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.

Shrimp and Grits Festival on Jekyll Island

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Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival is the only festival dedicated to celebrating two southern favorites – Shrimp and Grits! There will be plenty of good food and lots of fun for the whole family from cooking competitions to live music, arts and crafts, and Family Fun Zone.
In addition, take your family on a shrimping excursion or explore a real shrimp boat.

If you love seafood this is your chance to taste delicious shrimp and seafood dishes brought to you by several local restaurants. All shrimp served will be FRESH Wild Georgia Shrimp.

Set amid Jekyll Island’s picturesque historic district, the Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival will open on Friday, Sept. 19, at 5:00 p.m. It will be open during the remainder of the weekend, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.

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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Shrimpin’ & Shaggin’ at Charleston Maritime Center

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Put on your dancing shoes and bring the family to the 3rd Annual Shrimpin’ & Shaggin’ Festival. Festival goers will delight in fresh served local shrimp dishes while listening to the classic beach music sounds of the Original TAMS… There will also be a jump castle, critters from the SC Aquarium, face painting from Merry Making Face and Body Paint and rides on The Thriller speed boat. You can also park in Mt. Pleasant and catch a discounted ride from the Charleston Water Taxi www.charlestonwatertaxi.com.

Shrimpin’ & Shaggin’ has become a new lowcountry tradition that promises to bring out all that is good about our area. Proceeds from the event go to the SC Shrimpers Association, National Association of Caterers Scholarships for local culinary students and members and this year a portion of proceeds will also go to the Spirit of South Carolina.

Schedule

11:00 DJ Jim Bowers playing all the hits
1:00 Shrimp Dish Contest
1:30 The TAMS take the stage
2:30 Dance Contest
3:00 The TAMS

Food, Wine, Miller Chill , FireFly Sweet Tea Vodka will be available for purchase all day.
Advance tickets available at area BI-LO stores
Advance $9, $10 at the door and children under 10 are free
For more information visit www.shrimpin.info