St. Augustine Celebrates British Heritage

St. Augustine's British heritage will be celebrated in grand style on December 4 and 5 when British Night Watch and Grande Illumination return to the Oldest City. One of the most colorful and exciting events of the holiday season, the 35th annual presentation of Grande Illumination and British Night Watch will feature an entertaining and educational blend of pageantry and authentic historical presentations describing life in St. Augustine when it was part of the British Empire (1763-1784).

This year, the fun gets underway Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. with a free concert featuring traditional Celtic music performed by Father, Son and Friends at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum's Taberna del Gallo on St. George Street. Sangria, cider and ale mixed with boisterous singing by authentically-garbed re-enactors will create just the sort of jocularity needed to ease the pain of the recent loss of the American colonies. Admission is free.

Saturday's events include a British encampment from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Colonial Spanish Quarter. The encampment will feature a 9 a.m. performance of fife and drum music and the raising of the King's Colors. A master musician will entertain at 10:30 a.m. followed by fife and drum music at 11 a.m. At 12:45 p.m., a fashion parade featuring the latest fashions from 1782 will take center stage at the encampment. At 2 p.m., special British military demonstrations will take place at the Castillo de San Marcos. At 4 p.m., the public is invited to attend an "afternoon of musik and country dance" at the Flagler Foundation Garden on the corner of St. George and Hypolita Streets

At 7:30 p.m., the British troops, their Native American allies and camp followers will assemble to the beating of drums and the music of fifes at the De Mesa House on St. George Street. At 8 p.m., this colorful contingent will parade by torchlight to Government House where they will hear a holiday proclamation from the governor before embarking on a festive march through the historic district. The public will be invited to light a candle and join in the boisterous parade through the town. A musketry volley of joy, singing of carols and general revelry by everyone involved will add to the holiday spirit.

All of the events associated with Grande Illumination and British Night Watch are open to the public and admission is free. The events are supported by a grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. For more information, call 904.829.5318 or visit www.britishnightwatch.org .

This Weekend in St. Augustine

Friday, November 13

Zac Brown Band at St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Head over to the Amphitheatre for a live performance by the Academy of Country Music award-winning Zac Brown Band. The performance is part of the band's The Breaking Southern Ground Tour with friends Nic Cowan, Levi Lowery & Sonia Leigh. The show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre,1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. Tickets are $29. For more information call 904.471.1965 or visit http://www.staugamphitheatre.com/

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: November 13-15

THE PIRATE GATHERING
Avast, me hearties! T'is a whimsical celebration of the Golden Age of Piracy in old St. Augustine. Three days of swashbuckling fun begins on Friday evening as "pirates" from around Florida wander the streets of the old city. On Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Francis Field will be swimming with swashbuckling fun games for the kids, pirate games, a thieves market, ocean displays, pirate floats and plenty of music and magic. On Saturday at 11 a.m. a parade of Pirate Floats will cruise along St. Augustine's Bayfront and end up at Orange Street, across from the Castillo de San Marcos where a Pirate Battle will begin. The skirmish will lead from the Orange Street Redoubt along St. George Street to the Plaza de La Constitucion. Francis Field is located behind the St. Augustine Historic Downtown Parking Facility on Castillo Drive. Admission to the Pirate Gathering at Francis Field is "A Buck an Ear". For more information, check out The Pirate Gathering.

Saturday: November 14

GAMBLE ROGERS FALL BENEFIT CONCERT
Come hear a prelude of the 2010 Gamble Rogers Folk Festival at this fall fund-raising concert that features four fantastic Florida acts: Liz and Lon Williamson's Gatorbone Trio, The Peyton Brothers, Aaron O'Rourke and the Daughters of Florida. The concert takes place at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit Gamble Rogers Festival.

CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILING
Be a part of this special ceremony featuring the unveiling of a historical marker devoted to the contribution of Florida Memorial College students to the local civil rights struggles of the 1960s. The marker is the latest in a series placed in St. Augustine by the Civil Rights Memorial Project Committee to identify and commemorate pivotal sites related to the civil rights movement. The Florida Memorial University choir will perform during the ceremony which begins at 1 p.m. at Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park located at the intersection of West King Street and Holmes Boulevard. The park, named for former Florida Memorial College founders and presidents, features the Abraham Lincoln Lewis Archway - the most lasting physical reminder of the college's time in St. Augustine (1918-1968). For more information, call 904.794.1544.

Sunday: November 15

SCARECROW CREATIONS
Create your own scarecrow from free straw and supplies provided by Vilano Town Center businesses. Bring your own scarecrow attire - all of the creations will be photographed and entered in a contest with a grand prize winner to be announced on November 29. Scarecrows can be crafted from noon to 4 p.m. each Sunday in November at the Sunday Market at the Vilano Beach Pier. The Market features fresh produce, refreshments, music and art. For more information, call 904.540.8797 or go to: http://www.thesundaymarket.com/

Miami Book Fair International

Another seed has sprouted into a flourishing cultural event in downtown Miami for all ages.

The Miami Book Fair International kicks off this Sunday, November 8- 15, while the actual streetfair is November 13-15.

With a dizzying array of books ranging from comics to escape -from- reality fiction and hard-core nonfiction, there's something for everyone.

Browse the endless rows of book spines and covers at the street fair and create your own schedule for select events including author presentations. Meet and greet authors such as Margaret Atwood, Jeanette Walls, and actress/author Isabella Rosellini. Admission is an affordable $10. For the complete schedule in English, CLICK HERE.

Miami Book Fair also is hosting events in Spanish including poetry readings.

Of course a book fair would not be complete without Dr. Seuss and a playground of children's events. For example, hear and see the story of Growing Vegetable Soup come to life in the RIF Reading Garden while children are invited to dig in the dirt and plant real seeds, all captured in photos you can download later on your computer. Giveaways include magic seeds to start your own garden at home, plus books and backpacks. Get your thumb stamped “green” to show you’re learning to garden!

Pope John Paull II Film Festival coming to Miami

Here is news of an inaugural and wonderful event. You know November 2 is All Soul's Day. Enjoy several uplifting films that speaks to all races and faiths that may move you to begin charity well before Christmas. Help a neighbor, friend or even your neighborhood in some small way. Anyone can move mountains! A young man who grew up in the birthplace of World War II --Poland--did just that.

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There's no shortage of film festivals in Miami: International Films, French Films, and Gay and Lesbian, to name a few.


This week, a trio of young Miamians will bring something different to the region's big-screen scene: a religious, interfaith film festival modeled after the life of a popular pope. The John Paul II International Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday and runs through Nov. 7, includes films varying from God in the Streets of NYC, a short on Jesus on the streets of New York City, and God in China, a documentary on religion and politics among the Chinese, to The 13th Day, a feature on the memoirs of a 20th-century Portuguese nun.


``There seemed to be a hunger for films with meaning rather than just sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll,'' said Laura Alvarado, a 25-year-old actress who teaches at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Coconut Grove. Alvarado and two friends from a youth group at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Kendall brainstormed the festival nine months ago and were able to raise $40,000 in donations.


``At first, we thought, `Oh man, our name is John Paul II, people are going to get turned off,' '' Alvarado said.


Instead, dozens of people, including rabbis and Protestant ministers, have been promoting the event around South Florida houses of worship. More than 100 films were submitted this summer by directors from Miami to the United Kingdom. Thirty were chosen to be shown at theaters across Miami-Dade, including a Jewish community center in Kendall. Organizers said they came together through their interest in the former pope, who was an actor and playwright as a young Polish man and was known for his interfaith accomplishments.



