St. George Island Visitor Center : Events on St. George Island

St. George Island Events

JANUARY 2012

Tuesdays. Winter Bingo at the St. George Island Firehouse (324 E. Pine Ave.). 7 - 9:00 PM. Sponsored by the St. George Island Civic Club. Everyone is welcome. 653-6734 for more info.

The day of the full moon in January. Sunset & Full Moon Climb of the Cape St. George Light in Lighthouse Park from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Space is limited to 10 climbers so sign up and pay in advance at the Visitor Center. $10 for St. George Lighthouse Association members, $15 for everyone else. Refreshments are included. No refunds unless notification is rec'd in advance of the climb, or if the tower is closed due to lightning. After 6:30, climb to see the full moon. $5 for St. George Lighthouse Assn. members, $10 for everyone else. For more info, call the Visitor Center 850-927-7744.

Saturday January 21st. The St. George Island Yacht Club's annual Low Country Boil at Harry A's. Everyone is invited. 2:00 - 6:00. $10 for Yacht Club members, $15 for everyone else.

FEBRUARY 2012

Tuesdays. Winter Bingo at the St. George Island Firehouse (324 E. Pine Ave.). 7 - 9:00 PM. Sponsored by the St. George Island Civic Club. Everyone is welcome.

Begins Friday, Feb. 3rd. The Beach Home Tour of St. George Island will begin with a Friday evening reception at the Jay Abbott Firehouse, 324 E. Pine Ave., and include a home & garden presentation. Then on Saturday, 10-12 island homes will be open to members of the public who have tour tickets. The homes will span the range of SGI properties with homes on the East End, in the Gulf Beaches area, and in St. George Plantation. Tour tickets are $15.00 in advance, $20 on the day of the tour. The event is sponsored by the St. George Lighthouse Association. To reserve tickets, call 850-927-7745. For more info, www.sgiTourOfHomes.com or call 888-927-7744.

Super Bowl Sunday Party at Harry A's, 28 W. Bayshore Dr (850-927-3400).

Tuesday, February 7th. Snowbird Day, sponsored by the St. George Island Business Association. The county's winter visitors are invited to spend the day on St. George Island. If you consider yourself a visitor to the area, you're welcome to participate! www.sgiSnowbirds.com

Events will include a raffle "run" to the local businesses, fishing tournament, lighthouse climb, state park entry and hike, island tour, bridge walk, bingo, a visit to the new Estaurine Nature Center, and dinner with a cash bar.

Register at any St. George Island vacation rental company. For more information, contact the SGI Visitor Center at 850-927-7744 and watch this site.

Kayak Club paddling trips. Join the Kayak Club for $50 or just pay $15 per trip. Kayak and transportation included. Go by Journeys of St. George, 240 E. 3rd St., or call 927-3259 to sign-up.

MARCH 2011

Tuesdays. Winter Bingo at the St. George Island Firehouse (324 E. Pine Ave.). 7 - 9:00 PM. Sponsored by the St. George Island Civic Club. Everyone is welcome.

Thursdays @ 6:00 at Sometimes Its Hotter, 112 E. Gulf Beach Dr. Circle of Friends. Come party with the locals, business owners, and island guests. Free appetizers. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks available. Live entertainment. Young adults, children, and dogs on leashes are welcome.

1st Saturday in March. The 30th annual regional Chili Cookoff. Contestants will compete in the largest regional chili cookoff in the nation and vie for a spot in the National Chili Cookoff. The weekend begins with a golf tournament at 8:00 AM Thursday 3rd at St. James Golf Course. $100 entry fee includes green fee, cart, practice balls, goody bag & prizes. Then on Friday, the Auction Art Preview is from 5:00 in the afternoon to 7:00 in the evening at the island's firehouse (324 E. Pine Ave.). For a $5 donation, you may preview many of the art items that will available at the next day's auction. Saturday includes the 5K Red Pepper Run (8:00 AM), the amateur Crock Pot contest with judging (10-11:00), the Auction beginning at 11:00, booth showmanship judging (11:30 - 12:15), Miss Chili Pepper and Mr. Hot Sauce judging (starting at 12:15), taste awards (3:30). Held in the center of the island. $5 entry fee. Proceeds benefit the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders. 850-653-6735. www.StGeorgeIslandChili.com

March 16 - 17. 11th Annual Eastpoint Charity Rib Cookoff . Starts Friday night with a silent auction. On Saturday, there will be games for children, live music, liar's contest, antique car show, and over 20 participants in the cook-off. All 3 fire trucks will be on display. At the Eastpoint Firehouse, 24 Sixth Street. Benefits the Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department. Pru911@gtcom.net

Sunday, March 14th, Kayak Club paddling trip. Locale TBA. Medium-strenuous trip. Join the Kayak Club for $50 or just pay $15 for the trip. Kayak and transportation included. Go by Journeys of St. George, 240 E. 3rd St., or call 927-3259 to sign-up.

