New Year's Eve revelers looking for an innovative way to greet 2010 will find fun, laughs and memorable excursions in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. From fireworks at the beach to balloon drops for kids, this is the place for celebrating the New Year's arrival. For example:

Beach Blast Off at St. Augustine Beach!
Kick off 2010 in seaside style at this special family friendly, St. Augustine Beach event! Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures, Kids Zone and fireworks when several of St. Augustine's favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. After things cool off from the chili - the Fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. This display will delight visitors and help usher in the New Year! On the Main Stage, enjoy live entertainment/bands, karaoke and the Family Friendly Dance Party. Admission is free. It all takes place at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion. For more information, visit the event's website at www.BeachBlastOff.com .

New Year's Eve Blue Moon and Sunrise at the Lighthouse
Get the best view possible of a rare blue moon on New Year's Eve by climbing to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The blue moon, the second full moon of the month, will be enjoyed from this unique perspective - along with a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres - at two times. On New Year's Eve, experience sunset and blue moonrise from 5-6:30 p.m. On New Year's Day, from 7-8:30 a.m., watch the blue moon setting and the sun rising from the Atlantic on the first day of 2010. Tickets are $80 per person for the New Year's Eve event and $50 per person for New Year's morning. For more information, tickets and required reservations, call Sara at 904.829.0745 ext. 207.

Piratical Plundering on New Year's Eve
Sail aboard the pirate ship Black Raven for a New Year's Eve filled with fun, music, food, drink and unexpected happenings! Join the boisterous crew, including pirate DJ Jonas Crew and magician William Mayhem, as they depart from the St. Augustine City Marina at 10:45 p.m. At midnight, 2010 will be greeted with a blast from the Black Raven's cannon and a champagne toast. The ship will return to the dock at 1 a.m. on New Year's Day. Tickets are $45 each - adults only. For reservations, call 1.877.578.5050.

New Year's Eve Laughter
Laugh your way into 2010 - and help fund local scholarship programs! Haven Horse Ranch is proud to bring nationally-acclaimed comedian Jeff Allen to Ponte Vedra for a special New Year's Eve appearance. Jeff is a family-friendly comedian whose goal "is to make people laugh as hard as humanly possible." The laughs will occur at two shows - one at 6 p.m. and the second at 9 p.m. at the Crosswater Community Church's new campus at Nocatee (Ponte Vedra) at the entrance to Davis Park. Tickets for this annual Haven Horse fundraiser are $22 in advance and $28 at the door. For more information, call 904.535.8400 or go to www.havenhorseranch.org . To find out more about Jeff Allen, click here .

Kids' New Year's Eve Celebration at the Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra Beach
Kids can celebrate New Year's Eve with a bang at the balloon drop set for noon at the Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra Beach. Kids can snap, crackle and pop in the bubble-wrap room while jumping to the jingles of the house band and create hilarious hats and party masks that will make everyone giggle. Plus, they can get a bite of Brucci's Pizza Pie or build a mile-high ice cream sundae. Get there before noon to save your spot - hundreds of balloons will drop at noon on the dot. Admission is $2 per person. The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is located at 50 Executive Way. For more information, call 904.280.0614.

New Year's Eve Family Celebration at Adventure Landing
Bring the kids for a day filled with fun and a chance to win great prizes in the New Year's Eve balloon drop at noon at Adventure Landing. There will be "all you can play" min-golf and Go Cart rides for kids for just $10. And at noon there will be a spectacular balloon drop. The fun takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adventure Landing is located on SR 16 off I-95 Exit 318. For more information, call 827.9400 or visit Adventure Landing.

Okay Mountain


Corner Store, 2009


Installation commissioned by Arthouse

http://www.arthousetexas.org/
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Art Basel Miami Beach, 2008

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St. Augustine's British heritage will be celebrated in grand style on December 4 and 5 when British Night Watch and Grande Illumination return to the Oldest City. One of the most colorful and exciting events of the holiday season, the 35th annual presentation of Grande Illumination and British Night Watch will feature an entertaining and educational blend of pageantry and authentic historical presentations describing life in St. Augustine when it was part of the British Empire (1763-1784).

This year, the fun gets underway Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. with a free concert featuring traditional Celtic music performed by Father, Son and Friends at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum's Taberna del Gallo on St. George Street. Sangria, cider and ale mixed with boisterous singing by authentically-garbed re-enactors will create just the sort of jocularity needed to ease the pain of the recent loss of the American colonies. Admission is free.

