2009 Event Schedule

Click on a month below:

This is a work-in-progress!

If you have any festivals or events you'd like to add, click here to e-mail your info.

To view events in the South Walton Beach area, click here.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

January 29-February 1 - 14th Annual Chautauqua Assembly

This annual 4-day event combines history; theater; humanities; music; arts and crafts; architectural tours; and eclectic information and is held throughout the Historic District of DeFuniak Springs.  The event will feature keynote speakers, performances, special events, and day sessions.  For details, click the link above, call the Florida Chautauqua Center office at 850-892-7613, or e-mail President@Florida-Chautauqua-Center.org.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

January 29-February 1 - 14th Annual Chautauqua Assembly

This annual 4-day event combines history; theater; humanities; music; arts and crafts; architectural tours; and eclectic information and is held throughout the Historic District of DeFuniak Springs.  The event will feature keynote speakers, performances, special events, and day sessions.  For details, click the link above, call the Florida Chautauqua Center office at 850-892-7613, or e-mail President@Florida-Chautauqua-Center.org.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

March 3 - Taste of Home Cooking School

The 15th annual cooking school event, co-sponsored by WZEP and Chelco, will be held at Freeport High School at 6:30 p.m.  Admission will be $8.  For more info, click here, call 850-892-3158, or e-mail wzep@wzep1460.com.

March - Triple "B" Cook-Off

Located on Main Street, this Chamber of Commerce event in March includes a variety of games and entertainment mixed with businesses showcasing their services.  The bar-b-que cook-off features area restaurants, dining establishments, organizations, and individuals competing for awards.

March - Historic Preservation Board Spring Carnival

In late March of each year, there is an annual spring carnival sponsored by the City's Historic Preservation Board at Spanish Trail Park in Crestview.

March 21 - St. Jude's Walk-A-Thon

Everyone in the surrounding community is invited to participate in this exciting event, which benefits the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  It will be held at Ponce de Leon's City Park on Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  Bring your shorts & comfortable shoes, and be ready to walk for this worthwhile cause!  For more information, contact Debbie Kolmetz at 850-836-5116 or by e-mail.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

April 7 - Easter in the Park

Crestview's Easter egg hunt for children is held at the Spanish Trail Park each year on the Saturday before Easter. In addition to the egg hunt, children can usually enjoy a train ride, a moon walk, a 16 foot slide, and a sea of balls. 

Last weekend of April - Spanish Trail Festival

This festival held in Crestview, Florida, salutes the area's rich heritage every year on the last weekend of April and the first weekend in May. Festivities include a major rodeo, arts and crafts bazaar, food vendors, an authentic trail ride, beauty pageant, carnival rides, a parade, and nationally recognized musicians.  Old Spanish Trail refers to the route used by the three European countries that settled the area; Spain, England, and France. It was a trade route between El Paso, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida.  Call 850-689-1618 for more info.

April 25 - Walton County's Tire Amnesty & Hazardous Material Collection Day

Held at the DeFuniak Springs Fairgrounds from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Limit 12 tires per household.

April 24-26 - Festival on the Rivers

Recognized as one of the top 20 events in the southeast, the 34th Festival on the Rivers will be held in Geneva April 24-26.  Everyone is invited to attend this weekend of fun held at Robert Fowler Memorial Park.  The festival will include food, arts & crafts, vendors, entertainment, a fishing contest, parade, and much much more.  Email genevariverfestival@gmail.com for more info.

April 1-30 - Holmes County Recycling Center's Tire Amnesty

The Holmes County Recycling Center's tire amnesty program will run during April.  Holmes County residents may drop off up to 20 waste tires free of charge from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m..  NO TIRE DEALERS OR COMPANIES.  Tires may be dropped off at the Holmes County Recycling Center, located at 3165 Thomas Drive in Bonifay, Florida (behind Holmes County Correctional).  E-mail recycle@wfeca.net, call 850-547-0922, or fax 850-547-2351 for more info.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

First weekend of May - Spanish Trail Festival

This festival, held in Crestview, Florida, salutes the area's rich heritage every year on the last weekend of April and the first weekend in May. Festivities include a major rodeo, arts and crafts bazaar, food vendors, an authentic trail ride, beauty pageant, carnival rides, a parade, and nationally recognized musicians.  Old Spanish Trail refers to the route used by the three European countries that settled the area; Spain, England, and France. It was a trade route between El Paso, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida.  Call 850-689-1618 for more info.

