USPS Publication Number 16300
THE
SUMMATIONWeeklyy
This Community Newspaper is a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
S E RV I N G T H E F I RS T J U D I C I A L C I RC U I T
SPRING INTO FESTIVAL SEASON Vol. 24, No. 15
April 10, 2024
SummationWeekly.com
1 Section, 8 Pages
By Carey Clarkson
from one another through live performances, exhibits, traditions and music. As the sun sets, guests will also have a chance to immerse themselves in a local film screening sponsored by Gulf Coast Short Film Fest held from 8 to 10 pm at Bartram Park. This year, a portion of all event proceeds will be donated to We Reign Sickle Cell Corporation, which is dedicated to increasing awareness and support for individuals with sickle cell disease. Gulf Coast Culture Fest is free and open to the public. Check out Gulf Coast Culture Fest on Facebook or, visitpensacola.com/events/gulf-coastculture-fest for more information.
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is the season to get outdoors and enjoy some fun in the sun! The spring season offers a variety of festivities to choose from, with a little something for everyone. From music and food to art and entertainment, the spring season offers a diverse and engaging entertainment atmosphere that is sure to be the background of many wonder ful memories. Immerse yourself in culture, community and art by attending one of the many exciting festivals that the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Pensacola Paddle Fest When: April 11-13 (times vary) Where: Big Lagoon State Park The Pensacola Paddle Fest is an annual event that celebrates the love of paddling with kayaking, paddle board races, demonstrations and clinics for all skill levels. Paddle Fest offers many demo kayaks and paddle boards for anyone to try out for free. There will be local vendors selling food and beverages. Not interested in paddling? No worries. There will be guided hikes and self-guided tours of local attractions, or you can just sit back and enjoy music while the kids engage in fun games. Need to get some stretching in? Sessions of stand up paddle board (SUP) Yoga will also be offered at the event. The Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) Paddle Fest/CT Reunion is an annual gathering of passionate paddlers. FPTA was established in 2007 to support and maintain the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (also known as the “CT”). This year, Paddle Fest celebrates the reopening of Big Lagoon State Park amenities with social gatherings after a series of professionally guided paddlers and coalesce around one of two CT Termini to celebrate the accomplished CT paddlers. The event will also provide networking, knowledge and support to paddlers interested in paddling the 1,515-mile CT. Each year, FPTA partners with Florida State Parks to hold the event at
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a different location, allowing participants to explore local State Parks and support local area businesses. Paddle Fest Pensacola is a valuable form of community engagement highlighting the preservation of regional water resources by emphasizing paddling. To learn more about FPTA events, visit floridapaddlingtrails.com Fred Levin Way Fest When: April 14, 11 am to 3 pm Where: Downtown Pensacola (Palafox & Government streets) The Fred Levin Way Fest is a free annual event designed to help families and individuals in need. It serves as a platform for promoting community cohesion through activities that unite the community. Founded in 1992, the Fred Levin Way Foundation encourages organizations and rewards individuals dedicated to caring for and assisting children with the basic needs of life—food, shelter, clothing, a safe home environment and education. The event will host more than 60 nonprofit organizations; 10 food trucks dishing up everything from pizza and Mexican food to German and Cajun cuisines, cotton candy and ice cream. The festival will also feature a number of games, live music, children’s activities and more to combine a day of family fun with charity. Thanks to the University of West Florida, the Pensacola Museum of History, Pensacola Children’s
Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art and the downtown YMCA will open its doors for free entry during the noon to 5 pm festival hours. Youth can enjoy hours of free swimming, basketball, yoga and more. For complete event details, visit fredlevinfest.com. Earth Day Pensacola When: April 21, 10 am to 4 pm Where: Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St., Pensacola This annual event serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices as it brings together individuals, organizations and businesses to promote awareness and action toward protecting the planet. Hosted annually at Bayview Park in East Hill, this family-friendly event includes live music, a sustainable art show, garden displays, an arts market, vegan/vegetarian food vendors, a children’s area and more. The event will also offer numerous exhibits featuring local businesses and nonprofit organizations making positive differences in Pensacola, along with a variety of vendor booths to inform and educate the community of the importance of a clean environment. Enjoy a fun-filled day of activities, while educating yourself and your family on environmental issues impacting our earth. For complete event details, earthdaypensacola.com.
crawfish boiled up by Pensacola locals, Cordova Crawfish Company and more. Other delicious foods and beverages will also be available, along with cool festival merchandise, live music all weekend and a free kid’s activity area sponsored by Cox. The festival will also host a variety of craft and art vendors selling products throughout the festival, including jewelry, metal, glass, pottery, soaps, candles, woodcraft, paintings, photography, clothing and more. This year’s festival kicks off on Friday, April 26 at 2 pm. Bring your dancing shoes, and remember, come hungry! For complete event details, visit fiestapensacola.org/ crawfish-festival. 4th Annual Gulf Coast Culture Fest When: May 11, 10 am to 6 pm Where: 311 E. Government St. (Seville Square), downtown Pensacola This community festival was designed to highlight the Gulf Coast’s rich cultural diversity by bringing together artists, businesses, vendors and community members for a fun-filled day of artistic expression and captivating live entertainment. This family-friendly event offers the opportunity to celebrate and learn
Hangout Festival When: May 17-19, 2024 Where: 101 E. Beach Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL Take a deep dive into the highly anticipated annual event that draws music enthusiasts from all over— the Gulf Shores Hangout Music Festival! With its picturesque setting along the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all. Aside from performances by Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, ODESZA, A Day to Remember, Subtronics, The Beaches and more, the festival offers a variety of activities and attractions to round out an all-encompassing experience that celebrates the spirit of the Gulf Coast. Enjoy all-day beach parties at the Monster Beach Club, volleyball at Corona Beach, or chill in a hammock under the canopy of palm trees by the beach at Hammock Beach. Hangout Music Festival is more than music; it is a unique atmospheric experience that makes it a perfect weekend getaway. Visit hangoutfest.com to purchase tickets and view the 2024 festival lineup. Be sure to follow @hangoutfest on Instagram and @hangoutmusicfestival on Facebook for the latest updates. ■
Crawfish Festival When: April 26-28 (times vary) Where: 200 N. Palafox St., downtown Pensacola Hosted annually at Fountain Park in Seville Square, the Crawfish Festival is one of the largest crawfish boils in the Southeast. Enjoy thousands of pounds of fresh Louisiana
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