Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum Commemorates D-Day
2025-06-03 11:00 - 2025-06-12 17:00 (America/New_York) | Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, 1873 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle will present a special exhibit commemorating the anniversary of D-Day. This exhibit opens Tuesday, June 3 and will be on display until Saturday, July 12. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

Camp Gordon Johnston was established in 1942 in Carrabelle to train entire infantry divisions, including the U. S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division and their support units, in amphibious warfare. That training and the men who received it would be put to the test on the heavily fortified beaches of Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The first amphibian infantry assault teams to arrive on French soil were from the 4th Infantry Division at Utah Beach. The D-Day invasion, the largest seaborne invasion in history, included over 100,000 Allied troops.

The exhibit will include personal papers, historic photos, and artifacts belonging to Capt. John E. Mellen, generously shared by his family. Capt. Mellen commanded the 818th Amphibious Truck Company and served with them from their training at Camp Gordon Johnston through the end of the war. The 818th trained at Camp Gordon Johnston in late 1943 and early 1944 before deploying to England in preparation for the Normandy invasion. On June 6, 1944, they landed on Utah Beach as part of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade, supporting the 4th Infantry Division. For this the 818th received a Meritorious Unit Citation and Croix de Guerre with palm and five members received Bronze Stars.

A video of amphibious assault training on Carrabelle Beach will play continuously during the day, with a new showing every 10 minutes. This Army training short film, captured by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, documents the D-Day preparations as they happened in March 1943. Several well-known photographs of this training were taken from this footage. These exercises were to be the last training before troops shipped out to England.

The exhibit also features personal interviews with members of the 4th Infantry Division and accounts from German defenders. These, along with other tributes to D-Day, offer a more complete perspective on this historic event. The museum’s three WWII military vehicles will also be on display.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located at 1873 Hwy 98 West, directly across from the very beach where the beach assault training occurred. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Apalachicola Downtown Market
2025-06-04 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-11 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Bee Inspired Too, 56 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, Fl, 32320
Apalachicola Downtown Market’s intention is to add value to our community and support local artisans. We offer consumers the opportunity to purchase farm-fresh, locally grown food and homemade baked goods. The farmers market is a community hub-a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, pets or just get a taste of small-town life. We encourage and welcome everyone to come support us every Wednesday 9am-1pm at 56 Commerce Street in Apalachicola, FL (Located in Bee Inspired Too’s front yard). New food vendors are always welcome, especially as we are nearing the Holidays. Vendors must follow The Florida Cottage Industry rules.

Apalach Ghost Tour
2025-06-04 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-11 20:00 - 21:30 | Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, 17 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
Join us for local ghost stories, area legends, and tales of hauntings in downtown Apalachicola while using ghost-hunting equipment to seek out any lingering spirits. Select tour goers and volunteers will get to use EMF detectors, and other ghost-hunting equipment at select locations on the tour. Bring your positive energy and let’s try to say “hello” to the ghosts of Apalachicola. The tour will begin in front of the Chamber of Commerce which is located at 17 Avenue E next to the Dixie Theatre. This tour ranges in length from an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes.

Apalach Ghost Tour
2025-06-04 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-06 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-11 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-13 20:00 - 21:30 | FL
Join us for local ghost stories, area legends, and tales of hauntings in downtown Apalachicola while using ghost-hunting equipment to seek out any lingering spirits. Select tour goers and volunteers will get to use EMF detectors, and other ghost-hunting equipment at select locations on the tour. Bring your positive energy and let’s try to say “hello” to the ghosts of Apalachicola. The tour will begin in front of the Chamber of Commerce located at 17 Avenue E next to the Dixie Theatre. This tour ranges in length from an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes. Tickets at: ApalachGhostTour.com

Country Farmer’s Market in Carrabelle
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hay 98 , Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
The Crooked River Lighthouse is celebrating Small Business Saturday and supporting local artisans on November 30 at the Country Farmers Market and Lighthouse Gift Shop at Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle, FL. By shopping local, guests will discover high-quality, one-of-a-kind items while helping to support the community. The holiday shopping season kicks off with their Country Farmers Market from 9 am-1 pm ET. Guests can continue to Shop Small, Shop Local at the Lighthouse Gift Shop from 9 am to 5 pm ET.
The Country Farmers Market is a delightful showcase of local talent and treasures. Wonderful vendors from the area will be there, offering a diverse array of goodies that make perfect gifts and treats, including locally handmade jewelry, assorted jellies, organic, farm-fresh produce, batch-roasted coffee, mouth watering cinnamon rolls, artisan breads and other baked goods, handcrafted balms, grass-fed beef, stunning art and photography, fresh eggs, handmade goods and craft items, unique t-shirts and clothing, homemade salsas and hot sauce, and plants to explore. The market is the perfect way to celebrate Small Business Saturday while enjoying local products and a friendly community atmosphere.
The Crooked River Lighthouse Gift Shop offers visitors an array of unique nautical and coastal-themed treasures, making it an ideal place for holiday shopping. From handcrafted items and jewelry to one-of-a-kind coastal art and souvenirs, the shop provides something special for everyone. Guests are encouraged to explore the gift shop’s selection of nautical-themed gifts and keepsakes during their visit.
Guests can also visit the free Keeper’s House Museum to see the new exhibit featuring the historic Fresnel lens. For an added adventure, visitors have the unique opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of St. George Sound for a small fee.
The Country Farmer’s Markets are held every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday at the foot of Carrabelle’s lighthouse and are actively recruiting new and returning vendors. Vendors may sign up at any time. The cost to be a vendor is $10 a market. For more information, contact 850-697-2732

