Looking for the perfect kayak or stand up paddleboard? This is an opportunity to “test paddle or pedal” some of the top brands in the industry including Perception, Wilderness and Hobie paddle and hands free Mirage Drive kayaks and BIC, Hobie and Surftech Stand Up Paddle Boards At the boat basin across from Harry A’s on St. George Island. 850-927-2604 or 850-927-3259

 

Charles and Rex Pennycuff are hosting their 14th annual Fisherman's Choice Youth Fishing Tournament on June 8th. Kids 16 and under will fish for fresh and saltwater species. Each entry receives a t-shirt, and after the tournament, entrees are invited to attend a cookout at Fisherman's Choice where they will weigh in their fish, eat hot dogs and hamburgers and get some great prizes. In years past, Rex says they gave away 170 rods and reels, tackle boxes and a dozen cast nets. Prizes are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place, and include all major fish species. Entry is free and generally about 200 kids sign up. Call Fisherman's Choice for more information at (850) 670-8808.

The event is held on the public beach in front of the Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe and features men's, women's and children's divisions. Folks line up and pay a small entry fee that goes to charity for the privilege of flinging a fish for distance and prizes. To participate, just show up Saturday morning June 8. For more information, contact the Blue Parrot (850) 927-2987

The second annual Apalachicola July 4th Fireworks Celebration this year will be held July 3rd.  The Main Street Program will host the celebration starting with the Red, White and Blue parade from Lafayette Park and ending at the Riverfront Park, followed with music, food, beverages and of course FIREWORKS DISPLAY over the Apalachicola River at Riverfront Park.  Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate this wonderful day.  For more information call (850) 899-8689

Tee up with business members from around the Franklin, Gulf, Leon, and Wakulla County areas at the 10th Annual Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 10th, 2012. Tee time is 1:00 pm on the beautiful St James Bay Golf Course, just east of Carrabelle. Well-known golf course designer Robert Walker created this beautifully manicured 18 hole championship course that creates a challenge for even the most skilled golfer, yet still a course golfers of various abilities will love. The tournament will be a flighted man scramble, low score wins with prizes for the top three teams. Scores will be totaled and prizes will be awarded at the reception following the tournament. Cost per team is $400, $100 per player. Fees include range balls, golf carts equipped with color GPS system. Tournament proceeds will go toward the Chamber's building fund. For more information contact the Apalachicola Bay Chamber at (850)653-9419 or email us at info@apalachicolabay.org

Don't miss the first annual Apalachicola Riverfront Film Festival on Saturday, October 19th, 2013. This one night event will feature an array of professional independent films from around the country, local filmmakers and participation from the prestigious film schools of Florida State University and Savannah College of Art & Design.  The outdoor festival located along the river’s edge in historic downtown Apalachicola, creates a majestic and memorable venue like no other of its kind. The event will be surrounded by an elegant setting of lights, charming decor and an exquisitely decorated tent to accommodate local cuisine, enjoyable beverages and festival merchandise. Beside the magnificent river rests an inviting lawn for the viewing area beneath a full moon, providing an exceptional and unique film goer’s experience. Bring your law chairs or blankets, or purchase a ten person v.i.p. table for a group of film enthusiasts. Join us as we celebrate a night of quality entertainment, culture, education and enjoyment while utilizing an incredible backdrop provided by nature.

Florida's oldest maritime festival.  This is the 50th year of the Florida Seafood Festival, a two-day celebration of great fresh quality seafood that annually draws thousands of visitors to the historic town of Apalachicola.  The Festival is held at the mouth of the Apalachicola river under the shady oaks of Apalachicola's Battery Park. The festival features delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events and musical entertainment.  Some of the notable events includes  Oyster Eating and Oyster Shucking contest, Blue Crab Races, Cooking Contest, a downtown Parade, 5k Redfish Run and the Blessing of the Fleet.

Love oysters? Don't miss the 9th annual Downtown Oyster Roast on November 1st, 6:00 to 9:00 pm in  Apalachicola. This enchanting event, sponsored by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, will feature roasted oysters, oysters on the half shell, creamy artichoke, oyster and thyme soup, fresh local shrimp, blue crabs, salad greens and fantastic desserts.  Dine under the stars next to the Apalachicola River.  Local blues man Joe Hutchinson will provide live entertainment. For tickets call (850) 653-9419 or email info@apalachicolabay.org

The Apalachicola Christmas Celebration will light up the lovely historic town of Apalachicola from 4:00-8:00 p.m., the day after Thanksgiving. The streets will be lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit. Merchants will be open late and the sounds of carolers will echo through the streets filling the evening with the Christmas spirit. Santa will arrive on a shrimp boat at 4:00 p.m. at the City Dock on Water Street. Santa will hear children’s Christmas wishes and carolers will sing. The Orman House is trimmed in holiday finery and docents in period costumes lead visitors through the early history of the County. The Raney House is decorated in holiday greenery and open for tours.  Join us for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration!

 Saturday from 1:00-3:30 pm the fun continues as Santa has a special day devoted to hearing wishes from his furry friends.  There will be a pet costume contest at 3:00 and special treats for dogs. Bring your camera and make a donation to the Franklin County Humane Society and get your pet's photo take with Santa.

Plus, help our great local shops on “Small Business Saturday” November 30 from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (ET) Come shop our small local business in Apalachicola.  From art to jewelry, food or antiques, you'll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, minus the crowds and the hassle of going to the mall.

Why fight the crowds and traffic at the malls? Come for the day or the weekend and find one-of-a-kind unusual presents. Shop in a relaxed, hassle free environment. Buy hand crafted Apalachicola specialties such as fresh seasonal wreaths, baked goods, artwork, wood carving, pottery, hand knitted goods. Your gift shopping has never been easier! Call (850) 653-9419 for details. Located in front of the Dixie Theatre Avenue E and Market Street.

Join us for a fun filled holiday parade on US 98 is Easpoint on Friday, December 13th.  The parade starts at 4:00 pm. Bring your golf cart, convertible, pick up truck or boat.  We'll end at the Pavillon on Patton Drive where Santa will arrive by oyster boat, there will be caroling and Santa will listen to children's wishes.