Greek Landing Day this weekend

Communications Director Jay Humphreys with the St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau updated Historic City News on this weekend’s entertainment events including the Greek Landing Day celebration.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: June 26-28

23rd Annual GREEK LANDING DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate the 241st anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish the New Smyrna Colony. The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a living memorial to the first Greek settlers on the American continent and to all the Greek Orthodox pioneers. The Shrine, located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, call 904 829 8205

ST. PHOTIOS SHRINE EXHIBIT: Steven Papadatos: A Retrospective
Come see an exhibit of 40 years of accomplishments by renowned architect Steven Papadatos. This Orthodox ecclesiastical exhibit includes St. George Basilica in Norwalk, CT; St. John Church in Blue Point, NY; Church of the Resurrection of Christ, Synod Building and Conference Center in Tirana, Albania; SS Constantine and Helen in West Nyack, NY; and the jewel of this exhibit, the design plans and the model of the Church of the Resurrection. The exhibit will be open through April 30, 2010 at the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine. The Shrine is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, call 904 829 8205

92nd annual FSGA State Amateur Championship
Come watch the field of 168 of Florida’s finest amateur golfers swing it out for the coveted Florida State Golf Association Championship title on the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. Players will play one round at both the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course and Sawgrass Country Club before a cut is made. The final 36-holes will be held on the challenging TPC Stadium Course, home of THE PLAYERS Championship. Started in 1914, the FSGA State Amateur is the largest and oldest amateur sporting event in Florida. Past Amateur champions include Bob Murphy, Jerry Pate, Buddy Alexander, and PGA Tour players David Peoples, Chris Couch, and Barry Cheesman.

Friday: June 26

BRANDENBURG NIGHT
Enjoy this final performance of the St. Augustine Music Festival when Brandenburg Night featuring Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor and the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 is performed at the Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 904.962.2597

Saturday: June 27

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
A favorite end-of-the-month event, Uptown Saturday Night takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of every month in the Uptown San Marco Shopping District, St. Augustine. Galleries, antique stores and unique shops between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios remain open during this special time. Meet the artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other events contribute to the party-like atmosphere. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING for Uptown Saturday Night. Appetizers are provided by the Saint Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA). The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association. Please call 904.824.3152 for more information.

THE 2009 WILDFLOWER CLINIC BALL
Enjoy a fun-filled evening of live entertainment by Tim Rippey, tasteful delights catered by Valerie Kline and a silent auction conducted by City of St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles. Proceeds from this entertaining evening event will benefit the Good Samaritan Health Centers, Inc., Wildflower Clinic building fund. The Ball takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Riverview Club, 790 Christina Drive, St. Augustine Shores. Tickets are $45 per person. For more information, call 904.471.9974

ST. AUGUSTINE LIONS CLUB CAR SHOW
Head over to the St. Johns Flea Market to enjoy the St. Augustine Lions Club’s first ever car show to benefit The Arc of St. Johns. Dozens of makes and models of cars and trucks will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All entries will be judged and trophies will be awarded for each category. Admission is free. Automobile entry fees are $20. The St. Johns Flea Market is located at I-95 and S.R. 207. For more information, call 904.540.6313

FORT MATANZAS NATURE EXPLORATIONS
Be a part of this National Parks Service Nature Series at Fort Matanzas National Monument. These ranger-led walks are part of a series of excursions, each exploring a different habitat or ecosystem at Fort Matanzas. The tours take place on the last Saturday of each month from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.461.0116