Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Jacksonville International Boat Show 2010

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Come to the International Boat Show in Metropolitan Park, April 16 – 18, 2010, to check out the latest in boating, see the latest yachts,  and exciting nautical gear. Participate in one of the many fishing clinics or seminars.
Don’t forget to register for a chance to win a 7-day, all-expense paid trip to Costa Rica, presented by Nosara Paradise Rentals. Also stop by the Private Island of Georgia booth – they have a great contest too – you can win a 2 night stay at a Private Island in Georgia!

We’re going to be filming at the boat show this year – so if you happen to see me, stop by to say hello.

Jacksonville International Boat Show 2010

Starry Nights 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida

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Now you can enjoy great music under the stars in the city of Jacksonville during the 2010 Starry Nights series, produced by the City of Jacksonville. The next concert in the series takes place on Saturday, April 24, 2010.

Idina Menzel
The performance on April 24th features Broadway star Idina Menzel, the Tony award-winning “Elphaba” from the international blockbuster “Wicked.” With a diverse repertoire of classic pop, musical theater favorites (including hits from “Wicked” and “Rent”) as well as songs from her album “I Stand,” Idina Menzel demonstrates why she is one of the great vocal performers of our time. You’ll also be able to catch Idina this spring on the popular FOX television series “Glee!”

Starry Nights has become one of Jacksonville’s most popular music events for more than a decade. The outdoor event combines the music with a festive atmosphere at Metropolitan Park on the St. Johns River.

The next concert in the series takes place on Saturday, May 1.

The gates open at 5:30 pm and the music starts at 7:30pm.

For more information, call (904) 630-3690

Springing the Blues Festival 2010 – Jacksonville Beach, Fl

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Springing The Blues is one of the most popular annual festivals in Jacksonville, Florida, every spring attracting somewhere around 125,000 blues fans. At this festival you will experience live performances on stage from some of the nation’s top Blues performers. Another plus in my book is the fact that Springing The Blues is a free outdoor blues music festival. The three-day oceanfront music festival takes place April 9 – 11, 2010, and  features a selection of blues performers as well as other activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Springing The Blues festival is held at Jacksonville Beach, Florida’s Oceanfront SeaWalk Pavilion.

Interesting Facts About the Festival:
• Downbeat Magazine has named Springing the Blues as one of the top 50 Music Festivals in the World
• SouthEast Tourism Society named the festival as one of the top 20 destination events in the U.S.
• Springing the Blues is known as Florida’s largest free outdoor blues festival.
• In 1997 the festival was voted as “Best Festival in Northeast Florida” by Folio Weekly Magazine’s annual poll.

Click here for the schedule of performances

This year the festival will take place on April 9-11 , 2010, at Seawalk Plaza, Jacksonville Beach, Florida

MS Mud Run Jacksonville 2010 update

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I just received an email from the organizers of the 2010 MS Mud Run in Jacksonville, Florida. The event was a huge success.

Here is what they say:” The March 20th event, held at Cecil Commerce Center, attracted more than 2800 participants, tripling the number from the event’s inaugural year. In addition, more than $400,000 was raised for the Chapter, exceeding last year’s total by more than 300%.”

Go here to read our previous post about MS Mud Run Jacksonville 2010

Congratulations everyone for a great effort – see you next year!

MS Mud Run Jacksonville, Florida

Mandarin Art Festival 2010 – Jacksonville, Florida

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The Mandarin Community Club’s 42nd annual Mandarin Art Festival takes place on April 3 – 4, 2010. Over 100 locally and nationally known artists will set up their booths at clubhouse grounds at 12447 Mandarin Road during the Easter weekend.  There’s also a Children’s Art Show and a Green Market at the adjacent Billard Park.

Hours of operation: 10 Am to 5 PM both days
$ 1 admission at the gate

For the young ones, there’s an Egg Hunt at Walter Jones Historical park for children under 10 on Sunday at 1:30 pm. Bring your own baskets.

Related stories:

Watch our video from San Marco Arts Market in Jacksonville