REACHING OUT
``It didn't matter what your background was for John Paul II. He was the first pope to really try to cross that bridge and reach out to all the faiths,'' said organizer Rafael Anrrich, a 39-year-old therapist from Kendall. ``We're trying to do the same.''


As a pope, John Paul II made strides by improving the Catholic church's relations with the Jewish community -- including his historical visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem -- and was the first pope to visit a mosque. He also met with Buddhist and Anglican leaders.


Festival submissions were not required to be about specific religions but did need to have a spiritual element. Many are about crossing boundaries, faith-related or otherwise. As We Forgive is about Rwandan women who attempt to confront and forgive the men who killed their families during a brutal genocide, while The Boy in the Striped Pajamas portrays a friendship that develops between a Jewish boy in a concentration camp and the son of a Nazi commander.
``People can get into theological arguments, but at the end, we're all human beings. We want to bring that idea to film and show how much love and passion there is in art,'' said Frank Brennan, a 24-year-old English major at Florida International University and an independent filmmaker. Brennan said he grew up in a nominally Catholic family and didn't begin to embrace his faith until three years ago when he attended a religious retreat on a whim. Now, he regularly attends Our Lady of Lourdes and helps organize monthly prayer sessions at the church for the film festival.

DIFFERENT FAITHS
``If I had something like this sort of festival when I was younger, I think I would feel more comfortable with learning about different faiths,'' he said.

In 1987, John Paul II made a historical visit to South Florida and spoke to tens of thousands of locals and pilgrims at Tamiami Park near Florida International University, where a handful of the film festival screenings will take place.
``Now,'' said Anrrich, ``he's coming back.''


What: John Paul II International Film Festival.
Where: Locations throughout Miami-Dade.
When: Thursday through Nov. 7.
Cost: General admission, $8; students, $6; children under 12 and senior citizens, $5.
Info:http://www.jp2filmfestival.com/ or 786-246-5380.

Christine's Memorable Night at Vizcaya Halloween Bash

Sexy Black witch and Sexy White Angel

Can you imagine a Halloween costume party without Ghosts and goblins? Why? Well that means covering up the flesh and this party is about less. It's Miami, the weather is hot and this is the hottest Halloween party in all of South Florida. But there were plenty of wily witches and daring devils and things that go bump in the night! And it was all fun and laughs for a good cause--preserving a 100-year old treasure!

I survived the Vizcaya Halloween Bash and the bombardment of spooktacular cleavage and brewing butt cheeks and bulging packs. Here they were in top form. Did I fit in? Well take a look at the pictures and you tell me!

This historic, 100-year old mansion was ideal for a haunted mansion party. Like any other stately affair at Vizcaya, attention to detail was paramount. A Halloween party was no different. Starting from the moment you set foot on the grounds, blue smoke filled the winding path leading to the entrance. It provided an ethereal glow and backdrop for my costume--an angel.

Once you crossed over, and the air cleared, the Vizcaya greeted intrepid souls and fun-seeking spirits with a premium drink and a magnificent impression of spiderwebs reflected on the mansion walls and featuring sponsors such as Patron, and Stella Artois.

And now for the colorful characters. Anything goes at this popular event and prizes are awarded to best overall and sexiest costumes.

American Gladiators

LooK! This unabashed party intruder is all covered up! Quick --call security!

Nicole and Aurora in 1930's period clothing.

Aurora actually made her costume. Isn't it fabulous? These ladies are part of the troupe Shameless Burlesque--a mix of clever innocence and old-fashioned, clean naughtiness.

They have performed at various events including a recent event for breast cancer. There's nothing like good, clean fun! http://www.shamelessburlesque.com/

So as I continued to amble and mingle, my angel radar detected possible illegal activity.

"Censored" costume

This guy is wearing nothing but a brown cardboard covering his loin and buttocks and tied with burly string. On his chest is written "Censored". This required an upfront and close investigation. The censored parts were well protected so he's safe and so was I.

Behold this creature of the comic book walked in.



