Offering four days of lively programs, socials and special events, this event invites book lovers and writers to mingle with noted authors and publishing professionals in a casual, friendly setting. Held at venues throughout Fernandina Beach, the Festival offers many free programs and all ages are welcome. Tickets are sold for certain events. For more information, call (904) 491-8176 or visit www.bookisland.org.
Interview with Les DeMerle, Amelia Island Jazz Festival founder
We met with Les DeMerle, the founder of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival, to speak about the upcoming event. This video was recorded during a Preview Benefit Concert at the Historic Palace Saloon in Fernandina on Amelia Island. The Amelia Jazz Festival takes place on October 5-12, 2008.
Amelia Island Film Festival Interview
Coastal Companion talks to Tony McAdoo from the Amelia Island Film Festival about the event taking place this week in Fernandina Beach.
The festival will present screenings, workshops, lectures and exhibits at several venues throughout Amelia Island. For more information visit www.AmeliaIslandFilmFestival.org or call 904.335.1110.
Art Festival in Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island
It’s time for the Fall Art Festival in Amelia Island again. Local, regional and national artists are participating in this popular festival. They will line Centre Street in the Historic Downtown area of Fernandina Beach. This year’s poster artists is William Maurer, he’s a watercolor artist that paints many local scenes in the area.
The festival takes place on September 27-28. Hours on Saturday is 10-7 and on Sunday 10-5. For more information call 904-541-1340 or visit www.jandcoevents.com
Click here to read our previous post about the Fall Arts Festival in Amelia Island
Painting by William Maurer
Fiesta de Santa Maria, Fernandina, Amelia Island
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.