Saturday's events include a British encampment from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Colonial Spanish Quarter. The encampment will feature a 9 a.m. performance of fife and drum music and the raising of the King's Colors. A master musician will entertain at 10:30 a.m. followed by fife and drum music at 11 a.m. At 12:45 p.m., a fashion parade featuring the latest fashions from 1782 will take center stage at the encampment. At 2 p.m., special British military demonstrations will take place at the Castillo de San Marcos. At 4 p.m., the public is invited to attend an "afternoon of musik and country dance" at the Flagler Foundation Garden on the corner of St. George and Hypolita Streets

At 7:30 p.m., the British troops, their Native American allies and camp followers will assemble to the beating of drums and the music of fifes at the De Mesa House on St. George Street. At 8 p.m., this colorful contingent will parade by torchlight to Government House where they will hear a holiday proclamation from the governor before embarking on a festive march through the historic district. The public will be invited to light a candle and join in the boisterous parade through the town. A musketry volley of joy, singing of carols and general revelry by everyone involved will add to the holiday spirit.

All of the events associated with Grande Illumination and British Night Watch are open to the public and admission is free. The events are supported by a grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. For more information, call 904.829.5318 or visit www.britishnightwatch.org .

Friday, November 13

Zac Brown Band at St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Head over to the Amphitheatre for a live performance by the Academy of Country Music award-winning Zac Brown Band. The performance is part of the band's The Breaking Southern Ground Tour with friends Nic Cowan, Levi Lowery & Sonia Leigh. The show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre,1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. Tickets are $29. For more information call 904.471.1965 or visit http://www.staugamphitheatre.com/

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: November 13-15

THE PIRATE GATHERING
Avast, me hearties! T'is a whimsical celebration of the Golden Age of Piracy in old St. Augustine. Three days of swashbuckling fun begins on Friday evening as "pirates" from around Florida wander the streets of the old city. On Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Francis Field will be swimming with swashbuckling fun games for the kids, pirate games, a thieves market, ocean displays, pirate floats and plenty of music and magic. On Saturday at 11 a.m. a parade of Pirate Floats will cruise along St. Augustine's Bayfront and end up at Orange Street, across from the Castillo de San Marcos where a Pirate Battle will begin. The skirmish will lead from the Orange Street Redoubt along St. George Street to the Plaza de La Constitucion. Francis Field is located behind the St. Augustine Historic Downtown Parking Facility on Castillo Drive. Admission to the Pirate Gathering at Francis Field is "A Buck an Ear". For more information, check out The Pirate Gathering.

Saturday: November 14

GAMBLE ROGERS FALL BENEFIT CONCERT
Come hear a prelude of the 2010 Gamble Rogers Folk Festival at this fall fund-raising concert that features four fantastic Florida acts: Liz and Lon Williamson's Gatorbone Trio, The Peyton Brothers, Aaron O'Rourke and the Daughters of Florida. The concert takes place at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit Gamble Rogers Festival.

CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILING
Be a part of this special ceremony featuring the unveiling of a historical marker devoted to the contribution of Florida Memorial College students to the local civil rights struggles of the 1960s. The marker is the latest in a series placed in St. Augustine by the Civil Rights Memorial Project Committee to identify and commemorate pivotal sites related to the civil rights movement. The Florida Memorial University choir will perform during the ceremony which begins at 1 p.m. at Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park located at the intersection of West King Street and Holmes Boulevard. The park, named for former Florida Memorial College founders and presidents, features the Abraham Lincoln Lewis Archway - the most lasting physical reminder of the college's time in St. Augustine (1918-1968). For more information, call 904.794.1544.

Sunday: November 15

SCARECROW CREATIONS
Create your own scarecrow from free straw and supplies provided by Vilano Town Center businesses. Bring your own scarecrow attire - all of the creations will be photographed and entered in a contest with a grand prize winner to be announced on November 29. Scarecrows can be crafted from noon to 4 p.m. each Sunday in November at the Sunday Market at the Vilano Beach Pier. The Market features fresh produce, refreshments, music and art. For more information, call 904.540.8797 or go to: http://www.thesundaymarket.com/

Here is news of an inaugural and wonderful event. You know November 2 is All Soul's Day. Enjoy several uplifting films that speaks to all races and faiths that may move you to begin charity well before Christmas. Help a neighbor, friend or even your neighborhood in some small way. Anyone can move mountains! A young man who grew up in the birthplace of World War II --Poland--did just that.

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There's no shortage of film festivals in Miami: International Films, French Films, and Gay and Lesbian, to name a few.


This week, a trio of young Miamians will bring something different to the region's big-screen scene: a religious, interfaith film festival modeled after the life of a popular pope. The John Paul II International Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday and runs through Nov. 7, includes films varying from God in the Streets of NYC, a short on Jesus on the streets of New York City, and God in China, a documentary on religion and politics among the Chinese, to The 13th Day, a feature on the memoirs of a 20th-century Portuguese nun.


``There seemed to be a hunger for films with meaning rather than just sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll,'' said Laura Alvarado, a 25-year-old actress who teaches at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Coconut Grove. Alvarado and two friends from a youth group at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Kendall brainstormed the festival nine months ago and were able to raise $40,000 in donations.


``At first, we thought, `Oh man, our name is John Paul II, people are going to get turned off,' '' Alvarado said.