APRIL 2011

Thursdays @ 6:00 at Sometimes Its Hotter, 112 E. Gulf Beach Dr. Circle of Friends. Come party with the locals, business owners, and island guests. Free appetizers. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks available. Live entertainment. Young adults, children, and dogs on leashes are welcome.

4 days in mid-April, 2012 6th Annual Rock By The Sea music festival. This event raises funds for service charities. Hosted as usual by Harry A's Bar & Grill on beautiful St. George Island. www.rockbythesea.org/Rock_By_The_Sea/FIVE.html

A Saturday in mid-April. Beachside sanctioned weight lifting contest at the Blue Parrot. The event lasts into the evening. www.BlueParrotCafe.net

April 21-22. The Florida Panhandle Lighthouse Challenge invites participants to visit and/or climb four lighthouses in Northwest Florida over a two-day period: Cape St. George Light on St. George Island, Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, St. Marks Lighthouse in St. Marks, and Cape San Blas Lighthouse on Cape San Blas. For more info, call the St. George Visitor Center at 888-927-7744 or visit www.StGeorgeLight.org.

Florida Lighthouse Day will be recognized at the Cape St. George Lighthouse on April 21.

MAY 2012

First Saturday in May. Scout Regatta at the new county park on W. Bayshore Dr. near 9th St.. Sponsored by the Franklin County Scout Trooop and the St. George Island Yacht Club. Everyone is invited to come and view the sailing competition.

May 5. Cinco de Mayo benefit @ Sometimes It's Hotter Seasoning Company at 112 E. Gulf Beach Dr. Benefits the Franklin County Humane Society. Starts at 4:30. Silent art auction, live music, fiesta foods. Annual contest to determine who makes the best salsa. Margaritas, Sangria, beer & wine. 850-927-5039.

Mid-May. Plein Air Paint-out. A 10-day open air painting event featuring national artists creating memories of the Forgotten Coast on canvas. Artists will be painting on the beach, across the marsh, beside the lakes and throughout the streets of waterfront towns from Mexico Beach, Windmark, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and inland at Wewahitchka. You are cordially invited to join us at this premier art exhibition and sale featuring on-location artists. Experience beauty through the eyes of America's finest plein air artists! www.PleinAirFl.com

A day in the 2nd week of May, Kayak Club's Hello to Manatees: Wakulla River paddling trip. Leaves the island at 8:30 and returns at 5 PM. Medium-strenuous trip. Join the Kayak Club for $50 or just pay $15 for the trip. Kayak and transportation included. Go by Journeys of St. George, 240 E. 3rd St., or call 927-3259 to sign-up.

A day in mid-May Full moon climb from 8-9:30 pm. To view both the sunset and the rise of the full moon, the cost is $10 for Lighthouse Association members and $15 for everyone else. After the moon has risen, other climbers are invited to go to the top for a spectatular view; Lighthouse Association members $5, everyone else $10. Reservations are recommended if you wish to see both the sunset and moonrise, by calling (850-927-7744) or by coming by the St. George Island Visitor Center.

The last Sunday in May. Journeys of St. George presents a kayak & stand-up paddleboard demonstration from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at the marina across from Harry A's. Come try out a kayak or stand-up board, then hang out and enjoy a hot dog with the Journeys crew! Call 850-927-3259 for more information.

JUNE 2011

Tuesdays. Summer Bingo upstairs at the fire station (324 E. Pine Ave.) at 7:00. 25 cents a card. Sponsored by the St. George Island Civic Club. 850-927-2654. Everyone welcome.

Most Wednesdays. Presentation about Sea Turtles, Franklin County's Oldest Visitors, by the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) and the St. George Island Volunteer Turtlers. At ANERR, 1008 Island Drive (just across the St. George Island bridge in Eastpoint) at 2:00. www.SeaTurtlesAtRisk.org

Fridays at the Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle. Summer Reading Program from 10 am - 12:00 for ages 5 - 11. 850-670-8151 or 850-697-2366.