Ilse Newell Live Musical Performance
2025-06-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Trinity Episcopal Church, 79 6th Street, Apalachicola, 32320

Apalach Ghost Tour
2025-06-09 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-16 08:00 - 21:30 | FL
Dare to Discover the Haunted Secrets of Apalachicola! Step into the shadows of historic downtown Apalachicola for a spine-tingling night of local ghost stories, chilling legends, and real paranormal encounters. Armed with ghost-hunting gear, you’ll join our haunted adventure to uncover the spirits that may still linger in the dark corners of this charming coastal town. Get hands-on experience with EMF detectors and other ghost-hunting tools at mysterious hotspots along the tour—who knows what (or who) you might find? Bring your curiosity, and positive energy as we attempt to make contact with the beyond. Let’s see if the ghosts of Apalachicola are ready to say “hello”…
👻 Tour starts in front of the Chamber of Commerce at 17 Avenue E, next to the Dixie Theatre
⏰ Tour duration: Hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes
🎟️ Tickets & details at: ApalachGhostTour.com

Celebrate the Buck Moon at Crooked River Lighthouse
2025-06-09 20:00 - 22:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hay 98 , Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Moonlit Evening at the Lighthouse event on Wednesday, July 9 from 8:00-10:00 pm ET in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the setting sun and rising Buck Moon.

The full Moon in July is called the Buck Moon because the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by. (Credit: Almanac.com)

Visitors can experience an after-hours tour of the Keeper’s House Museum and see the original, historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, France. Guests can browse the unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop. Attendees are welcome to bring a chair and relax under the evening sky.

Those who wish to climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast can take part in evening tower climbs. From the top, climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, the colors of the sunset, and the glow of the rising moon. Evening climbs cost $10 and are scheduled at 15-minute intervals throughout the event. Due to limited availability, climb reservations are strongly encouraged. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Children under 12 climb free with ticketed adults. Advance tickets can be purchased in the lighthouse gift shop or online at https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/full-moon-events/

Crooked River Lighthouse is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. For more information, contact the gift shop at 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
2025-06-10 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Eastpoint Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, Fl, 32328
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is a fun, development-focused playgroup for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. It’s a great space for caregivers to connect, build friendships, and explore how kids learn through play. This program will including singing songs, creating arts, storytelling and dramatic play. Join this free weekly play group for Caregivers & Children! For more information: jessie.buchanan@elcnwf.org and 850-704-0746.

Date & Time: Every Tuesday – April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 10:30 am – 12 pm
Locations: Eastpoint Branch.

Celebrate the Strawberry Moon at Crooked River Lighthouse
2025-06-10 18:00 - 22:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hay 98 , Carrabelle, Fl, 32322
The Crooked River Lighthouse will host a relaxed and enjoyable evening on Tuesday, June 10 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm ET in Carrabelle, FL under the glow of the setting sun and rising Strawberry Moon. Festivities include a networking social with the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce, plus after-hour museum tours, and evening tower climbs.

The evening kicks off with a Social Mixer co-hosted by the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce and the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Pirate Ship. In celebration of the Strawberry Moon, guests can enjoy strawberries and cream and light refreshments while connecting with fellow members, local leaders, and community supporters. It’s a valuable chance to network and build relationships that support the community, local businesses, and organizations. Please RSVP to the Carrabelle Chamber by June 6 at 850-697-2585 or chamber@nettally.com.

At the mixer, Nicole Lamar, Senior Business Relations Representative from Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), will highlight services available locally. VR provides services to both local businesses and to individuals with disabilities by helping them find and maintain employment, while offering businesses access to a skilled workforce, training support, and recruitment assistance.

From 7:00 – 10:00 pm, visitors can experience an after-hours tour of the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit of the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, France at this Moonlit Evening event. Guests can browse the unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop.