Instead, dozens of people, including rabbis and Protestant ministers, have been promoting the event around South Florida houses of worship. More than 100 films were submitted this summer by directors from Miami to the United Kingdom. Thirty were chosen to be shown at theaters across Miami-Dade, including a Jewish community center in Kendall. Organizers said they came together through their interest in the former pope, who was an actor and playwright as a young Polish man and was known for his interfaith accomplishments.



REACHING OUT
``It didn't matter what your background was for John Paul II. He was the first pope to really try to cross that bridge and reach out to all the faiths,'' said organizer Rafael Anrrich, a 39-year-old therapist from Kendall. ``We're trying to do the same.''


As a pope, John Paul II made strides by improving the Catholic church's relations with the Jewish community -- including his historical visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem -- and was the first pope to visit a mosque. He also met with Buddhist and Anglican leaders.


Festival submissions were not required to be about specific religions but did need to have a spiritual element. Many are about crossing boundaries, faith-related or otherwise. As We Forgive is about Rwandan women who attempt to confront and forgive the men who killed their families during a brutal genocide, while The Boy in the Striped Pajamas portrays a friendship that develops between a Jewish boy in a concentration camp and the son of a Nazi commander.
``People can get into theological arguments, but at the end, we're all human beings. We want to bring that idea to film and show how much love and passion there is in art,'' said Frank Brennan, a 24-year-old English major at Florida International University and an independent filmmaker. Brennan said he grew up in a nominally Catholic family and didn't begin to embrace his faith until three years ago when he attended a religious retreat on a whim. Now, he regularly attends Our Lady of Lourdes and helps organize monthly prayer sessions at the church for the film festival.

DIFFERENT FAITHS
``If I had something like this sort of festival when I was younger, I think I would feel more comfortable with learning about different faiths,'' he said.

In 1987, John Paul II made a historical visit to South Florida and spoke to tens of thousands of locals and pilgrims at Tamiami Park near Florida International University, where a handful of the film festival screenings will take place.
``Now,'' said Anrrich, ``he's coming back.''


What: John Paul II International Film Festival.
Where: Locations throughout Miami-Dade.
When: Thursday through Nov. 7.
Cost: General admission, $8; students, $6; children under 12 and senior citizens, $5.
Info:http://www.jp2filmfestival.com/ or 786-246-5380.

And now for the colorful characters. Anything goes at this popular event and prizes are awarded to best overall and sexiest costumes.














Michael Jackson hooked up to IV holding "instruction manual" for Diprivan (drug used in hospitals during surgeries to maintain anesthesia)

Happy Halloween!

It would be difficult to imagine a more appealing location for ghostly fun than the Nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. With nearly 450 years of history, ancient narrow streets, two cemeteries with graves dating back hundreds of years, a brooding Spanish fortress and endless stories of roaming spirits and things that go bump in the night, it's the place to be for all things other-worldly.

Despite daylight's warm Florida sun and beautiful Atlantic beaches, every night of the year features ghost tours and spooky encounters. But when Halloween approaches, that's when the spirits really get busy. Here are some Halloween adventures awaiting for intrepid souls, fun-seeking spirits and, well, shoppers.

Spirits in St. Augustine: Walk, ride or sail your way through a night of ghostly encounters on three tours offered October 30 and 31 only by Ghost Tours of St. Augustine - selected by Florida Living magazine as the Number One guided tour in Florida. A Ghostly Experience is a walking tour led by a guide in period costume who provides authentic stories of old St. Augustine - and an encounter with a spirit at three stops. Ghost and Legends is a riding tour through the historic district and a stop at Potter's Wax Museum. This tour ends with a nighttime walk on the grounds of the St. Augustine Lighthouse - a place called "the Mona Lisa of paranormal sites" in the United States by the Scy-Fy network's Ghost Hunters. Ghosts of the Matanzas features a one-hour, moonlit cruise aboard the schooner Freedom through the haunted waters of Matanzas Bay - the spirit of a long-decease pirate will be your guide. For reservations, tickets and more information on these tours, call 904.829.1122 or go to Ghost Tours of St. Augustine .

Black Raven Adventures: Go aboard the Black Raven pirate ship for a voyage that will make your blood run cold. Sure, the games, libations and fun stuff make it seem harmless, but a visit to the Haunted Locker of the Matanzas on the quarter deck will make you beg for a quick return to dry land. This adventure is available every Friday and Saturday leading up to Halloween Eve and Halloween when The Return of the Matanzas Zombies take over the ship! It is suggested that passengers set their affairs in order before departing on this cruise. The 8:15 cruise on each night is suitable for the entire family, but only adults over the age of 21 are allowed onboard for the 11:15 p.m. finales. For full details, go to Black Raven Adventures or call 877.578.5050.

Creatures of the Night: A visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is sure to create lasting Halloween memories for the entire family! From 5:30-7 p.m. on October 29, 30 & 31, the Alligator Farm will present Creatures of the Night - a fun way to encounter creepy creatures along the park's wild walkways. Costumed keepers, candy and an alligator show each evening - plus drawings for free annual passes. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. For more details, go to Alligator Farm Zoological Park or call 904.824.3337.

