this weeks events
Friday's events
Hoedown
Friday November 20
7:30pm
New Life Christian Fellowship hosts a fall hoedown with outdoor fall activities, live music, kids activities, food and more.
New Life Christian Fellowship / 904-223-6000 / 2701 Hodges Boulevard / www.nlcf.org
Make-A-Wish Festival
Friday November 20
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Make a Wish Foundation hosts a fundraising festival featuring a silent auction, a bounce house, games, popcorn, food, and more.
Make a Wish Foundation / 904-230-4899 / 125 Hampton Point Drive, St. Augustine
Saturday's events
Barrier Islands
Saturday November 21
2pm
Join one of our knowledgeable park rangers for an informative talk on the natural history of sea islands and their important role in coastal ecology. The topics addressed will include beach erosion, island migration, island formation and the natural communities present on such barrier islands today. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission.
Little Talbot Island / 904-251-2323 / 12157 Heckscher Drive / www.floridastateparks.org
Fall Roar 'n Snore 2009
Saturday November 21, 3pm
to Sunday November 22, 11am
The Catty Shack Ranch hosts an evening of camping and more while listening to the big cats talk to each other at night. $40 per person for ages 12 and up; $25 per child, ages 7 to 12; $10 per child, ages 3-6; 3 years and under free. Admission includes 10x10 campsite, catered BBQ dinner, night tour and feeding, bonfire with marshmallows and smores, and a continental breakfast. $40 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your campsite. In the event that there are not 40 participants, the $40 deposit will then be refunded. Click Here for Registration Form
The Catty Shack Ranch / 904-757-3603 / 1860 Starratt Road / www.cattyshack.org
Family Saturdays
Saturday November 21
10am
Each Saturday, parents and children will learn about a topic relating to nature and the environment in the "outdoor classroom" of Tree Hill Nature Center. Family Saturdays has these important goals: To spend time with family in a natural setting, To increase knowledge of Florida's native flora and fauna, To become more aware of ways to help our environment.
Tree Hill Nature Center / 904-724-4646 / 7152 Lone Star Road / www.treehill.org
Gingerbread Workshop
Saturday November 21
2:30pm to 3:30pm
Cinotti's Bakery will host the workshop where a familiy of 4 can create gingerbread holiday keepsakes. Limited Seating. $30 per family of 4. Part of the Cultural Center's Holiday Shoppes, which are open from 10am to 5pm and have an admission of $2 Members/ $5 Non-Members.
Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra / 904-280-0614 / 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra / www.ccpvb.org
Ham Jam
Saturday November 21
and Sunday November 22
Annual Ham Jam Celebration, features bar-b-que competition, food, live entertainment, attractions, rides, car show, cute baby contest, and a kids fun zone with black hole slide, little Talladega Speedway, R/C buggy races, outdoor sports arena, obstacle course and more.
Reynolds Park Yacht Center / 904-838-5530 / Highway 16, Green Cove Springs / www.hamjam.org
Hands-Only CPR Class
Saturday November 21
9am to 3pm
Mayo Clinic, along with the St. Johns County Fire Rescue and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, will be offering an adult, hands-only CPR class and AED (automated external defibrillator) training for non-certification at Mayo. The hands-only CPR class is to be used on adults who suddenly collapse. Mayo Clinic and the EMS will also provide information on how to detect early heart attack signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
The hands-only CPR training courses will be held at Mayo Clinic, in Kinne Auditorium, Cannaday Building. You can register online or by calling 904-953-0770. Each 30-minute, non-certification class consists of an instructional and hands-on component. Arrive anytime between 9am and 3pm. Minimum age to participate is 14.
Mayo Clinic / 904-953-0770 / 4500 San Pablo Road / www.mayoclinic.org
Holiday in the Park
Saturday November 21
10am to 4pm
The Beaches Museum and History Center celebrates Holiday in the Park with photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Arts, Crafts, Holiday Choirs, Local Artists and Authors, Games, Balloons and Cupcakes,Storytellers, Model Trains, Food and more. Free.
Beaches Museum and History Center / 904-241-5657 / 380 Pablo Avenue, Jacksonville Beach / beachesareahistoricalsociety.com
Holiday Kick-Off Skate Event
Saturday November 21
and Sunday November 22
Saturdays events include Mini-Ramp and Street Jam events, and Sunday features a game of S.K.A.T.E. Admission is $5 all day and $15 to enter each contest. Free hotdogs with admission. All skaters are required to have a signed waiver! Anyone 16 or younger must have a helmet to skate.
Boardz Skate / 904-272-8499 / 365 College Dr #105, Middleburg / www.boardzskate.com
Jax India Fest
Saturday November 21
1pm to 9pm
The 2009 Jax India Fest features traditional Indian folk and classical dance, authentic Indian cuisine, live entertainment, video games for kids, dance competition, Indian jewelry, Henna tattoos, imported Indian crafts and paintings, Indian outfits, and more. Free admission.