May - Carver-Hill May Day Festival and Museum Day

Held at Crestview, Florida's Fairview Park on a Saturday in late May, this festival is family-oriented; sports competitions, entertainment, food, museum tours, and a wonderful community parade.  Call 850-689-1618 for more info.

May - Moonlight Trail Ride

Holmes & Walton 4-H Youth Programs will sponsor a Moonlight Trail Ride in May.  The horse ride by moonlight will also include a barbecue, campfire, fun horse games with prizes, a silent auction, and other activities.  Bring a tent and stay the night.  To register or for more information, call Rebecca Cuchens at 850-835-4820, the Walton Co. 4-H at 850-892-8172, or the Holmes Co. 4-H at 850-547-1108.  Call for special group rates of $10 per rider.  The cost includes a barbecue chicken plate and continental breakfast.  Helmets are encouraged, and no alcohol or tobacco will be allowed.  Negative Coggins is required.  The proceeds will benefit youth in Holmes and Walton counties.  Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the night with your family and horses.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

June 26-27 - Panhandle Watermelon Festival

The 53rd annual Watermelon Festival will be held in Chipley, Florida, June 26-27.  There will be a pancake breakfast; 5,000-meter run; watermelon contest and auction; a parade; a downtown street fair; live music; an antique car show; arts and crafts; children's activities; and much more.  This year's entertainment includes Daryle Singletary and Earl Thomas Conley.  Call 850-638-6180 for more info.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

July - Bonifay Kiwanis Club All-Night Gospel Sing

The Bonifay Kiwanis Club hosts the "Granddaddy" of all-night gospel sings at Memorial Stadium in Bonifay the first Saturday in July. "The Biggest All-Night Gospel Sing in the World" is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world. This year will be the 57th annual sing, and will feature nationally known gospel artists performing from sundown to sunup for approximately 8,000 avid fans.  For more information, call 850-547-5363 or e-mail djlauen@aol.com.

July - Taste of Geneva

Experience the "Taste of Geneva" at the Robert Fowler Memorial Park in July.  Activities:  open-air music, food vendors, fireworks, sack races, clowns, face painting, flea market, the River Junction Cruiser Cruise-In, and much more.  Exhibitors from throughout the south will be on hand displaying everything from jewelry to painted gourds, original paintings, leather goods, and stained glass.  A fireworks show will be provided as well.  For more information, call 334-684-2100.

July  - Panhandle Patriotic Celebration

The Holmes County Ministerial Association will sponsor the Panhandle Patriotic Celebration in July at the New Life Ministries facilities in Bonifay.  Highlights will include games for the children, entertainment for everyone, free food and drinks, and of course fireworks.  Everyone is invited to bring their family and friends to the ball fields of New Life Ministries and enjoy a fun-filled evening.  For more information, call 850-547-3920.

July - Fourth of July Celebration

Crestview, Florida's Leisure Services Department together with other departments of the City put on the annual fireworks display and activities with music and games for the kids at Spanish Trail Park. Thousands of spectators from all around the area attend annually.  Call 850-689-1618 for more info.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

August 1 - Fun Day & Possum Festival

The 40th annual Possum Festival will be held in Wausau, FL, the first Saturday in August.  The annual Possum Festival and Fun Day is a Washington County institution.  There will be Possum King and Queen contests, musical entertainment at the Possum Palace all morning, and a parade on Main Street.  Come experience the possum auctions; possum stew and ice cream; arts and crafts booths; performances by local bluegrass, gospel, and country bands; and a dance to round out the evening.  Everyone is invited to attend this fun-filled family event!  For more information, call 850-638-1781 or email TownofWausau@bellsouth.net.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

September - Lonnie Lindsey Scholarship Trail Ride

Family activities & live band.  Held at Ponce de Leon Old Town Park.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

October - Central Panhandle Fair

Held in Panama City, Florida.  For more info, call 850-769-2645.

October - Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo

Bonifay, Florida, will host the 65th Annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo in October at the Memorial Field in Bonifay, Florida.  The rodeo is sanctioned by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) and the WPRA (Women’s Pro Rodeo Association). For more info, call 850-547-5363.