The only article of clothing were the red underpants and shoes. The rest of his body was painstakingly and evenly painted! I thought he deserved a prize in the overall costume contest but unfortunately this superhero left home with his superhero powers and muscles.

I See Dead People

As I turned I nearly knocked over these dead people. Such detail! I cheered them on in the contest and thought they deserved a prize for overall costume. But no cigars for the dead.

So who won the overall contest? Well I was surpised I had not seen anyone in the hot topic of the year, post Sarah Palin. And if they are not living, then obviously it was someone posthumously famous--none other than the legendary Michael Jackson. But what could one do to elaborate MJ's uniform jacket with epaulets, silver glove and black high water pants with white socks? This guy was clever and was the clear winner!

Michael Jackson hooked up to IV holding "instruction manual" for Diprivan (drug used in hospitals during surgeries to maintain anesthesia)

Now for the sexiest costume. My absolute favorite was the modern Marie Antoinette. Look at the detail and design! Instead of a full length petticoat skirt, she chose an open, wired-skeletal skirt! The thigh high stockings and push-up corsette were plenty sexy. It was creative, detailed, eye-catching and sexy! Unfortunately she came in second place.

Modern Marie Antoinette

So who won sexiest costume? Well take a look...but beware!

Angel & Borak--what a combination!

It's Borak! Wearing a ___? What is he wearing? I'm not so sure about this. But he wore it in confidence and EVERYONE took pictures. Quite the celebrity of the night.

"This is quite naughty, you know", said the Angel.

Do my eyes deceive me or am I in heaven with these handsome gladiators?

You see when you work for Him, you have unlimited access to inspect and gather critical information.

Is that a beam of heavenly light shining upon my halo?

It is! I love my Job! Life is grand!

See you next year!

Happy Halloween!

Old Fashion Halloween in Florida's Oldest City

It would be difficult to imagine a more appealing location for ghostly fun than the Nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. With nearly 450 years of history, ancient narrow streets, two cemeteries with graves dating back hundreds of years, a brooding Spanish fortress and endless stories of roaming spirits and things that go bump in the night, it's the place to be for all things other-worldly.

Despite daylight's warm Florida sun and beautiful Atlantic beaches, every night of the year features ghost tours and spooky encounters. But when Halloween approaches, that's when the spirits really get busy. Here are some Halloween adventures awaiting for intrepid souls, fun-seeking spirits and, well, shoppers.

Spirits in St. Augustine: Walk, ride or sail your way through a night of ghostly encounters on three tours offered October 30 and 31 only by Ghost Tours of St. Augustine - selected by Florida Living magazine as the Number One guided tour in Florida. A Ghostly Experience is a walking tour led by a guide in period costume who provides authentic stories of old St. Augustine - and an encounter with a spirit at three stops. Ghost and Legends is a riding tour through the historic district and a stop at Potter's Wax Museum. This tour ends with a nighttime walk on the grounds of the St. Augustine Lighthouse - a place called "the Mona Lisa of paranormal sites" in the United States by the Scy-Fy network's Ghost Hunters. Ghosts of the Matanzas features a one-hour, moonlit cruise aboard the schooner Freedom through the haunted waters of Matanzas Bay - the spirit of a long-decease pirate will be your guide. For reservations, tickets and more information on these tours, call 904.829.1122 or go to Ghost Tours of St. Augustine .

Black Raven Adventures: Go aboard the Black Raven pirate ship for a voyage that will make your blood run cold. Sure, the games, libations and fun stuff make it seem harmless, but a visit to the Haunted Locker of the Matanzas on the quarter deck will make you beg for a quick return to dry land. This adventure is available every Friday and Saturday leading up to Halloween Eve and Halloween when The Return of the Matanzas Zombies take over the ship! It is suggested that passengers set their affairs in order before departing on this cruise. The 8:15 cruise on each night is suitable for the entire family, but only adults over the age of 21 are allowed onboard for the 11:15 p.m. finales. For full details, go to Black Raven Adventures or call 877.578.5050.

