Summer Event Calendar Loaded with Fun on Florida’s Amelia Island, Celebrations of Shrimp, H
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (April 2, 2009) – Long-time visitors know that any trip to Amelia Island is likely to be eventful, but this summer the popular barrier island is outdoing itself with an amazing assortment of events and activities. Located just off Florida’s northeasternmost coastline, the tiny island is big on summertime festivals, concerts, tours and other events that celebrate and add to Amelia’s most treasured assets, making her an ideal home base for a memorable Florida beach vacation.
Upcoming events on Amelia Island include:
May 1-3: 46th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
On May 1-3, 2009, more than 150,000 friends, fans and families will flood the historic downtown of Fernandina Beach for the 46th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, presented by Publix Supermarkets. One of Amelia Island’s largest and favorite events, the Shrimp Festival is a three-day celebration of its status as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. The festival brings a colorful mix of shrimpers, swashbucklers, parades and pirates to Amelia, with plenty of food, fun and family-friendly festivities. Vendors serve up boatloads of seafood specialties showcasing the island’s world-famous shrimp – shrimp pie, shrimp twisters, fried shrimp and much more. In recognition of the island’s more notorious historical figures, the festival includes a pirate parade, pirate invasion, and pirate costume contests. More than 300 fine arts, crafts and antiques vendors will display their treasure during Saturday and Sunday of the festival, which has been rated 38th among the top 200 outdoor shows in the country. The Southwest Airlines Kids Korner will provide endless entertainment for the little ones, including super slides, an inflatable jungle, bungee jumping, live entertainment from a covered stage, and more. For more information, visit www.shrimpfestival.com.
May 2: Shrimp Festival 5K
The McArthur Family YMCA is hosting a 5K Run for the Shrimp Festival. The family-friendly run will take place on Main Beach in Fernandina Beach. Visit www.firstcoastymca.org/my-y/mcarthur/default.php for more details.
May 2-3: Union Special Spring Encampment
During the Union Special Spring Encampment, living history interpreters recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War between the States. Held on the first weekend of every month, these events offer visitors a chance to see firsthand how 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.
May 9: Artrageous Artwalks
Every second Saturday, Amelia Island holds an Artrageous Artwalk. With 14 art galleries participating, the Artwalk opens the doors to some of Amelia Island's incredible art galleries, featuring 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 Amelia Island Plantation. The Artrageous Artwalk is free of charge, and takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (800) 226-3542.
May 9: Mad Hatter Tea Party Tours for Mother’s Day
The Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association has announced two Open House, self-guided walking tours for 2009. The first event takes place on Mothers Day weekend and includes a Mad Hatter Tea Party and Tour at seven of Amelia Island’s beautiful bed and breakfast inns. Taking place Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy a house and garden tour showcasing each property’s flowering gardens, period architecture and unique decorating schemes. Attendees are encouraged to wear their “mad” garden hat, derby, fedora, sun bonnet or homemade creation to be entered for prizes at local attractions. Tour tickets for all ages are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more details, visit www.ameliaislandinns.com.
May 9: An Evening of Story & Song
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an evening of song with “The Old Folkie,” Ken Sizemore, who will draw on his vast repertoire of songs to pay tribute to those we hold dear. Sizemore will entertain with a number of original songs, and lead the crowd in a sing-along of some old favorites. The event takes place at Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. in Burns Hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Tickets are $15. For details, visit www.kensizemore.com.
May 10: Mother’s Day Buffet at Amelia Island Plantation
From noon to 3 p.m., the Sunrise Café & Ocean Grill at Amelia Island Plantation will offer a buffet feast fit for a queen! For reservations and information, call (904) 321-5050. The lavish Mother’s Day Buffet is $50 per adult, and $19.95 for children 12 and under.
May 15-30: Nuts at the Amelia Community Theatre
The Amelia Community Theatre presents Nuts at 8 p.m. on May 15, 16, 21-23 and 27-30. An afternoon showing will take place on May 24 at 2 p.m. A tense courtroom drama, Nuts features a woman who fights for her right to stand trial, rather than be declared mentally incompetent and committed to an institution. With adult themes, some sexual, this moving and thought provoking Broadway drama was made into a movie starring Barbra Streisand. Amelia Community Theatre is located at 209 Cedar Street in Fernandina Beach. For details and ticket prices, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.
May 15: 3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
On the third Friday of every month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers special presentations on a variety of different topics that explore the island’s intriguing history. The events take place at 5:30 p.m. at Baker Hall in the museum. For non-members, admission is $5. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org for more information about the museum.
May 15-17: Wild Amelia Nature Festival
On May 15, the third annual Wild Amelia Nature Festival will kick off three days of outdoor adventure and seminars all across the island to showcase the natural beauty and wonder of the popular barrier island destination. The 2009 festival will feature a nature photography contest and several eco-adventure options, including Segway tours, paddling, biking, nature walks, and more. The festival also offers programs for children at the Wild Amelia Kids Niche. Kids can explore the touch tank to get up-close-and-personal with Hermit crabs, sea stars, anemones, shrimp and more. For tickets or additional information, call (904) 277-0717 or visit www.wildamelia.com.
