Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Registration Open for St. Johns County Festival of Trees at World Golf Village

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Fifth-Annual Community Event to be held Dec. 4 through 13

St. Augustine, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2009) – Registration has opened for local companies, organizations, schools, churches, families and friends that want to participate in the 2009 St. Johns County Festival of Trees at World Golf Village. The holiday event, now in its fifth year, will showcase decorated trees and wreaths throughout the St. Johns County Convention Center, adjacent to the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. The event will take place Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 13 to benefit two local charities.

Teams interested in participating in the Festival of Trees can decorate their choice of a miniature tree (three feet), a small tree (four to six feet), a large tree (seven to 10 feet) and or a wreath (24-28 inches) based on Festival rules and regulations. Registration forms and additional event information can be found at http://wgv.com/todo/fot.php.

All trees and wreaths will be part of a silent auction and available for visitors to purchase for their home or business. Also, when touring the display of decorated trees throughout the convention center, visitors will be encouraged to fill out a ballot indicating the number of votes (in minimum $1 bids) they would like to cast for their favorite trees. Proceeds raised during the event from public votes and the silent auction will go directly to two St. Johns County-based charities, The St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County.

“In varied economies, the Festival has raised thousands of dollars over the past years for the Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County to help families in our community,” said Derek May, publisher of The St. Augustine Record. “We look forward to this year’s event and the inspiration and generosity it will bring from our community.”

The Festival of Trees will begin Friday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. and remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day, Sunday, Dec. 13. For more information on the St. Johns County Festival of Trees, call 904-940-4118 or go to the December events calendar at www.wgv.com.

St. Johns County Festival of Trees is presented by World Golf Village Associates: Grande Villas at World Golf Village, Honours Golf, Renaissance Resort and the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Dora the Explorer at South Carolina Aquarium – Charleston

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Charleston, S.C. – September 8, 2009 – Come meet Dora the Explorer at the South Carolina Aquarium on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On this Saturday you can participate in a special Dora-themed scavenger hunt, I-spy games, and you can watch Dora help out at the 11 a.m. Deep Ocean Tank Dive Show. Dora will lend a hand and help feed and care for the animals in the Aquarium’s largest exhibit.

Dora Up Close and Personal
Get your picture taken with the celebrity herself. Sit in Dora’s lap and snap your own photo or purchase a photograph of your child with Dora professionally printed and packaged on site.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet everyone’s favorite young explorer and explore the South Carolina Aquarium! The event takes place at the South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aqurium Wharf, Charleston on Saturday September 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information call (843) 577-FISH or visit www.scaquarium.org
South Carolina Aquarium Logo

National Teal Day – Ovarian Cancer Awareness

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Thousands of Americans wearing teal to increase awareness about the deadly disease on the first Friday in September–September 4, 2009 — called National Teal Day.
There are lots of ways to show your support, and lots of activities in our area from 5K walks, to a golf tournament in Daytona Beach and even a Butterfly Release in South Carolina. Check out the list below.

Teal is the ovarian cancer community’s color and serves as a reminder that ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all the cancers of the reproductive system and a leading cause of cancer death among women.

For more information, visit www.ovariancancer.org


FLORIDA

Ovarian Cancer Alliance of North Florida, Inc.

Phone: (850)445-9338

www.ocanfl.com

Saturday, September 5th

First Annual Masquerade Charity Social

Paradigm 115 West College Ave. Tallahassee, FL @ 6:00pm

Wednesday, September 16th

Support Mixer at Lee’s Wine Bar – Lake Ella Shopping Center from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

Meet, mingle and network with local patients, survivors and their families.

Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida

Phone: (470)339-0024

Wednesday, September 9th

Pink Tealie Awards – 5:30pm @ the Rosen Center

Friday, September 11th

OvaCome’s Teal Triumphs

Saturday, September 12th

Space Coast Sister Run

Sunday, September 13th

Treasure Coast Ovarian Cancer Alliance Candlelight Vigil

Wednesday, September 16th

Presentation at R.O.S.E. support group

Friday, September 18th

Awareness breakfast and “dress down for the cause” day at Holland and Knight, LLP

Friday, September 25th

Darden Restaurants Community Day

Sunday, September 27th

6th Annual Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida Golf Tournament at Indigo Lakes Golf

Club, Daytona Beach, Fl.

Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida – Space

Coast, Inc.

