Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Beach Bum Parade 2010 – Tybee Island, Georgia

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Tybee Island Beach Bum parade is not your ordinary parade. This one is unique and special. The parade itself really understands how to celebrate the beginning of summer and is something something locals and maybe especially the younger crowd long for every year. Why? It’s simple. It’s all about fun and play.

Tybee Island Beach Bum parades is like most others consisting of floats pulled behind cars and trucks. The difference is that on Tybee this is a playful water-play event for all ages between floats and spectators lined up along Butler Avenue. Spectators arm themselves with bucket, squirt guns and other water spraying weapons. This is your chance to get wet before you even set foot on the beach!

Tybee Island is located just outside Savannah, Georgia. The parade takes place on May 21, 2010 and starts at 6 p.m.

For more information call (800) 868-2322 or click here to visit the website

World of Nations Celebration – Jacksonville, Fl

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Have you ever dreamed of traveling to far away countries and exotic places? If you happen to be in Jacksonville in the spring time, you can become a globetrotter without needing a passport or a plane ticket. Pack your bags and bring your family, friends and neighbors to Metropolitan Park for an exciting adventure around the world.

During the 18th annual World of Nations Celebration, held April 29 – May 2, 2010, Metropolitan Park transforms into a multi-ethnic marketplace of cuisine, crafts and entertainment of people from throughout the world. With more than 30 countries represented, the festival provides a unique look into cultures from across the globe.

The City of Jacksonville and the event organizers will bring the world to you showcasing sights, sounds, and tastes of different nations within your reach. Embark on an exciting journey, traveling throughout the park where travelers may see nations and regions such as Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain,Taiwan, Turkey, U.S.A., Venezuela and Vietnam.

Other happenings during the weekend:

Naturalization Ceremony
You can witness the commemorative ceremony when people are sworn in as United States citizens.

Parade of Flags
The inspirational Parade of Flag takes place on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Kids of different nationalities dressed in traditional clothing from different countries carry their native flags in the parade.

World of Entertainment
Come to the festival and experience talents from many different countries, see folk dance, listen to music and more.

Passport to the World
To get you and your kids feel like real world travelers, make sure to pick up your official passport to the world. Each country will stamp your passport during your exploration and at the end of the day, you can turn in your passports at the booth near the main entrance for a chance to win prizes.

USA Pavilion – Going Green!
Learn how you can activly participate to help the environment at the 2010 USA Pavilion.

Hours
Thursday, April 29
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Registered Field Trips only)
Friday, April 30
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Registered Field Trips only)
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. International Party
Saturday, May 1: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 2: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Admission:
One-Day Ticket to the World: $5.00
Two-Day Pass: $8.00
International Party: FREE!
(Friday, April 30 from 5-9 p.m.)
Children Three & Under: FREE
Visit www.coj.net or call (904) 630-3690 for more information.

Myrtle Beach Family Fitness Festival 2010

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Myrtle Beach fitness festival and fun runThis is the first year for Myrtle Beach Family Fitness Festival & Fun Run. The event is scheduled for April 30-May 2, 2010 in Myrtle Beach, SC. The focus point for the festival is The Market Common and the area will feature fitness activities, vendors, live entertainment featuring national recording artists playing children’s music and much more.

Some of the events include a Diaper Derby, Chalk Art Walk Competition, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Runs. All the events benefit the Childrens’ Museum of South Carolina.

Buy a wristband and save. The wristband is $5 and gives you free access to the inflatables at Market Commons all day – it also gives you free entry to the Children’s Museum of South Carolina and other rebates. Click here to buy your wristbands now.

Opening of the Beaches – Jacksonville Beach, Fl

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Summer is almost here – the weather is beautiful and it’s a perfect weekend to head for the beach. Every year Jacksonville Beach celebrates the arrival of summer with a big party – The Opening of the Beaches. There’s a sandcastle contest on Saturday April 24th and of course a parade at 2 p.m on Sunday April 25th.

Butterfly Festival 2010 – Jacksonville, Fl

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At the Butterfly Festival you will experience a close encounter with 1000 of the gossamer-winged creatures. The festival takes place at Treehill Nature Center on April 24, 2010, from noon to 5:00 p.m. and culminates with nature’s fireworks – a live native butterfly release. This is something you don’t want to miss.

If you ever thought about starting your own Butterfly garden, come to the festival to find out more. You can visit the butterfly exhibit and there’s lots of activities for children, live music, vendors, and much more.

There’s also Art in the Park where local artists showcase their art. In the Get Back to Nature area you can meet experts from local nurseries who can tell you all you need to know about native plants and herbs. You can also shop at the Monarch Mall for everything from plants to jewelry and much, much more.

Thousands of visitors come to the popular butterfly festival. So plan on getting here early, and staying all day. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors/military and $2 for children. Click here for a $1.00 off coupon
The proceeds goes to support Treehill Nature Center.

Watch our video from last year’s event – and below it the Tour of Treehill Nature Center!

Watch the Tour of Treehill Nature Center!