A Saturday in early June. Annual SGI Mullet Toss sponsored by the Blue Parrot on the beach, 68 W. Gorrie Drive. Registration begins at 10:00, festivities at 11:00. Adults $25, children $20. Mullet Toss t-shirt included with all registrations. Prizes. www.BlueParrotCafe.net

A Saturday in late June. The 14th annual 1 Mile / 5K Summer Sizzler Fun Run. Begins at 7:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. For more info contact Hobson Fulmer at 850-670-8306 (daytime) or 850-509-2191 (evenings). A Tate's Hell Track Club production and a benefit for the Franklin County Humane Society. For more info www.stgeorgeislandsizzler.com

JULY 2012

July 4th Parade. Decorate your vehicle and join in! Anyone in costume or on a float or in a decorated vehicle can participate in the parade. Bring your squirt guns and plan to get wet! Line up at the intersection of 1st Street W and W. Pine starting at 11:00. Parade begins an hour later. Hosted by the St. George Island Business Association with contributions from local merchants. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Fireworks on the beach at The Blue Parrot after dark.

Tuesdays. Summer Bingo upstairs at the fire station (324 E. Pine Ave.) at 7:00. 25 cents a card. Sponsored by the St. George Island Civic Club. 850-927-2654. Everyone welcome.

Fridays at the Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle. Summer Reading Program from 10 am - 12:00 for ages 5 - 11. 850-670-8151 or 850-697-2366.

A Friday in July. Movies in the Park presented by the Franklin County Sheriff's office S.A.F.E. (Student And Family Events) Program. Begins at 8:30 in Lighthouse Park.

AUGUST 2012

Every Wednesday. Presentation about Sea Turtles, Franklin County's Oldest Visitors, by the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) and the St. George Island Volunteer Turtlers. At ANERR, 1008 Island Drive (just across the St. George Island bridge in Eastpoint) at 2:00. www.SeaTurtlesAtRisk.org

Tuesdays. Summer Bingo at the fire station (324 E. Pine Ave.) at 7:00. 850-927-2654. Everyone welcome.

Fridays at the Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle. Summer Reading Program from 10 am - 12:00 for ages 5 - 11. 850-670-8151 or 850-697-2366.

August 7th. National Lighthouse Day commemorates the passage of an act of Congress on August 7, 1789 to establish and support lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. Come celebrate by climbing the Cape St. George Light between12:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Evening of the full moon. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the sunset & moonrise. Complimentary appetizers & a sparkling cider toast to the full moon. Admission: $15, SGLA members $10. If time & space permit, additional climbers after sunset to view the full moon. Admission: $10, SGLA members $5. Reservations are recommended if you wish to see both the sunset and moonrise, by calling (850-927-7744) or by coming by the St. George Island Visitor Center.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Saturday the Labor Day weekend. Eastpoint Pork-a-thon to benefit the Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department. Pick up a cooked rack of ribs or butt between 12:00 and 4:00. At the Eastpoint Fire Department, 24 6th St. Pru911@gtcom.net

Evening of the full moon. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the sunset & moonrise. Complimentary appetizers & a sparkling cider toast to the full moon. Admission: $15, SGLA members $10. If time & space permit, additional climbers after sunset to view the full moon. Admission: $10, SGLA members $5. Reservations are recommended if you wish to see both the sunset and moonrise, by calling (850-927-7744) or by coming by the St. George Island Visitor Center.

A Saturday in late September. Yacht Club's Surf & Turf at the Pavillions in Lighthouse Park.

OCTOBER 2012

Columbus Day Weekend. Franklin County Oyster Festival on St. George Island and in Eastpoint. A family festival to highlight the county's seafood heritage. Activities include a fishing tournament, educational displays, concerts, a 5K run, a shucking contest, an afternoon of kids activities, and lots of fresh seafood! www.OysterFestivalFC.com

Thursday @ 6:00 at Sometimes Its Hotter, 112 E. Gulf Beach Dr. Circle of Friends. Come party with the locals, business owners, and island guests. Free appetizers. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks available. Live entertainment. Young adults, children, and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Evening of the full moon. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the sunset & moonrise. Complimentary appetizers & a sparkling cider toast to the full moon. Admission: $15, SGLA members $10. If time & space permit, additional climbers after sunset to view the full moon. Admission: $10, SGLA members $5. Reservations are recommended if you wish to see both the sunset and moonrise, by calling (850-927-7744) or by coming by the St. George Island Visitor Center.