May 21 - June 14: Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
Entering its eighth 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 is held at various venues throughout the island and Fernandina Beach, and is dedicated to bringing the highest levels of classical music to the general public, schools and senior centers. Each year, between 50 and 60 internationally acclaimed artists visit Amelia Island to perform and participate in 20 different events throughout May and June. In 2009 the Festival will feature the Juilliard and Guarneri String Quartets, Jennifer Koh, Bobby McDuffie, Anne Akiko Meyers, Andres Diaz, Anne-Marie McDermott and the Eroica Trio. Tickets for the Festival go on sale in April. For ticket details and additional information, call (904) 261-1779 or visit www.aicmf.com.
May 23-24: World War II Event at Fort Clinch State Park
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 1940s. The event will take place on Saturday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
June 5 : Sounds on Centre
The Historic Fernandina Business Association is proud to present Sounds on Centre, a series of free community concert events staged in the historic downtown on Centre Street between 2nd & Front Streets. Sounds on Centre are held the first Friday of each month, from March through October, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair, their dancing shoes and a smile and song in your heart. For more information, visit www.downtownfernandina.com.
June 6-7: Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
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June 13: Annual Free Kids’ Fishing Clinic at Fort Clinch State Park
On Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids of all ages can attend the annual fishing clinic at Fort Clinch State Park to learn how to tie knots, cast, and more. Designed to teach kids how to be responsible anglers, the event includes a free rod and reel for each child (bait is provided). Kids who participate in the free event must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
June 13: Artrageous Artwalks
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June 17-19: Annual NSFA Kingfish Tournament
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association’s (NSFA) Tournament of Champions is one of the largest events on the Southern Kingfish Association tournament trail, annually attracting the world’s best kingfish anglers to Amelia Island in the northeastern tip of Florida. The three-day event includes a Saturday fish fry, award ceremony and other festivities. To register or for Tournament information, call (904) 607-4224 or visit www.fishnsfa.com.
June 19: 3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
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June 18-19: Salt Cooking School
Salt, the Grill at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, has announced the 2009 Cooking Schools, which provide attendees with interactive, hands-on sessions. In June, the theme will be “Barbecue around the World”. These two-day schools are presided over by Chef Gras and allow guests to master professional culinary techniques and experience new tastes. The school takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $339 per person, which includes tax, gratuity and continental breakfast each day, however it does NOT include room. Reservations required. For more information, please call (904) 277-1100.
July 3: Sounds on Centre
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July 4-5: Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
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July 4: Beach Bash at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Independence Day, the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will be offering a full buffet, live entertainment, games and fireworks on the Oceanfront Lawn. Cost is $75 adults, $35 children 5 to 12, and complimentary for children under 5 (inclusive of tax and gratuity). Reservations are required. For more information, please call (904) 277-1100.
July 5: An Evening of Story and Song
Winners of the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival, Gary Culley and Mark Elliott, will blend their voices to sing their original songs that are pure Americana. The vvent begins at 7:30 p.m. at Burns Hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Tickets are available for $15 at www.GaryCulleyMusic.com and www.MarkElliottMusic.com.
July 11: Artrageous Artwalks
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July 17 - August 1: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at the Amelia Community Theatre
The Amelia Community Theatre presents Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at 8 p.m. on July 17-18, 23-25, 29-31 and August 1. An afternoon showing will take place on July 26 at 2 p.m. Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks follows the story of Lily Harrison, who, after retiring to Florida, decides to expand her circle of interests by signing up for a course of six dance lessons in six weeks, in the privacy of her own home. When dance instructor Michael Minetti arrives for the first lesson, the sparks and banter fly as these two strong personalities clash. Antagonism between the two gives way to compatibility as they swing dance, tango, foxtrot, and cha-cha in this touching comedy that proves that compassionate friendships can develop between the unlikeliest of people. The Amelia Community Theatre is located at 209 Cedar Street in Fernandina Beach. For more information and ticket prices, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.
July 23: Salt Signature Wine Dinner
On July 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Salt, the Grill at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, will offer a signature wine dinner. The dinner will include a four-course menu with wine pairings. The theme will be “Wines from the Beringer Family.” The cost is $135 per person. Reservations are required. For more information, please call (904) 277-1100.
August 1-2: Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
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August 7: Sounds on Centre
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August 8: Artrageous Artwalks
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August 8-10: Music Workshop at the Florida House Inn – Richard Gilewitz
Richard Gilewitz, known as one of the strangest men in acoustic music today, will be holding a Fingerpicking Guitar Workshop at the Florida House Inn. Gilewitz fascinates his audiences with finger style gymnastics on his 6- and 12-string guitars, while spinning tales too unbelievable not to be true. Price for this workshop is $250. For more information about the Florida House Inn and all the workshops available, visit www.floridahouseinn.com.
August 21: 3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
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August 12 and 13: Salt Cooking School
Salt, the Grill at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, has announced the 2009 Cooking Schools, which provide attendees with interactive, hands-on sessions. In June, the theme will be “American Barbecue: Basting, Smoking and Grilling.” These two-day schools are presided over by Chef Gras and allow guests to master professional culinary techniques and experience new tastes. The school takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $339 per person, which includes tax, gratuity and continental breakfast each day, however it does NOT include room. Reservations required. For more information, please call (904) 277-1100.
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.
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