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01 February 2011
April 2012
From Worm Grunting to Lighthouse Challenge
By Chuck Spicer
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Kindly note that many Forgotten Coast events have expanded from one day to two days. Some even longer! Sometimes the reason for expanding is to gain additional funding from a respective “Tourist Development Council.” (your bed tax dollars at work). In many cases the “main event” is still happening on a single day (usually a Saturday) and “lighter” fare is offered the second day. With close to 200 special events on the Forgotten Coast we urge you to “be aware” as you read our previews and plan accordingly.)
Variety is certainly the spice of life and the April Forgotten Coast Festival & Special Events Calendar features a delightful blend of activities for all palates. Ranging from worm grunting in Sopchoppy to an antique and classic boat show along the Apalachicola waterfront. From a colorful regatta for a great cause at Shell Point to “Pirates of the Carrabellean” roaming the streets of Carrabelle for two days. Even a “Wildlife Festival” at world famous Wakulla Springs; power lifting on St. George Island; a triathlon and Duathon on St. Joe Beach; and an area-wide “Lighthouse Challenge.” And some fishing!
Before I forget, let’s start off by telling you what event will not be held this year. The Rock By The Sea music folks have moved their show from St. George Island to Panama City Beach.
There will be at least five events during Easter (April 8) weekend starting off with the First Friday Fine Art & Music Series at the Thirsty Goat in Port St. Joe on April 6. On the same evening there will be a sunset/full moon climb of the St. George Island Lighthouse from 7:30pm to 9 pm for a small fee.
On Saturday April 7 the Junior Service League will again sponsor its annual “Easter Egg Hunt” for kids of all ages at the 8th Street Park in Port St. Joe. We understand that “Harvey” will be making an appearance.
On the same day Port St. Joe’s “Salt Air Farmers Market” will be opening for the first time in 2012. Open the first and third Saturdays of the month thru November, the farmers market features all kinds of goodies ranging from seasonal produce to unique crafts. It is held at City Commons Park (downtown) from 9am to 1 pm. You can read all about it in a special Gulf County Chamber Column in this issue. Rounding out April 7 activities is a 5k “Rabbit Run/Walk on Cape San Blas.” Special Easter Sunday services will be held throughout the area.
The “Friends” of St. Vincent Preserve, a very special barrier island off the Franklin County coast, hold “wagon tours” of the island (April 11) but space is limited and you must make advance reservations by visiting their website or their visitor center in Apalachicola. If you aren’t into “organized” activities go to the public boat ramp at Indian Pass and take the “shuttle” to the island. Bring a bathing suit, picnic lunch and camera.
We don’t have a lot of details but apparently (according to the Gulf County TDC calendar) there is a “Tagged Trout & Redfish Tournament” on St. Joseph Bay on April 13 & 14.
Previously the annual Sopchoppy Worm Grunting Festival (April 14) marked the conclusion of “Wild About Wakulla Week” but this year it signals the start of a week filled with delightful outdoor activities that conclude with the “Wakulla Wildlife Festival” on April 20 & 21. Call 850-962-4138 if you need more details.
GOOD VIBRATIONS
Are you telling me that you have never “grunted” for earthworms? And you consider yourself “worldly.” For the uninformed “city folk” grunting for worms is an age old rural tradition that continues today. Rather than dig up the front yard for fish bait you summon the worms to you. By driving a wooden stake in the ground and rubbing a rasp-like device across the top of the stake. The “good vibrations” cause the earthworms to wiggle their way to the surface to join the party.
Not everyone is successful in this endeavor and that is why we have contests to discover the best. There are both adult and children’s competitions in the morning at the Sopchoppy Worm Grunting Festival in Sopchoppy. You can sign up at the table next to the historic Gopher/Frog & Alligator (GF&A) train depot. Live bluegrass music is played through much of the day and dozens of food and crafts booths line the main drag. The day concludes with the Worm Grunters Ball.
A tip…if you love plants get there early and visit the Iris Club tent.
WAKULLA SPRINGS
For a complete overview of “Wild about Wakulla” week activities see our Wakulla County pages.
Then on April 20-21 fabulous Wakulla Springs is the site of the annual Wakulla Wildlife Festival. There are activities both days and your $6 per vehicle donation to the “friends” gains you entrance. There are a significant number of events and great music both days and you can read all about them in our Complete Calendar of Events. Wakulla Springs features the largest submerged cave system in the United States and you will be able to “experience” a cave diver’s view of this wonder.
On the same weekend (April 21-22) the World Famous Panhandle Players will once again entertain in Franklin County (Dixie Theatre in Apalachicola). April’s play is “Sex Please, We’re Sixty” by Michael and Susan Parker and you can save a few dollars on a meal at a leading restaurant by going to the website www.panhandleplayers.com Show time is 7:30 pm on April 20 & 21 and at 3 pm on April 22. Tickets are just $12 and you can make reservations by calling 670-5064 or 653-7688. By the way the Panhandle Players will be presenting “Work, Play, Love”, a series of one-act plays, on Nov. 18-20.
Chillas Hall in Lanark Village will be hosting a “Beach Party/ Snowbird Farewell” dance party April 21, 7 pm –‘til. Sponsored by the Lanark Village Association the dance will feature Greg K & Krewe, a local entertainment group that drew full houses for recent New Years and Mardi Gras parties. The door donation is just $5 and participants usually bring food or snacks to share plus their own beverages.
The Ilse Newell Concert Series, which usually presents its shows at the historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola, moves its series outside on April 22 as it presents the “Nashville Dixieland Band” at Lafayette Park starting at 4 pm. This is “theatre in the round” as the beautiful waterfront park features a gazebo/band stand smack dab in the center of a fabulous setting. The park was originated in 1820.
You might want to rent a pair of roller skates for this particular weekend as there are even more special events on the docket. Besides the above noted activities the Apalachicola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce holds its annual “Antique & Classic Boat Show” April 20 & 21 and you are invited to take part in the annual “Florida Panhandle Lighthouse Challenge” April 21-22.
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW
The restored 1877 gaff-rigged schooner the Governor Stone will also be on display at the city dock in the center of town and the Apalachicola Riverkeepers will be giving guided tours of the river. Also, at the Cotton Warehouse there be an exhibit of model boats built by some of the finest model boat builders in the country, plus a marine art exhibit. At 6:00 pm there will be a dinner and lecture -reservations required. For information please call (850) 653-9419 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