The Civic Club's annual membership Pig Roast on the 3rd Thursday in October. It happens at the picnic tables in Lighthouse Park. The club is provides the pig, bbq sauce and buns. Members are asked to bring a dish. Guests considering membership next year are welcome to participate.

The St. George Island United Methodist Church's annual Yard Sale and Bar-b-que is held on a Saturday in late Oct., at 2001 E. Gulf Beach Dr. 8:00 - 3:00. 927 - 2088.

The Running for the Bay Marathon is expected to be held on a Sat. in late Oct. It begins in Apalachicola before heading over the beautiful Apalachicola Bay to Eastpoint and then crossing the bridge to St. George Island. The run, which begins at 7:00 AM, includes full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K (all with wheelchair divisions) and Walk-a-Thon. St. George Island is the half-way point of the full marathon. www.RunningForTheBay.com

A Saturday in late October. The St. George Island Yacht Club hosts a Luau. Details will be included as they become available.

The St. George Island Kayak Club holds a Full Moon Paddle on the Apalachicola Bay from 6pm - 11pm on a Sat. in late Oct. Medium-strenuous trip. Join the Kayak Club for $50 or just pay $15 for the trip. Kayak and transportation included. Go by Journeys of St. George, 240 E. 3rd St., or call 927-3259 to sign-up.

NOVEMBER 2012

Thursday @ 6:00 at Sometimes Its Hotter, 112 E. Gulf Beach Dr. Circle of Friends. Come party with the locals, business owners, and island guests. Free appetizers. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks available. Live entertainment. Everyone, including children and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Full moon climb on the night of the full moon. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the sunset & moonrise. Complimentary appetizers & a sparkling cider toast to the full moon. Admission: $15, SGLA members $10. If time & space permit, additional climbers after sunset to view the full moon. Admission: $10, SGLA members $5. Reservations are recommended if you wish to see both the sunset and moonrise, by calling (850-927-7744) or by coming by the St. George Island Visitor Center.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner at 12:30 p.m. at St. George Island United Methodist Church, 201 E. Gulf Beach Drive. Turkey & ham are provided, bring a covered dish. Everyone is welcome.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Eddy Teach's Raw Bar @ 4:00. Bring a covered dish or desert if you can. Sign-up sheet is at Eddy Teach's. The band begins around 7:00. Come and be thankful and enjoy friends and family.

DECEMBER 2012

First Friday in December. The annual Island Island Lights festivities begin at 5:00 at mid-island in the St. George Lighthouse Park .

The one mile "Jingle Jog" starts at 5:00 on the bike path in front of Lighthouse Park and proceeds through the business district. There's no fee; it's a fun run and everyone is welcome! All runners will receive Santa hats for their heads and jingle bells for their shoes. Come a little before 5:00 to sign in.

Santa is expected around 6:00. He will arrive by fire engine and entertain and provides gifts to the children. Refreshments will include snacks, coffee, and hot chocolate. In the event of rain, many stable tents will be set up. View the lighting of the island palms at sundown.

The event is hosted by the St. George Island Business Association. For more information, see www.SGILights.com or call the Visitor Center, 850-927-7744. Ho ho ho!

On a date to be announced. Full moon climb from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the sunset & moonrise. Complimentary appetizers & a sparkling cider toast to the full moon. Admission: $15, SGLA members $10. If time & space permit, additional climbers after sunset to view the full moon. Admission: $10, SGLA members $5. Reservations are recommended if you wish to see both the sunset and moonrise, by calling (850-927-7744) or by coming by the St. George Island Visitor Center.

Civic Club Christmas Party on a Thursday in mid-December. Members may attend for free, there is a charge for others. It will be catered. www.sgiCivicClub.com

On a date to be announced. Eastpoint Christmas Celebration. For more info call 653-5596.

December 25. Christmas Day potluck at Eddy Teach's Raw Bar at 240 E. 3rd St. Bar opens at 2:00, dinner at 4:00. Bring a dish. Everyone welcome. 850-927-5050.

December 31. New Year's Eve Beach Bonfire on the beach at Lighthouse Park. The bonfire will be lit at 8:00, musical entertainment. Hosted by the St. George Island Civic Club. 653-6734.