History and Legends of Halloween: The true history of Halloween and the Celtic New Year is presented on a fun walk offered by the top-rated St. Augustine Pub Crawl. Find out how the Celts got Halloween off to a great start on the night when the veil between the living and dead is at its thinnest, learn the significance of bonfires and jack-o'-lanterns, plus much more and a stop at five pubs along the way. This special tour is available each Wednesday through Sunday night through October 31. For full details, call 904.540.3476 or visit St. Augustine Pub Crawl.

Old Florida Museum: Visit the Halloween Festival at the outdoor Old Florida Museum - a living museum that features a Timucuan Indian hut, Spanish house, a Florida pioneer school house and the Old Florida General Store. Story telling, games, costume contests, pumpkin carving and much more are featured at the festival. Festival hours are 6-9 p.m., Friday, October 30, and 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, October 31, A Timucua Indian guide and a colonial Spanish maiden will be your guides. Admission is $4. The museum is located at the intersection of San Marco Avenue and State Road 16 in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.824.8874 or go to Old Florida Museum .

Family Fright Nights: What's Halloween without a visit to the original Ripley's Believe It Or Not! museum in St. Augustine? This year, Ripley's is offering a chilling selection of Halloween week adventures, including special Midnight Madness Ghost Train Adventures on both Friday and Saturday nights. There will be a free Family Fun Ghost Walk departing from Ripley's Castle Warden on Friday and Saturday nights at 5, 6, & 7 p.m. - trick-or-treaters are welcome at Ripley's. Plus, for the truly fearless, a one-time only Witching Hour Tour will depart at 3 a.m. aboard the award-winning Ghost Train Adventure. To add to the festive atmosphere, each evening from 5-8 p.m., Spooky Dan the DJ will be spinning creepy tunes, shooting laser beams and tossing candy from his perch atop Castle Warden. For reservations or more information, cal l904.824.1606 or go to Ghost Train Adventure .

Shivers and Awe: If you're brave enough to go it alone, take a self-guided GPS tour through some of St. Augustine's most haunted real estate. Or if you need some company to stiffen your spine, take a pedicab ghost tour, segway tour or a personally-guided walking tour - all presented by SA GPS Adventure Tours. For full details on these unique ghost stores, go to SA GPS Adventure Tours or call 904.377.1447.

Fright Music Concert: Enjoy a lively program of Halloween music presented by the St. Augustine Community Orchestra and featuring the music of Chopin, Bach... even John Williams' theme from E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. The first concert will be at 8 p.m.., October 30 in the Lightner Museum, 75 King Street in St. Augustine. The second performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 at the Switzerland Community Church, 2179 State Road 13 in St. Johns. Tickets are $10 at the door for each concert, children under 12 admitted free. For details, go to St. Augustine Community Orchestra or call 904.287.8417.

Horror Zone Haunted House: Get scared for a good cause at the St. Johns County Sheriff Department's Horror Zone Haunted House. Creative makeup, clever lighting and motivated zombies create a scary atmosphere for visitors to the house in the former Mikee's store in the Food Lion Plaza, 2497 U.S. 1 South in St. Augustine. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the department's programs for juveniles.

Spooktacular Shopping: Uptown Saturday Night takes on a festive, Halloween theme on October 31 when the galleries, antique stores and unique shops along St. Augustine's San Marco Avenue stay open until 9 p.m. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music and refreshments provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association create a lively, autumnal atmosphere for bargain hunters. Plus, there's free parking at the Mission Nombre de Dios. For more information, call 904.824.3152. Also, Prime Outlets-St. Augustine, featuring a "who's who" of luxury names including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Juicy Couture and Cole Haan, as well as the only Gucci's outlet store in the Southeast, will host trick-or-treating for children at the mall from 6-8 p.m. on October 31. For more information, go to Prime Outlets - St. Augustine .

Haunted Trails: Climb aboard wagons that will carry the entire family along trails leading through the deep woods inhabited by ghouls and goblins. Pony rides, face painting, moonwalks and carnival games add to the Halloween festivities. It all takes place at the Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Road near the corner of U.S. 1 and Old Kings Road just across the Flagler County line. A donation of $6 per person is requested. For more information, call 386.446.7630

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Friday, Saturday & Sunday: October 23-25

ST. JOHNS COUNTY FAIR
Get a taste for St. Johns County's agricultural heritage by enjoying exhibits, food, fun, and entertainment! Livestock, good things to eat, music, midway rides, and plenty of performances and activities for the whole family are the mainstay of the Fair. Spotlight entertainment includes live performances on Friday and Saturday by Katie Gillard, ET Swings the Thing Band, The Dunehoppers, the Driftwoods, Rotageezer and Love Chunk. Other entertainment throughout the week includes performances by The Robinson Family, Katherine Archer, Saltwater Cowgirls, Rebecca Hayes, the Morse Family Band and more. The Fair Rodeo takes place on Friday and 4H Shows and Contests are conducted throughout the weekend. Fair hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m. - midnight Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, at the County Fairgrounds, SR 207, located approximately 7 miles west of I-95. Admission $5, students $3, children under 42 inches free. For more information, visit the St. Johns County Fair .