October  - Rodeo Parade

Our parade is always a favored event with the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo.  Area bands, queens, floats, dignitaries, and of course horses play an important part in the rodeo season festivities.  As always, horses do not need to register and may ride in the parade at no charge. For further parade information call 850-547-5363.

October - Walton County Fair (DeFuniak Springs, FL)

Call 850-892-5260 for more info.

October 22-November 1  - Pensacola Interstate Fair - 75th Anniversary

October - Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival

This annual event held in Niceville promises a great time for the entire family with entertainment, fine art and home handcrafts, and a staggering array of food concessions.  Lots of hungry mullet fans will consume this humble fish that has played such an important role in both the local economy and in the general nutrition of our culture.  This celebration of food and fun will take place in October.

October - Greater Holmes County Fair (Bonifay, FL)

Call 850-547-3394 for more info.

October - Downtown Fall Festival

A Main Street Crestview Association and City sponsored event held each year on the Saturday closest to Halloween. Featuring special entertainment, games, treats and displays for children of all ages on Saturday afternoon and evening. Vendors and music are common.

October 30-November 8  - National Peanut Festival

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

October 22-November 1  - Pensacola Interstate Fair

October 30-November 8  - National Peanut Festival

November - North Florida Fair

November - Northwest Florida Fair

November - Ponce de Leon High School's Veteran's Day Program

Ponce de Leon High School's Student Council will present its Veteran's Day program in the gym.  Student Council members will have a presentation on what Veteran' s Day is all about.  Veterans - in all military branches - in the surrounding area are cordially invited to come fellowship with other vets and take part in the ceremonies.  For more info, call 850-836-4242.

November  - Veteran's Day Parade

The parade will assemble at 10:00 a.m. at the Piggly Wiggly on Waukesha Street in Bonifay.  Limited transportation will be available for veterans who want to ride in the parade.  There will be no charge or registration requirement.  Marching groups, floats, antique vehicles, etc., are welcome.  For more info, call 850-547-2688 or 850-547-0686.

November  - Ponce de Leon Old Town Park's Fall Festival

This is a benefit festival for the Veteran's Memorial Park.  There will be a trail ride; a lima bean cook-off contest; a car and motorcycle show; the Nelson Gang Fast Draw Show; live music; an ugliest street driven pick-up contest; a piano player contest; and much, much more!  For more info, contact Frank at 850-865-0810 or Aubrey at 850-836-5209.  Some pictures of last year's festival are below:

November - Veteran's Parade

A parade to honor all veterans who served America in peacetime and war time in the downtown area on Main Street in Crestview, Florida.  Organizations, civic clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, school children, parents and especially veterans are special dignitaries.  Parade ends at the special veteran's memorial located near the courthouse.  Call 850-689-1618 for more info.

November-December - Christmas Reflections

Celebrate the holiday season in downtown historic DeFuniak Springs in November and December.  Over three million spectacular lights reflect across beautiful Lake DeFuniak, illuminating the night sky.  For more info, call 1-800-822-6877.

Every Sunday  - Snowbirds Gather at the Birdhouse

Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in DeFuniak Springs.  Held every Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30. Get acquainted with other snowbirds, as you fellowship and enjoy coffee and goodies.  Located on the lake (Circle Drive), across from the Chautauqua building.  Call 850-892-5332 for more info.

December - Christmas Tour of Homes

Decorated in their finest Christmas attire, homes and historic buildings will be opened to the public during a Tour of Homes.  Homes will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Tickets will cost $15 + tax and may be purchased the day of the tour from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Visitors Center on Circle Drive and The Big Store on Baldwin Avenue (in DeFuniak Springs).  Light refreshments will be served throughout the day at the Big Store.  This event is sponsored by Partners in Progress, a non-profit DeFuniak Springs public service organization.  For more info, call 850-892-2448.

December - Harvest Festival Parade

Graceville's Harvest Festival Parade will be held in December.  All bands, clubs, queens, agricultural departments, etc., are encouraged to participate.  Come as you are and enjoy the festivities throughout the day.  For more info, call Teresa Bush at 850-263-4744 (day) or 850-263-3072 (night).