Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fiesta de Santa Maria, Fernandina, Amelia Island

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Exotic sights, sounds and flavors will fill the streets of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Amelia Island’s historic city, during the Fiesta de Santa Maria, paying tribute to the town’s Latin roots. Hosted by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, the 5th Annual Fiesta de Santa Maria takes place Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the culturally-rich South 3rd Street – the site of the Florida House Inn, the state’s oldest surviving tourist hotel. While staying at this Victorian-style bed and breakfast, Jose Marti plotted the Cuban War for Independence from Spain in 1895-1898. The fiesta is named in honor of “Isla de Santa Maria”, which was the name of Amelia Island during the first Spanish reign from 1565 to 1763.

Artisans, crafters and local businesses will transform South 3rd Street into a marketplace from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Younger visitors can participate in piñata breakings at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Historical displays and dance exhibitions are also planned. Latin-themed dishes from area restaurants will tickle visitors’ taste buds with flavors of the days when Amelia Island was ruled under the flags of Spain and Mexico. A street dance will be held from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

For further Fiesta de Santa Maria information, please contact Sandy Price, HFBA Event Coordinator, at 904-206-0756 or send an email to slprice@bellsouth.net.

The Beaufort International Chalk Festival in November

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It’s been 10 months since the first successful chalk festival, here’s the full line-up for November 2008!

The Beaufort International Chalk Festival at Beaufort Town Center
FREE fun for ~ families, artists, students, teachers, art lovers, browsers, and fans of performers and musicians takes place on Saturday, November 1st, 10am to 5pm
street painters start at 8am • all other activities 10-5 • awards announced at 4:30
Held at Beaufort Town Center, home of ARTworks & The Arts Council of Beaufort County, 2127 Boundary Street, Beaufort SC 29902

The 2nd Annual Beaufort International Chalk Festival is going to cover the streets of Beaufort Town Center with color, fill the marsh breeze with music and applause, and display the talents of local and visiting artists for all to see– and be amazed!

• The Street Painting Competition: Chalk it up!
Nationally-known master chalk artist Lee Jones from Orlando (http://www.chalk-it-up.com/) is the featured artist at the Festival. Lee will conduct a FREE Street Painting Workshop two weeks prior to the festival, for people who apply for their own $10 square (call 843-379-2787 for availability) to fill with their creative concepts, for these chalking competitions:

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San Marco Boutiques Join Together for Fashion Show

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“San Marco Fashion Exchange” Planned To Benefit Dignity U Wear
–San Marco Boutiques Join Together for Fashion Show–

Jacksonville, FL (September 4, 2008)—A group of San Marco-base boutiques led by Rosie True and including Olive, Lela and Dance Trance, will hold a Fashion Show on Friday, September 12th, at San Marco’s Square One from 7:00 – 10:00 PM. Proceeds from the “San Marco Fashion Exchange” will benefit Dignity U Wear, the locally-based, national nonprofit that provides brand new clothing to men, women and children in need.

Tickets for the show, available at each participating boutique, is $7 before the event; $10 at the door. Or, in lieu of the ticket price, attendees may donate a piece of brand new clothing (with tags, or in an unopened bag). Clothing donations in exchange for tickets will also be accepted prior to the event at each boutique, as well as at the door on the evening of the show. Other merchants involved with the show, such as Carla’s Shoes and Philosophie are also selling tickets and accepting the clothing.

DJ Anonymous will be providing music and cocktails will be available for purchase during the Show.

“We are excited to be able to join with these other terrific shops in the San Marco area to do this show and to help Dignity U Wear, a very worthwhile organization,” said Angie Sparks, owner of Rosie True. “Initial response has surpassed expectations and it’s looking as if the show will be a sell out. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

Dignity U Wear was founded in 2000 and distributes brand new clothing it receives from manufacturers and retailers through a network of 300 recipient nonprofit agencies in 30 states. Locally, the organization has donated more than 20 million pieces of brand new clothing through 70 Northeast Florida-area nonprofits. Nationally, the organization has provided more than 4.4 million pieces, valued at $71 million, to more than 354,000 people.

The nonprofit does not receive any city, state or federal government grants or funding; they operate exclusively on private donations from individuals, corporations and private foundations. Volunteers help process 100% of the incoming inventory, providing 95% of the time and labor necessary to accomplish the task.

Rosie True is a one-of-a-kind retailer of fine clothing and accessories in northeast Florida, known to its customers for a great shopping experience and a blend of relaxed yet sophisticated style. Since opening the first Rosie True in Jacksonville’s historic San Marco Square in 1999, two additional boutiques have opened in Jacksonville Beach and Julington Creek.

For tickets or more information about the Fashion Show, contact Rosie True at (904) 396-7463 or www.rosietrue.com or Dignity U Wear at (904) 636-9455 or www.dignityuwear.org.

Night Owl Cinema Series: Toy Story

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Enjoy a night with the family in the open air while watching the movie Toy Story on the big screen at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Florida’s newest outdoor arts and cultural venue. Admission to Night Owl Cinema Series is free and the show begins at 8 p.m.
St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Admission: Free