FIRST COAST OPERA - MASTER CLASS
Enjoy a spectacular performance by the area's finest musical performers during a presentation of Master Class, a play by Terrence McNally. This opera centers on Maria Callas, the world-famous soprano, as she became a glamorous, commanding, larger-than-life, caustic and surprisingly drop-dead funny teacher of master classes in operatic singing. During the play, she reminisces about her career triumphs, her affair with Aristotle Onassis and the sacrifices one makes in the name of art. While not an opera, Master Class features opera highlights by Verdi, Puccini and Bellini! The performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Road in St. Augustine. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door, and $15 for college/military with proper ID. For more information, call 904.417.5555 or go to First Coast Opera.

Friday: October 23

LYNYRD SKYNYRD AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Known for classic hits such as "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Gimme Three Steps," southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at Florida's newest outdoor concert and entertainment venue, the St. Augustine, Amphitheatre. The band will continue the legacy that started more than 35 years ago playing classic hits as well as new material. The show starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $40, $60, $70 and $90 and are available at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre or by calling 800.745.3000. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A in St. Augustine.

WOMEN'S EXCHANGE FALL GARDEN LUNCHEON
Enjoy a beautiful garden setting while savoring a delectable luncheon prepared by the St. Augustine Women's Exchange. After lunch, take a tour of the Pena-Peck House including the antique dress display, shop in the Exchanges' famous Christmas in October or just relax in the garden! Luncheon is served at noon. Tickets are $20 per person and include the full lunch with coffee or tea and a $5 gift certificate for the Woman's Exchange Gift Shop. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 904.829.5064.


Friday and Saturday: October 23-24

FLORIDA'S HAUNTED TRAILS
Celebrate Halloween at the Florida Agricultural Museum! This family affair includes a haunted house, scary stories by the Tale Tellers of St. Augustine, and trick or treating on the Trick or Treat Trail. Wagons will carry visitors along trails inhabited by ghouls and goblins in the deep, dark woods! Pony rides, face painting, moonwalks, and carnival games add to the fun and a variety of food and drinks will be available to purchase. The event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. each night. The Museum is located at 7900 Old Kings Road, near the corner of U.S. 1 and Old Kings Road in Flagler County. Donation is $6 per person, and $5 for Museum members. For more information, call 386.446.7630.

NATURE VALLEY AMATEUR TOURNAMENT
Come see the nation's finest amateur golfers who have earned entry to play in this championship tournament at the legendary TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra - home of THE PLAYERS Championship. Competitors will play THE PLAYERS Stadium Course and the Valley Course. On Friday, the practice rounds will be played throughout the day. On Saturday, the Championship round begins at 8 a.m. The Champion from each of the four flights will be awarded a custom engraved crystal Championship Trophy and one automatic entry into one of the Qualifying Tournament of his/her choice for the 2010 Nature Valley Amateur Tournament Series. TPC Sawgrass is located on PGA Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit Nature Valley Golf Championship .

Saturday: October 24

3RD ANNUAL DOG DAYS AT COLONIAL SPANISH QUARTER
Have a howling good time with your favorite canine at this annual day for dogs. Dress your pooch in his/her Halloween costume for this contest just for the dogs. The fun takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, 29 St. George Street in St. Augustine. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.825.6830.

Trial By Fire: The 1702 Siege
Find out what St. Augustinians experienced in 1702 when they sheltered in the Castillo de San Marcos to escape from English artillery that was destroying their homes. This special nighttime tour features vignettes presented by re-enactors who will tell stories of St. Augustine in 1702 - while the Castillo's cannons blast away at enemies hidden by the darkness. The tours begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are now on sale at the Castillo and are priced at $6 per person, free for children under five. For details, call 904.829.6506 x233.

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE CREATURE FEATURE
Learn about the varied and perilous lives of the area's different species of mice ranging from the Golden Mouse, who lives most of its life in trees, to the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse that can only be found in the dunes of Northeast Florida. This live estuary animal presentation will take place at 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center located at 500 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age ten to 17 and children under ten are free. For more information call 904.823.4500.

ANCIENT CITY KIDS DAY
Spend a fun-filled day with the family at this annual event with activities that include live entertainment, live animal exhibits, contests and games for kids, arts & crafts -- free T-Shirts & Goody Bags while they last. There will even be a helicopter and Fire Trucks on display! Ancient City Kids Day takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Francis Field, located behind the St. Augustine Downtown Parking facility on Castillo Drive. For more information, call 904.829.2273.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Witness twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as the Spanish soldiers who have been guarding the city throughout the afternoon are replaced with the detachment assigned for the night. The replacements march from the City Gate and down St. George Street to Government House where they assume their duties for the night. The authentic 18th century drill is ended with the firing of a volley of musketry to assure citizens their town is secure for the night. This traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place at 7 p.m. at Government House in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The event is free. For more information, call 904.825.1004.