Creatures of the Night: A visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is sure to create lasting Halloween memories for the entire family! From 5:30-7 p.m. on October 29, 30 & 31, the Alligator Farm will present Creatures of the Night - a fun way to encounter creepy creatures along the park's wild walkways. Costumed keepers, candy and an alligator show each evening - plus drawings for free annual passes. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. For more details, go to Alligator Farm Zoological Park or call 904.824.3337.

History and Legends of Halloween: The true history of Halloween and the Celtic New Year is presented on a fun walk offered by the top-rated St. Augustine Pub Crawl. Find out how the Celts got Halloween off to a great start on the night when the veil between the living and dead is at its thinnest, learn the significance of bonfires and jack-o'-lanterns, plus much more and a stop at five pubs along the way. This special tour is available each Wednesday through Sunday night through October 31. For full details, call 904.540.3476 or visit St. Augustine Pub Crawl.

Old Florida Museum: Visit the Halloween Festival at the outdoor Old Florida Museum - a living museum that features a Timucuan Indian hut, Spanish house, a Florida pioneer school house and the Old Florida General Store. Story telling, games, costume contests, pumpkin carving and much more are featured at the festival. Festival hours are 6-9 p.m., Friday, October 30, and 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, October 31, A Timucua Indian guide and a colonial Spanish maiden will be your guides. Admission is $4. The museum is located at the intersection of San Marco Avenue and State Road 16 in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.824.8874 or go to Old Florida Museum .

Family Fright Nights: What's Halloween without a visit to the original Ripley's Believe It Or Not! museum in St. Augustine? This year, Ripley's is offering a chilling selection of Halloween week adventures, including special Midnight Madness Ghost Train Adventures on both Friday and Saturday nights. There will be a free Family Fun Ghost Walk departing from Ripley's Castle Warden on Friday and Saturday nights at 5, 6, & 7 p.m. - trick-or-treaters are welcome at Ripley's. Plus, for the truly fearless, a one-time only Witching Hour Tour will depart at 3 a.m. aboard the award-winning Ghost Train Adventure. To add to the festive atmosphere, each evening from 5-8 p.m., Spooky Dan the DJ will be spinning creepy tunes, shooting laser beams and tossing candy from his perch atop Castle Warden. For reservations or more information, cal l904.824.1606 or go to Ghost Train Adventure .

Shivers and Awe: If you're brave enough to go it alone, take a self-guided GPS tour through some of St. Augustine's most haunted real estate. Or if you need some company to stiffen your spine, take a pedicab ghost tour, segway tour or a personally-guided walking tour - all presented by SA GPS Adventure Tours. For full details on these unique ghost stores, go to SA GPS Adventure Tours or call 904.377.1447.

Fright Music Concert: Enjoy a lively program of Halloween music presented by the St. Augustine Community Orchestra and featuring the music of Chopin, Bach... even John Williams' theme from E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. The first concert will be at 8 p.m.., October 30 in the Lightner Museum, 75 King Street in St. Augustine. The second performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 at the Switzerland Community Church, 2179 State Road 13 in St. Johns. Tickets are $10 at the door for each concert, children under 12 admitted free. For details, go to St. Augustine Community Orchestra or call 904.287.8417.

Horror Zone Haunted House: Get scared for a good cause at the St. Johns County Sheriff Department's Horror Zone Haunted House. Creative makeup, clever lighting and motivated zombies create a scary atmosphere for visitors to the house in the former Mikee's store in the Food Lion Plaza, 2497 U.S. 1 South in St. Augustine. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the department's programs for juveniles.