Metro Park / 904-254-5823 / 1410 Gator Bowl Boulevard / www.jaxindiafest.org
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Saturday November 21
2:30pm to 3:30pm
Head out on a scavenger hunt using the five senses.
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park / 904-630-CITY / 7000 Roosevelt Boulevard / www.coj.net
Night of Lights: Light Up the Night
Saturday November 21
6:30pm
St. Augustine mayor Joe Boles will be joined by past mayors in the historic Plaza de la Constitucion to "flip the switch" to light up the Nights of Lights. The festivities begin at 4pm with a holiday performance by Showtime USA. At 5:30pm, the All Star Orchestra will perform in the Plaza's Gazebo. Then at 6:30pm, all attending will be asked to participate in the countdown to the lighting. The 16th Annual Nights of Lights will continue nightly through January 31.
Downtown St. Augustine / 800-653-2489 / www.NightsofLights.com
Shana Banana Bedtime Musical Pajama Party
Saturday November 21
1pm
All ages are invited to a Shana Banana Pajama Party. Wear your pajamas, listen to stories and songs, and more.
Borders / 352-331-2722 / 6837 Newberry Road, Gainesville / www.borders.com
Small Wonders: Miniature Paintings Workshop
Saturday November 21
1pm to 4pm
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens hosts Small Wonders: Miniature Paintings Workshop with Allison Watson. Participants will paint landscapes, still life or abstract paintings and create several small original paintings on canvas and paper. Watson will give personal attention during several demonstrations. Painters on all levels are welcome. Members $40; Non-members $50. Call to reserve your spot.
Cummer Museum / 904-355-0630 / 829 Riverside Avenue / www.cummer.org
St. Johns Town Center Tree Lighting
Saturday November 21
8:30pm
Family friendly activites will begin at 12noon, followed by a holiday concert by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks at 8pm, tree lighting at 8:30pm and fireworks.
St. Johns Town Center / 904-998-7156 / 4663 River City Drive / www.simon.com
Sumi-e Brush Painting Workshop
Saturday November 21
10am to 12noon
Learn techniques of an ancient form of painting from sumi-e artist, Ria Falkner. This workshop is open to 3rd graders thru adults. Experience this simple ink-painting style and create your own beautiful masterpiece with your child or by yourself. Cost is $20 and all materials are provided. Please sign up by November 16.
RIverside Children's Arts Center / 2841 Riverside Avenue / www.riversideartscenter.org
Talent Show and Barn Dance
Saturday November 21
10am to 9pm
To end the season, Conner's will host a talent show and barn dance. Admission prices: 23 months or Younger: Free; Age 2 to 4yrs : $7; Age 5yrs to 64 : $10; Age 65 and up : $8; Groups of 20 or more, with advance reservations: $8 each. Admission Includes: 1 trip through the corn maze, 1 ride on the Hayride Express to visit the cows and calves, and Unlimited access to all other park attractions.
Conner's A-Maize-ing Acres / 904-879-5453 / 19620 CR 121, Hilliard / www.connerscornfieldmaze.com
Whose Line is it Anyway?
Saturday November 21
8pm
Comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, two stars of the Emmy nominated series, Whose Line is it Anyway?, will perform at the Florida Theatre. Tickets are $27.50, $37.50, $45.50. The improvisational comedy show is PG/PG-13, and best suited for ages 8 and up.
Florida Theatre / 904-353-3500 / 128 E. Forsyth Street / Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Sunday's events
Fall Roar 'n Snore 2009
Saturday November 21, 3pm
to Sunday November 22, 11am
The Catty Shack Ranch hosts an evening of camping and more while listening to the big cats talk to each other at night. $40 per person for ages 12 and up; $25 per child, ages 7 to 12; $10 per child, ages 3-6; 3 years and under free. Admission includes 10x10 campsite, catered BBQ dinner, night tour and feeding, bonfire with marshmallows and smores, and a continental breakfast. $40 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your campsite. In the event that there are not 40 participants, the $40 deposit will then be refunded. Click Here for Registration Form
The Catty Shack Ranch / 904-757-3603 / 1860 Starratt Road / www.cattyshack.org
Ham Jam
Saturday November 21
and Sunday November 22
Annual Ham Jam Celebration, features bar-b-que competition, food, live entertainment, attractions, rides, car show, cute baby contest, and a kids fun zone with black hole slide, little Talladega Speedway, R/C buggy races, outdoor sports arena, obstacle course and more.
Reynolds Park Yacht Center / 904-838-5530 / Highway 16, Green Cove Springs / www.hamjam.org
Holiday Kick-Off Skate Event
Saturday November 21
and Sunday November 22
Saturdays events include Mini-Ramp and Street Jam events, and Sunday features a game of S.K.A.T.E. Admission is $5 all day and $15 to enter each contest. Free hotdogs with admission. All skaters are required to have a signed waiver! Anyone 16 or younger must have a helmet to skate.