BONNIE RAITT AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Come enjoy a live performance by Bonnie Raitt, one of America's musical legends. More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. The release of Souls Alike, her eighteenth album, marks yet another brave, exhilarating step in a legendary body of work. Raitt is best known for her songs "Nick of Time", "Something to Talk About", and the ballad "I Can't Make You Love Me." Receiving nine Grammy Awards in her career, Raitt remains one of contemporary music's premier artists.The show begins at 8 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with a performance by Ryan Shaw. Tickets are $32.50 to $74.50. For more information, visit St. Augustine Amphitheatre .

Saturday & Sunday: October 24-25

CRESCENT BEACH PAINT OUT
Watch for some of Florida's finest en plein air artists painting the beautiful landscapes, seascapes and scenes around Crescent Beach and the Matanzas area. Throughout the coming week, artists will work in oils, watercolors and pastels in the open air. Completed works are juried for prizes and exhibited at various locations throughout the year. For more in formation, call Island Fine Arts, 904.471.5808 or visit Crescent Beach Paint Out.

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There are only a handful of events that stand out as THE SOCIAL EVENT in South Florida where you don't have to be filthy rich, well connected or half naked to get access and still partake in the festivities and rub elbows with Miami's socialites. Best of all-- no yawning at the end of the evening as a result of a standard, stuffy black tie, applaud-for-strangers-on-stage, and live-band-that-would-put-the-dead-to- sleep-type fundraiser. On the contrary, it's a party for a good cause that is always memorable and never routine or boring. An event that calls for an atypical dress code, and where "misbehaving" is encouraged, and "booing" is almost mandatory. One such event occurs every year at ... and this music will raise the dead!



Unveiling The Vizcayans Young Professionals annual Halloween Bash that kicks off Miami’s Halloween season and the 23rd consecutive fall fundraiser to support the preservation of Vizcaya.

Stately Vizcaya Museum & Gardens , plays host to Heads of State, captains of commerce, bridal parties and thousands of daily visitors who delight in touring South Florida’s only nationally accredited landmark. But on one night this year—Saturday, October 24, from 8 pm to midnight-- headless waiters, dead Presidents, Musketeers and Brides of Frankenstein, along with 2000 other costumed celebrants will take over the famed mansion and grounds...and with good cause!




The $100 ticket price includes open super-premium bar, music from dual DJs, two dance floors, Halloween costume contest and food court. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the 501 (c )(3) group, which engages in protecting and preserving the nearly 100-year-old treasure.

Always a sold-out event, the Halloween Happening attracts South Florida's social scene from the tri-county area and beyond. Miami networker and Plum TV host Erin Newberg, who will be starring in an upcoming VH1 reality TV series, is Honorary Chair.

Partners, including South Florida Lincoln Dealers, Patrón Spirits, Stella Artois Lager, Pyrat Rum, Ultimat Vodka, Red Bull and media supporters like SocialMiami.com contribute to the night’s monster success.

Get your tickets now! So you can see Michael Jackson raised from the dead! At least that's what the spirits in my crystal ball are mornfully predicting [witches cackle in background]. Call 305-856-4866 or visit http://www.vizcayahalloween.com/.

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Miami: Nov 6-8, 2009
Boca Raton: Nov 13-15, 2009

East Coast PREMIERE
COCO – 2009 - Comedy
French Release: MarchJanuary 2009 - Running Time: 1h35 -

Internationale PREMIERE
BLAME IT ON MUM – 2009 – Drama
French Release: May 2009 - Running Time: 1h40 -

US PREMIERE
THE ONE I LOVE – 2009 - Romance
French Release: April 2009 - Running Time: 1h43 -

Internationale PREMIERE
BAMBOU– 2009 – Comedy/Drama
French Release: July 2009 - Running Time: 1h30 -

Internationale PREMIERE
NEUILLY – 2009 – Comedy
French Release: August 2009 - Running Time: 1h30 -

East Coast PREMIERE
SO CLOSE SO FARE – 2009 – Comedy
French Release: June 2009 - Running Time: 1h42 -

East Coast PREMIERE
SPI(ES) – 2009 – Thriller
French Release: January 2009 - Running Time: 1h39 –

Florida PREMIERE
LOL – 2009 - Comedy
French Release: February 2009 - Running Time: 1h47 -

US PREMIERE
NO HARD FEELINGS – 2009 - Drama
French Release: July 2009 - Running Time: 1h44 -

US PREMIERE
SAFARI – 2009 – Comedy / Adventure
French Release: April 2009 - Running Time: 1h46 –

Florida PREMIERE
MIA AND THE MIGOO – 2008 – Animated film (For Kids + 3)
French Release: December 2008 - Running Time: 1h31

All films are presented in French with English subtitles.
Get the entire program and more on: www.francecinemafloride.com

Box-office see our website (Ticket info)
Advance tickets or passes are now on sale on
Miami: CLICK HERE
Boca Raton: CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE THAT SEATING IS LIMITED. BOOK YOUR SEATS EARLY ONLINE.

