Thanksgiving traditionally means family time and events geared toward this autumnal holiday season. Here is a sampling of what to expect during Thanksgiving Week in 2017 from Panama City Beach to South Walton and 30A to Destin.
The 6th Annual 30A 10K
The 6th Annual 30A 10K held in Rosemary Beach will benefit Sandcastle Kids, Inc. this year. The 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, provides children who have endured a challenging battle with cancer a week vacation with their families on the beautiful beaches of Destin and South Walton, Florida. Sandcastle Kids was founded by Shelley Joiner, a neonatal intensive care unit registered nurse and her husband Casey Joiner, a Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty agent.
There are three fun days of events, but the race is on Thanksgiving morning! Visit 30A10K.com for details and to register. It will SELL OUT so grab your place in the race quick!
Casey said, “We were thrilled to be selected as a benefiting charity for this year’s 30a10k Race held Thanksgiving Day in Rosemary Beach! Great Thanksgiving tradition for a great cause!”
The Nutcracker
The Northwest Florida Ballet produces the only full-length production of The Nutcracker with professional dancers of the classic holiday ballet in the area. The Nutcracker performances will be held at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Destin on Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. Performances of The Nutcracker will feature the international ballet stars Joseph Michael Gatti and Andrea Harvey in the principal roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince. Several other international guest artists, the NFB Company and over 100 local children round out the cast. Box office prices for adults are $38 each and $18 for children 12 & under.
Rosemary Beach Unleashed
On Sunday, November 19th, Rosemary Beach Unleashed is held from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at West Long Green in Rosemary Beach. (Please include only your vaccinated pets.) This is the 7th annual pet festival and you and your pet are encouraged to come in costume or theme attire. Events will include yappy hour, pet parade and costume contest, cornhole toss, silent auction and the opportunity for your dog to be featured in print on a Rosemary Beach Unleashed event poster! For more information about Rosemary Beach Unleashed, sponsorship opportunities, and to purchase your pet’s poster visit rosemarybeachfoundation.org/unleashed. This annual festival is free and open to the public, and benefits Rosemary Beach Foundation and Alaqua Animal Refuge.
The Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees takes place at Grand Boulevard on Tuesday, November 21st from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. This is the 8th annual Festival of Trees and will showcase twelve uniquely decorated Christmas Trees from area non-profits. There will be a tree lighting and announcement of the Grand Prize winner for best decorated tree. Following the lighting, a festive Town Center Holiday Open House will take place from 6:00-8:00 pm. The trees will be on display November 21st – December 25th and open to the public to enjoy.
Turn on the Town
On November 25th in Seaside, come join in Turn on the Town where you and the family can take part in the lighting of the town of Seaside for the holiday season. The parade begins at 4:00 pm in Seagrove and marches west to Seaside. At 5:00 pm, holiday festivities begin at the Seaside Amphitheater with a visit from St Nick.
Beach Home for the Holidays
Create new holiday traditions this year in Panama City Beach at Beach Home for the Holidays! Thanksgiving weekend, Santa Claus is coming to town! Beach Home for the Holidays waves goodbye to fall and sets the stage for the most magical month of the year. Aaron Bessant Park serves as the site of carol-themed concerts, s’mores, an appearance by Santa and activities for the kids. The main event is the annual Christmas tree lighting, illuminating the spirit of the season!
We are so thankful to be able to participate in such a variety of fun events during this Thanksgiving season. Come out and get into the season with us.