Spooktacular Shopping: Uptown Saturday Night takes on a festive, Halloween theme on October 31 when the galleries, antique stores and unique shops along St. Augustine's San Marco Avenue stay open until 9 p.m. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music and refreshments provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association create a lively, autumnal atmosphere for bargain hunters. Plus, there's free parking at the Mission Nombre de Dios. For more information, call 904.824.3152. Also, Prime Outlets-St. Augustine, featuring a "who's who" of luxury names including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Juicy Couture and Cole Haan, as well as the only Gucci's outlet store in the Southeast, will host trick-or-treating for children at the mall from 6-8 p.m. on October 31. For more information, go to Prime Outlets - St. Augustine .

Haunted Trails: Climb aboard wagons that will carry the entire family along trails leading through the deep woods inhabited by ghouls and goblins. Pony rides, face painting, moonwalks and carnival games add to the Halloween festivities. It all takes place at the Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Road near the corner of U.S. 1 and Old Kings Road just across the Flagler County line. A donation of $6 per person is requested. For more information, call 386.446.7630

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This Weekend in St. Augustine

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: October 23-25

ST. JOHNS COUNTY FAIR
Get a taste for St. Johns County's agricultural heritage by enjoying exhibits, food, fun, and entertainment! Livestock, good things to eat, music, midway rides, and plenty of performances and activities for the whole family are the mainstay of the Fair. Spotlight entertainment includes live performances on Friday and Saturday by Katie Gillard, ET Swings the Thing Band, The Dunehoppers, the Driftwoods, Rotageezer and Love Chunk. Other entertainment throughout the week includes performances by The Robinson Family, Katherine Archer, Saltwater Cowgirls, Rebecca Hayes, the Morse Family Band and more. The Fair Rodeo takes place on Friday and 4H Shows and Contests are conducted throughout the weekend. Fair hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m. - midnight Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, at the County Fairgrounds, SR 207, located approximately 7 miles west of I-95. Admission $5, students $3, children under 42 inches free. For more information, visit the St. Johns County Fair .

FIRST COAST OPERA - MASTER CLASS
Enjoy a spectacular performance by the area's finest musical performers during a presentation of Master Class, a play by Terrence McNally. This opera centers on Maria Callas, the world-famous soprano, as she became a glamorous, commanding, larger-than-life, caustic and surprisingly drop-dead funny teacher of master classes in operatic singing. During the play, she reminisces about her career triumphs, her affair with Aristotle Onassis and the sacrifices one makes in the name of art. While not an opera, Master Class features opera highlights by Verdi, Puccini and Bellini! The performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Road in St. Augustine. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door, and $15 for college/military with proper ID. For more information, call 904.417.5555 or go to First Coast Opera.

Friday: October 23

LYNYRD SKYNYRD AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Known for classic hits such as "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Gimme Three Steps," southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at Florida's newest outdoor concert and entertainment venue, the St. Augustine, Amphitheatre. The band will continue the legacy that started more than 35 years ago playing classic hits as well as new material. The show starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $40, $60, $70 and $90 and are available at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre or by calling 800.745.3000. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A in St. Augustine.

WOMEN'S EXCHANGE FALL GARDEN LUNCHEON
Enjoy a beautiful garden setting while savoring a delectable luncheon prepared by the St. Augustine Women's Exchange. After lunch, take a tour of the Pena-Peck House including the antique dress display, shop in the Exchanges' famous Christmas in October or just relax in the garden! Luncheon is served at noon. Tickets are $20 per person and include the full lunch with coffee or tea and a $5 gift certificate for the Woman's Exchange Gift Shop. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 904.829.5064.


Friday and Saturday: October 23-24

FLORIDA'S HAUNTED TRAILS
Celebrate Halloween at the Florida Agricultural Museum! This family affair includes a haunted house, scary stories by the Tale Tellers of St. Augustine, and trick or treating on the Trick or Treat Trail. Wagons will carry visitors along trails inhabited by ghouls and goblins in the deep, dark woods! Pony rides, face painting, moonwalks, and carnival games add to the fun and a variety of food and drinks will be available to purchase. The event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. each night. The Museum is located at 7900 Old Kings Road, near the corner of U.S. 1 and Old Kings Road in Flagler County. Donation is $6 per person, and $5 for Museum members. For more information, call 386.446.7630.