Those who wish to climb the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast can take part in evening tower climbs. From the top, climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the colors of the sunset and rising moon. Evening climbs are $10 and scheduled at 15-minute intervals throughout the event. Due to limited space, reservations are strongly encouraged. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Children under 12 climb free with ticketed adults. Tickets are available in the gift shop or at https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/full-moon-events/

Crooked River Lighthouse is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. For more information, CrookedRiverLighthouse.com, 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

The June Sunset and Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse
2025-06-11 20:30 - 23:30 | Cape St. George Lighthouse, 2B East Gulf Beach Drive, Eastpoint, FL, 32328
The June Sunset and Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse on St. George Island will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy the view of St. George Island, the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola Bay under the evening sky from the top of the lighthouse.
The Sunset and Full Moon Climb will begin at 8:30 p.m. and run until 11:30 p.m. Fifteen-minute time slots will be allotted for each group on a first-come, first-served basis. No advanced reservations will be taken. You will purchase your tickets in the gift shop and then sign up for your 15-minute time slot with the lighthouse keeper. Up to 12 people are allowed in each 15-minute time slot. The gift shop will open at 8:00 p.m. to begin selling tickets.
Cost is $10.00 per climber for the general public and $7.00 for members of the St. George Lighthouse Association. Cash or credit card payments accepted. All climbers must be at least 40 inches tall to climb the tower and children must be age 13 and over to access the outside catwalk. For more information, please contact the Lighthouse Gift Shop at 850-927-7745.
The sun will set at 8:40 p.m. and the “Strawberry” moon will rise at 9:28 p.m. on June 11th. The June full moon is called the “Strawberry” moon because strawberry picking season reaches its peak around this time. Full Moon names are attributable to native American tribes, most notably the Algonquin, who named the moons to mark the changing seasons.
The Cape St. George Light is located in St. George Lighthouse Park at the center of St. George Island, where Island Drive (the road off the bridge) ends at Gulf Beach Drive. Parking is available in lots at either side of the park.

The June Sunset and Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse
2025-06-11 20:30 - 23:30 | St. George Island Lighthouse, 2 east Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, Florida, 32328

Apalachicola Farmers Market
2025-06-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Mill Pond Pavillion, 468 Market St, Apaplachicola, Florida, 32320
Located at the beautiful Millpond Pavilion at the end of Market Street, the Apalachicola Farmers Market offers local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, and other regional specialties every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 9 AM until 1 PM in Apalachicola. Can’t wait till the weekend? The Apalachicola Growers Market is back this month, featuring fresh vegetables, gourmet goodies, and more on most Wednesdays from 56 Commerce Street in Apalachicola. Check out the events page for more info.

Basket Class 101
2025-06-14 10:00 - 15:00 | River’s Edge Gallery, 59 Commerce St, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
Whether it is your first foray into weaving or not, this a fun class to make a few trivets and play with English willow to practice basic techniques. Class participants will make two trivets and two bird feeders. Beth Allman has been weaving for over 40 years. Largely self-taught, she loves the interplay of color to make each basket unique.
$85 per student – The basket frame & weaving materials are included
Materials needed: old towel, garden bucket or dishpan, awl or skewer.
Students are advised to bring something to drink – lunch will be provided

Blue Parrot’s Annual Mullet Toss
2025-06-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Blue Parrot, 8 West Gorrie Drive, St. George Island, Florida, 32328
The Mullet Toss is sponsored by The Blue Parrot for the benefit of the Apalachicola Bay Charter School. For a $30.00 entry fee, you get a unique Mullet Toss T-Shirt and 2 mullet to throw. Visitors and Locals compete for prizes and bragging rights.
There are prizes for the longest throws in the men’s, women’s, and kids’ divisions. Located on the Blue Parrot Beach, 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Flag Retirement Ceremony
2025-06-14 16:30 - 17:30 | Post 116, 801 Hwy 98, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States

Fathers Day at The Gibson : Live music with Sean Williams
2025-06-15 12:00 - 15:00 | The Gibson Inn, 51 Ave C, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States

Franklin County Public Libraries Celebrate the “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program
2025-06-16 08:00 - 2025-07-24 17:00 | Carrabelle Library, 311 St. James Ave, Carrabelle, FL
The 2025 Summer Reading Program will burst onto the scene on Monday, June 16 and continue through Thursday, July 24 at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle Branch Libraries.The program, sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries, will feature fun and imaginative activities and events for both kids and adults. Library programs are free and open to the public – no library card required.

This year’s theme, “Color Our World”, focuses on art and creativity at the library. The program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a variety of artistic expressions. Guests are invited to celebrate every page, paint stroke, and performance that add a little more color to the world.

The first week of the Summer Reading Program will be held June 16-20 at the Franklin County Public Libraries. Visitors are invited to festive Kick-off Parties on Monday, June 16 at 11:00 AM ET at both library branches, where they can explore the exciting lineup of upcoming events and participate in chalk art, creative games, and snacks.