Boardz Skate / 904-272-8499 / 365 College Dr #105, Middleburg / www.boardzskate.com
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday November 22
1pm
The Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Buffalo Bills. Single game tickets starting at $50; season tickets also available.
Jacksonville Jaguars / 904-633-2000 / Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, 1 Stadium Place / www.jaguars.com
Monday's events
Audtions for High School Musical
Monday November 23
6pm to 10pm
The Alhambra Dinner Theatre is holding auditions for their performance of High School Musical. Auditions are for trained singers and dancers only - ages 16 and up. You must bring 16 bars of sheet music of an uptempo song, and be prepared to dance. For more information, call the theatre.
Alhambra Dinner Theatre / 904-641-1212 / Boleros Dance Studio, 10131 Atlantic Boulevard / www.alhambradinnertheatre.com
Day of Thanks and Remembrance Walk
Monday November 23
11am to 4pm
The I.M.P.A.C.T. Club is hosting their second annual Day of Thanks and Remembrance walk to honor loved ones who are survivors of, fallen victim to, or currently facing their fight for life with cancer. Over 1100 children, their families and others in the community will support the walk by wearing a rainbow of different color t-shirts representing and supporting the following five organizations: American Cancer Society- Red, Child Cancer Fund- Blue, Community Hospice Peds Care-Lavender, The Donna Deegan Foundation-Breast Cancer Society-Pink, Wounded Warrior Project-Yellow.
Landrum Middle School / 904-547-8410 / 230 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra / www.lms.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Nature Tales
Monday November 23
10am to 11am
Hear fact and fiction stories for all ages.
McGirts Creek Regional Park / 904-630-CITY / 8435 118th Street / www.coj.net
Trail Walks
Monday November 23
9am or 2pm
Leisurely explore various trails in Northeast Florida with a guided tour.
McGirts Creek Regional Park / 904-630-CITY / 8435 118th Street / www.coj.net
Wildflower Search
Monday November 23
1pm to 2pm
On the lookout for blooming native wildflowers.
McGirts Creek Regional Park / 904-630-CITY / 8435 118th Street / www.coj.net
Tuesday's events
Let's Talk Turkey
Tuesday November 24
2pm to 3pm
Discuss facts about this magnificent bird.
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park / 904-630-CITY / 7000 Roosevelt Boulevard / www.coj.net
Trail Walks
Tuesday November 24
10am to 11am
Leisurely explore various trails in Northeast Florida with a guided tour.
Blue Cypress Park / 4012 University Boulevard N / www.coj.net
Trail Walks
Tuesday November 24
9am to 10am
Leisurely explore various trails in Northeast Florida with a guided tour.
Blue Cypress Park / 4012 University Boulevard N / www.coj.net
Wednesday's events
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday November 25
5:30pm
The entire resort will glitter with thousands of holiday lights, casting a beautiful glow on the lavishly decorated premises. The evening includes refreshments, music, and a dramatic entrance by Santa Claus arriving in a horse-drawn carriage. A spectacular fireworks display concludes the festivities. The kinderstudios Dance Group will be performing at 6pm. Free.
Ritz Carlton / 904-277-1100 / 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island / www.ritzcarlton.com
Holiday Character Dinner
Wednesday November 25
6:30pm
Santa, elves, reindeer and some of Christmas' most famed holiday characters will be present to share a dinner with children, young and old. Admission includes a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. $49 per adult; $25 per child (ages 5-12). Reservations required. For reservations, please call 904-277-1028.
Ritz Carlton / 904-277-1100 / 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island / www.ritzcarlton.com
Thursday's events
Thanksgiving Day Fun Run
Thursday November 26
8am
The 1/2 Marathon and 6K will start together at 8am on San Jose Boulevard in front of the Outback Mandarin Plaza. The one mile for kids will start right after the start of 1/2 marathon and 6K at the corner of Pall Mall and San Jose about 100 yards in front of the 1/2 marathon starting line. A portion of each entry will go to the Mandarin Food Bank. Entry fees: Fun Run-$12 until November 25 and $15 day of event; 6K-$25 until November 25 and $30 day of event: 1/2 marathon-$35 until November 25 and $40 day of event. In addition to the entry fees, bring a non-perishable food item or add $1 to entry fee.
Outback Steakhouse Distance Classic / 904-731-1900 / Outback Steakhouse, San Jose Boulevard / Click Here for Information
Turkey Trot
Thursday November 26
8am
The 5K Turkey Trot begins at 8am, with the Kids Fun Run starting at 9am. Race will start and finish at the Racquet Park Parking Lot, located next to the Verandah Restaurant. All proceeds benefit the Nassau County Humane Society. Entry fee is $25 per adult, $15 per child (12 and under). Day of race registration is available.
