25th Annual Cathedral Festival

Big entertainment plans are lined up for Historic City News readers to enjoy this weekend as reported by the St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: February 25-27
CATHEDRAL FESTIVAL
Catch the Winter Thrill at this 26th annual festival that brings mid-way rides, food & art vendors and lots of entertainment to the fair grounds of the Mission of de Dios on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. This year’s event, “Catch the Winter Thrill,” will feature winter time games and themed rides, as well as plenty of chowder, chili and hot chocolate. For more information, visit http://www.thecathedralfestival.com

Friday: February 25
STRUCTURES IN LIFE EXHIBITION
Be there for the grand opening of Structures in Life: Art & Life Contained a melding of photography and fine art ceramics at the Cultural Center and Ponte Vedra Beach. Photographer Ryan Ketterman and ceramist Stephen Heywood will be on hand to unveil this new multilayered exhibit of their unusually artistic creations. Plus, musical guest Taylor Roberts will perform. The opening reception is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is located at 50 Executive Way. For more information on the Cultural Center, go to www.ccpvb.org .

ARTURO SANDOVAL PERFORMS AT THE PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL
Enjoy the music of one of the most dynamic and vivacious live performers of our time at the newly opened Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Four-time Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval can burn through an Afro-Cuban groove, tear up a bebop tune, soar over a Mozart concerto and sooth you with a luscious ballad all with equal power and grace. The show starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 day of show. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located at 1050 A1A north in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com or call 904.471.1965.

Saturday and Sunday: February 26 & 27
MILITARY HISTORY TIMELINE/PATRIOTS WEEKEND
Learn the history of militia in St. Augustine when soldiers, veterans and re-enactors present a military salute complete with a living history from 1513 to the present featuring military uniforms, weapons and equipment. This interactive living history presentation takes place each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, 11 Magnolia Street in St. Augustine. Saturday’s presentation will include a stirring flag ceremony at 4 p.m.. Admission to the park is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for children 6-12. Admission is free for St. Johns County residents with I.D. For more information, call 904.829.3168 or email FOYexplorer@gmail.com.

BALD EAGLE BIRD WATCHING TOUR
Experience something like never before…this boat tour will leave from the St. Augustine City Marina to observe wild dolphins, a variety of birds and many other marine organisms. Then, the boat make a special stop beneath an endangered Bald Eagle’s nest. This stop will provide a chance to see two eagles that have recently returned to the area. Cameras are encouraged whether you’re a novice or experienced photographer. Binoculars are provided on board as well as all the information you could ask for about the creatures and environment you see. Tours are limited to 2-6 guests, $35 for adults / $30 for kids 12 & under. Saturday and Sunday 10:00am. Call Zach for reservations and details 904-377-7245.
Saturday: February 26

5K TURTLE TROT & BEACH CLEAN-UP
Trot over to St. Augustine Beach to participate in a 5k run. Osceola Elementary School, St. Johns County Beach Services and Keepers of the Coast host this fun run on the beach especially for kids and adults. Prior to the 9 a.m. run, there will be a beach cleanup. Visit the displays to learn about beach conservation and the sea turtles that nest along Florida’s Historic Coast. It all takes place at the Dondanville Road Beach Ramp on St. Augustine Beach. For more information, visit www.TurtleTrot.com.

LIVING HISTORY DAYS AT FORT MOSE
Experience living history demonstrations as volunteers in period dress offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past. The demonstrations take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $2 per person. For more information, call 904.823.2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S ORIGINAL CHOCOLATE TOUR
Learn the history of chocolate and chocolate making while sampling truffles, pastries and gooey delights from the finest chocolatiers on this exciting tour presented by Old Town Trolleys. The tours depart from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center located at 27 San Marco Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person. The tour includes stops and samples at Raintree Restaurant, Hilton Bayfront Aviles Restaurant, Casa Monica Hotel, Claude’s Chocolates, Peterbrooke’s Chocolates, and St. Augustine’s original chocolatier, Whetstone’s Chocolates. For more information and reservations, call 904.829.3800 or visit www.TrolleyTours.com/st-augustine/tour-chocolate.asp.
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
From 5 to 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more at the galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. The Mission Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING. For more information, call 904.823.9263.

DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE
Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

NOCHE DE GALA
Be a part of this 16th century masked ball celebrating the 492nd birthday of St. Augustine’s founder, Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. Guests will be escorted to the festivities by re-enactors in period clothing. The cocktail reception and dinner will be followed by dancing to contemporary tunes. Attire is black tie or 16th century costume. The Noche de Gala takes place form 6:30 p.m. to midnight in the Lightner Museum Ballroom, 75 King Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $185 per person, or $50 per person for just the cocktail reception. All proceeds go toward the preservation of the city’s historic buildings. Reservations are required. For more information, call 904.825.5033.

Sunday: February 27
RACE FOR THE RESERVE
Put on your running shoes to enjoy a beautiful outdoor and trail experience while helping to raise funds and awareness of the research, conservation and sustainability at the GTM Reserve. The fun starts at the GTM trailhead just off A1A in South Ponte Vedra at 2 p.m. Registration is $25 for the 5k and $30 for the 10k. The GTM is located approximately 9 miles north of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.823.4527, or email GTM_Friends@gtmnerr.org.

THE WIVES AND LIVES OF HENRY FLAGLER
St. Augustine’s The Raintree Restaurant and The Limelight Theatre, the same production team that brought you Murder in the Olde City, are proud to present the public debut of The Lives and Wives of Henry Flagler. “Quite simply…the very best theatrical portrayal of the Flagler legacy ever written,” said Variety reporter Alan Smithee. Tickets are $39.95 per person all inclusive, with adult beverages also served separately. Dinner will be served at the Raintree Restaurant at 6:00 PM (suggested arrival time at 5:00) with the show to follow at 7:00 PM. Ticketholders take note that the dinner and show are in the upstairs dining room. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Limelight Theatre during their regular box office hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM, and Saturday 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Please call 904.825.1164 for reservations.