Friday: October 16

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH OKTOBER FEST 2009!
Experience Bavaria at the largest outdoor beer sampling festival in North Florida. This fun-filled evening will feature unlimited samples of more than 80 beers from around the world, a 45-foot Ferris wheel, carnival games and two large tents providing German food and entertainment - including the Heidelberg Hotshots & the Bavarian Bad Boys and six pairs of German folk dancers. Numerous local restaurants will be supplying food and the Kulture Hookah Lounge will be providing hookahs with flavored tobacco. For this event only, beer drinking will be allowed on the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Folio Weekly will reimburse participants for their cab fare home (up to six miles from the pier). It all takes place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier & Pavilion. Admission is limited to adults 21 and older. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and include unlimited beer samples. A $30 VIP ticket is available and entitles ticket holders exclusive access to the beer for a full hour prior to general admission ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Box Office, A1A Ale Works, Ragtime Tavern & Seafood Grill, or online at TicketMaster. Free parking and shuttle services are provided from the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ron Parker Park. For more information, contact the St. Augustine Amphitheatre or call 904.209.3750.

SUEÑOS DE LA MARIPOSA EXHIBIT
Be among the first to experience this new exhibition of paintings and sculptural works from Marianne Lerbs and Maribel Angel. These works combine to take viewers on an imaginative journey through the dreams of a butterfly. The opening takes place 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way. The exhibit will be open through November 30. for more information, go to Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach or call 904.280.0614. WOMEN'S EXCHANGE FALL GARDEN LUNCHEONEnjoy a beautiful garden setting while savoring a delectable luncheon meal prepared by the St. Augustine Women's Exchange. After lunch take a tour of the Pena-Peck House including the antique dress display, shop in the Exchanges' famous Christmas in October Shop or just relax in the garden! Luncheon is served at noon. Tickets are $20 per person and include the full lunch with coffee or tea and a $5 gift certificate for the Woman's Exchange Gift Shop. The Pena Peck House and Garden are located at 143 St. George Street in St. Augustine. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 904.829.5064.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: October 16-18

WILD DREAMS - DISCOVERING HENRY FLAGLER
See Henry Flagler brought to life in this critically-acclaimed performance by Paul Jellinek. In Wild Dreams, Henry Flagler tells the story of his development of St. Augustine as a world class resort destination, his work with John D. Rockefeller, the expansion of his empire to the Keys - even the story of his three marriages. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. at the San Marco Theater across from Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum in St. Augustine. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 children. For more information, call 904.429.0280.

Saturday: October 17

CRACKER DAY
Celebrate Florida's Country Cracker Heritage when bluegrass banjos and fiddles combine with horsemanship demonstrations and mouth-watering barbecue. Enjoy a full day of horseback games, horseback racing, barrel racing, livestock shows, cracker whipping demonstrations, and exhibits of Florida Cracker equipment. Events take place all day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Barbecue is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds located on SR 207 west in Elkton. Admission is $10 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Price includes parking and barbecue dinner (Race participation fees not included). For more details, call Chuck Stephens at 904.824.9720.

GHOST HUNTERS AT RIPLEY'S CASTLE WARDEN
Get a start on Halloween by joining the GhostHunters on their exploration of Ripley's Castle Warden - the home of Ripley's Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine. Three stars of the Sy-Fy network's hit TV show will conduct a five-hour investigation of Castle Warden, long regarded as one of the most haunted buildings in the Southeast. A limited number of tickets are available for inquisitive souls who want to be there for this exclusive investigation. For details, go to The Atlantic Paranormal Society.

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE UPLANDS TRAIL AND BEACH WALKS
Choose from a guided uplands trail walk or beach exploration presented by the GTM Research Reserve. The uplands trail walk featuring native and migratory bird species, plants and wildlife is from 8-9:30 a.m. and leaves from the Guana Dam Trailhead Pavilion. The beach walk is from 9-11 a.m. and departs from the Guana South Beach parking lot approximately two miles north of the Environmental Education Center which is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. A $3 parking fee is required for both tours. For more information and reservations, call 904.823.4500. CHANGING OF THE GUARDWitness twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as the Spanish soldiers who have been guarding the city throughout the afternoon are replaced with the detachment assigned for the night. The replacements march from the City Gate and down St. George Street to Government House where they assume their duties for the night. The authentic 18th century drill is ended with the firing of a volley of musketry to assure citizens their town is secure for the night.. This traditional Spanish military changing of the guard takes place at 7 p.m. at Government House in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The event is free. For more information, call 904.825.1004.