Week One (June 16th-20th)

, June 16 – Kickoff Parties w/ chalk art & games @11:00 am at both branches
, June 18 – Toddler Time: Color Sorting @ 10:30 am ET at both branches
, June 20 – Teen Button Making @ 10:30 am at Eastpoint and 2:30 pm at Carrabelle

Summer Reading is an annual program that brings children, teens, and families to local public libraries for reading and activities. A Summer Reading Program:

encourages lifelong reading habits,
supports reluctant readers with activities,
helps children maintain their skills over the summer,
generates interest in the library and books, and it being summer,
can just be good fun and provide an opportunity for family time.

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle, FL. The Eastpoint Branch is located at 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, (850) 670-8151. The Carrabelle Branch Library is at 311 St. James Ave. SE (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, (850) 275-9895. For details, go to https://friendsfcpl.com/summer-reading-program/ . Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

“Color Our World” Summer Reading Program
2025-06-16 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-16 11:00 - 2025-06-20 13:30 | Eastpoint Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, Fl, 32328
The 2025 Summer Reading Program will burst onto the scene on Monday, June 16 and continue through Thursday, July 24 at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle Branch Libraries.The program, sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries, will feature fun and imaginative activities and events for both kids and adults. Library programs are free and open to the public – no library card required.
This year’s theme, “Color Our World”, focuses on art and creativity at the library. The program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a variety of artistic expressions. Guests are invited to celebrate every page, paint stroke, and performance that add a little more color to the world.
The first week of the Summer Reading Program will be held June 16-20 at the Franklin County Public Libraries. Visitors are invited to festive Kick-off Parties on Monday, June 16 at 11:00 AM ET at both library branches, where they can explore the exciting lineup of upcoming events and participate in chalk art, creative games, and snacks.
Week One (June 16th-20th)

June 16 – Kickoff Parties w/ chalk art & games @11:00 am at both branches
June 18 – Toddler Time: Color Sorting @ 10:30 am ET at both branches
June 20 – Teen Button Making @ 10:30 am at Eastpoint and 2:30 pm at Carrabelle

Summer Reading is an annual program that brings children, teens, and families to local public libraries for reading and activities. A Summer Reading Program:

encourages lifelong reading habits,
supports reluctant readers with activities,
helps children maintain their skills over the summer,
generates interest in the library and books, and it being summer,
can just be good fun and provide an opportunity for family time.

Turtle Talk
2025-06-17 14:00 - 15:00 | ANERR, 108 Island Drive, Eastpoint, Florida, 32328
Join us for a fun and fascinating dive into the world of sea turtles! You’ll learn all about these incredible creatures—from their nesting behavior and biology to the local efforts helping protect them. Our presentation covers the area’s conservation and monitoring programs, and we’ll share easy ways residents and visitors can make our beaches safe and welcoming for nesting turtles.
After the talk, stick around to chat with Reserve staff and members of the St. George Island Volunteer Turtle Patrol—your go-to experts for all things turtle! This free, family friendly event is a great way to beat the heat and connect with the coast.
*This event is expected to reach capacity, we recommend arriving early.

Adult Crafternoon at the Franklin County Public Libraries
2025-06-17 14:30 - 17:00 | Eastpoint Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, Fl, 32328
The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) invites visitors and residents to enjoy a relaxing and creative afternoon at the upcoming Adult Crafternoon workshop. This engaging program will take place on Tuesday, January 21, at 2:30 pm ET, at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle branches.

Participants will have the opportunity to create their own faux stained glass. This project offers guests an opportunity to make their own colorful work of art without the need for expensive equipment or advanced artistic skills, making it perfect for crafters of all experience levels. Supplies are included, and the event is free and open to all adults—no library card required.

Adult Crafternoon is part of the Franklin County Public Libraries’ Program Series, which provides engaging activities for all ages. The Program Series is packed with exciting events, including StoryTimes for children, STEM Space for young explorers, Kids Crafts and more. Each program is designed to cater to different interests, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in the community. Regular programs will continue as scheduled, including the Eastpoint Book Chat on the 1st Tuesday at 1:30 pm, the Carrabelle Book Chat on the 1st Friday at 1:30 pm, and the Eastpoint Writer’s Forum on the 3rd Wednesday at 1:00 pm.

The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle, proudly sponsor the Fall Program Series. Their continued efforts help ensure that the libraries remain vibrant community hubs, offering valuable programs and resources for all.

Guests are encouraged to seize this opportunity to craft and chill! For more information about the Adult Crafternoon event or any of the other upcoming programs, please contact the Eastpoint Branch at 160 Hickory Dip Rd, Eastpoint, 850-670-8151 or the Carrabelle Branch at 311 St, James Ave (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, 850-697-2366. Those interested can also visit the FFCPL website at https://friendsfcpl.com for more details. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