NATURE VALLEY AMATEUR TOURNAMENT
Come see the nation's finest amateur golfers who have earned entry to play in this championship tournament at the legendary TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra - home of THE PLAYERS Championship. Competitors will play THE PLAYERS Stadium Course and the Valley Course. On Friday, the practice rounds will be played throughout the day. On Saturday, the Championship round begins at 8 a.m. The Champion from each of the four flights will be awarded a custom engraved crystal Championship Trophy and one automatic entry into one of the Qualifying Tournament of his/her choice for the 2010 Nature Valley Amateur Tournament Series. TPC Sawgrass is located on PGA Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit Nature Valley Golf Championship .

Saturday: October 24

3RD ANNUAL DOG DAYS AT COLONIAL SPANISH QUARTER
Have a howling good time with your favorite canine at this annual day for dogs. Dress your pooch in his/her Halloween costume for this contest just for the dogs. The fun takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, 29 St. George Street in St. Augustine. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.825.6830.

Trial By Fire: The 1702 Siege
Find out what St. Augustinians experienced in 1702 when they sheltered in the Castillo de San Marcos to escape from English artillery that was destroying their homes. This special nighttime tour features vignettes presented by re-enactors who will tell stories of St. Augustine in 1702 - while the Castillo's cannons blast away at enemies hidden by the darkness. The tours begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are now on sale at the Castillo and are priced at $6 per person, free for children under five. For details, call 904.829.6506 x233.

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE CREATURE FEATURE
Learn about the varied and perilous lives of the area's different species of mice ranging from the Golden Mouse, who lives most of its life in trees, to the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse that can only be found in the dunes of Northeast Florida. This live estuary animal presentation will take place at 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center located at 500 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age ten to 17 and children under ten are free. For more information call 904.823.4500.

ANCIENT CITY KIDS DAY
Spend a fun-filled day with the family at this annual event with activities that include live entertainment, live animal exhibits, contests and games for kids, arts & crafts -- free T-Shirts & Goody Bags while they last. There will even be a helicopter and Fire Trucks on display! Ancient City Kids Day takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Francis Field, located behind the St. Augustine Downtown Parking facility on Castillo Drive. For more information, call 904.829.2273.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Witness twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as the Spanish soldiers who have been guarding the city throughout the afternoon are replaced with the detachment assigned for the night. The replacements march from the City Gate and down St. George Street to Government House where they assume their duties for the night. The authentic 18th century drill is ended with the firing of a volley of musketry to assure citizens their town is secure for the night. This traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place at 7 p.m. at Government House in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The event is free. For more information, call 904.825.1004.

BONNIE RAITT AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Come enjoy a live performance by Bonnie Raitt, one of America's musical legends. More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. The release of Souls Alike, her eighteenth album, marks yet another brave, exhilarating step in a legendary body of work. Raitt is best known for her songs "Nick of Time", "Something to Talk About", and the ballad "I Can't Make You Love Me." Receiving nine Grammy Awards in her career, Raitt remains one of contemporary music's premier artists.The show begins at 8 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with a performance by Ryan Shaw. Tickets are $32.50 to $74.50. For more information, visit St. Augustine Amphitheatre .

Saturday & Sunday: October 24-25

CRESCENT BEACH PAINT OUT
Watch for some of Florida's finest en plein air artists painting the beautiful landscapes, seascapes and scenes around Crescent Beach and the Matanzas area. Throughout the coming week, artists will work in oils, watercolors and pastels in the open air. Completed works are juried for prizes and exhibited at various locations throughout the year. For more in formation, call Island Fine Arts, 904.471.5808 or visit Crescent Beach Paint Out.

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