Sunday: October 18

ST AUGUSTINE BEACH HISTORY GALLERY AND RETROSPECTIVE
Participate in a Chautauqua that presents the unique history of St. Augustine Beach. As part of St. Augustine Beach's 50th Birthday, this exciting event features local and nationally-known historians who will present talks about this seaside community. In addition to the historians, many locals will share their lifetime joys of living and fishing in St. Augustine Beach. The evening will also include refreshments, music, and a photographic exhibit of the history of St. Augustine Beach. The event is free; food and beverages will be available for purchase. It all takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park Pavilion and Cultural Arts Center. For more information, call 904.501.1253 or visit 50th Beach Birthday .

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Halloween is the biggest night out for all Floridians and Ft. Lauderdale ranks in the Top 5 city list. The coolest costumed and plain-clothes characters come together for a Halloween Block Party hosted by nine favorite Fort Lauderdale haunts, including Tarpon Bend, Himmarshee Bar & Grille, Side Bar, Coyote Ugly, Dicey Riley’s, Fat Cat’s, Briny’s Irish Pub, Limoncello and TMex, Saturday, October 31 from 8 PM – 4 AM.

The annual Trick or Treat on Second Street Block Party and Costume Contest is a Halloween Happening so huge it takes two city blocks to host it. Playboy Bunnies, headless waiters, 8-foot robots and yes, even a few Barak Obamas will converge on Fort Lauderdale’s historic Downtown Himmarshee Village.

And with good reason: a costume contest with a unique twist that gives everyone who dresses up an equal chance to win with a drawing for $2000 in cash and prizes, lots of music and food options and bars indoors and out.

Closed to vehicular traffic, giving pedestrians plenty of room to participate, SW 2nd Street from SW 2nd to SW 4th Avenues becomes a playground for adults who want to park once and party at 9 hotspots till 4 AM in the city’s official entertainment district. No cover, live music, rain or shine.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefit the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. “We’re proud to support our neighbors and the important work they do,” explains Aaron Abramoff, General Manager of Tarpon Bend.

Echoes Himmarshee/Side Bar owner Dave Nicholas, “we look for ways to give back to the community, especially the important non-profit organizations in our historic neighborhood.” The two neighboring eateries are spearheading the Halloween event.

Like its sister New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo block parties, Trick or Treat on 2nd Street has become a signature South Florida event and the scary good Halloween epicenter for tastemakers and trendsetters who like the variety the Downtown Himmarshee district offers!

Tonight was a continued dinner birthday celebration with family. The Himmarshee Bar & Grille in downtown Ft. Lauderdale came recommended and the evening was perfect for the 30 minute drive from downtown Miami.

The restaurant is located in a revitalized area near the Broward Theater of Performing Arts. Himmarshee is a hot spot for post-theater goers, after-work power elites, and locals looking for great food.



My uncle ordered a soup for appetizer. His first taste lit his sleepy eyes after a hard day's work. He said it was the best soup in a restaurant he has enjoyed in a long time. This is high praise from a native of Ecuador where eating home-made soup daily is a tradition he has followed for over 60 years. My uncle exclaimed that the creaminess, texture and taste was a utopian blend. Surprisingly it was not salty. My mother and I tasted a sample and our taste buds were tantalized. High marks for the soup!



Another appetizer leapt from the menu page and I was confident it would meet my expectations. The warm, stuffed dates with gorgonzola cheese and bits of bacon and a sweet, vinaigrette exceeded expectations! I was inlove!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: October 9-11

12th ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL
Join in a fun-filled weekend showcasing St. Augustine's Greek heritage where everyone can be Greek for the weekend. Enjoy a delicious assortment of Greek foods, pastries and beverages or stock up on imported Greek foods from the Bakaliko. Sip on Greek beers and wines at the Taverna and shop at the Agora (Greek market) for items ranging from gifts to books, and music to icons, all imported from Greece. Then enjoyentertainment with live Greek music by The Greek Islanders and traditional Greek dances by the Nisiotes dance troupe. The Twelfth Annual Greek Festival hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Francis Field, located behind the Historic Downtown Parking Facility on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Admission is $2, Children under 16 are free. For more information, call 904.829.0504 or visit St. Augustine Greek Festival.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS' CALL TO COLORS
Ride into history when the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Jacksonville comes to St. Augustine for three days of ceremony, fund raising and fun. The Buffalo Soldiers' purpose is to promote the rich history of the Buffalo Soldiers, who proudly served our country from 1866 - 1944. The weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday with a Flag Ceremony at the Days Inn Historic Downtown in St. Augustine. On Saturday there will be a charity ride through St. Augustine from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a cook-out at the Days Inn and a dance at the Mark W. Lance Armory on San Marco Avenue at 8 p.m. Registration for the full event is $35 in advance and $40 on site. Participation in the motorcycle charity ride is $5 and two canned goods. Tickets to the cook-out are $15 and tickets to the Saturday Night dance are $15. For more information or to pre-register for this historic celebration, call 904.781.9004, or visit Call to Colors.