AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (February 12, 2010) – Among her many enduring charms is Amelia Island’s full calendar of exciting and entertaining events that celebrate the Florida barrier island’s natural, historic and artistic treasures. Amelia’s springtime schedule is no exception, with a slate of popular monthly favorites such as Sounds on Centre and Artrageous Artwalks, punctuated by major annual events like the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Chamber Music Festival and Wild Amelia Nature Festival. Catering to families, nature lovers, history buffs, artists and others, Amelia Island’s 2010 spring event schedule offers broad appeal and accessibility. Visitors planning an eventful trip to Amelia this spring will find a wide assortment of hotels, inns, resorts, restaurants and attractions to create a truly memorable experience.
Sounds on Centre (April 2; June 4) The Historic Fernandina Business Association is proud to present Sounds on Centre. This free community concert is held the first Friday of each month from March through October in the historic downtown on Centre Street between 2nd and Front from 6 to 8 p.m. With a free concert, make sure to bring a chair, your dancing shoes and a smile and song in your heart. For additional information, visit www.downtownfernandina.com.
Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park (April 3-4; May 1-2; June 5-6) Living history interpreters recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War between the States. These events, held on the first weekend of every month, offer visitors the opportunity to see how the soldiers lived during the Civil War. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Additionally, soldiers and civilians offer a glimpse into garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
The Pirates of Penzance (April 8-24) The Amelia Community Theatre presents “The Pirates of Penzance,” based on the book by W.S. Gilbert. This will be the first performance in the brand new theatre! Visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org for ticket pricing, times and more information.
Artrageous Artwalks (April 10; May 8; June 12) Every second Saturday, Amelia Island holds an exciting Artrageous Artwalk. The 13 participating galleries offer a diverse selection of art, including: acrylics, copper, metals, photography, pottery, stained glass, watercolors and much more. Visitors can peruse more than a dozen galleries in the historic downtown district of Fernandina Beach. Artrageous Artwalk takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. For more information, call (800) 226-3542 or visit www.ameliaisland.com.
3rd on 3rd at Amelia Island Museum of History (April 16, May 21, June 18) On the third Friday of every month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers a special presentation related to the intriguing history of the island. Events take place at 5:30 p.m. at Baker Hall in the museum. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org for additional information about the museum.
Katie Ride for Life Organ Donor Awareness Cycling/Walking Event (April 17) The Katie Ride for Life is a cycling event in which all levels of riders may participate to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. There is also the opportunity to participate in a 5K or 10K walk. Participants raise funds for a unique organ donor education program at the high school level. Visit www.katierideforlife.org for more information.
Dee Beard Dean Art Workshop (April 19-22) This four-day workshop in oil or acrylic is for all levels of painters. Beard is a patient and passionate instructor and will provide intensive instruction and demonstrations on the figure. Cost is $550 plus model fee. Visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com for more information. T
he 47th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (April 29-May 2) One of Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia's most popular annual events, the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival includes a nationally recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, Kids Korner, contests, pirates, free admission and 25 food booths featuring shrimp prepared every way possible by local non-profit organizations. For more information, access www.shrimpfestival.com or call toll free (866) 426-3542.
Shrimp Expression (May 1- Sept. 30) Beginning in May 2010, Fernandina Beach will be the temporary home to more than 20 fiberglass shrimp sculptures, each whimsically decorated by a local artist. Titled “Shrimp Expression,” the project is modeled after similar projects in numerous cities across the country, including Cows on Parade (Chicago, New York, Atlanta). For more information, call (904) 491-6364 ext. 100 or visit www.shrimpexpression.com.
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (May 7-30) Entering its ninth season, the nationally-renowned Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival will showcase world-class artists performing classical music to diverse audiences in intimate and historic settings on Amelia Island. The Festival, which is held at various venues throughout the Island and Fernandina Beach, is dedicated to bringing classical music at the highest level to the general public, schools and senior centers. Under the artistic direction of Christopher Rex, principal cellist of the Atlanta Symphony, this year’s Festival will feature world renowned performers such as pianists, Andre Watts and Valentina Lisitsa, violinists Robert McDuffie and Karen Gomyo and many other internationally acclaimed artists who will participate in different events throughout May. Tickets range in price from free to $50. For ticket details and additional information, call (904) 261-1779 or visit www.aicmf.com.
Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 21-23) The 2010 Wild Amelia Nature Festival invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island for the fourth consecutive year. With more than 25 seminars and experiences, the three-day festival offers something for everyone. This year’s event includes Segway, boat, kayak, golf cart and walking ecotours and hands-on activities for kids. Nature Photography classes and workshops offer beginners and experienced photographers insight into how to capture that perfect shot. There will also be an EcoExpo on Saturday with green and nature-based vendors, an animal exhibit from the Jacksonville Zoo, live music and silent auction. For ticket or additional information, call (904) 277-0717 or visit www.wildamelia.com.
Margaret Dyer Art Workshop (May 21-23) During this three-day workshop, students will be taught a traditional pastel painting technique. Working with live models, students will explore drawing, composition, anatomy, proportion, value, color and pastel application. Emphasis will be on developing form using light and shadow. For those wanting to speed up and become less tight in their work, this is an excellent class to take. Students do not need prior pastel experience. Some drawing would be helpful, but is not imperative. Cost is $425 plus model fees. For additional information, please visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com.
World War II Event at Fort Clinch State Park (May 29-30) 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 Chalk Garden (June 10-26) The Amelia Community Theatre presents Enid Bagnold’s “The Chalk Garden.” For play description, ticket pricing, times and more information, visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.
Diane Farris Art Workshop (June 11-13) The workshop will be studio-based, in which students can work with their own visual narratives – picture books, image series, family stories, children’s books, illustrated writings – using digital and traditional means. Students will use the computer, camera and scanner, as well as sketchbooks, artifacts and conversation to bring ideas to life. The workshop will consist of teaching students how to use computer software and other media to enhance and create an artist expression. Students will manipulate their own photographs to create new works of art. Workshop costs $295. Visit www.ameliaislandartistsworkshop.com for more information.
Annual Free Kids’ Fishing Clinic at Fort Clinch State Park (June 12) This popular annual event lets kids learn how to be responsible anglers, tie knots, cast and more. Kids receive a free rod and reel, and bait is provided. Guardians must attend. The clinic is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fort Clinch State Park. For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
-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. Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. 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.