Phone: (321)784-3772

www.tealribbonncfl.com

Saturday, September 12th

Sister Run

FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered

Phone: (954) 255-8732

Web site: www.facingourrisk.org

September- October 2008

Passing of the Torch from Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to Breast Cancer

Awareness Month

Passing of the Torch is an event that highlights the hereditary link between breast

and ovarian cancer, honors cancer survivors and those at high risk, remembers

those who lives have been lost to cancer, and recognizes families that have been

affected by cancer. A ceremonial flame is passed from an ovarian cancer survivor to

a breast cancer survivor marking the transition from Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Month to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ovacome Ovarian Cancer Support and

Advocacy of Tampa Bay

Phone: (813) 223-9108

www.ovacome.us

Friday, September 11th

Teal Triumphs Tightens Up

Joseph’s Hospital Medical Arts Building @ 6:00pm

GEORGIA

Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance

Phone: (404) 255-1337

www.gaovariancancer.org

Every Tuesday in September

Dine in to Overcome Ovarian Cancer

Saturday, September 26th

Overcome Ovarian Cancer 5K Walk @ 8:00am (registration); 10:00am (Walk

begins). For more information visit: www.gaovariancancer.org/events.htm#walk

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation

Phone: (864)325-6296

www.scovariancancer.org;

www.handbagsforhope.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 17th @6:30pm

Annual Handbags for Hope – a silent purse auction and reception.

Tuesday, September 29th @ 5:30pm

Whispering 2009 Butterfly Release @ SC State House Grounds (Gervais Street

side) – To promote awareness of the whispering symptoms of ovarian cancer the SC

Ovarian Cancer Foundation Riverbanks Region Chapter will release hundreds of

butterflies. Butterflies are available for purchase for $25 each in memory or honor of

loved ones.

National Teal Day Ovarian Cancer

Beach, Boogie and Barbecue in Myrtle Beach 2009

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The fourth annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival kicks off on Friday, Sept. 4, from 5-9 p.m.and  continues on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Grand Park, The Market Common from  10 a.m.-9 p.m.
This is the second time the family-friendly festival is held at Grand Park.

This festival will feature free live entertainment, wake board demonstrations and the Wheels at the Beach car show.

But for most festival-goers, the main attraction is the finger-lickin, lip-smackin’ food .

Two cooking events promise to attract the nation’s finest competitors: Anything Goes contest and tasting on Friday and the Official S.C. Barbeque Championship and Kansas City Barbeque Society Cook-off on Saturday.

“We are excited about this year’s lineup of events and are delighted to partner with the Omar Shriners again on the barbeque competitions,” said Amie Lee, MBACC director of festivals and special events. “The chamber is pleased to continue providing a free, family-friendly event for locals and visitors to celebrate Labor Day weekend, which concludes the 58th annual Sun Fun Celebration of Summer.”

For $5, festival participants can buy five tickets for sampling Anything Goes competition goodies on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, barbeque sandwich combos will be sold for $6. Beer will be sold both days. Proceeds from these food and beer sales will benefit Omar Shriner charities.

Car Show in Myrtle Beach, SC
Car Show in Myrtle Beach, SC

The Myrtle Beach Car Club, organizer of Wheels at the Beach car show, will donate 50/50 raffle, silent auction and competition funds to Special Olympics of Horry County.
Here are some of the highlights of exciting events:

Friday, Sept. 4

Food and Arts/Craft Vendors, open at 5 p.m. – Food vendors will be selling a variety of eats, both sides of the lake. Select arts/crafts vendors will be selling jewelry, children’s clothing and other unique items, north side of the lake near the main stage. Most vendors accept cash only.
BBQ, BBQ, BBQ, 6 p.m. until supplies last – Barbeque championship competitors will sell their tasty offerings. A $6 combo includes barbeque sandwich, chips and soft drink. New this year: Tickets are no longer needed with cash only accepted. Proceeds benefit Omar Shriner charities. Both sides of the lake.

Anything Goes Contest and Tasting, 6:30 p.m. until supplies last – Sample dishes from shrimp creole to homemade ice cream and anything in between—anything goes! $5 for five sampling tickets. All proceeds benefit Omar Shriner charities. Football field, south side of the lake.

The Tams, 7 p.m. – Bring family and friends, chairs and blankets (no coolers allowed) and enjoy the legendary Tams, entertaining audiences for more than 40 years with a variety of music including the hits “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” “What Kind of Fool” and “I’ve Been Hurt.” Main stage, north side of the lake. Free. TheOriginalTams.com.

Announcement of Anything Goes Contest Winners: Anything Goes, Best Booth, Best Dessert and Best Sauce, around 10 p.m. – Come cheer for your favorite team as the winners are announced. South stage, south side of the lake.

