Anderson at dickie.anderson@gmail.com or (904) 556-6455. The event will benefit the Wild Amelia Nature Festival.
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 includes 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 Kid’s 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.
2011 Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge
(May 28)
The Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge includes a 5K (3.1 miles) ocean swim. The event will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Main Beach. The cost to participate is $30. Participants can register online at www.active.com or at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center.
WWII Event
(May 28-29)
Fort Clinch State Park will hold a Memorial Weekend program in honor of the men and women who served in World War II. Visitors can explore military displays, view memorabilia, and learn about the uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and lifestyle of those who were part of the war during the 1940’s. The event will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
The Diary of Anne Frank
(June 9-25)
The Amelia Community Theatre presents “The Diary of Anne Frank”, a new adaptation of the powerful drama. The performance will be held in new theatre at 207 Cedar Street on June 9-11, 16-19 and 23-25. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org.
Annual NSFA Kingfish Tournament
(June 16-18)
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association’s 29th Tournament of Champions will be held June 16-18 at Fernandina Harbor Marina, located at the foot of Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. 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. For more information, visit www.fishnsfa.com.
Gary Greene Workshop
(June 19-21)
Gary Greene's Colored Pencil Workshop is geared to all levels, and will instruct participants on how to make vibrant, lively composition in colored pencil. He is the author of nine art instruction books and five teaching DVDs, and his work has appeared in InternationalArtists, the Artist's Magazine and American Artist. Greene’s techniques include burnishing multiple layers of pigment until the entire paper surface is covered, and underpainting with layers of colored pencil dissolved with solvent. Cost is $325. An "Early Bird Discount" is available if paid by May 19, 2011. Visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com or contact Mikolean Longacre at (904) 415-3900 or (904) 491-8040 for registration and "Early Bird" pricing.
Additional events are available online at www.ameliaisland.com/events.
-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.
