July 12, 2008: Three Servicemen Statue unveiling At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 the Three Servicemen Statue South was unveiled at the newly dedicated Veterans Memorial Park in Apalachicola. The statue is a replica of the statue standing at the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is cast from the original molds designed by artist Frederick Hart. The statue represents Apalachicola's first public acquisition of fine art. For more information: http://www.threeservicemenstatuesouth.org/
August 2-3, 2008: 12th Annual St. Joseph Bay Scallop Festival Shipyard Cove in Port St. Joe. A celebration of the scallop harvest in St. Joseph Bay. For more information: http://www.gulfchamber.org/
August 23, 2008: French Consulate Champagne Dinner at Avenue Sea You will not want to miss this recreation of a famous historic Apalachicola social event. According to the legend, the French Consul wagered large amounts of money with his guests against his ability to serve iced French champagne in Apalachicola in the August heat. He was able to collect with help from his friend, Dr. John Gorrie, who had invented a machine for making ice! The dinner went down in history, and now the talented Chefs at the Gibson Inn's Avenue Sea will deliver a modern equivalent for lucky diners! Reservations required.
August 23, 2008: First Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament Fishing tournament to benefit the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association. Supporting artificial reef deployment, research and public education. Mexico Beach. For more information: http://www.mbara.org/
September 20, 2008: Wines of Australia at Avenue Sea Enjoy a taste of the exotic as Chef David Carrier creates another memorable dining experience with wines of Australia. Avenue Sea at the Gibson Inn in Apalachicola. Reservations required.
September 26, 2008: Estuary Day Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve hosts Estuary Day. 261 7th Street, Apalachicola. Free admission, education and activities for everyone. 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
October 10-12, 2008: Oyster Spat Festival St. George Island. On-shore fishing tournament, treasure hunt, 5K race, kayak race, food, parade and live entertainment.
October 10-11, 2008: The Dixie Does Nashville Sixth in a series of celebrating Nashville Songwriters at the Dixie Theatre in historic downtown Apalachicola. Some of the most successful and talented songwriters in country music perform their own works on stage. For more information:http://www.dixietheatre.com
October 17-18, 2008: Blues on the Lot Blues musicians from across the region will entertain behind Smokehouse Antiques in historic downtown Apalachicola. Friday 6-10 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm.
October 18, 2008: Wine Tasting Dinner with Wines of New Spain, Avenue Sea Explore the wines of New Spain paired with local interpretations of dishes of the wine region. Avenue Sea at the Gibson Inn, Apalachicola. Reservations required.
October 31-November 1, 2008: 45th Annual Florida Seafood Festival Dive into Historic Apalachicola's annual bash at Battery Park. Festivites begin with a parade on Friday, live music all weekend, food, crafts, oyster eating and oyster shucking contests, The Blessing of the Fleet, Gospel sing and more. It will be a weekend you will never forget. For more information: http://www.floridaseafoodfestival.com
November 15, 2008: Wines of the Piedmonte Wine Tasting Dinner at Avenue Sea Make your plans to attend another great event at Avenue Sea at the Gibson Inn. Chef David Carrier will create sensational pairings of wine and food to excite the palate. A dinner you won't soon forget. Reservations required.
November 21-22, 2008: Historic Downtown Apalachicola Christmas Celebration Shop and dine in historic downtown Apalachicola by candlelight! The streets will be lined with luminarias, shops are open late, carolers and strolling musicians entertain making a perfect way to enter into the holiday spirit. Little ones will have an opportunity to present Santa with their Christmas wishes after watching his arrival at the City Docks by shrimp boat!
December 6, 2008: Holiday Fresh Market Shop for locally made art and crafts in historic downtown Apalachicola.
December 13, 2008: Bordeaux Wine Tasting Dinner at Avenue Sea A celebration of Bordeaux! Avenue Sea at the Gibson Inn in Apalachicola presents their final wine tasting adventure of the year. Reservations required.