Saturday, Sept. 5
Official S.C. Barbeque Championship and Kansas City Barbeque Society Cook-off, 8-10 a.m. – Look on as the teams prepare their barbeque for judging of ribs, chicken and whole hog/butt. Football field, south side of the lake. Free.

4th Annual Wheels at the Beach Car Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Car enthusiasts can view more than 200 classic and antique cars and trucks organized by the Myrtle Beach Car Club. Vote for your favorite. Along Farrow Parkway. Free to spectators.

Food and Arts/Craft Vendors, open at 10 a.m. – Food vendors will be selling a variety of eats, both sides of the lake. Select arts/crafts vendors will be selling jewelry, children’s clothing and other unique items, north side of the lake near the main stage. Most vendors accept cash only.

Wake Board Demonstrations by Carolina Wake Sports, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m. – Witness thrilling stunts on Grand Park Lake. The free shows last about 30 minutes each. Visit the Carolina Wake Sports booth to learn about wake board lessons. CarolinaWakeSports.com.

BBQ, BBQ, BBQ, 11 a.m. until supplies last – Barbeque championship competitors will sell their tasty offerings. A $6 combo includes barbeque sandwich, chips and soft drink. New this year: Tickets are no longer needed with cash only accepted. Proceeds benefit Omar Shriner charities. Both sides of the lake.

Live Music, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Main stage, north side of the lake. Free.

Sea Cruz, 2-3:15 p.m. – Main stage, north side of the lake. SeaCruz.com. Free.

Wheels at the Beach Awards Presentation, 3 p.m. – Did your favorite car or truck win an award? Who won the 50/50 raffle? Get answers to these questions and more. All proceeds raised from the raffle, silent auction and competition will benefit Special Olympics of Horry County. Car show stage, north side of the lake.

S.C Education Lottery Grand Prize Giveaway, 4 p.m. – Visit their booth to buy a ticket and a chance to win the grand prize. Grand prize winner announced 4 p.m. Main stage, north side of the lake. SCEducationLottery.com.

Announcement of Official S.C. Barbeque Championship and Kansas City Barbeque Society Cook-off Winners, 5 p.m. – Learn which competitor will

earn the Grand Champion title and which competitors will receive prize money. Main stage, north side of the lake.

Sun Fun Celebration of Summer Closing Ceremony, 7 p.m. – Main stage, north side of the lake. Free.

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs, 7:30 p.m. – Bring family and friends, chairs and blankets (no coolers allowed) and enjoy Beach Music’s Hall of Famer Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs. Their hits include “Stay,” which sold more than 8 million copies and was featured on the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, “Little Darlin’” and “May I.” Main stage, north side of the lake. Free. MauriceWilliams-Stay.com.

For more information, visit BeachBoogieBarbequeFestival.com or call (843) 626-7444/(800) 356-3016.

This is also Joe’s pick of the week, click here to watch the video now about Events for Labor Day Weekend, South Carolina

Beach, Boogie, Barbecue in Myrtle Beach

Experience the Okefenokee Swamp by Kayak

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Okefenokee Swamp near Waycross, Georgia, is just fascinating. The landscape itself is fascinating with the black water and the reflections of the trees in the surface. You can see  birds everywhere; herons, egrets, ibis, and more depending on the time of year.

You can  paddled through the canals, and there are trails meandering through prairies filled with aquatic plants and bordered by islands of grasses, shrubs and trees. The swamp is basically a large basin filled almost entirely by rainwater. The still water retards

Okeefenokee Swamp
Tom Monahan, Up The Creek Trips

organic decay and creates a peat layer on the bottom supposedly several feet thick. This peat layer has accumulated over thousands of years. When the peat dislodges, rises to the surface and forms floating islands. Grasses come  first , then shrubs and then eventually trees such as the Cypress. “Okefenokee” is an indian word that means “Land of the Trembling Earth”.

Suwanee canal
Long canals in the swamp

Periodic fires rage the landscape and return areas to prairies, but the swamp always bounces back. It’s the never-ending circle of life for the swamp.
It’s very still, and very quiet, except for the occasional splash in the water from a fish, turtle or maybe alligator, or the birds. This landscape has looked the same for a very long time. You can’t hear traffic, it’s just peaceful and quiet. But then of course, a plane will fly by and remind you that you’re actually living in the 21th century after all.

Our favorite outfitter is Up the Creek Xpeditions from St Marys. They run a guided kayak tour through the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and sometimes they even go out at night. For more information visit www.upthecreektrips.com or call 912.882.0911

Alligator babies are hatching in August, and fall migration starts in September. So make your plans to visit this beautiful area!









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Click here to view the brochure for the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, it has some beautiful photos in it!

Photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development
Photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development