Amelia Island, Florida

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (July 7, 2009) – As summer melts into fall, Florida’s Amelia Island welcomes visitors with a wide variety of seasonal events and activities.  From August through October, Amelia will unfold a schedule of fall events that celebrate her history and culture through music, art, film, cuisine, festivals and fiestas. 

Upcoming events on Amelia Island include:

August 1-2: Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
Experience early life at Fort Clinch as history interpreters reenact the War between the States.  Held on the first weekend of every month, these events offer visitors a chance to witness 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.

August 7: Sounds on Centre
The Historic Fernandina Business Association is proud to present SOUNDS ON CENTRE.  This free community concert is held the first Friday of every month from March through October in the historic downtown on Centre Street (between 2nd and Front) from 6 to 8 p.m.  Bring a chair and your dancing shoes to enjoy the free concert.  For more information, visit www.downtownfernandina.com.

August 8: Artrageous Artwalk
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.  The Artrageous Artwalk is free of charge, and takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  For more information, call (800) 226-3542.

August 8-10: Music Workshop at the Florida House Inn
The Florida House Inn is hosting celebrated guitarist Richard Gilewitz for a one-of-a-kind guitar workshop. The acoustic genius amazes guests with his finger-style gymnastics and elaborate stories, all while creating beautiful, unique sounds. For more information about Richard Gilewitz and the workshop, visit http://www.richardgilewitz.com.

August 20: Jazz Festival Preview Concert
The 2009 Amelia Island Jazz Festival Preview Concert will take place Thursday, August 20 at the historic Palace Saloon on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach from 7 to 9 p.m.  The benefit concert will feature Les DeMerle and the Amelia Island Jazz Festival All-Stars, with Bonnie Eisele, Dr. Bill Prince, and special guest tenor saxophonist Jawren Walton, a 2009 AIJF Scholarship recipient.  All proceeds benefit AIJF educational and scholarship programs. Tickets and information are available at www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com and (904) 504-4772.

August 21:  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 topics that explore Amelia 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 additional information about the museum.

August 29: Movie in the Park
The City of Fernandina will be showing Karate Kid free in Central Park at 8:30 pm.  Concessions will be available.  For more information, call (904) 277- 7350.

September 4:  Sounds on Centre
Description above.

September 5: An Evening of Story and Song
Spend the evening with Nashville’s David Llewellyn, winner of the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the 2007 Kerrville Folk Festival.  Llewellyn will entertain with a number of original songs, and inspire with touching lyrics.  The event takes place on Saturday, September 5 at 8 p.m. in Burns Hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.  Tickets are $15.  For details, visit www.davidllewellyn.com.

September 5: Third Annual Guinness and Golf Tournament
The Third Annual Guinness and Golf Tournament at Amelia Island Plantation will take place on Saturday, September 5. Participants receive drink tickets, great prizes, Guinness goodies, and a chance to win a golf trip for two.  The price of the tournament is $85 per person. Awards ceremony will immediately follow the tournament at the Falcon’s Nest.  To register, call (904) 491-4646 or visit www.aipfl.com.

September 5-6:  Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
Description above.

September 12:  Artrageous Artwalk
Description above.

September 18:  3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
Description above.

September 19-20:  Spanish American War Event at Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch State Park will commemorate the Spanish American War on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.  For details, call (904) 277-72-74 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.

September 24: Salt Signature Wine Dinner
For a fascinating dining experience, spend the evening at Salt, as wine specialists share their expertise on Spanish wines.  Award-winning Chef de Cuisine Richard Gras will prepare a four-course menu designed to complement the featured vintages.  The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and costs $115, plus tax and gratuity.  Call (904) 277-1028 for reservations. 

September 26: Movie in the Park
The City of Fernandina will be showing The Rookie free in Central Park at 8:30 pm.  Concessions will be available.  For more information, call (904) 277- 7350.

October 2:  Sounds on Centre
Description above.

October 3-4:  Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
Description above.

October 2-11: Amelia Island Jazz Festival
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 of jazz.  Featuring headliner David Sanborn, the festival showcases world-class jazz artists in a wide variety of styles, including Dixieland, Smooth Jazz, Bebop, Big Band, Blues, Latin and more.  Under the creative direction of renowned jazz drummer and bandleader, Les DeMerle, festival performances will take place at the new 1,000-seat First Baptist Church, historic St. Peter's Church Courtyard, and several other charming venues throughout the island. Visit www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.

October 10:  Artrageous Artwalks
Description above.

October 10-11:  Confederate Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park
Description above.

October 16:  3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History
Description above.

October 17:  13th Annual 8 Flags Car Show
The 13th Annual 8 Flags Car Show, presented by Amelia Cruizers, is a fun, free event that attracts car collectors from across the nation.  Car enthusiasts will display their restored automobiles along Centre Street, creating a spectacle for fans to enjoy.  Proceeds from the event go to charity.  For more information, call (904) 491-5975 or visit www.ameliacruizers.org.

October 17: Movies and a Meal – All Comedy Screenings
The Amelia Island Film Festival is hosting a Movies and a Meal night, which includes an old fashioned picnic, funny flicks under the stars, and a cash bar. Taking place at the Florida House Inn in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, the Movies and a Meal night starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $40 for open seating and $50 for VIP seating on the patio.  For more information, call the Amelia Island Film Festival Hotline at (904) 335-1110 or the Florida House Inn at (904) 261-3300.

October 27: Guarneri String Quartet “The Final Concert”
Among the most revered and enduring string ensembles in the world, the Guarneri String Quartet will play its final performance at the Amelia Plantation Chapel on October 27, at 7:30 p.m.  After countless string performances around the world, this prestigious classical music quartet will retire after this historic performance.  Tickets are available for $60.  Call (904) 261-1779 or visit www.aicmf.com.

October 28-29: Salt Cooking School
Master professional culinary techniques, experience new tastes, and work alongside the chefs in Salt's kitchen with interactive, hands-on sessions directed by Richard Gras, Chef de Cuisine. Appropriate for novice and experienced cooks alike, the schools are limited in size, allowing the chefs to tailor the class to the needs of the students and to provide personalized instruction.  The two-day cooking school takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and includes continental breakfast, lunch, apron, and recipes.  Cost is $339 per person.  Call (904) 277-1028 for reservations. 

October 30:  Georgia/Florida Frat Bash at Amelia Island Plantation
The Grand Pavilion at Amelia Island Plantation will host a huge Georgia/Florida Frat Bash from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. to celebrate one of college football’s biggest rivalaries.  Gators and Bulldogs alike can dance and party with live music from the Tams and The Swingin’ Medallions.  Guests can enjoy an open bar, sautéed gator tail, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, hot dogs, and pasta salad.  No one under 21 permitted.  For tickets, call (904) 491- 4646.

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.

- Amelia Island -

MEDIA INFO:
Katharina Brierton Lane
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
(386) 677-7000
katharina@hayworthcreative.com